Czech Republic Vacations

The Czech Republic is a destination where East meets West in an incredible fusion of aesthetic and cultural treasures. The history of the Czech Republic spans more than 1,000 years. Known as the "City of One Hundred Towers," the capital city of Prague showcases amazing feats of architecture with four distinct residential quarters dating back to the Middle Ages.

Charming villages dot the landscape across the unspoiled expanse of mountains that surround the capital. The modest, unadorned folk architecture characteristic of these small towns exhibits a clean simplicity quite different from the ornate examples of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles found in Prague.

In addition to guided tours at castles and chateaus, vacations in the Czech Republic can include biking tours of area wineries, international music festivals, and medieval-style tournaments and feasts.

1. Bohemian Mountains

   The Tanvaldsky Spicak ski resort in the Bohemian Mountains boasts excellent downhill skiing, offering primarily intermediate and advanced trails. Skiing at Nad Nadrazim is oriented more toward families and beginning skiers, with friendly terrain, easy runs and ski school lessons.

2. Central Bohemia

   While the capital city of Prague bustles with artistic, architectural and historical significance, scenic landscapes in the surrounding region offer hiking, cycling, fishing and cross-country skiing. Museums, galleries and castles are favorite sightseeing attractions throughout Central Bohemia.

3. Eastern Bohemia

   Incredible sandstone formations at the Adrspach Rocks challenge climbers, while walking trails guide visitors past the waterfalls and streams that helped carve this natural wonder. Riding trails through the Zelezne Mountains allow visitors to explore the scenery on horseback.

4. Northern Bohemia

   Highlights of a trip to Northern Bohemia include visits to the Church of the Visitation in Hejnice, the early-gothic Bezdez Castle near Ceska Lipa, and the Pravcicka Gate sandstone bridge. The Krkonose Mountains, the highest in the Czech Republic, are perfect for winter sports.

5. Prague

   The river Vltava winds through the nine hills of Prague, reflecting the gardens, towers and spires for which the "Paris of the East" is famous. The statue-lined Charles Bridge crosses the Vltava, linking Old Town on its eastern bank with Lesser Town and Prague Castle to the west.

6. Southern Bohemia

   Scenic Southern Bohemia, with its forests, lakes and caves, is a favorite for family excursions. The spa town of Trebon continues the tradition of wellness that began there in 1883. In nearby Ceske Budejovice, it's the centuries-old tradition of brewing beer that continues today.

7. Western Bohemia

   Western Bohemia is perhaps best known for its spa resorts. Canary-yellow buildings trimmed in white create a lovely scene in the spa town of Franzensbad. Karlovy Vary, the most famous of the resorts, was founded in the 14th century and now hosts an international film festival.