Prague and Cesky Krumlov

More than 30 years after the velvet revolution drew back the curtain on this intoxicating maze of winding cobblestone alleyways, the city of a hundred spires thrills visitors with dramatic Gothic architecture, down to earth pubs, fin de siècle cafes, cutting edge art and a majestic castle (the world’s largest ancient castle according to the “Guinness book of records, looms over the Czech capital. After a few days exploring the magical city head to the to the south bohemia region of the Czech Republic and visit the idyllic fairy tale town of Cesky Krumlov its straight from a romantic storybook. Many parts of Cesky Krumlov can be visited for free. For example, you can walk over Cloak Bridge, through the courtyards and to the gardens. Admission only needs to be paid if you want to visit the castle tower and for special tours such as the baroque theatre or the stables. There is only one direct train per day from Prague to Cesky Krumlov alternatively hire an English-speaking driver for the day or book a taxi for around £30 to take you there. Cesky Krumlov is one of the most charming and picturesque little towns I have ever visited. An enchanting medieval town with preserved architecture, it boasts being classified as an UNESCO World Heritage site. Prague’s public transport is affordable and efficient, most visitors will get everywhere they need by walking, taking the metro or hopping on a train. Top things to see and do in Prague: - Prague castle:- Prague Castle is a castle complex occupying an area of nearly 70,000 square meters. The castle complex includes palaces, churches, chapels, towers, fortifications, offices, halls, courtyards, gardens. Charles Bridge:- The Czech Republic’s capital is full of amazing sights of great value. But Charles Bridge belongs among the TOP 5 most amazing ones. Not only is this medieval building one of the most famous bridges in the world, but it is also inseparably connected to the most glamorous era of Prague and just might be the most beautiful bridge in Europe. Charles Bridge is 516 meters long, 9.5 meters wide, 13 meters high, and stands on 15 pillars. It’s also the part of the so-called Royal Route. Prague’s astronomical clock Otherwise known as “The Orloj” does all this, and much more. It tells the time, provides the date, shows astronomical and zodiacal information, and, best of all, provides some theatre for its viewers on the hour, every hour Dancing house:- The Dancing house (known in Czech as “tancici dum) is a famous architectural building located on the Rasin Embankment. The building has an unusual undulating shape that is said to resemble a pair of dancers earning it the nickname “Fred and Ginger” The building has nine above ground floors and two below ground floors, and is home to office spaces, a luxury hotel and a restaurant called Ginger and Fred. St Vitus cathedral:- The largest church in the Czech Republic was begun in 1344. Though it appears Gothic to the tips of the pointy spires, much of St Vitus cathedral was only completed in time for its belated consecration in 1929. The coronations of Bohemia’s kings were held here until the mid-19th century. Today it’s the seat of the Archbishop of Prague and the final resting place of some of the nation’s most illustrious figures and kings. Old Town Square:- Laid with cobblestones and surrounded by spectacular baroque churches, soaring spires, candy-coloured buildings and a rococo palace. The Old Square is an architectural smorgasbord and a photographer’s delight. While the Astronomical clock a mechanical marvel that still chimes on the hour is more than 600 years old, many of the structures in the Old Town Square are even older. Settlers started moving here across the river from Prague castle as far back as the 10th century. Lennon Wall:- After the tragic death of John Lennon in 1980, John Lennon became a pacifist hero for many young Czechs. An image of Lennon was painted on a wall in a secluded square opposite the French embassy along with political graffiti and occasionally Beatles lyrics. Despite repeated coats of whitewash, the secret police never managed to keep it clean for long, and the Lennon Wall became a political focus for Prague youth. A lot of western pop music was banned by the communists and some Czech musicians were even jailed for playing it. Wenceslas Square:- Busy Wenceslas square, dating from 1348 and once a bustling horse market, was the site of several seminal events in Czech history. Today it’s crowded with souvenir shops, clubs, coffee chains and plenty of tourists. Museums:- You can barely take a step along Prague’s cobblestone streets without tripping over a museum. It’s estimated that the city has more than 100 museums and exhibition halls, touching on every genre of art and every period of history. If you have a particular interest, there’s a good chance that Prague has a small niche museum that covers that too. See an Opera:- Prague has three Opera houses, and each have a unique architectural and cultural appeal. Together they present a varied programme of opera, ballet and classical concerts all year-round including Puccini’s Tosca one of the worlds most loved operas. A tragic story of passion and jealousy, it tells a story of the tempestuous opera singer Floria Tosca as she fights to save her lover Cavaradossi from the sadistic police chief Scarpia. River Cruise:- Let yourself get carried away on the Vltava River. Relax and take in the surroundings and sights of the Charles bridge, the national theatre, Prague castle and many more breath-taking sites this wonderful city has to offer. Food:- Meat specialties like goulash, schnitzel and grilled sausages, dumplings and pancakes traditional sweets like kolache and buchty, Europe's best beer: Czech cuisine can offer you all this, and much more! The classics are served all year round in restaurants around Prague Best time to visit:- The best times to visit Prague are the spring and early fall when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds. Because of the city's generally chilly climate, the warmer summer months (average high temperatures hover in the low to mid-70s) see the largest influx of tourists – which means higher hotel rates. By Debbie Hayward-Bird Independent Travel Counsellor