Czech Republic – Stunningly Different

Located in the heart of Europe, the Czech Republic is a fascinating country offering spectacular heritage sites, world famous spas, international events, and unique experiences.

The Czech Republic has always been Europe´s true hub, giving you today the chance to taste a modern European lifestyle in a breathtaking architectural and natural setting. It is truly amazing that a small country of only 79,000 sq km is home to 12 charming UNESCO sites.

Prague considered by many as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Textbook of architectural styles with its wealth of monuments, a city filled with music and romance is also a modern city full of life and entertainment. Its magical atmosphere of 1000-year history, effortlessly brings together its old charms and modern lifestyle. Admire Gothic architecture at the Charles Bridge or St Vitus Cathedral; be impressed by a Baroque pompous style at St Nicolas Church; Art Nouveau comes alive at the Municipal House, while the House of Black Madonna is a Cubist lover’s delight. It’s no wonder then that the central part of the city has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site already in 1992. Experience the surrealistic settings of Franz Kafka’s novels in Prague, the Golden City of Hundred Spires, where cobblestoned streets, quaint cafés, and walks by the Vltava River set the tone for a beautiful stay. For a laid-back day, grab a local brew and traverse the length of Prague’s Lesser Quarter, a picturesque part of town with charming houses, stunning churches, and courtyards.

Prague is a Mecca for musical performances, local and international artistes have held countless music dos and performances at the over dozens concert halls, cinemas, and music clubs in the city.

Český Krumlov is another beautiful and scenic Czech town, which lies south of Prague, close to the Austrian border. Charming and iconic castle and medieval houses with cobblestoned streets conceal numerous secret legends and myths, dominated by a castle stretching over the meandering Vltava River.

In June each year, the three-day Festival of the Five-Petal Rose, held as a tribute to the famous Lords of Rosenberg who once ruled the place, returns Český Krumlov to the Renaissance era. The town comes alive with street plays, craft fairs, jousts, music, dance, and fencing duels.

Embark on a Krumlov Mystery Tour to experience the mysterious stories and secret messages graven in the city’s historical buildings. Another must-do is a tour in the local brewery. The tradition of brewing beer in Český Krumlov goes back many centuries with the first written documentation in a deed from the reeve Michal dating 1336.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Český Krumlov is also a lively town surrounded by unspoiled countryside. Enjoy the historic sites and landscape scenery of the surrounds on a boating, rafting or bike trip. The cosy inns, coffee shops, and ancient taverns entertain a diverse international crowd.

Karlovy Vary, also known by its English name of Carlsbad, is a beautiful, world-renowned spa town. Nestled amid the picturesque forests of West Bohemia, Karlovy Vary was founded in 1358 by King Charles IV. Down the years, celebrities such as Russian Tsar Peter the Great and the famous poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe praised the curative effects of the town's mineral springs. More recently Karlovy Vary has also become famous for the annual International Film Festival attended by many internationally famous directors and film stars.

Walk along the enchanting open air colonnades that are an inherent part of the historical city centre. Taste the town's famous mineral springs including the largest and best known Vridlo (Giant Spring), which spurts its healing waters to a height of almost 17 metres.

Karlovy Vary is also famous for the world renowned Bohemian crystal, Moser, and Thun porcelain. A taste of the traditional, local liqueur Becherovka made of herbs, and also called a 13^th spring, is recommended to complete the Karlovy Vary experience.

Unique cuisine, hundreds of different beer flavours with famous brands like Pilsner Urquell or Original Budweiser, shopping for the renowned Bohemia Crystal, the warmth of friendly people and the relaxed atmosphere in the Czech Republic - Come with Mercury Travels and visit a fairy tale land where no experience is too far.