czech republic 17
Lazne, before continuing to the Sumava mountains and the UNESCO-protected medieval town of Ceský Krumlov. Ellie Marr, East European specialist at
Regent Holidays, says: “En route from Prague to Karlovy Vary, stop at the unassuming city of Pilsen which has a handsome town square. Pilsner Urquell brewery has been producing the world’s fi rst pilsner since 1842 and is reason enough to make a detour.” The Czech Republic is being promoted
this year as the “land of romantic stories”, and to experience it properly you have to explore beyond Prague. With a good choice of spas and castle hotels, it is well placed to attract couples to Pilsen and beyond.
Perfect ten Ancient history: It’s everywhere you look. Prague’s Old Town is medieval and
castles and heritage towns dot the landscape. Modern history: It’s just over 25 years since the Velvet Revolution that ushered in
democracy, and the celebrations are ongoing. Culture: Music and opera are great draws not only in Prague but at festivals
throughout the country. Festivals: From the renowned fi lm festival at Karlovy Vary to rock and jazz
events, there’s plenty happening. Cuisine: It’s typically robust and hearty, but in the capital it’s very cosmopolitan. Beer: Czechs drink more per head of population than any other nation – why
not join them? Spas: Enjoy relaxing and rejuvenating treatments in towns with great character
and history.
Natural beauty: Head for the lakes of southern Bohemia or the mountains
around the northern borders. Crafts: Glassware (including Bohemian crystal) and jewellery are just two of the
must-take-homes. Value: Prague is the best value destination for everyday tourist purchases.
Tourism talk “In the third quarter of 2014 a total of 2.6 million foreign tourists came to the Czech Republic, which was a 4.2 per
cent increase on the same period of the previous year, with 116,524 from the UK. The Czech Republic is a special, romantic destination, where tourists can experience their own unique story that is worth sharing with others. We will also promote it as a ‘cool’ destination through festivals such as the Signal festival /The Czech the Light, Prague Design, Open Prague House and Jazz Fest. We will focus more on fi lm tourism, as more and more tourists want to see places used in series such as The Three Musketeers. The success of last year’s Association of Independent Tour Operators conference will provide a boost to 2015, and we are very happy that tour operators are starting to sell more packages which include other regions beyond Prague. We will continue to organise fam trips and presentations around the UK in partnership with operators, and we are planning to renew our online training programme.” Katarina Hobbs, Director UK and Ireland, Czech Tourism
Where to book it KIRKER HOLIDAYS – 020 7593 2283
Three nights at the fi ve-star Aria, a boutique hotel with a musical theme and music library with a choice from over 1,000 books, 2,000 CDs and 500 DVDs, cost from £672. This includes fl ights, private car transfers, accommodation with breakfast, a three-hour private walking tour, guide notes and services of the Kirker Concierge to book tickets, expert local guides or a table for dinner.
kirkerholidays.com
Facing page, far left: the 12th century Krivoklat Castle in Central Bohemia with an artist on Prague’s famous Charles Bridge. This page, clockwise from top: geological wonders in the Bohemia region, a smiling street seller in Prague and a view of Prague’s stunning old town
“There are lots of good spa towns to visit and I also recommend Ceský Krumlov. Bustling since medieval times, the town is exquisitely beautiful”
LAWRENCE PEACHEY, UK SALES MANAGER, FRED.\ HOLIDAYS
FRED./ HOLIDAYS – 0808 159 5256 Three nights at the four-star ParkHotel Richmond in Ceský Krumlov are priced from £383 based on return London fl ights, rail transfers and bed and breakfast
accommodation.
Fredholidays.co.uk JET2 HOLIDAYS – 0800 408 077 Three nights at the Best Western Hotel Bila Labut in Prague, departing from Leeds Bradford Airport on April 23, cost from
£227 including breakfast.
jet2holidays.com VIKING RIVER CRUISES – 0800 319 6660 The Cities of Light 12-day cruise from Paris to Prague costs from £3,195 and also visits Luxembourg and several cities in Germany. Two nights in Prague are included with city tour, and further nights can be added.
vikingrivercruises.co.uk
sellingtravel.co.uk
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