Czechia

Czechia has an incredible amount of historical heritage, with some of the most interesting castles, monuments and fascinating ancient cities. Situated in the central part of Europe, it encompasses the historical provinces of Bohemia and Moravia along with the southern tip of Silesia. In 2016, the country adopted the name ‘Czechia’ as a shortened, informal name for the Czech Republic. There is nowhere in the world where you will find as many UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites as in Czechia.

The Vltava River flows south from Prague through the town of České Budějovice, home to the Budvar Brewery and the stunningly charming medieval town of Český Krumlov, with its castle and pub-lined streets.

Discover the lakes, forests and fairytale Châteaux of Southern Bohemia, the enchanting countryside of Central Bohemia, the land of great spas and the finest beer in Western Bohemia and, not to be outdone, the wine, UNESCO monuments, castles and châteaux of Moravia.

The enchanting capital of Czechia, Prague, is renowned for its fairytale skyline, historic cobblestone streets and magnificent architecture, including the famous Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and the Old Town Square, with its Astronomical Clock. Visitors can explore charming neighbourhoods, enjoy traditional Czech cuisine, browse boutique shops and experience the city’s lively cafés, beer halls and cultural attractions.

The vibrant capital of Moravia, Brno, combines a rich historical heritage with a lively contemporary atmosphere, featuring the impressive Špilberk Castle, the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul and the UNESCO-listed Villa Tugendhat. Visitors can explore its bustling squares, stylish cafés, underground historical cellars and thriving food scene, and the city is also a gateway to Moravia’s wine regions and countryside.

Ostrava captivates visitors with its fascinating industrial heritage, distinctive architecture and exciting transformation into one of Czechia’s most dynamic cultural destinations. Explore the Dolní Vítkovice industrial complex and enjoy the lively cafés and music venues of Stodolní Street.

Karlštejn Castle is a magnificent Gothic fortress, founded in 1348 by Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor elect and King of Bohemia, originally built to safeguard royal treasures and sacred relics. Set amid the wooded hills of Central Bohemia, the castle is a popular day trip from Prague, offering guided tours, impressive medieval interiors and scenic walking trails through the countryside.

Treat yourself to a relaxing stay in Karlovy Vary, a celebrated spa town with numerous thermal springs that have made it a popular resort since the 19th Century. The riverside spa district is home to several colonnades with columned walkways, while grand historic hotels, colourful architecture and traditional spa treatments create an elegant atmosphere for visitors seeking relaxation and wellness.

Kutná Hora is a historic city renowned for the Gothic St. Barbara’s Church, with its medieval frescoes and flying buttresses, and for its important silver mining heritage. Travellers can explore the Sedlec Ossuary, decorated with human bones, and wander through the charming historic centre.

Czech gastronomy has many influences, from traditional dishes such as goulash and sirloin with dumplings to fried cheese. The Czechs also have some amazing sweets to tempt your tastebuds.

The Czechs have been brewing beer since the 10th Century, and the country has one of the highest consumption rates per capita in the world. A few to try on your next visit would be Pilsner Urquell, the world’s first pale lager, which gets its name from the town of Pilsen; Kozel (meaning ‘male goat’), which has been around since 1874; Matuska, a younger beer with a serious following; and Svijany, often overlooked by visitors due to the bigger, more popular brands.

In short, this small country in the heart of Europe has a copious wealth of natural and cultural treasures within its reach. Why not stay, explore all the hidden gems and say “Hello” to Czechia and everything it has to offer?