The Czech Republic; where the majority of visitors are attracted to its near-mythical capital, Prague. The Golden City as it is often referred to does exert an immense pulling power and you could spend endless hours roaming through the maze of its Old Town, discovering its back street secrets. However, don't miss out on the rest of the country, with its magnificent stately old spa towns, fanciful castles, spruce forests and subterranean caves. The Czech Republic is a feast of art, history and heart attack food - abandon your inhibitions, go on - get stuck in.

Best time to visit

April to June (spring)

Essential experiences:

Getting up early to cross Prague's Charles Bridge at dawn; drinking slivovice at an all-night bonfire party on the Day of the Witches; catching a classical music concert in the underground caves of Moravian Karst; immersing yourself in magical mythical Prague.

In a few words, the Czech Republic is

Beer; castles; dumplings; a Bohemian Rhapsody; folk art and American students.

Did you know

One of the Czech Republic's most famous beers is Budvar - the original version of Budweiser; the Czech's love the sun and it's possible to find some vegetarian options on restaurant menus if you search long enough.