THE CZECH REPUBLICAND ITS REGIONS
Despite a history stretching back over 1000 years the Czech Republic is the youngest state of the ten that joined the EU in 2004. On 1st January 1993 the Czechoslovak Federal Republic split into two separate countries – the Czech and Slovak Republics. Shortly after the fall of Communism in 1989 the country became an important and popular tourist destination mostly due to the diversity visitors have found here.Few would expect to find such a variety of places in such a small country comprising the 3 regions of Bohemia, Moraviaand Silesia, all of which are girdled by mountain ranges. In the west there are extinct volcanoes and hot springs, in the north sandstone ‘rock towns’ towering over the landscape, in the central regions the fertile Elbe plain spreads out far and wide and the south is literally dotted with ponds and lakes. The Moravian mountain ranges are thickly carpeted with forest which gradually gives way to the undulating wine-growing regions of South Moravia.
PRAGUE
The Czech capital is both a modern city and an architectural treasure trove rolled into one. The so-called Royal Way links the most notable tourist sites located in the old city centre, itself more than 1000 years old. The Royal Way starts at the Municipal House (www.obecni-dum.cz) and ends at Prague Castle (www.hrad.cz). Those who stroll its length have the chance to admire the most important square in Prague, the Old Town Square with its celebrated old town hall and astronomical clock. Then there is the magnificent CharlesBridge dating from the middle of the 14th century and adorned with 30 Baroque statues of the saints and the Malostranské Square dominated by the Churchof St. Nicholas, itself encircled by palaces.
Prague is also a place with a vibrant cultural life. Locals and visitors have a choice of over 300 galleries (www.ngprague.cz, www.citygalleryprague.cz) and exhibition spaces which show a good cross-section of work by Czech and overseas artists, countless museums (www.nm.cz) and numerous theatres, concert halls, cinemas and music clubs. A vast number of cultural events take place here, the Prague Spring International Music Festival (www.festival.cz) to mention just one. After a well-spent day in the hustle and bustle of the city visitors can retire to one of Prague’s many parks or take a boat trip on the river Vltava. The Czech capital is also a popular congress destination. In 2000 the IMF held a meeting here, in 2002 NATO had its summit in Prague, in 2006 the congress of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) took place in the city and many more congresses and conferences are planned.
SPAS
Several centuries of tradition, 38 spas across the country, several hundred springs and a natural supply of mineral-rich mud with healing properties all make the Czech Republic a very popular destination with those who wish to relax and recuperate.
Carlsbad, Franzensbad and Marienbad form the so-called West Bohemia spa triangle.
Carlsbad (www.karlovyvary.cz, www.karlsbad.cz, www.spas.cz), the largest of the spas, lies in the far west of the country near the border with Germany. Nowhere else in the world will you find such a concentration of natural mineral springs.
Countless tourists also head for the youngest of the West Bohemian spa towns Marienbad (www.marienbad.cz) as did once Edward VII King of England, the Polish composer and pianist Fryderyk Chopin and the German poet Goethe.Franzensbad (www.franzensbad.cz) is regarded as the finest of the Czech spas thanks to its magnificent surroundings. The enormous park covering an area of 200 hectares and the Classical architecture give visitors the impression that time stopped here some time at the beginning of the 19th century.
ACTIVITY HOLIDAYS
For those visitors looking for a bit more action the Czech Republic promises a stimulating break. Its diverse landscape, clean air, unspoilt beauty, fresh water and often intriguing geographical features offer the perfect backdrop to an active holiday. And its warm summer sunshine isn’t a bad bonus either!
Fans of watersports won’t be disappointed by the country’s abundant lakes and rivers nor the cross country or downhill skiier by the numerous resorts in the winter. Wildlife lovers can take peaceful walks along a winding network of marked paths, trot on horseback through meadows or cycle in remote areas. Golfers will enjoy over 70 picturesque and well-equipped golf courses dotted across the country while devotees of fishing can take part in the favourite Czech pastime all throughout the year.
CZECH TOURISM
CzechTourism promotes the Czech Republic as an attractive tourist destination in domestic and international markets. The CzechTourism office in London supports a variety of press trips for travel trade and general consumer as well as promotions, competitions and reader offers. Please feel free to contact us at the address below should you wish to discuss future projects:
Press Office
Czech Tourism
tel.: 0207 631 0427
e-mail: press-uk@czechtourism.com
Do you want to experience something truly exotic? Then definitely head to the tropical greenhouse Fata Morgana, where every month a very interesting programme awaits. 
Our Chateau Easter does not consist of crystal eggs or rabbits from brocade! Instead, you will become participants in the traditional Easter celebrations and customs, exactly as they were established and practiced at Chateau Mcely and in village homes in the Polabí Region for generations. Enjoy a fun Easter with your children, for whom we have prepared an entire program of weekend games.
Breweries in the Czech Republic are open to all who want to learn more about brewing the golden beverage. Many organise tours in which people may take a look directly behind the scenes and, of course, have a taste of what’s being brewed. 