Everyone who visits the Czech Republic starts with Prague, the cradle of Czech culture and one of Europe’s most fascinating cities. Prague offers a near-intact medieval core of Gothic architecture that can transport you back 500 years – the 14th-century Charles Bridge, connecting two historic neighbourhoods across the Vltava River, with the castle ramparts and the spires of St Vitus Cathedral rising above, is one of the classic sights of world travel. But the city is not just about history; it’s a vital urban centre with a rich array of cultural offerings, and a newly emerging foodie scene.

The Czech Republic’s location in the middle of Europe has seen a long history of raiding tribes, conquering armies and triumphant dynasties. This turbulent past has left a legacy of hundreds of castles and chateaux – everywhere you look there seems to be a many-turreted fortress perched above a town, or a romantic summer palace lazing peacefully amid manicured parkland. The number and variety of Czech castles is simply awe-inspiring – everything from grim Gothic ruins clinging to a dizzy pinnacle of rock, to majestic, baroque mansions filled with the finest furniture that Europe’s artisans could provide.

The Czech Republic may be a modern, forward-thinking nation riding into the future on the back of the EU and NATO, but it is also a country rich in tradition. This is most apparent in South Bohemia and Moravia, where a still-thriving folk culture sparks into life during the summer festival season. During this time, communities from Český Krumlov to Telč to Mikulov don traditional garb, pick up their musical instruments – and wine glasses – and sing and dance themselves silly, animating ancient traditions in one of the best examples of ‘living history’ in the Czech Republic.

The best beer in the world just got better. Since the invention of Pilsner Urquell in 1842, the Czechs have been famous for producing some of the world’s finest brews. But the internationally famous brand names – Urquell, Staropramen and Budvar – have been equalled, and even surpassed, by a bunch of regional Czech beers and microbreweries that are catering to a renewed interest in traditional brewing. Never before have Czech pubs offered such a wide range of brews – names you’ll now have to get your head around include Kout na Šumavě, Primátor, Únětice and Matuška.

By Neil Wilson, Writer

Well, there’s the beer. Not only did the Czechs invent the best beer in the world, they’ve been reinventing it over the last decade with a wave of innovative new microbreweries. And the history. If you want to learn about European history, you’ll find it all here compressed into an easily digested package – from Good King Wenceslas and the Defenestration of Prague to the Habsburg empire, two world wars, the Cold War and the Velvet Revolution. Then there’s cubist architecture, weird art and the Czechs’ deliciously dark sense of humour. And did I mention the beer?

Money

Although the Czech Republic is a member of the European Union, it is not so far a member of the Eurozone and for this reason, the euro is not the official currency (yet despite this it is possible to exchange euro for Czech crowns without any problems). The official currency is the Koruna (Crown, CZK), which is made up of 100 Hellers

Eating and Drinking

Czech cuisine is quite heavy. Lots of meat (usually pork or beef) served with dumplings, potatoes or rice, in a sauce. Traditional Czech food is pork with dumplings and sauerkraut (veprove, knedliky a zeli), served always with a glass of beer. The traditional starter is hot soup.

The most famous Czech drink is beer (pivo). A half-litter glass is often cheaper than a Coke or cup of coffee. The best-known Czech beer is Pilsner. Its name is derived from a town in western Bohemia called Plzen (Pilsen in German). Usually each pub is supplied by a single brewery. It means only one brand of beer is available, but several types might be on offer. The usual type is draught light beer (svetle) and in a number of beer halls serve special strong dark lagers (tmave). If you would like to taste an original Czech liqueur, order Becherovka. It is a bitter-sweet, yellow herbal drink. It can be served both as an aperitif and a liqueur or diluted with tonic.

Tipping

Tipping is at your discretion. As a guideline, we recommend the following gratuities (GBP in the United Kingdom, EURO in other countries of Europe): Through tour conductor—7 EUR or 7 GBP per guest per night Long distance coach driver – 3 EUR or 3 GBP per guest per night Local guides – 1 EUR or 1 GBP (half day), 2 EUR or 2 GBP (full day) Local drivers – 1 EUR or 1 GBP (half day), 2 EUR or 2 GBP (full day)

Australia Government Travel Advice

The Australian Government provides up to date information on the safety of travelling to various countries, and all travellers should take note of this advice. Liberty Tours recommends that all travellers take out appropriate Travel Insurance to cover the entire duration of their absence from home. Liberty Tours can assist with obtaining Travel Insurance.

​Follow this link for current official assessment:

​https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/czech-republic

​Advice on health risks and vaccination recommendations can also be found using the same link.

Weather

The Czech Republic has a temperate climate with four seasons. Summer (May to September) receives the highest temperatures and heaviest rainfall, is an excellent season for swimming. In winter people ski in the mountains.

What to pack

In winter: bring warm clothes, such as a sweater, a down jacket, a hat, gloves, and a scarf.
In summer: bring light clothes, t-shirts and shorts, but also long pants, a jacket and a sweatshirt for the evening or for cooler days, and a raincoat or umbrella.