Czech Republic

Prague is one of the best-preserved historic capitals in Europe, a city of Gothic towers, Baroque churches and cobbled lanes that survived the twentieth century largely intact. Its castle looks down over the Vltava, Charles Bridge links the two banks, and the Astronomical Clock on Old Town Square has been marking the hours for six centuries.

Beyond the capital, Český Krumlov wraps around a loop of the river beneath its painted castle tower, and Karlovy Vary lines a wooded valley with colonnades and hot springs. Both make easy excursions, and Prague sits on the classic rail-and-road route to Vienna and Budapest, so most of our travellers combine the three capitals in one central European holiday.

The Czech Republic suits first-time visitors to Europe, families and couples who enjoy walking cities at a gentle pace. Prague has plenty of Indian restaurants, and we choose centrally located hotels so that the main sights are a short stroll away. December brings Christmas markets to the old squares.