Since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1989, the relatively small nation of the Czech Republic has seduced a growing number of tourists with its culture and charm. Despite its historical Eastern Bloc influence, the Czech Republic is very much in the heart of Central Europe, nestled between Poland, Slovakia, Austria and Germany. Be transported back through the centuries in the capital Prague with its visual feast of medieval, baroque and art nouveau architecture. Stroll the iconic Charles Bridge, mind-bogglingly completed in the 15th century. Bust out of this compelling capital and you’ll be rewarded with a pretty countryside dotted with castles the tourist hordes are yet to discover. The spa towns of Bohemian and the laid-back wine villages of Moravian seem to be in a time warp, welcoming visitors as though they are living museums enshrining a refined and relaxed rural lifestyle.
