A small, interior country, located in Central Europe, the Czech Republic borders Germany, Austria, Poland, and Slovakia. The Czech Republic has become a well-developed democratic country since the Velvet Revolution in 1989, which was a non-violent overthrow of Communism.Actually, tourism dates from the Velvet Revolution, and offers immense variety and delightful surprises for visitors. Known for its musicians, there are numerous concerts and festivals to choose from, as well as fairytale castles, historical churches, national parks, elegant spas, and medieval towns. Not only that, but it is the birthplace of the world’s finest beer.

The Czech Republic is comprised of two provinces, Bohemia, located in the west, and Moravia in the east. Travel is excellent, and you can visit any location by train, bus, car, air, or even bicycle.In the east, you will find Moravia. Its capital, Brno, dates from the 13th century, and attractions include the excellent Moravia Museum, as well as an Augustinian Monastery where the Father of Genetics, Gregor Mendel, was Abbot. There is also the Capuchin Church, complete with mummies, and the Gothic Špilberk Castle. In Moravia, wine is more popular than beer, and you will find a rich agricultural heritage, with rolling ranges, wooded hills, and a plethora of vineyards.

To the west is Bohemia. Besides Prague, the Czech capital, tourists enjoy the spa towns and ski resorts. Here you will also find medieval towns like Èeský Krumlov, and the Šumava Mountains offer excellent hiking as well as a wide range of other sports. Southern Bohemia is very popular for its numerous recreational facilities and points of interest, not to mention beautiful lakes and woods. It’s also famed for its caves.

Ceské Budejovice , or Budweis in English, founded its wealth on silver mines, and is home to one of Europe’s largest town squares. However,
the local beer is this town’s main claim to fame. The Pivovar Budejovický Budvar, or Budweiser Budvar Brewery, was founded in 1895, and markets its beer under the Budweiser brand name in much of Europe. The American, Anheuser-Busch, has attempted to buy out the Czech company so it can secure global rights to the Budweiser name, but the Czechs refuse all offers, believing it is a matter of national pride to retain this rich heritage.

Certainly, no trip to the Czech Republic would be complete without visiting Prague, its capital. Located in the middle of Bohemia, Prague is
known for its museums, galleries, concerts, and imposing castles. Since the fall of Communism, Prague has regained its café culture, and is now considered the Paris of the East.

South of Prague you will find Plzen, the second-largest city in Bohemia. With its eclectic architecture, ranging from Gothic to Art Nouveau, museums and galleries, it is another popular tourist attraction. Also, do not miss the Plzenský Prazdroj brewery, where beer has been brewed since the town’s foundation, in 1295. The Pilsner beer is world-famous, and actually gives rise to the name of this quaint little town.