Fact Sheets & Video - Prague

Mostly untouched through WWII and, until recently, free from modernisation, Prague is a snapshot of historical Europe.

Explore the well-known and some lesser known gems of the city to get a feel for one of the newest tourism hotspots in the world, and dont forget - its also the beer drinking capital of the world!

The most important historical sights of Prague are not hard to find: Just follow the hordes! There are grooves worn into the cobblestones in the understandably popular Prague 1 route running from Prague Castle and St. Vitus' Cathedral across the Charles Bridge to the Old Town Square and the Orloj (the Astrological Clock on the Old Town Hall) and on to the Champs Elyses of Prague - Wenceslas Square (not a square but a boulevard littered with fast-food joints), and Pragues version of Pariss Marais - the old Jewish ghetto, Josefov.

Along the way are a score of stunning sights: the oldest Romanesque building in Bohemia, St. George's Basilica; the distinctive green dome and tower of the high Baroque Church of St. Nicholas; the even higher Baroque Loreto, its treasury sheltering the famous 6,222-stone diamond monstrance; even the communist-era John Lennon Wall with its political graffiti. Then there's the new city, the ever-revitalizing modern metropolis distancing itself further each year from any memory of revolution, Velvet or otherwise.

Check out SONA, the neighborhood South of Narodni, for hip youth; Smichov for ambitious, urbane urban developments; and Holesovice for ex-factories and warehouses sprouting art galleries as part of a massive port redevelopment project. This magnificent city is the very definition of dynamic.

Beer is served almost everywhere in Prague, even in breakfast cafs! It tastes terrific and it's cheap! Most Czech beers are lagers, naturally brewed from hand-picked hops.

Czechs like their beer cellar temperature with a creamy, tall head. The famous Grand Caf Slavia across from the National Theatre opened in 1881 and became a meeting place of artists and intellectuals, including former president Vclav Havel who was a frequent customer during his dissident years.

Caf Slavia is a very pleasant place to have coffee and dessert (try the palacinky) or to warm up with grog or hot chocolate, which are made to perfection here. If you find space, get a table by the riverside windows to enjoy beautiful views of the Prague Castle.

While attractions across much of the Czech Republic are closed or keep limited hours outside the summer season, Prague caters for visitors all year round. Periods when the tourist crush is especially oppressive include the Easter and Christmas/New Year holidays, as well as May and June.

Many Czechs go on holiday in July and August, during which time the supply of bottom-end accommodation actually increases, as student hostels are opened to visitors. Hotel space is plentiful in winter (outside Christmas/New Year), and Prague is gorgeous under a mantle of snow.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Air Tahiti Nui return to Paris

From

$3175 ex Sydney

$3360 ex Brisbane

$3360 ex Melbourne

$3580 ex Adelaide

$3765 ex Perth

Price includes taxes. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply. Prices correct at 28/6/06.

Air Tahiti Nui - Ph: 02 9244 2799, Web: www.airtahitinui.com.au

Connect to Prague

From

$296 return

Price includes taxes. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply. Prices correct at 28/6/06.

Air France - Web: www.airfrance.com.au

8 - 15 day walking & cycling adventure

From $2595 a person.

Twin share. Includes accommodation, guide, some meals & transport.

Price includes taxes.Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply. Prices correct at 24/7/06.

Peregrine Adventures - Ph: 1300 854 500, Web: www.peregrineadventures.com