Largely unscathed by the transition from communist Czechoslovakia to the democratic Czech Republic, this fascinating and culturally rich country has grown in stature since.

Prague, known as the Paris of the East, needs no introduction or comparison; the maze of its Old Town, the Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Wenceslas Square and countless cathedrals and palaces clamour for your attention.

If you can prize yourself way from the capital, the rest of the country also contains a wealth of attractions. First among these is Bohemia, where you'll find the Capuchin Church and its mummies, the Gothic castles of Spilberk and Pernstejn, the castle of Bucovice and the small city of Cesky Krumlov, nestled in a meander in the River Vltava and known for its fine art and architecture and thirteenth century castle.

Moravia is similarly beautiful with even fewer tourists exploring the castles and stately homes here. Elsewhere, there's also extensive hiking and cycling trails in the Karkonosze mountains during the summer and some good ski resorts here for winter activities.