OVERVIEW

Tourism in the Czech Republic really dates from the 1989 Velvet Revolution and has largely focused on Prague (near the middle of Bohemia), with its great museums, galleries, concerts and other attractions. Many day trips are possible from Prague, including the great western spa towns of Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Láznì, early settlements like Kutná Hora and castles like Karlštejn. However, the rest of the country has much to offer the independent traveller. Although prices have risen over the past decade, the country still represents very good value for money.

The Šumava Mountains of south Bohemia offer excellent rambles and a range of sports, and well-preserved medieval towns like Èeský Krumlov. Northeastern Bohemia’s mountains, like the Èeský Ráj, offer superb hiking amidst unusual scenery. In Moravia, the eastern half of the country, life is even less hectic; Brno provides an excellent base for exploring important historic towns like Olomouc and Kromìøíž.

The country possesses an immense number of fascinating castles, churches and other architectural gems. It has always been known for its musicians, and there are an enormous number of all types of concerts and festivals to choose from. Best of all, the Czechs are an extremely hospitable people, eager to make any visit as enjoyable as possible.

Social Conventions
Dress should be casual, but conservative, except at formal dinners and at quality hotels or restaurants.

Tipping
A 5 to 10 per cent tip is usual.

International Travel:

Air
The national airline is Czech Airlines (OK). There are also several small airlines. Information can be obtained from Czech Airlines, City Service Center, V Celnici 5, 11000 Prague 1 (tel: (2) 3900 7007 (reservations office); . The airline also has an office in London (tel: (0870) 444 3747.

Approximate flight times
From Prague to London is four hours 10 minutes; to New York is 10 hours 40 minutes.

International airports
Prague (PRG) (Ruzyne) is 20km (12 miles) northwest of the city. Transport to/from city: Airport bus (Cedaz) every 30 minutes from 0600-2100 (travel time – 30 minutes); 119 and 254 buses run approximately every 10 minutes, from 0425-2340 (travel time – 20 minutes) to the nearest metro station, Dejvická (there are also night-buses in operation); mini-bus taxis to the city center (24-hour service, surcharge at night). Big hotels operate frequent shuttle-bus services during the summer months to the major hotels in the city. Airport facilities include duty-free shops; post office; banks/bureaux de change; restaurant and bar; car parking and car hire (Alamo, Alimex CR, Avis, Budget, CS-Czechocar, Dvorak, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt).

Rail
The Czech Republic forms part of the European InterCity network. The most convenient routes to the Czech Republic from Western Europe are via Berlin, Cologne, Frankfurt, Nuremburg, Munich, Vienna, Würzburg or Zurich to Prague. The Vindobona Express is a once-daily through train that travels from Vienna to Prague (main station) and on to Berlin. Rail travel information is available from Czech Railways (tel: (2) 2461 4030;

Road
The Czech Republic can be entered via Germany, Poland, the Slovak Republic or Austria.

Bus
There is an international bus network covering most European cities. There are connections to Amsterdam, Frankfurt/M, London, Munich, Vienna and other main cities from the Florenc and Zelivskeho Bus Terminals (Metro stations). Kingscourt Express runs services Monday to Saturday between London Victoria to Prague and Brno (tel: (2) 6671 3032; fax: (2) 6671 2177; . Eurolines (4 Cardiff Road, Luton, Bedfordshire L41 1PP; tel: (08705) 143 219; fax: (01582) 400 694; also operate services between Prague and other european cities.

The following goods may be imported into the Czech Republic without incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco (if over 16 years of age); 1l of spirits and 2l of wine (if over 18 years of age); 50g of perfume or 250ml of eau de toilette; gifts up to a value of &Euro;175 (if over 15 years of age) or &Euro;90 (if under 15 years of age); foods, fruits, flowers and medication for personal use.

Note
The export of cultural heritage pieces is only possible with prior approval by the Czech Ministry of Culture.

Abolition of duty free goods within the EU
On 30 June 1999, the sale of duty-free alcohol and tobacco at airports and at sea was abolished in all of the original 15 EU member states. Of the 10 new member states that joined the EU on May 1 2004, these rules already apply to Cyprus and Malta. There are transitional rules in place for visitors returning to one of the original 15 EU countries from one of the other new EU countries. But for the original 15, plus Cyprus and Malta, there are now no limits imposed on importing tobacco and alcohol products from one EU country to another (with the exceptions of Denmark, Finland and Sweden, where limits are imposed). Travelers should note that they may be required to prove at customs that the goods purchased are for personal use only.

Internal Travel:

Air
Czech Airlines (OK) operates an extensive domestic service. There are regular domestic flights from Prague to Ostrava, Brno and Karlovy Vary.

River
Navigable waterways can be found in the country and the main river ports are located at Prague, Ústí nad Labem and Decín.

Rail
The rail network is operated by Czech Railways (Ceské Drahy, see above). There are several daily express trains between Prague and main cities and resorts. Reservations should be made in advance on major routes. Fares are low, but supplements are payable for travel by express trains.

Road
Traffic drives on the right. Speed limits are 31mph (50kph) in built-up areas, 55mph (90kph) outside built-up areas and 80mph (130kph) on motorways. Motorways run from Prague to Plzen, Podebrady to Bratislava (Slovak Republic) via Brno. Users of the Czech motorways have to buy a vignette (season ticket), which costs approximately Kc800 for each year. A 10-day vignette is now available at approximately Kc100. Bus: The extensive bus network mostly covers areas not accessible by rail and is efficient and comfortable. Buses are mostly run by the State Bus Company; see online for timetables. Car hire: Self-drive cars may be hired through Avis, Hertz and other companies. Seat belts are compulsory and drinking is absolutely prohibited. Many petrol stations open 24 hours. There is a road emergency service available by calling 154. Documentation: A valid national driving license. If this has no photocard, an International Driving Permit is also required.

Urban
Public transport is excellent. See online for timetables and other information on transport in Prague. There is a metro service in Prague that runs from 0500-0000. Three flat fares are charged. There are also tram and bus services (for which tickets must be purchased in advance from tobacconist shops, newsagents, metro stations, information centers or travel agents). Night trams and buses run from 0000-0430 in Prague. Buses, trolleybuses and trams also exist in Brno, Ostrava, Plzen and several other towns. Most services run from 0430-0000. All the cities operate flat-fare systems and tourist passes can be purchased in advance that are valid for a number of journeys. Tickets should be punched in the appropriate machine on entering the tram or bus. A separate ticket is required when changing routes. There is a fine for fare evasion. Blue badges on tram and bus stops indicate an all-night service. Taxis are available in all the main towns and are metered, higher fares are charged at night. For further information about public transport in Prague, contact the Czech Tourist Authority (Prague Information Line); see General Info section.

Travel times
The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Prague to other major towns/cities in the Czech Republic.

Geography
The Czech Republic is situated in central Europe, sharing frontiers with Germany, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Austria. Only about one-quarter of the size of the British Isles, the republic is hilly and picturesque, with historic castles, romantic valleys and lakes, as well as excellent facilities to ‘take the waters’ at one of the famous spas or to ski and hike in the mountains. Among the most beautiful areas are the river valleys of the Vltava (Moldau) and Labe (Elbe), the hilly landscape and rocky mountains. Bohemia, to the west, is one of two main regions. Besides Prague, the Czech capital, tourists are drawn to the spa towns of Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Lázne, and to the very beautiful region of south Bohemia. The Elbe flows through eastern Bohemia from the Krkono¢se/Giant mountains, one of the most popular skiing regions. The eastern part, the rich agricultural area of Moravia offers a variety of wooded highlands, vineyards, folk art and castles. There are many historic towns such as Olomouc, Kromeríz and Telc. Brno is Moravia’s administrative and cultural center.