Czech Republic

The Jewish Museum in Prague extends throughout the Jewish Quarter of the Czech capital.Six sites make up the museum, including four synagogues, a 15th-century cemetery and a hall, marking the remarkable survival of these buildings despite the onslaught of the Nazis during the second world war, who destroyed so many historic Jewish buildings throughout Europe.Three of the synagogues date from the 16th century. In the Maisel Synagogue, which was built in 1592, visitors can see an exhibition about the history of the Jews in Bohemia and Moravia from the tenth century until the 18th century.The Pinkas Synagogue, which dates from 1535, is a memorial to the Jews from the Bohemia and Moravia who suffered at the hands of the Nazis and has 80,000 names and information of those murdered inscribed on its walls.An exhibition on Jewish Customs and Traditions can be seen at the Klaus Synagogue and continued at the Ceremonial Hall and the stunning 19th-century Spanish Synagogue houses an exhibition about Jews in the area from the 18th century until the modern day.Before the second world war, over 100,000 Jews lived in Bohemia and Moravia. By the end of the 20th century there were only 6,000 left in the Czech Republic.

Photographs of animals from all round the world feature in Prague's closing exhibition entitled Alive. There are beautiful portraits of caterpillars, clownfish, lions and monkeys to remind us of the importance of living in a sustainable environment. Curators hope that it won't be just about pictures for visitors and that they will leave cleaner and greener to keep our world safe. Alive runs in Prague's premier art nouveau building the Municipal House until October 5th. It is situated on the site of the former Royal Court Palace, which is admired for its stonework, gold trimmings, stained glass windows and magnificent frescos. Municipal House is an ideal venue for art because it is also home to the Czech National Symphony Orchestra with the Dvorak and Rudolfinium halls. The interior of the Smetana is decorated with work by Czech artists from the early 20th century. As well as reserving cheap hotels in Prague, tourists could book a seat at the famous Francouzska restaurant, which is nearby. Other attractions no more than a few leg stretches away include some beautiful historic world heritage sites. There's the charm of the old town to visit and Prague's curious astronomical clock.

Tread in the footsteps of the world's greatest lover with a visit to Duchcov Castle in the Czech Republic.This year marks the 210th anniversary of the renowned womaniser's death, who spent the last 13 years of life as an exile working as a librarian at the castle.After dying at the age of 73, Casanova was buried in the graveyard of Duchov church in 1798, but his body was later exhumed and reburied in an unknown location.As well as the tombstone, Casanova fans can visit his rooms at the castle and study various manuscripts he left there, including letters, books, poems and mathematical treatises.In addition, the Duchcov estate also hosts an exhibition of historical furniture belonging to the Prague Museum of Applied Arts and an exposition of Czech Baroque oil paintings from the National Gallery.The town is just two hours from the capital.

Visitors to Prague know the geographic and cultural importance of the Charles Bridge. The east end of the bridge opens to the old town, the Jewish Quarter and all the sights therein. The west end of the bridge is the path that most visitors take up to the castle. So, why pass up a chance to stay in a hotel a mere 50 meters from the west end of the bridge?

The Archibald at the Charles Bridge, located in the Kampa area of Mala Strana, is a wonderfully located, cozy little 26-room gem of a hotel. Parts of the hotel’s two buildings belong to 16th century structures that were among the first buildings in the area, yet the interior of the hotel feels extremely up-to-date and modern. The 21st century feel makes sense given the fact that the Archibald at the Charles Bridge underwent a complete overhaul renovation in 2003.

We were luck enough to get a room on the top floor that incorporates the dark-wooden beams of the roof eaves. The other rooms appeared to be similarly decorated: new hardwood floors with area rugs, simple décor and rustic yet functional furniture. We ate all of our breakfasts in the hotel restaurant. The breakfast spread laid out around the restaurant’s bar offered up plenty of hot and cold options to cater to most tastes. The restaurant is also a wonderful place to sit and have a delicious Czech beer after a day of sightseeing as the space exemplifies the Archibald’s history with lower ceilings and dark woods décor.

Prague's Hotel Jalta is a fashionable, boutique hotel in the heart of the city, providing stylish accommodation and a wide range of facilities.Just a stone's throw from many of the tourist attractions that the Czech capital has to offer, the good-value venue is also located close to a range of transport links.On arrival, visitors will be greeted by an authentic Warhol Franz Kafka print in the lobby.Guests staying in one of the 94 rooms, each complete with its own balcony, can take advantage of the selection of amenities on offer.These include an in-house massage service, the sophisticated Hot Restaurant and even a hotel casino.Hot serves delicious pan-Asian and Czech food and boasts a terrace with unrivalled views looking out onto the famous Wenceslas Square.Guests can also relax with a cocktail at the bar here.Wenceslas Square is home to a huge array of nightlife and entertainment, as well as an impressive statue of the good king on his horse.