Expatriates Forums in Czech Republic

Marvel at Prague On Line (Video + Stills)

IntrepidBerkeleyExplorer — Thu May 28, 2009 7:34 pm

Author: IntrepidBerkeleyExplorer

Posted: Thu May 28, 2009 7:34 pm

My film “Gondola With the Wind” can be seen on the web if you have a high speed internet connection. The movie begins in Italy with Rome, Pisa, Florence, and Venice. It then features Vienna (Austria), glorious Prague (Czech Republic), Poland (including Warsaw & Auschwitz), Ukraine, and Budapest (Hungary).

Prague is in the middle, but worth waiting for. Fast forwarding does not work.

This is a free, non-commercial, streaming video on the Windows Media Player. No ads and no strings attached. I still sell nothing.

My video site is:

http://www.geocities.com/intrepidberkeleyexplorer/Video.html

With any modem you can view a new gallery of still pictures from my trips to Italy at:

http://www.geocities.com/intrepidberkeleyexplorer/Page14.html

plus the recently added stills from Vienna and Eastern Europe are at:

http://www.geocities.com/intrepidberkeleyexplorer/Page28.html

There are over 30 of my other amateur travel videos on-line covering all 7 continents, including trips to China, Australia, Russia, Antarctica, American National Parks, an African safari, Egypt, Japan, Peru, Mayan pyramids, Berlin & Paris, Greece and Turkey; see whales, penguins, or polar bears. One of these films is a sequel, “Gondola With the Wind 2”, filmed entirely in Italy.

The planet is yours, including my Home Page giant galaxy of still pictures at:

http://www.geocities.com/intrepidberkeleyexplorer/

The Intrepid Berkeley Explorer

DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS IN CZECH REP / EMBASSIES IN CZECH REP

Czech Republic Info — Mon May 21, 2007 5:39 am

Author: Czech Republic Info

Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 5:39 am

DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS IN CZECH REPUBLIC

ALBANIA
Embassy of Albania
Pod Kaštany 22,
Praha 6
Tel: 223 370 594/ 223 380 600
Fax: 223 377 232
Email: alembprg@mbox.vol.cz , alembprg1@volny.cz

ARGENTINA
Embassy of Argentina
Panská 6,
Praha 1
Tel: 224 212 448/ 9
Fax: 222 241 246
Email: embar@iol.cz

AUSTRIA
Embassy of Austria
Viktora Huga 10,
Smíchov,
Praha 5
Tel: 257 090 511/ 316 050
Fax: 257 316 040~5
Email: prag-ob@bmaa.gv.at , austrianembassy@vol.cz
Website: www.austria.cz

BELGIUM
6, Valdstejnska,
Mala Strana,
Praha 1
Tel: 257 533 524
Fax: 257 533 750
Email: prague@diplobel.org , ambabel-prague@mbox.vol.cz
Website: www.diplomatie.be

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA
Embassy of Bosnia & Herzegovina
Opletalova 27,
Praha 1
Tel: 224 422 510/ 1
Fax: 222 210 183
Email: embbh@iol.cz

BRAZIL
Embassy of Brazil
Panská 5,
Praha 1
Tel: 224 321 910/ 324 965
Fax: 224 312 901
Email: chebrem@mbox.vol.cz

BULGARIA
Embassy of Bulgaria
Krakovská 6,
Praha 1
Tel: 222 211 258/ 260/ 212 011/ 210 230
Fax: 222 211 728
Email: bulvelv@mbox.vol.cz

CANADA
Embassy of Canada
Muchova 6,
Praha 6
Tel: 272 101 800
Fax: 272 101 890
Email: canada@canada.cz , visa@canada.cz
Website: www.canada.cz

CHINA
Embassy of China
Pelléova 18,
Bubeneč,
Praha 6
Tel: 224 311 323/ 233 028 800
Fax: 224 319 888
Email: chinaemb-cz@mfa.gov.cn , chinaprague@informnet.cz
Website: www.chinaembassy.cz

CROATIA
Embassy of Croatia
V Průhledu 9,
Praha 6
Tel: 233 340 479/ 355 695/ 247
Fax: 233 343 464
Email: croemb.praha@mvp.hr
Website: www.cz.mvp.hr

DENMARK
Royal Embassy of Denmark
Maltézské náměstí 5,
Malá Strana,
Praha 1
Tel: 257 531 600
Fax: 257 531 410
Email: prgamb@um.dk
Website: www.ambprag.um.dk

EGYPT
Embassy of Egypt
Pelléova 14,
Bubeneč,
Praha 6
Tel: 224 311 506
Fax: 224 311 157
Email: embassyegypt@centrum.cz

ESTONIA
Embassy of Estonia
Na Kampě 1,
Praha 1
Tel: 257 011 180
Fax: 257 011 181
Email: embassy.prague@estemb.cz

FINLAND
Embassy of Finland
Hellichova 1,
Praha 1
Tel: 251 177 251
Fax: 251 177 241
Email: sanomat.pra@formin.fi
Website: www.finlandembassy.cz

FRANCE
Embassy of France
Velkopřevorské nám. 2,
Praha 1
Tel: 251 171 711
Fax: 251 171 720
Email: ambafrcz@france.cz
Website: www.france.cz

GERMANY
Embassy of Germany
Vlašská 19,
Praha 1
Tel: 257 113 111/ 531 481
Fax: 257 534 056
Email: zreg@prag.auswaertiges-amt.de
Website: www.deutsche-botschaft.cz

GREECE
Embassy of Greece
Na Ořechovce 19,
Střešovice,
Praha 6
Tel: 222 250 943/ 955
Fax: 222 253 686
Email: greekemb@czn.cz

HUNGARY
Embassy of Hungary
Pod Hradbami 17,
Praha 6
Tel: 233 324 454/ 220 317 200
Fax: 233 322 104
Email: huembprg@vol.cz
Website: www.mfa.gov.hu/emb/prague

INDIA
Embassy of India
Valdštejnská 6,
Malá Strana,
Praha 1
Tel: 257 533 490
Fax: 257 533 378/ 285
Email: amboffice@india.cz , hoc@india.cz , sshoc@volny.cz
Website: www.india.cz

INDONESIA
Embassy of Indonesia
Nad Buďánkami II/7,
Praha 5
Tel: 257 214 388
Fax: 257 212 105
Website: www.indonesian-embassy.cz

IRELAND
Embassy of Ireland
Tržiště 13,
Praha 1
Tel: 257 530 061/ 2/ 3/ 4
Fax: 257 531 387
Email: pragueembassy@dfa.ie

ISRAEL
Embassy of Israel
Badeniho 2,
Praha 7
Tel: 233 097 500/ 513/ 515
Fax: 233 097 519
Email: info@prague.mfa.gov.il
Website: www.prague.mfa.gov.il

ITALY
Embassy of Italy
Nerudova 20,
Malá Strana
Praha 1
Tel: 233 080 111
Fax: 257 531 522
Email: ambasciata.praga@esteri.it
Website: www.ambpraga.esteri.it

JAPAN
Embassy of Japan
Maltézské nám. 6,
Malá Strana
Praha 1
Tel: 257 533 546/530 884/ 011 011
Fax: 257 532 377
Email: info@japanembassy.cz

LATVIA
Embassy of Latvia
Hradešínská 3,
Praha 10
Tel: 255 700 881
Fax: 255 700 880
Email: embassy.czech@mfa.gov.lv
Website: www.mfa.gov.lv/prague

LITHUANIA
Embassy of Lithuania
Pod Klikovkou 1916/2,
Praha 5
Tel: 257 210 122/ 3
Fax: 257 210 124
Email: ambasada-litva@iol.cz
Website: www.urm.lt

LUXEMBOURG
Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Tržiště 13,
Praha 1
Tel: 257 181 800
Fax: 257 532 537
Email: prague.amb@mae.etat.lu
Website: www.ambalux.cz

MALAYSIA
Embassy of Malaysia
Washingtonova 25,
Praha 1
Tel: 234 706 611
Fax: 296 326 192
Email: mwprague@mwprague.cz

MEXICO
Embassy of Mexico
Nad Kazankou 8,
Troja
Praha 7
Tel: 283 061 530/ 540
Fax: 233 550 477
Email: embamex@rep-checa.cz
Website: www.rep-checa.cz

MOROCCO
Embassy of Morocco
Mickiewiczova 6,
Dejvice
Praha 6
Tel: 233 325 656/ 224 325 957/ 324 963/ 310 473
Fax: 233 322 634
Email: sifamapragu@iol.cz

NETHERLANDS
Embassy of the Netherlands
Gotthardská 6/27,
Bubeneč,
Praha 6
Tel: 233 015 200/ 2
Fax: 233 015 254
Email: nlgovpra@ti.cz

NORWAY
Royal Embassy of Norway
Hellichova 1/458,
Malá Strana,
Praha 1
Tel: 257 323 737
Fax: 257 326 827
Email: emb.prague@mfa.no
Website: www.noramb.cz

PHILIPPINES
Embassy of the Philippines
Senovážné náměstí 8,
Praha 1
Tel: 224 216 397/ 385
Fax: 224 216 390
Email: praguepe@phembassy.cz

POLAND
Embassy of Poland
Valdštejnská 8,
Praha 1
Tel: 257 099 500 / 523/ 524
Fax: 257 530 399
Email: ambrpczechy@mbox.vol.cz
Website: www.ambpol.cz

PORTUGAL
Embassy of Portugal
Pevnostní 9,
Praha 6
Tel: 257 311 230/ 1
Fax: 257 311 234
Email: embport@mbox.vol.cz

ROMANIA
Embassy of Romania
Nerudova 5,
Praha 1
Tel: 257 534 210
Fax: 257 531 017
Email: embroprg@mbox.vol.cz
Website: www.rouemb.cz

RUSSIA
Embassy of Russia
Pod Kaštany 1,
Bubeneč,
Praha 6
Tel: 233 374 100/ 375 358/ 371 548/ 549
Fax: 233 377 235
Email: embrus@tiscali.cz
Website: www.czech.mid.ru

SERBIA
Embassy of Serbia
Mostecká 15,
Praha 1
Tel: 257 532 075/ 530 393
Fax: 257 533 948
Email: yuambacz@mbox.vol.cz

SLOVAKIA
Embassy of Slovakia
Pod Hradbami 1,
Praha 6
Tel: 233 113 051
Fax: 233 113 054
Email: skembassy@praha.mfa.sk

SLOVENIA
Embassy of Slovenia
Pod Hradbami 15,
Praha 6
Tel: 233 081 211
Fax: 224 314 106
Email: vpr@gov.si

SOUTH AFRICA
Embassy of South Africa
Ruská 65,
Vršovice,
Praha 10
Tel: 267 311 114/ 271 731 799
Fax: 267 311 395/ 272 735 570
Email: saprague@nextra.cz , satrade@mbox.vol.cz

SOUTH KOREA
Embassy of South Korea
Slavíčkova 5,
Bubeneč,
Praha 6
Tel: 234 090 411
Fax: 234 090 450

SPAIN
Embassy of Spain
Badeniho 401/4,
Praha 7
Tel: 233 097 211/ 224 311 222
Fax: 233 341 770/ 340 813
Email: embpraha@gts.cz , praga@embajadas.mae.es
Website: www.embajada-esp-praga.cz

SWEDEN
Royal Embassy of Sweden
Úvoz 13,
Praha 6
Tel: 220 313 200
Fax: 220 313 240
Email: ambassaden.prag@foreign.ministry.se
Website: www.swedenabroad.com/praha

SWITZERLAND
Embassy of Switzerland
Pevnostní 7/588,
Střešovice,
Praha 6
Tel: 220 400 611/ 5
Fax: 224 311 312
Email: vertretung@pra.rep.admin.ch

THAILAND
Royal Embassy of Thailand
Romaina Rollanda 3,
Bubeneč,
Praha 6
Tel: 220 571 435/ 570 055
Fax: 220 570 049
Email: thaiemb@volny.cz
Website: www.thaiembassy.cz

TURKEY
Embassy of Turkey
Na Ořechovce 69,
Praha 6
Tel: 224 311 402/ 3
Fax: 224 311 279
Email: turkembprague@ms.easynet.cz , prag.be@worldonline.cz

UKRAINE
Embassy of Ukraine
Charlese de Gaulla 29,
Praha 6
Tel: 233 342 000/ 321 319
Fax: 233 344 366
Email: emb_cz@mfa.gov.ua
Website: www.ukrembassy.cz

UK
British Embassy
Thunovská 14,
Praha 1
Tel: 257 402 111
Fax: 257 402 296
Website: www.britain.cz

USA
Embassy of the United States
Tržiště 15,
Praha 1
Tel: 257 022 000/ 532 716
Fax: 257 530 583
Website: www.usembassy.cz

VENEZUELA
Embassy of Venezuela
Sněmovní 9,
Praha 1
Tel: 257 534 256/ 253/ 535 782
Fax: 257 534 257
Email: embaven@vol.cz
Website: www.embajada-venezuela.cz

GETTING AROUND IN CZECH REP / CZECH REP TRANSPORTATION GUIDE

Czech Republic Info — Mon May 21, 2007 4:05 am

Author: Czech Republic Info

Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 4:05 am

GETTING AROUND IN CZECH REPUBLIC

BY AIR

You can travel by air between the cities of Prague, Ostrava and Karlovy Vary. Twice a week there is also a flight operated by Czech Airlines between Prague and Brno. For detailed and up-to-date information, please refer to the airline’s website ( www.csa.cz ).

You can also enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Czech Republic on observation flights; you will definitely be charmed by the view of the Czech landscape. For specific observation flight offers, please contact a local information centre. The price of a one-hour observation flight for three persons over Prague is about CZK 6,000.

BY RIVER

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

BY RAIL

The railway network density in the Czech Republic is one of the best in Europe. Trains are operated by Czech Railways. One can travel by train to any corner of the country in less than seven hours and rail travel is relatively comfortable, if not travelling exactly at peak hours. The fastest trains are the SC (SuperCity), the EC/IC (EuroCity/InterCity) and express trains. However, it's recommended to reserve a seat for these trains ahead of time.

The SC Pendiline offers a fast a reliable connection between Prague, Pardubic, Olomouc and Ostravy. Connections are operated in cooperation with Czech Airlines allowing for further connections beyond Prague’s Ruzyně airport. The train leaves Prague on two routes: Prague main stn. / Prague-Holešovice - Pardubice main stn. - Česká Třebová - Brno - Břeclav (and on to Bratislava or Vienna) or Prague-Holešovice - Pardubice main stn. - Olomouc main stn. - Ostrava-Svinov - Ostrava main stn.. Tickets can be purchased online at www.eshop.cd.cz and reservations are required.

You can also travel on a mid-speed or a slow train (known as the ‘osobní vlak,’ the personal train). For more details and options for transporting your luggage, please refer to the website ( www.cd.cz ). There you may also find up-to-date prices and discounts available.

BY 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. Many petrol stations open 24 hours. There is a road emergency breakdown service available by calling 1230 or 1240.

Bus

There are excellent options for travelling by bus within the Czech Republic. As in other parts of Europe, buses are a fast and popular means of transport. In most cities and towns, bus terminals are located near the centre to be better accessible by foot, often close to the main railway station. On working days, buses run between major towns and cities several times a day, and there are at least a few lines between smaller towns and villages every day. When travelling between Prague and Brno, you can choose from bus lines operated by Čebus, Český národní expres and Student Agency. There are hundreds of smaller and bigger private bus transportation firms.

On the whole, buses are mostly run by the State Bus Company; see online for timetables ( www.vlak-bus.cz ).

Car rental

Self-drive cars may be rented through Avis, Hertz and other companies.

Regulations: Seat belts are compulsory and drinking is absolutely prohibited. In Winter (October to May), lights must be switched on. Since January 2005, all private cars, including those of foreign visitors, must carry: one fluorescent green high visibility safety jacket, one first aid kit, one spare pair of prescription glasses (if necessary) kept in the glove compartment, one warning triangle and one complete set of spare bulbs.

Documentation: A valid national driving licence. If this has no photocard, an International Driving Permit is also required.

URBAN TRANSPORTATION

Public transport is excellent. See online ( www.dp-praha.cz ) 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. The Prague metro has been in operation since 1974 and its three lines (A = green, B = yellow, C = red) are still being extended. It is easy to find your way around the metro plan, and you will surely quickly learn how to discern directions and change lines.

There are also tram and bus services (for which tickets must be purchased in advance from tobacconist shops, newsagents, metro stations, information centres 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 validated 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.

CZECH REP TOURISM GUIDE / TOURISM IN CZECH REP

Czech Republic Info — Mon May 21, 2007 3:50 am

Author: Czech Republic Info

Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 3:50 am

CZECH REPUBLIC TOURISM GUIDE

GENERAL

Although for most visitors, Prague is the Czech Republic, there is far more to see and do throughout the country. Tourism is still in its infancy but the strides forward since the Velvet Revolution in 1989 have been remarkable. There are over 3000 castles, palaces and other historic monuments throughout the country. Equally characteristic are the country’s many important churches from the Gothic to the Baroque periods. Spas have been an important cultural phenomenon since the 19th century and, indeed, there are 176 spas in the country today. The Czech Republic has four National Parks, 24 Protected Landscape Areas, 113 National Nature Reserves, 453 Nature Reserves, 99 National Nature Monuments and 850 Nature Monuments, most of which have only been founded since 1990. The country is divided into two provinces: Bohemia in the west and Moravia in the east.

PRAGUE

Picturesquely sited on the banks of the Vltava (Moldau) River, Prague has always played an important part in the history of Europe. It is noted for magnificent Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Belle Epoque/Art Nouveau and Cubist architecture, as well as its cultural scene of elegance. Since the fall of Communism, Prague has rapidly regained its cafe culture and is again very much the ‘Paris of the East’. The city’s historical centre, never bombed in World War II, is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Key places to visit are the Hradcany complex of Prazsky hrad (Prague Castle), including Palace rooms like the Vladislavsky sál (Vladislav Hall) which was once used by Bohemian knights for jousting, the Katedrála sv Víta (St Vitus Cathedral) and the Basilica of sv Jirí (St George Basilica). Views over the Vltava, spanned by many bridges, including the famous medieval Karluv most (Charles Bridge), contribute to Prague’s reputation as a ‘fairytale city’. The Lesser Town (Mala Strana) beneath the castle is a quarter of winding, narrow streets with palaces from the 17th and 18th centuries and small artisan houses. The Old Town (Stare Mesto) across the Charles Bridge includes important tourist sites like the Old Town Hall (Staromestska radnice) with its astronomical clock, the Gothic Tyn Church behind the square and the Jewish Town with its old cemetery and six synagogues. The area around Vaclavske namesti (Wenceslas Square) is the principal shopping area of the city. To the south is Vysehrad with its Slavin Cemetery honouring the intellectuals and artists, and its Cubist villas.

Near to Prague is a grim reminder of the horrors of World War II – the site of the ‘show’ concentration camp at Terezin, which is now a museum. Also in the area are the castles of Karlstejn, Krivoklat and Konopiste. Near Karlstejn is the Cesky kras (Bohemian Karst), a region of limestone caves, of which Konepruské jeskyne is open to the public. The historic silver mining town of Kutna Hora with the dominating Gothic cathedral of sv Barbora (St Barbara) is another UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site. North of Prague, at the confluence of the Vltava and the Labe rivers, is Melník, with its Zamek (Castle), built by the Lobkowitz family; this area is now returning to its former role as an important wine-making region.

BOHEMIA

Heavy industrialisation in Northern Bohemia has taken its toll and many of the forests suffer greatly from the effects of acid rain. A start to correcting this situation has been made but it will be many years before significant results are shown. However, the north remains a popular destination with Czech and German tourists. Much of the area’s interest lies in the sandstone ‘rock-cities’ (spectacular mini-canyons and steep bluffs of volcanic rocks in a densely forested area) of the Cesky Svycarsko (Bohemian Switzerland) especially around Tisa, the Cesky raj (Bohemian paradise) between Turnov and Jicin and the area around Broumov. The Krkonoše (Giant) Mountains National Park of northeast Bohemia offers superb scenery, excellent hiking and many downhill and cross-country ski and snowboarding facilities; Spindleruv Mlyn, on the banks of River Labe, is the most visited mountain town in the park.

Southwest of Prague, Plzen, the second-largest city in Bohemia, boasts eclectic architecture from the Gothic to Art Nouveau, interesting museums and galleries like the Brewery Museum and the Západoceské Galérie (one of the best art galleries outside Prague), and the world-famous Pilsner beer to which the town has given its name; beer had been brewed since the town’s foundation in 1295 but it was only in 1842 that the Pilsner style was established. Guided tours of the Plzensky Prazdroj brewery are available.

The Trebonsko region of south Bohemia is made up of peat bogs and marshes, with linked fish-farming ponds dating from the 15th century; carp is the traditional Christmas Day dish in the Czech lands and fish farming still dominates the region. Trebon is a perfect medieval spa town right in the middle of the area of fish ponds. The enormous Zamek (Castle) was built by Peter Vok, the last Rozmberk heir, who was fond of alchemy, sex and drugs; its large ‘English park’ now provides walks for the spa patients.

Southern Bohemia, with its lakes and woods, has for a long time been a favourite holiday place for families, since it has many recreational facilities and points of historic interest. The country is also famed for its caves: the rock formation of the mountain ranges form underground rivers and chambers decorated above and below with stalactites and stalagmites. Ceske Budejovice (Budweis), whose wealth was founded on silver mines, and the salt route from Linz to Prague boasts one of Europe’s largest town squares. However, it is the local beer, Budvar (Budweiser) which is the town’s main claim to fame. The medieval town of Cesky Krumlov (a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site) has its enormous castle perched on a ridge above the young River Vltava, and the region to the border is full of castles, monasteries and churches. The Sumava/Bohemian Forest towards the German border is the country’s largest National Park, and with the Bavarian Forest across the border forms the largest forest complex in Europe. The park includes glacial lakes, many areas of virgin forest and important historic monuments. Good wintersports centres include Zelezna Ruda, Spicak, Zadov, Churanov and Kramolin. The northern shore of Lake Lipno has many small popular summer resorts and is a good location for exploring the Sumava.

In western Bohemia, the health resorts or spas remain one of the country’s primary attractions, with their many springs, graceful colonnades and parks, spectacular houses and hotels. By the 19th century, the combination of their cures and their position at the meeting point of the two German-speaking empires made them the focal point of central Europe. Beethoven, Wagner, Edward VII and Goethe all admired the resort of Marianske Lazne (Marienbad), whilst the town of Karlovy Vary (Karlsbad), the king of the spas, has attracted the crowned heads of Europe to bathe in its sulphurous waters. Frantiskovy Lazne, however, is the most typical spa town, laid out in perfect symmetry with delightful parks and 24 springs used to cure heart disease and infertility. There is also a nature reserve near the town.

MORAVIA

Brno, the capital of Moravia, dates from the 13th century and has the fine Moravian Museum; an important Augustinian Monastery where the great geneticist, Mendel, was Abbot; the Capuchin Church with its mummies; and the Gothic Špilberk Castle. A large number of international trade fairs take place in the Brno Exhibition Centre. To the northeast is the Moravsky krás, the area of great limestone caves around Blansko. To the northwest, the Gothic castle of Pernstejn is probably closest to most people’s idea of what a medieval castle should look like; the hour-long train journey to it up the Svratka Valley is an attractive trip. Southwest of Brno, three towns in particular stand out as tourist locations: Moravsky Krumlov with its Mucha Gallery, including great pictures, such as ‘Slovanska epopej’ (The Slav Epic), Slavkov (Austerlitz), near the Napoleonic battlefield, and Bucovice, whose castle features the remarkable Zajeci sal (The Hall of Hares) with murals of hares revenging themselves on men and dogs.

In the Vysocina (Bohemian-Moravian Uplands) to the east, the towns of Telc (a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site) and Slavonice are two of the most perfect examples of Renaissance towns in Europe. Telc, including the Zamec (Castle), was completely rebuilt after the fire of 1530; medieval arcades surround the town square with its gabled and pedimented houses. Slavonice is another old town founded on silver mining. In Zdar nad Sazavou, about 40km (25 miles) northeast of Jihlava, the Cistercian monastery and pilgrimage church dedicated to sv Jan Nepomucky (St John of Nepomuk) was designed by Prague-born Giovanni Santini, one of the greatest artists of the Czech Counter-Reformation, who married Gothic and Baroque forms, often with a humour lacking in other architects. Nearby in Ostrov nad Oslavou, he designed a hostinec (pub) shaped like the letter ‘W’ to honour a fellow architect, and the village church at Obyctov, shaped like a turtle, one of the Virgin Mary’s more obscure symbols.

The area between the small wine-making towns of Lednice and Valtice was once a possession of the Grand Dukes of Liechtenstein. Several impressive castles, landscaped parks and structural follies are dotted over an area of 250 sq km (96 sq miles), broken up by numerous ponds and forests. To the west, the area between Znojmo and Vranov on the River Dyji (Thaya in German) is an area of untouched river valley, now a joint National Park on both sides of the Austrian border. Northeast of Brno, Kromeriz (also accessible as a day trip from Prague) is a beautifully preserved Baroque town; its great Bishop’s Palace includes an important art collection (including paintings from the auction after the execution of the English Charles I), and superb water gardens which run down to the banks of the Morava river.

Despite many ecological disaster zones and the great – and unpleasant – industrial centre of Ostrava, northern Moravia has much to offer the independent traveller. Olomouc, now happily recovered from its era as a Soviet garrison, is once again an attractive university town noted as much for its parks as for its Baroque churches, sculptures and fountains. The surrounding Haná region is strongly agricultural, with many villages having attractive harvest festivals in late September. In the extreme north, the Jeseniky Mountains are an eastern extension of the Bohemian Krkonose. Lazne Jesenik is one of the many famous Czech Silesian spas founded in the 19th century; this area is excellent for hiking, with rocky outcrops, cave systems and monuments. To the east of Ostrava, the hilly Beskydy region (which extends through Poland into the Ukraine) is the area of the Vlachs (Wallachs), whose culture still survives in folklore and architecture. This area is excellent for hiking and winter sports. The excellent open-air skansen (Folk Museum) at Roznov pod Radhostem, begun in 1925, is the largest in the country; another good skansen is at Velke Karlovice. Valchs architecture can be found to the south in the villages in the Vsetinska Becva valley, including Bzove, Jezerne and Ratkov.

HOTELS DIRECTORY IN CZECH REP / CZECH REP HOTEL GUIDE

Czech Republic Info — Thu May 17, 2007 11:13 am

Author: Czech Republic Info

Posted: Thu May 17, 2007 11:13 am

HOTELS DIRECTORY IN CZECH REPUBLIC

PRAGUE

Alchymist Grand Hotel & Spa
Praha 1,
Tržiště 19
Tel: +420 2 5728-6011
Fax: +420 2 5728-6017
Email: reservations@alchymisthotel.com
Website: www.alchymisthotel.com

Ambassador Zlatá husa
Praha 1,
Václavské nám. 5-7
Tel: +420 2 2419-3111
Fax: +420 2 2422-6167
Email: hotel@ambassador.cz
Website: www.ambassador.cz

Aria
Praha 1,
Tržiště 9
Tel: +420 2 2533-4111
Fax: +420 2 2533-4131
Email: stay@aria.cz
Website: www.aria.cz

Carlo IV
Praha 1,
Senovážné nám. 13
Tel: +420 2 2459-3111
Fax: +420 2 2422-3960
Email: reservation@carloIV.boscolo.com
Website: www.boscolohotels.com

Corinthia Towers
Praha 4,
Kongresová 1
Tel: +420 2 6119-1111
Fax: +420 2 6121-1673
Email: towers@corinthia.cz
Website: www.corinthia.cz

Courtyard Marriott Flora
Praha 3,
Lucemburská 46
Tel: +420 2 3608-8088
Fax: +420 2 3608-8089
Website: www.marriott.com

Crowne Plaza
Praha 6,
Koulova 15
Tel: +420 2 9653 7111
Fax: +420 2 9653 7535
Email: hotel@crowneplaza.cz
Website: www.crowneplaza.cz

Crowne Plaza Prague Castle
Praha 1,
Strahovská 128
Tel: +420 2 2608-0000
Fax: +420 2 2608-0200
Email: cppraguecastle@keyhotels.cz
Website: www.crowneplaza.com

Diplomat Hotel Prague
Praha 6,
Evropská 15
Tel: +420 2 9655-9243
Fax: +420 2 9655-9114
Email: hotel@diplomatpraha.cz
Website: www.diplomatpraha.cz

Dorint Novotel Don Giovanni
Praha 3,
Vinohradská 157a
Tel: +420 2 6703-1600
Fax: +420 2 6703-6717
Email: info6@dorinthotels.com
Website: www.accorhotels.com

Esplanade
Praha 1,
Washingtonova 19
Tel: +420 2 2450-1111
Fax: +420 2 2422-9306
Email: esplanade@esplanade.cz
Website: www.esplanade.cz

Four Seasons
Praha 1,
Veleslavínova 2a
Tel: +420 2 2142-7000
Fax: +420 2 2142-6977
Email: reservations.prg@fourseasons.com
Website: www.fourseasons.com/prague

The Golden Gate Hotel & Suites
Praha 1,
Žitná 8
Tel: +420 2 2599-9999
Fax: +420 2 2599-9998
Email: reception@goldengate.cz
Website: www.goldengate.cz

Grand Hotel Bohemia
Praha 1,
Králodvorská 4
Tel: +420 2 3460-8111
Fax: +420 2 2232-9545
Email: office@grandhotelbohemia.cz
Website: www.grandhotelbohemia.cz

Hilton Prague
Praha 8,
Pobřežní 1
Tel: +420 2 2484-1111
Fax: +420 2 2484-2378
Email: sales.prague@hilton.com
Website: www.prague.hilton.com

Hoffmeister
Praha 1,
Pod Bruskou 7
Tel: +420 2 5101-7111
Fax: +420 2 5101-7120
Email: hotel@hoffmeister.cz
Website: www.hoffmeister.cz

Hotel Astoria
Praha 1,
Rybná 10
Tel: +420 2 2177-5711
Fax: +420 2 2177-5712
Email: info@hotelastoria.cz
Website: www.hotelastoria.cz

Hotel Josef
Praha 1,
Rybná 20
Tel: +420 2 2170-0111
Fax: +420 2 2170-0999
Email: reservation@hoteljosef.com
Website: www.hoteljosef.com

Hotel Paris
Praha 1,
U Obecního domu 1
Tel: +420 2 2219-5195
Fax: +420 2 2422-5475
Email: booking@hotel-paris.cz
Website: www.hotel-paris.cz

Hotel President
Praha 1,
nám. Curieových 100
Tel: +420 2 3461-4100
Fax: +420 2 3461-4110
Email: reservations@hotelpresident.cz
Website: www.hotelpresident.cz

Hotel Savoy
Praha 1,
Keplerova 6
Tel: +420 2 2430-2430/ 2111
Fax: +420 2 2430-2128
Email: info@hotel-savoy.cz
Website: www.hotel-savoy.cz

Hotel U Prince
Praha 1,
Staroměstské nám. 29
Tel: +420 2 2421-3807
Fax: +420 2 2421-3807
Email: reserve@hoteluprince.cz
Website: www.hoteluprince.cz

InterContinental Praha
Praha 1,
Nám. Curieových 43/5
Tel: +420 2 9663-1111
Fax: +420 2 2481-1216
Email: prague@interconti.com
Website: www.prague.interconti.com

Iron Gate
Praha 1,
Michalská 19
Tel: +420 2 2577-7777
Fax: +420 2 2577-7778
Email: hotel@irongate.cz
Website: www.irongate.cz

Le Palais
Praha 2,
U Zvonařky 1
Tel: +420 2 3463-4111
Fax: +420 2 3463-4635
Email: info@palaishotel.cz
Website: www.palaishotel.cz

Mandarin Oriental
Praha 1,
Nebovidská 459/1
Tel: +420 2 3308-8888
Fax: +420 2 3308-8668
Email: moprg-reservations@mohg.com
Website: www.mandarinoriental.com

Marriott Prague
Praha 1,
V Celnici 8
Tel: +420 2 2288-8888
Fax: +420 2 2288-8889
Email: prague.marriott@marriott.cz
Website: www.marriott.com

Mercure
Praha 1,
Na Poříčí 7
Tel: +420 2 2180 0800
Fax: +420 2 2180 0801
Email: h3440@accor-hotels.com
Website: www.mercure.com

Mövenpick Prague
Praha 5,
Mozartova 261/1
Tel: +420 2 5715-1111
Fax: +420 2 5715-3131
Email: hotel.prague@moevenpick.com
Website: www.movenpick-prague.com

Novotel Praha City
Praha 2,
Kateřinská 38
Tel: +420 2 2110-4999
Fax: +420 2 2110-4888
Email: h3194@accor-hotels.com
Website: www.accor-hotels.com

Pachtův Palace
Praha 1,
Karolíny Světlé 34
Tel: +420 2 3470-5111
Fax: +420 2 3470-5112
Email: reservation@pachtuvpalace.com
Website: www.pachtuvpalace.com

Palace Hotel
Praha 1,
Panská 12
Tel: +420 2 2409-3111
Fax: +420 2 2422-1240
Email: info@palacehotel.cz
Website: www.palacehotel.cz

Parkhotel Praha
Praha 7,
Veletržní 20
Tel: +420 2 2013-1111/ 2431-2376
Fax: +420 2 2431-6180
Email: hotel@parkhotel-praha.cz
Website: www.parkhotel-praha.cz

Praha Hotel
Praha 6,
Sušická 20
Tel: +420 2 2434-3305
Fax: +420 2 2431-1218
Email: htlpraha@ok.cz
Website: www.htlpraha.cz

Radisson SAS Alcron
Praha 1,
Štěpánská 40
Tel: +420 2 2282-0000
Fax: +420 2 2282-0100
Email: sales.prague@radissonsas.com
Website: www.radissonsas.com

Ramada Grand Hotel Symphony
Praha 1,
Václavské nám. 41
Tel: +420 2 2145-4111
Fax: +420 2 2145-4445
Email: reception@ramadaprague.com
Website: www.euroagentur.cz

Renaissance Hotel
Praha 1,
V Celnici 7
Tel: +420 2 2182-2100
Fax: +420 2 2182-2200
Email: renaissance.prague@renaissance.cz
Website: www.renaissancehotels.com

Riverside Hotel Prague
Praha 5,
Janáčkovo nábř. 15
Tel: +420 2 2599-4611
Fax: +420 2 2599-4622
Email: reservation@riversideprague.com
Website: www.riversideprague.com

Santini Residence
Praha 1,
Nerudova 211/14
Tel: +420 2 5719-5113
Fax: +420 2 5719-5110
Email: info@santiniresidence.com
Website: www.santiniresidence.com

Ventana Hotel
Praha 1,
Celetná 7
Tel: +420 2 2177-6600
Fax: +420 2 2177-6603
Email: info@ventana-hotel.net
Website: www.ventana-hotel.net

CZECH REP TRAVEL INFORMATION / CZECH REP TRAVEL GUIDE

Czech Republic Info — Thu May 17, 2007 10:04 am

Author: Czech Republic Info

Posted: Thu May 17, 2007 10:04 am

CZECH REPUBLIC TRAVEL INFORMATION

Full Name

Czech Republic

Capital City

Prague (pop 1.2 million )

Area

78,866 sq km
30,450 sq miles

Population

10,235,455

Time Zone

GMT/UTC +1

Daylight Saving Start

last Sunday in March

Daylight Saving End

last Sunday in October

Languages

Czech (official)

Religion

26.8% Roman Catholic, 2.1% Protestant, 3.3% Other, 8.89% Unspecified

Currency

Czech Koruna (Kč)

Electricity

220V 50HzHz

Country Dialing Code

420