Czech Republic

The Vltava is the longest river in Czech Republic and comes from the old Germanic words for wild water. It runs past attractions like Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Prague Parliament, Mala Strana, the National Theatre and Vvsehrad Fortress, which makes a cruise a perfect direction to sail.There are a variety of cruises to choose from in Prague. They include meal-time excursions, musical tours and booze cruises for the burgeoning number of stags and hens looking for a different way to party. Trips can also be tailored to include the type of entertainment and embarkation you desire.Places on the regular cruises are limited, so it is recommended you book a river cruise in advance as well as one of the best hotels in Prague to dock before sailing. Booze cruiseThis cruise would be ideal for the growing number of grooms and brides-to-be choosing Prague as their stag and hen party destinations. These cruises generally leave in the evening from the centre of the city, with a special party planned for New Year's Eve.Over the course of five hours, guests will be able to taste a variety of specialist beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks. A large glass of wine is touted as good value for money at 70czk (£2.31). A hot and cold buffet dinner is served inside the boat, with the deck an ideal place to party to your requests from the on-board DJ.On New Year's Eve, guests will be invited to come onto the deck to watch the fireworks at Charles Bridge at midnight with the boat leaving at 21:00 local time and returning at 02:00.Jazz on the waterCruise past some of the most magnificent sights in Prague which are lit up at night while listening to one of the riverboat jazz bands. Cruises leave regularly from the city centre and the affordable accommodation in Prague. Directions are provided with booking confirmation.Guests can enjoy a varied programme of jazz from traditional, Latin, Cuban and Brazilian as well as swing and blues. Regular musicians include the Ondrej Pivec Trio, Matej Ben ... Read More

Fans of boutique accommodation may be interested to learn Prague's excellent Alchymist Residence Nosticova has just undergone extensive refurbishment.Frequently favoured by the stars (Colin Farrell, Johnny Depp, Emanuelle Beart and Roman Polanski are just a few to feature on the hotel website), this romantic and discreet hotel is hidden away just a few minutes' walk from the Mala Strana side of Charles Bridge.Rooms comprise eight junior suites, four royal suites, two deluxe rooms and two gothic rooms, with all featuring the period fittings and furnishings guests staying in the historic 17th-century building should naturally expect.Some also come with canopied four-poster beds, while all enjoy speedy internet access and high-tech entertainment systems.Recommended dining takes place at the sumptuously over-the-top Alchymist restaurant conveniently attached to the hotel.For similar Prague accommodation, check into the hotel's sister venue - the Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa - also located in the city centre.

Classical music comes alive in the Czech capital this August with the return of its annual Horn Festival.The event began in 1997 and attracts some of the brass instrument's best players who woo fans with a series of concerts throughout the month.The Brno Horn Quartet draws some of the festival's biggest crowds while the Camerata Filharmonica Praga is also an established act here.The city's affinity with the horn dates back to Mozart's penchant for both it and Prague - he famously bequeathed his popular opera Don Giovanni to the city, as well as his Prague Symphony (No 38).Other classical events in Prague this summer include a Chamber Music Festival, and a celebration of all things Verdi at the state opera house.An international Brass Band Festival is held in September in Zbraslav, a suburb of the city.

The U Medvidku restaurant dates back to the 15th century, according to its present owners. This interesting eatery was converted from a brewery into Prague's first cabaret and the largest beer hall in the Czech city. It traditionally serves Budweiser but actually serves five different types of beer on tap in its bar. Attached to the restaurant – whose name translated means At the Little Bears - is the museum, which claims to be the one of, if not the, largest beer and brewery souvenir shop in the Czech Republic There is plenty of space to enjoy and sample the beer, the food and the atmosphere – the hall seats 290, the lounge 30, the garden 50, the cabaret 100, Budweiser Bar 40 and the brewery 50. "The downstairs restaurant serves smoky Czech-style goulash that's less oily than the Hungarian original, massive broiled pork knuckles and traditional beef tenderloin in sour-cream gravy," states Concierge.com. It adds that the atmosphere is sociable and lively and the live folk music could well to dancing.