Czech Republic

For a more original way to see the Czech Republic's capital, why not sign up for the Prague marathon?Held this year on May 11th, the race round one of eastern Europe's most beautiful cities is now in its 14th year.As the biggest race of its kind in the region, the Prague Marathon welcomes major internationals alongside a host of amateurs. However, there is a six-hour time limit, so those planning to run will have to ensure they take part in some serious training.Making use of brand new technology, an electronic chip is attached to competitors' ankles that allows finishing times to be text-messaged to the participants' phones once they cross the finishing line.Thousands of runners and spectators are entertained along the route by groups of musicians and entertainers and there are also a series of fun runs - anyone who's registered for the marathon can have a friend run in a fun run for free.This is a fantastic way to view some of the great sites that this city has to offer, including Charles Bridge, Rudolfinum Opera House, the National Theatre and Prague Castle.

Prague is the perfect place to pick up unique handicrafts for Christmas while sampling traditional food and drink.The capital of the Czech Republic becomes a winter wonderland of markets of all shapes and sizes from November 29th.Specialist glass is on sale alongside wooden toys, scented candles, hand-made jewellery, ceramic mugs, knitwear and ornaments.Traditional food is made in front of passers by who can sample some of the specialities as well as the normal tummy-fillers like hot sausages or corn on the cob.Shopping is also much easier with a glass of mulled wine or two, so make sure you check out the local svarene vino or svarak.While wandering round the stalls there's also plenty for the children to do, with sheep, goats and llama to stroke and a Christmas manger to see.The main attraction in the 12th century Old Town Square is the enormous Christmas tree that is chopped down from the Sumava Mountains in the south of the country each year.Lights are switched on here and in the other market squares at about 17:00, local time, which adds to the atmospherics, especially if it has been snowing.Other markets take place at Wenceslas Square, where a statue of St Wenceslas cuts a fine figure for Christmas.Wenceslas Square is large enough to fit 400,000 people, so if more intimate venues are more your thing why not check out the markets at Havelske Trziste or Namesti Republiky?All the temporary Christmas shopping areas are within a ten-minute walk of each other and by many of the cheap hotels in Prague.

Travel News brought to you by Eurobookings, the experts in cheap hotel bookings for all major European cities including Prague.The Czech State Opera is celebrating operatic giant Verdi at the end of its summer season by putting on three of his most famous work.The fight for a nation, Nabucco, is first on followed by the tale of the womanising duke, Rigoletto, then the doomed love affair of La traviata through August and September.Despite taking opera to its romantic peak, Verdi turned his back on composing twice to pursue a career as a farmer. Verdi had a very interesting life. His strong will and political convictions led his service in the first Italian national parliament.He did return, however, as does Aida in the new year with a rendition about a love affair between an Egyptian captain and a slave girl.In total Verdi composed 26 operas.The Czech State Opera was born from Prague German players who shared a theatre with a Czech company and insisted on moving to a stage of their own. State Opera is on Legerova 75 in Prague and puts on opera and ballet throughout the week.©CopyrightTreat yourself to one of the best hotels in Prague. Because you deserve a break.