Prague

A visit to Prague is like taking a step back in time - the old medieval buildings, Gothic churches, baroque domes, Renaissance palaces are all magnificently preserved.

The city of one hundred towers has its roots in medieval times and underwent renovation and expansion during the art nouveau era, giving Prague a rich cultural and artistic heritage with a truly eclectic feel. The city itself is tucked like a jewel into the centre of seven hills, whose well-tended parkland rolls gently into the distance. Serene and romantic and yet lively and modern, Prague is a city of contrasts.

The views are unforgettable: the golden roofs, the floodlit castle from Charles Bridge, the National Museum at Wenceslas Square and the fairy-tale Gothic spires of the old town. The castle area dominates the city, containing the St. Vitus Cathedral, the Royal Palace, museums and the Golden Lane.

The city's medieval and Baroque pasts are evident and communism undoubtedly left its mark, but Prague has pulled itself into the twenty-first century and wears it very well. The River Vltava, the Czech Republic's main river, runs throughout Prague, crossed by fifteen bridges. A scattering of small green islands provide breathing spaces from the hustle and bustle of the city, as do the many parks which surround the city.

Take a look at the 'Little Quarter', which has hardly changed since the 18th century, before strolling over Charles Bridge, lined with stalls and statues of the saints, to the old town. There are great beers, surprisingly good food and a rich and varied cultural life with some wonderful opera houses offering tickets at absurdly low prices.

There is an ancient landmark, be it a castle, monastery, church, square or courtyard, at every turn in narrow cobbled streets of the city centre where daily life of the locals continues busily around you. Don't forget to visit the castle for an astounding view across the gentle countryside as far as the eye can see. And enjoy a beer - of course - in a busy square, replete with colourful street artists and lively market traders.

And what better way to arrive in this beautiful and stylish city than on board the most beautiful and stylish of transports - the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.