YOU CAN DRINK FOR AN ENTIRE WEEKEND FOR LESS THAN A TENNER IF YOU KNOW WHERE TO GO
so much as thanking the bar staff. The reason they come is because this is former (‘xech President Vaclav llayel's favourite drinking den and he brought Bill Clinton here for a quick pint on a state Visit a few years back.
ll‘ your curiosity about beer extends beyond the bottom of your glass then head otit into the countryside to make a pilgrimage to the home of one of the (‘Iech Republic's liiiest beers. You have a couple ol‘ choices. The first is to take the train to Pl/en. where you can take a tour ol‘ the brewery that conjures tip the world famous Pilsner l'rquell. It you prel‘er the hoppy Budyar. make a heeline for their brewery in the town of ('eske Budejoy'ice.
Beyond the beer the Little Mother has plenty else to keep you occupied. Kal'ka devotees still flock to his graye iii the New Jewish (‘emeteiy then move on to the old town. where both his childhood home and the apartment where he later worked are located. For a Kalka sell-guided walking trail look tip the tour website lwww.curtidata.com/articles/kalka—pragtie.html. which
I..on Cold 23: 920 ‘0‘
maps otit a detailed route.
Then there are the bountiful charms of the old town itself. a l'.\'li8(‘() World Heritage listed gem that giyes lidinburgh a run for its money in the picture postcard stakes. The Old Town Square is one of liurope's great public spaces and looks best at night when its church spires and extrayagant astronomical clock are floodlit.
Perhaps nowhere better illustrates the divergent sides of
Prague than nearby (‘harles Bridge. By day it is awash with tacky souy‘enir stalls and camcorder clad tourists.
btit late at night it is transformed into a magical venue for
a moonlit stroll in Kalka‘s l'ootsteps.
Those seeking to escape the old town crowds can head tip to Petrin Tower. Local legend has it that misguided Soviet troops in ll)(ii\’ bundled in thinking that this was the Eiffel Tower. While it may lack the height
and grandeur ot‘ its Parisian sibling it does offer some ol‘
the best Views of’ the city and the surrounding park is great for working oil a fuzzy head. whether it be Kafka induced or otherwise.
Where to eat
Where to stay
SAS Alcron Hotel: This art deco 1930s icon has been rejuvenated by Radisson With all mod cons. including internet and video games in all guest rooms. Doubles from €130. OOJ20- 222820000. Hotel Savoy is an art nouveau gem tucked in the posh district near the castle. Built in 1882 and revamped after communism crumbled. it is now once again amongst the city's finest hotels. Doubles start from 22-10. 00420- 224302430.
Radegast: For an authentic Czech meal wrth no frills. this is the place. Quite how this restaurant bar survives in the old town as the multinationals and chain pubs take over is anvone's guess. but Just be grateful fOr the chunky pOrtions. grumpy waiters and lashings of excellent Radegast beer. There's also a small terrace outSide for a sunny day. No reservations or credit cards. Templova 2. Flambee: Sheer class from the deCOr to the menu. The vaulted ceilings and lush furnishings are the perfect setting for age old treats like foie gras and caViar. but also.
somewhat Surprismgly. niOre daring forays into the world of sushi and sashinii. Husova 5. «420—2242118512. Kampa Park: One of the City's top restaurants is housed in a great spot by Charles Bridge. On the sophisticated international menu are starters of the likes of Iranian caviar and seared scallops. With mains to die tOr Such as white truffle risotto and butter poached lobster. Na Kampe 8b. +420 257532685.
New to get there
CSA. the Czech national carrier. flies direct from Edinburgh and Giasgow to Prague With return fares from €96. 0870-4443747. ‘.‘.’va‘.’.CZEChalflll'leSCO.UK
Travel
Ex
Sea. sand and fun
I JUST WHEN YOU thought the Rough Guide posse couldn’t get any more helpful, what with their travel tips, new improved map range and colour photography, they’ve now published The Rough Guide to Travel Health (pictured). A quick flick provides proof that you can never know too much when it comes to the wonderful world of travel.
I WITH IMPROVED. cost effective airlines littering the web. it's easy to forget the founding fathers like easyJet and Ryanair. Sure, flying from Glasgow Prestwick is a bit of a hassle but with new routes announced to Pisa. Hamburg and Murcia courtesy of Ryanair, an extra hour on your journey may well be worth the effort. Better still, prices start at 50p. yes pence. For a weekend sprinkled with a little childlike fun, check out the flight route direct to the Disneyland Resort in Paris.
I THOSE LOOKING FOR 8 last minute deal to the sun should look no further than www.holiday.co.uk. For hotels, flights or package deals, this is a low-cost web alternative with big boys like Thomson’s and First Choice punting their wares at good prices. Go online or give them a ring on 01633 798 095.
I LOOKING AHEAD TO winter closer to home, check out http://skivisitscotlandcom. which has a good supply of information for ski lovers. from the best accommodation to the finest slopes at your disposal in Scotland. From lessons and hire to piste information. there's plenty to keep the most avid snow lovers satisfied.
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