Prague is a city of stunning physical beauty. While the capitals of other Eastern European nations were flattened or heavily damaged during World War I, Prague survived intact. Gothic and baroque spires, art-nouveau facades and even cubist structures combine in a pattern that's distinctly Czech, despite long periods of domination by Saxons, Swedes, Germans and Russians. At one time the seat of the Holy Roman Empire and at another the citadel of the Hapsburgs, Prague sustains a reputation as a vital political, cultural and economic centre. Prague is awash with foreign entrepreneurs and tourists, and this city has more "buzz" than any other capital in Europe, Eastern or Western. We have only one complaint about Prague: Pollution is severe, largely because of the sudden, massive increase in traffic. But even when the pollution is at its worst (in winter), the city's passionate creativity - literary, artistic and musical - can clear your head and your heart.

Prague is composed of 10 districts, lying on seven hills, centred on the broad Vltava River. Each district is made up of unboundaried areas (Dejvice, Holesovice and Zizkov, among them), which you'll see printed on city maps and which Praguers will use in giving directions.

The central district, Prague 1, includes the areas known as lesser Town (Mala Strana) on the west bank of the Vltava River and the Old Town and New Town (Stare Mesto and Nove Mesto) on the east side. these areas of Prague 1, along with portions of Prague 2, make up what is often called the centre (centrum). The centre contains the main tourist attractions, most major businesses, many hotels and restaurants and the banking street.

Several bridges cross the Vltava River, and most are open to automobile and tram traffic. Charles Bridge, the oldest and most famous, is for pedestrians only. It connects the Lesser Town's quaint streets and rooftops with the Old and New Towns.

Prague 6, a district to the north and west of the centre, is the site of many embassies as well as several hotels and some of the city's more upscale neighbourhoods. Many Westerners live in this part of the city. Because the area around Prague's airport is not yet developed, the hotels and public transportation lines nearest the airport are actually locate din the Dejvice area of Prague 6.

Camelot International have a number of high quality hotels and apartments that you may wish to view. All the properties are available for you to book through the internet at very compettitive prices and all bookings over three nights will receive a free copy of the "Cities of Europe" CD.