The Czech Republic is packed with experiences that showcase the diverse beauty of the countryside. Day or weekend trips in every direction offer glimpses of natural beauty combined with the historic charm of castles and chateaux. Two beautifully protected natural landscapes in the north, Bohemian Switzerland and Bohemian Paradise, tempt with hiking trails and sandstone rocks. Other outdoor adventures lie to the west and south, where you can bike or hike through the woods to Karlstejn Castle, or head down to Šumava National Park in South Bohemia. In Moravia to the east, you can stroll through chateaux gardens and vineyards in towns such like Mikulov, Lednice, Valtice, and Znojmo.

Venture out from the capital cities to enjoy nature – specifically:

• The beautifully protected landscapes in the north: Bohemian Switzerland and Bohemian Paradise
• Moravia to the east
• The chateaux gardens and vineyards of South Moravian towns, such as Mikulov, Lednice, Valtice, and Znojmo
• Karlstejn Castle – hike or bike through the woods to get there
• Šumava National Park in South Bohemia

 

Welcome to the land of more than a thousand hot springs. While Budapest offers some of the finest examples of Turkish baths (including the Szénchenyi Complex, one of the largest in Europe), you should venture outside the city to the thermal lake of Hévíz. Dubbed the world’s “Most Beautiful Bathtub,” it overflows with healing water. Whether you just want to relax or are looking for a gentle cure, a spa with natural spring thermal water is the perfect vacation – just ask Peter the Great or Brad Pitt.

Back in Budapest, architecture buffs will want to check out some great examples of Hungarian art nsouveau. Among them: Academy of Music, the colorful Mai Manó House, Hotel Four Seasons Gresham Palace, and New York Palace. The latter building is especially famous since it has housed the New York Coffee House – a meeting place for poets and writers – since 1894.
 

Discover the land of more than 1,000 hot springs​:

• Visit the Szénchenyi Baths in Budapest – a complex of hot tubs and steam rooms; it’s one of the largest thermal spa baths in Europe
• Take a soak in the Gellert Baths, opened in 1918 and built in art nouveau style
• Venture to the thermal lake of Hévíz (the world’s “Most Beautiful Bathtub”) outside of Budapest
• Architecture buffs: Check out some great examples of Hungarian Art Nouveau buildings in Budapest – such as the Academy of Music, the colorful Mai Manó House, Hotel Four Seasons Gresham Palace, and New York Palace

 

With its stunning lakes, beautiful seaside, and dramatic forests, Poland is a top destination for travelers looking to enjoy the great outdoors while on vacation in Europe. The Mazury region, located near the Lithuanian border, has been dubbed the “Land of a Thousand Lakes” thanks to the presence of thousands of lakes all interconnected via canals and other small waterways. Popular with kayakers and boaters, many of the lakes have harbors dotted with pubs, small shops, and eateries. Poland’s Baltic Coast is lined with sandy beaches; one thing that makes this area unique is the presence of natural amber along the shore. Another must-see in Poland: UNESCO-listed Białowieża National Park, home to the largest population of European bison in the world.

 

Explore the Polish outdoors and countryside​:

• Visit the Mazury region (“Land of a Thousand Lakes”) located near the Lithuanian border
• Stroll the stunning sandy beaches along the Baltic coast
• Go swimming and windsurfing on the Amber Coast, so named for the presence of natural amber along the shore
• Explore UNESCO-listed Białowieża National Park, one of the last remaining primeval forests in all of Europe
• Consider a farm stay, taking part in the daily activities of farm life