Say farewell to 2012 in the Czech Republic

Who would not wish to celebrate the end of 2012 in style and welcome the New Year in a special and slightly unusual way? The organisers of the New Year programme in the Czech Republic have prepared a truly attractive selection of events. There will be something for families with children, for young people and for senior citizens. You will be able to celebrate in towns, in the mountains or in the charming ambiance of country hotels and guest houses. Below there is a list of tips which might just convince you to spend the end of the year in the Czech Republic.

Celebrate the end of 2012 on board a river boat in Prague City Centre

Special river cruises on the Vltava River are being offered to visitors on New Year´s Eve this year. The Prague Boats Company offers a selection of three different trips: the Jazz Boat – a river cruise which runs from 8pm until 1am with live jazz music and a buffet; the Party Boat – a river cruise which runs from 9pm until 2am with a DJ on board and offers a buffet and finally Sweet Prague Silvester – a river cruise which runs from 8:30pm until 1am with live piano music. All three boats will anchor near Charles Bridge shortly before midnight so that the passengers can view the spectacular Prague New Year fireworks display. www.prague-boats.cz

 A tropical New Year´s Eve in Hotel Leonardo in Prague

In case you would prefer to say goodbye to 2012 in an exotic destination but perhaps cannot make your dream work because of your busy schedule, you can celebrate the last moments of 2012 in Hotel Leonardo in Prague. You will experience the atmosphere of a hot tropical night, taste wonderful Caribbean-style dishes, see an exciting fire show and dance to live music. The hotel is located in Prague City Centre just a few metres away from the famous Charles Bridge. From such a convenient location you will be able to see the midnight fireworks display over Prague Castle from the most suitable spot at the Smetanovo nabrezi. www.hotelleonardo.cz

 Take to the mountains in the Liberec Area

The Babylon Hotel Liberec is only 40 minutes’ drive away from Prague on the R-10 motorway. It offers a wide range of possibilities for relaxation and enjoyment. Guests can try indoor rock climbing, a motor-racing circuit, a bull ride simulator, video games or a bouncy castle for children who stay free of charge until the age of six. The accommodation is comfortable and there are rooms which cater for special needs such as anti-allergic or for disabled people. The Forum Liberec shopping and entertainment centre is located only 800 metres away from the hotel and the nearest ski lift is only 12 kilometres away. The Jested Skiing Centre is a modern facility within easy reach of Liberec by public transport. It’s known as the “Czech Innsbruck”. It was fully modernised in 2009 and today there are two four-seater chair lifts, one two-seater chair lift, a cable car taking visitors to the top of the Jested Mountain and six skiing lifts. The Jested Skiing Centre is one of the most modern facilities in the Czech Republic. Skiing on these slopes at New Year is an unforgettable experience. www.skijested.cz

 Plenty of fun awaits in the countryside as well

If you prefer a more intimate atmosphere with good food and drink, you should visit the heart of the Slovacko Region. We are sure that you will enjoy what the Bukovansky Mill Resort has to offer. The dominant feature of the resort is an ancient windmill with a viewing tower which offers stunning views of the valley towards the town of Kyjov and towards the peaks of Bile Karpaty and the Chriby Mountains. A truly sumptuous menu awaits guests at the resort including Czech specialities and regional cuisine. Before the evening feast starts you can pop into nearby Kyjov for a special “GULASH PARTY” or a gastronomic march called POCHOD ZA PRASÁTKEM (THE PIGLET MARCH). www.bukovansky-mlyn.cz

The spa towns come to life with New Year celebrations

The winter atmosphere of the spa towns displaying Christmas decorations is particularly charming so if you did not manage to do anything for your health during the year, this is your last chance to make up for it. There is nothing more rejuvenating than a relaxing spa stay after a busy year. There is plenty to choose from because most of the Czech spa towns organise a special programme as a farewell to the old year. Apart from various health and wellness procedures there will be plenty of opportunities to socialise and enjoy a bit of culture or sport.http://www.czechtourism.com/discover-and-plan/stories/spa.aspx

CzechTourism is a state-funded agency of the Ministry for Regional Development. Its main activity is to promote the Czech Republic as an attractive tourist destination. More information is available at http://scandinavia.czechtourism.com