• Prague car hire
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Located almost exactly in the centre of Europe, this landlocked country is over 300kms from both the Adriatic and the Baltic seas. The Czech Republic borders Germany, Poland, Austria and Slovakia, which it separated from in 1993. The parting of the Czech Republic and Slovakia was peaceful and planned and the two countries have regained their own identities. The diverse geography means that the country has a varied landscape, with river plains at a level of only 117m above sea level while the mountains rise to a maximum height of around 500m. The climate provides the Czech Republic with fairly cool summers and cold, moist winters. The country has two main regions; Bohemia in the west with its gently undulating hills and fertile plains and Moravia in the east. The eastern mountains are more rugged. Strategically, the Czech republic is ideally placed for touring Europe as it is located near some of the oldest and most significant land routes in both eastern and western Europe. Culturally, the links with Western Europe are more evident and Prague (the capital city) has plenty of fine examples of western art and culture. Facilities for tourists in the vibrant yet charming city of Prague are on a par with those found in Western Europe, outside of the major towns and cities though, the quality and availability is somewhat poorer and you should be aware of this if you are travelling long distances. All around the Czech Republic there are plenty of sights to savour. Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture adorn buildings in almost all the major cities and there is plenty to see when you are out and about in the countryside. There are also sporting facilities in some areas which enable you to get closer to nature either on a bicycle, walking in the rolling hills or horse riding along the plateau in Bohemia.

When driving in the Czech Republic, you must carry an International Driving Permit and be at least 18 years of age. It is a legal requirement that you carry a warning triangle and a first-aid kit. Children under 12 are not permitted to sit in the front seat, and seat-belts must be worn at all times by all occupants of the vehicle. Speed limits are as follows: expressways 130km/h; main roads 90km/h; built-up areas 50km/h. Police can collect up to 2,000Kc in on-the-spot fines for motoring offences, while fines imposed later can amount to 15,000Kc. Laws and regulations are enforced with some vigour in the Czech Republic. You are not permitted on the expressways without a special sticker, which costs 800Kc and is valid for a year. Petrol stations are usually situated on the edge of towns. Beware when visiting Prague. Unless you are staying in one of the Prague hotels, your vehicle is prohibited from entering the city centre, and horns are banned between 9pm and 5am. Also, please note that trams must not be passed on the left in the city. Finding a petrol station in Prague is difficult, so make sure you fill up prior to entering the city. Parking is allowed only on the right side of the road, except in one-way streets. You should not park within 5 metres of an intersection, pedestrian crossing or public transport stop, or within 15 metres of a train crossing.