EUROQUEST SideTracks

Most locals in the Southeastern Czech Republic would agree that BRNO may be the administrative capital of Moravia, but the spirit and soul of the region may be found in Olomouc. University town and UNESCO world heritage site, this city of 100 000 has many a hidden gem and surprise in store for visitors. On previous occasions, I have had guests from abroad inquire immediately into the cost of living in Olomouc, as they had instantly fallen in love with the city and were looking into retirement there. And the lack of tourists makes the charms of Olomouc even more appealing, turning the town into a well-kept secret for those visitors brave enough to venture further afield in Czech lands than Prague or Cesky Krumlov. See the full gallery on Posterous Driving to Olomouc is easy, with the city located roughly half way on the Krakow to Prague route. It thus lends itself for a perfect stopover and may be discovered in as little as a few hours, with most sights conveniently locate

Approaching the small valley of the Nitra River, home to Slovakia´s 5th largest city Nitra, from the North, we cannot help but marvel at the splendid geographical location and scenic beauty of the region. Just like Rome, Nitra was built on seven hills, foothills of the Tatra mountains, and equally looks back at a long history since the earliest days of human settlement. Unlike Rome, however, Nitra is hardly on the travel agenda for most international visitors. In fact, most tourists to Slovakia may pay a quick visit to the capital Bratislava or in wintertime go skiing in the Tatra mountains, but few linger on to explore other regional charms and attractions of this, one of Europe´s youngest countries of 5 million, born in the aftermath of the VELVET DIVORCE in 1993 that split Czechoslovakia into the Czech and Slovak Republics respectively. See the full gallery on Posterous As we enter this city of 85000 and important cultural and administrative center for Western Slov