As an alternative to Prague, I love visiting Brno in the east of the Czech Republic – as well as being a lovely city it’s a great access point to other adventures, too. With Brno as a base you can easily spend a day exploring the Moravian Karst, a really green area north of Brno that includes something like 400 caves.

I have to confess I’ve only been to two of these caves, but one in particular is a spectacular one and worth recommending. The Punkva cave – close to the town of Blansko – has to be entered on a tour and in summer you might have to book tickets in advance (check this website for some useful official information). But make the effort, because inside is gorgeous, and as well as having a walk through the usual stalagmites and stalactites there is also a boat through an underground river. When you get outside again to the Machocha Abyss there’s an incredible contrast with the turqouise blue of the water and the deep green of all the trees going back up the hill, and it’s really quite magical.

The other cave in the same area, the Katerinska Cave, is also worth seeing while you’re there. It’s not so popular with tourists (and therefore just as interesting to me) and has large chambers – apparently they sometimes hold music concerts down there.

A lot of the caves in the Moravian Karst are closed during winter so check opening arrangements before you head out there. There is public transport although having a rental car would make it much more convenient.