Day 7: “For children and adults alike”

A - today we're off to the nearby city of Liberec (the more hardy can attempt this on foot - approximately 10 km). Take bus no. 1 to the final stop in Bedřichov and follow the green hiking trail via Česká chalupa and Žulový vrch until you arrive at the children's play park known as "Dětský koutek" ( www.lidovesadyliberec.cz, tel.: +420 608 165 326). Here your children can enjoy themselves on swings and roundabouts or refresh themselves in the paddling pool. The neighbouring ZOO, the oldest of all zoos in the Czech Republic ( www.zooliberec.cz, tel.: +420 482 710 616, open all year round), is home to animals from all over the world, including some rare white tigers. Children can take a ride on the little train here and there is a bistro where you can take a seat and recharge your batteries. The neighbouring botanic gardens ( www.botanickazhrada.cz, tel.: +420 485 710 822) are also worth a visit, home as they are to 9 tropical pavilions and glasshouses with a colourful collection of plants. You might like to end the trip with a delicious meal at one of the several restaurants here (e.g. Rybářská bašta - fish specialties).

You can then return to Jablonec by tram, bus, or train.

B - you can follow the same programme if you are travelling by car. You might also like to pay a visit to the Museum of North Bohemia (Severočeské muzeum - www.muzeumlb.cz, tel.: +420 485 246 111) on your journey to the botanic gardens and zoo.