Exploring a town, city or region for the first time is always great fun, and there are various ways you can go about it, from the conventional to the wacky, weird and wonderful.

Playing it safe and taking the traditional city tour can be great for those of us looking for a dependable, reliable way to make sure we don’t miss out on any highlights.

But for those among us seeking a little spirit and adventure in our voyages of discovery, there are usually fairly inexpensive alternatives to the humdrum, injecting that frisson of excitement into our experience of a destination.

Take a look at these five delicious European mad modes of transport from east and west, to guarantee your sightseeing has an air of eccentricity about it! Click the numbered headings to read more about each quirky conveyance.

1.) Enjoy a city tour of Prague in a shocking pink Škoda Felicia convertible…

Although Prague is culturally and economically on a par with the rest of its European counterparts today, you can still hark back to cold war days with a tour of the city’s hotspots in this iconic communist convertible.

2.) Take the longest trolleybus ride in the world – from Yalta to Simferopol…

Most tourists opt for a plane or taxi, but you can cruise through the Crimean mountains in a genuine old Škoda trolleybus on this epic 86 kilometre journey at the pace of a snail.

3.) Ride the meanest, greenest solar train to see what’s what in Maastricht…

It’s quirky, clean and fun, and will get you round the sights of the Dutch city of Maastricht using nothing but the power of old Phoebus himself.

4.) Drive your own Trabant around Berlin’s east side…

Get behind the wheel of a real, live genuine Trabant and explore Berlin as part of a Trabi Safari. It’s not so bad once you’ve mastered the revolver gear shift…

5.) From the French frontier to the Dutch border, discover the scenic Belgian coastline on the Kusttram…

The De Lijn Belgian Coastal Tramway is a great way to cover the whole of Belgium’s diverse coastline – all 68 kilometres of it!

If you visited and fell in love with Prague, try sampling the delights of Bratislava, capital of the other half of what was once a single Soviet country…

The romance of Prague, the Czech Republic’s proud capital city, is legend. But not too many years ago, this former Soviet country was as intrinsically linked to its equally communist stable mate Slovakia as Rolls is to Royce. The resulting name of Czechoslovakia was the stuff of spy novels, conjuring up images of Cold War intrigue, espionage and shady goings on in black Volgas. It was also, of course, home to one of the most iconic Eastern Bloc cars of all time, the humble, rear-engined Skoda. The region became a sovereign state of Central Europe from 1918, when it declared its independence from the Austro-Hungarian empire. However, during the six years of the Second World War after its forced division and partial incorporation into Nazi Germany, the state did not exist in reality, save for a government-in-exile operating from London. Czechoslovakia’s final and peaceful dissolution came about on January 1st, 1993, when it separated into the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Less popular than its majestically lauded twin Prague, with its stunningly impressive skyline of domes and spires, Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, none-the-less has much to offer those wishing to explore the slightly lesser travelled roads of Europe.

Compelling and beautiful in its own right, this splendid city effortlessly combines old with new, communism with democracy and grandeur with everyday ease. English is freely spoken, making the plethora of cafés, restaurants and bars a joy to patronise, affording this delightfully quirky metropolis a charm which sets it apart from its European contemporaries.

There is also a vast choice of accommodation on offer, ranging from luxury hotels to more modest – and more affordable – smaller hotels and guest houses. Don’t just book on price however, as you really do tend to get what you pay for and may end up a little shocked at what is considered ok at the far end of low budget. If you wanted something a little different without paying a fortune, the Hotel Kyjev, a fabulously retro tower block of comecon kitsch complete with a Trabi police car in the ominously but marvellously dark foyer, was brilliant. It does, however, remain to be seen what it will be like following its closure for refurbishment at the end of October, 2011. One can only hope not all of its socially historic character will have been lost forever. There is even talk of it being demolished completely, which would be very sad, as we really need to preserve these treasures for future generations, even if they don’t hark back to what could be considered our finest hours.

Bratislava is well served by a cheap and reliable public transport network, in particular its frequent tram services running the length and breadth of the city and, as always, this is a great way to explore the sights and sounds. Not to be missed is the imposing Bratislava Castle, located on a hill that has been populated as early as in the Stone Age. It houses the exhibition of the Slovak National Museum as well as serving as a state function venue.

St Martin’s Cathedral is also well worth a visit. Consecrated in 1452, this three-nave Gothic dome was built in the place of an older Romanesque church. As Bratislava became the capital of the Hungarian Kingdom in the 16th century, the Cathedral was the coronation place for Hungarian Emperors, 11 Hungarian Kings and 8 Queens having been crowned here between 1563 and 1830. This impressive edifice sports a metre high copy of the Hungarian royal crown weighing some 300 kilograms on its tower, while inside you’ll find an 18th century statue of St Martin and the Beggar, by the famous Baroque sculptor Raphael Donner.

Medieval Bratislava was entered through one of four gates, the only surviving one being the 50 plus metre high Michael’s Gate, the watchtower of the original fortification. Originally built in the early 14th century, and rebuilt many times since, it now houses a collection of medieval arms and town fortifications from the Municipal Museum, as well as affording one a stunning view of the city.

The famous Academia Istropolitana was the very first university in the territory of present day Slovakia. Founded by King Mathias Corvinus in 1465, this historical monument now houses the Academy of Fine Arts, and will please those history buffs looking for something a little askant from the usual fare.

The impressively Rococo Grassalkovich Palace, built as the summer residence of Count Grassalkovich in the 1700s, was a centre of the Hungarian aristocracy social life and was also visited by the Empress Maria Theresa. Demoted to use as an activity center for Bratislava schoolchildren in the communist era the palace was reconstructed in the mid-1990s, and became the seat of the Slovak Republic’s president. Its garden is now a public park, and makes for an extremely pleasant afternoon stroll.

The Old Town Hall is also well worth a look. Complete with clock tower and romantic courtyard sporting Renaissance arcades, it is one of the most appealing historical buildings of the capital. The whole consists of myriad constructions build over various stylistic periods and its main purpose today is to house the City Museum, with its eclectic collection fascinatingly documenting Bratislava’s rich history.

Thespian aficionados will love the Slovak National Theatre, situated in the beautifully restored Hviezdoslavovo Square. This historical building is a jewel of Neo-Renaissance architecture, built by Viennese architects Fellner and Helmer in the mid 1880s, and replaced the original theatre. Take special note of the Ganymede’s fountain out front, and then marvel at the beautiful interiors.

The Jewish community has always played an important role in Bratislavan life and, although the historical Jewish quarter near the castle was destroyed, the most significant Jewish funerary shrine and place of religious worship still can be found in the Castle Hill. Chatam Sofer Memorial is a preserved part of the original Jewish Cemetery, with graves including that of the famous rabbi Chatam Sofer, arguably the most important figure in the history of Jews in Bratislava.

Curiously, one of the biggest attractions for visitors to the city in recent times is the presence of four life size bronze statues hidden in the streets of the Old Town. Cumil – The Peeper, can be found on the corner of Panska and Rybarska brana streets, a French Napoleonic Soldier sits quietly on a bench on the Hlavne namestie (Main Square), a Paparazzi lurks capriciously on the corner of Laurinska and Radnicna streets, and the renowned colourful local character Schöner Náci, still doffs his hat to passersby on Rybarska brana street, by Kaffee Mayer.

It is surely these iconic sculptures, in all their splendiferous glory, that sum up this multi-faceted cityscape’s celebrated diversity, truly setting it apart in an increasingly uniform Europe.

Tour the Czech capital in cheeky style – in a 1950s Škoda cabrio

The domes and spires providing the romantic backdrop to one of Europe’s most breathtakingly beautiful cities have inspired poetry, literature and music for centuries. The very air around Prague, the magical Czech capital, seems filled with monsters and ghosts; even the name conjures images of fantasy and intrigue, Bohemian hagiographies and bargains with Satan.

And each visit to this thriving, ancient metropolis, situated in the very central basin of old Bohemia, only seems to enhance its ethereal charms; intensify its mysterious aura.

One of the first of the central and eastern European countries to reinvent itself as it emerged from the iron grip of communism, Prague has embraced the vagaries of change stoically, celebrating the good and bad within its rich cultural heritage with a fatalistic flair.

One of the iconic legacies from the country’s post war austerity was the suffocation of its car industry. Emil Škoda’s luxury marque was reduced to churning out modest little jalopies, usually rear-engined, as an economical way of mobilising the people. A shining, modern day example of survival, albeit with a massive injection of Teutonic cash, Škoda always retained its own quirky designs even during its darkest days. Obsolete square boxes no longer fashionable with stylish Italians were not going to be resurrected under licence in this Soviet suburb. Offerings from the proud little factory in Mladá Boleslav would at least be original, if a little utilitarian.

But Škoda remained strong, with an army of western devotees who demanded cheap, reliable motoring bolstering sales throughout the Eastern Bloc, and with a business model strong enough to attract Volkswagen interest. Nobody really jokes about the sophisticated Škodas on today’s roads, but one can’t help feeling that, good as they are, the raft of Octavias, Fabias, Roomsters and Yetis are all rather sterile, along with their German stablemates.

Despite limited funds, classics still emerged. The little Felicia cabriolet manufactured in the late 1950s and early 60s was a prime example, and still sported a front-mounted engine. And bringing the quaint and quirky together in one fell swoop is Czech native Ondrej Rejzek. Introducing himself simply as Andrew, this budding young entrepreneur has teamed up with business partner John to offer tourists a Škoda-eye view of Prague. But here you’ll not find the elegant old thoroughbreds of the 1920s and 30s that make up the staple of vintage car sightseeing in the city, but a cheeky 1959 Felicia convertible in deliciously hot and thoroughly shocking pink.

You can’t help but smile as Andrew spirits the little beast up a blind alley here and a curious ginnel there, attracting looks of mirth and astonishment from onlookers as you take in the sights of old Praha, feeling the wind in your hair like a true Bohemian. The forty-five minute tour is over all too quickly, but the novelty of your conveyance remains with you, creating one of those special memories that slip easily into trip-culture, and are fondly recalled as a highlight for years to come. You’ll get round all the favourites, including Castle Hill, Wenceslas Square and the stunning Charles Bridge (although you can’t, of course, actually drive over it) but the star of this little show remains the Škoda. Think of it as ancient splendour meets retro pop art meets theme park ride, and you’ll get something of an idea as to why this is the only way to see the Czech capital.

To book your tour, contact Andrew on +420 723 377 758

Pied a terre in the heart of Bohemian Prague

Comfort, cleanliness and subtle style characterise Prague’s Cloister Inn. Offering an efficient, friendly and thoroughly customer-focused experience, it’s the perfect base for a trip to the ancient Bohemian capital.

Don’t be fooled by the hotel’s unassuming frontage. Once through the gleaming glass security doors, which are locked every evening – a simple point, but one which adds immeasurably to your peace of mind – you’ll discover a light, airy reception and lounge area. The Czech instinct for hospitality is evident in the warmth of the staff, whose excellent language skills put the average British monoglot to shame. Every member of the team was helpful and keen to make our stay as comfortable as possible.

Clean contemporary lines are the order of the day when it comes to the decor. Rooms are spacious and well equipped, with air conditioning and blackout curtains ensuring a good night’s sleep all year round. In the morning, breakfast is served in the fourth-floor dining room, where a wide choice of cereals, cooked dishes and breads will set you up for the day with aplomb.

Prague is best explored on foot, and the Cloister Inn’s superb location makes it the perfect base for a break in this beguiling city. The winding alleyways and historical intrigue of the Old Town are just a few minutes’ walk away, but the hotel’s location on quiet Konviktska keeps traffic and other noise pollution to the barest minimum.

After a hard day’s exploring it’s nice to be able to enjoy a nightcap close to base camp, and the Cloister Inn scores highly in this area too. Initial disappointment that the bar isn’t a separate area (it’s actually an extension of the lobby area adjacent to reception) is swiftly banished by the competitive prices, free wired and wireless internet access and relaxing atmosphere. There are a couple of side rooms too, if you’re looking for a little more privacy. And because it’s next to the round-the-clock reception desk, you don’t ever have to worry about closing time.

As a backdrop to a stay in Prague, the Cloister Inn ticks all the right boxes. You might only be dropping into the Czech capital for a couple of days, but this little gem combines the convenience of a city centre hotel with the tranquility of somewhere altogether more exclusive. It’s as modestly priced as its name suggests, too – allowing you to enjoy Prague’s many charms even if funds are tight.

Cloister Inn Hotel
14 Konviktska street
110 00 Prague 1
Czech Republic

Visit www.cloister-inn.com

Tel.: +420 224 211 020
Fax: +420 224 210 800

Email cloister@cloister-inn.com