(photo: Photos8.com)

Prague Castle at twilight, seen from the ancient stone arches of Charles Bridge. A stroll through the winding medieval lanes of the Old Town. A quiet afternoon on Kampa Island or feeding the ducks and swans on the banks of the Vltava River. Even the cold winter air feels romantic at times like this.

Which are our hotel recommendations? Here are our tips with the price for two persons and two nights:

And Prague offers plenty of other romantic options. For instance, a dinner with a view at the Nebozízek Restaurant, halfway up Petrin hill and accessible by funicular railway. Or the Století restaurant in the old town, a cozy little restaurant with a stone vaulted dining room. Another romantic option is a spa package at one of Prague's finer hotels.

The couple's treatment at the Le Palais Hotel is one of the more luxurious options - 3.5 hours of pampering for the two of you together. The Mandarin Hotel in the Lesser Town also offers a wide range of spa treatments, including facials, massages and more.

Or spend your Valentine's Day at one of the Czech Republic's many spa towns. Many spas offer packages for couples; for instance the Romantic Package (2 nights) in Mariánské Lázně, or the Aurora Spa in Třeboň and its Romance stay (6 nights). And the spa in Spa Poděbrady not far from Prague also offers a 2-night package for couples.

Another exquisitely destination outside of Prague is the town of Český Krumlov. Towering above the beautiful old town is a magnificent Renaissance castle, the upper Vltava meanders its way through town, and there are many galleries, charming restaurants and little shops worth visiting.