Prague tours and excursions
Prague tours
Other tours
Dopravní podnik Prahy (tel: +420 296 191 817; www.dpp.cz/en) offers tours around the city centre on the Historic Tram 41 at weekends from April to November on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from noon to 5 pm. Travellers can board at any stop on the circular route. Prague History Trip (tel: +420 737 306 599; www.historytrip.cz) offers unique tours of Prague in beautifully restored vintage cars from the 1920-1930s; while the Fiacres, horse-drawn taxis found along the west side of the Old Town Square, offer tours of the centre of the Old Town.
Bicycle tours
For those who prefer to take in their attractions at something a little brisker than strolling pace, tours of Prague by bicycle are available and designed in packages to suit all ages and fitness levels. Group tours with knowledgeable guides are available daily, but if you prefer to strike out alone, bikes can be rented for any length of time, from two hours to a full day, and come with a safety helmet, lock and a free city bike map.
Tel: +420 7761 80284Website: http://www.citybike-prague.com
Ghost tours
As you'd expect, a fairy-tale-like city that was once dubbed the 'magical capital' of Old Europe has its fair share of mysterious and supernatural tales to tell. Discover a few as you're guided at twilight through the city's many narrow, winding lanes. For those seeking even more sinister thrills, there's even a chance to visit the ancient labyrinth of 12th-century tunnels and dungeons lying hidden below the town.
Tel: +420 222 315 258Website: http://www.mcgeesghosttours.com
Bus tours
Prague Sightseeing Tours depart from Námìstí Republiky and terminate in the city centre - free pick up from most 4-star hotels can also be arranged. The ‘Grand City Tour', which takes in all the major sights in Prague and includes a walking tour, takes three and a half hours. All tours are in English and other major European languages on request. Bus tours of Prague and other tourist locations are also available through Bohemia Travel Service.
Tel: +420 2223 14661; +420 2248 26262Website: http://www.citytours.cz
Boat tours
Prague Boats offer several boat tours on the Vltava River including frequent one-hour cruises that travel past the Prague Castle district. There are also two types of night cruise: one standard and one luxury, both have onboard dining and music entertainment. All boat tours depart from the dock at Čech Bridge.
Tel: +420 724 202 505Website: http://www.prague-boats.cz
Walking tours
Several companies, including Pavel's Walking tour (tel: +420 603 157 001; walks.cz), offer excellent walking tours of Prague, some with themes such as ghosts, Kafka and legends. Leaflets are available at all tourist information service locations. Most tours start on the corner of Old Town Square and Pařízská Street and last about two hours.
Prague excursions
Visit the baroque Troja (Trojský Zámek)
Troja was built by the Sternberg family in the late 17th century. Located in the north of the city, much of the rich baroque interior decoration celebrates the victories of the Habsburg dynasty. Exquisite formal gardens lead down to the river. Get here by bus 112 from metro Nádraží Holešovice, or via a pleasant half-hour walk along the banks of the Vltava. The château is now owned by the city of Prague and sometimes houses a collection of Czech art. Opening hours are Tuesday-Thursday 1000-1800, Friday 1300-1800, Saturday-Sunday 1000-1800.
Tel: +420 2838 51614Website: http://en.ghmp.cz/troja-chateau
Discover legends at Vyšehrad
This mighty fortress perched high above the Vlata is one of the most historically important sites in Prague. Recognised from afar by the gothic twin spires of the Church of St Peter and St Paul, this was the seat of the first kings of Bohemia in the 11th century. A place brimming with legend and rumours of hidden treasure, the gallery here also houses the original statues from the Charles Bridge.
Tel: +420 241 410348Website: http://www.praha-vysehrad.cz/?l=9
Take a trip to Kutná Hora, the City of Silver
Now a UNESCO World Heritage site located 84km (62 miles) east of Prague, Kutná Hora came to prominence in the late 13th century as a centre for silver mining, and with a boomtown economy it soon became second only to Prague in importance. Today the principal point of interest is the extraordinary gothic Cathedral of St Barbara, while the Hrádek in Barborská Czech Silver Museum offers tours into the mines.
Tel: +420 3275 12378Website: http://www.kutnahora.cz/?lang=2
Spend a day in Cesky Krumlov
This idyllic Bohemian town stakes a fair claim to being the most attractive in the Czech Republic. Curling around the Vltava, the compact Old Town is as a UNESCO heritage site and every bit as appealing as any part of Prague with plenty of cosy cafés and bars to relax in. Regular trains reach here from Prague's main station. There's also a bus service from the Czech capital.
Tel: +420 3807 04621Website: http://www.ckrumlov.info/docs/en/kaktualita.xml
