Tour P1 - Prague city tour (Half-day)

Prague (or Praha in Czech) is said to be a pearl among cities. One is stunned by the beauty of its contrasting yet harmonic architecture. Gothic cathedrals rub shoulder with renaissance mansions, synagogues, baroque churches, cubist buildings and art nouveau palaces. The whole city center is included in UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List. You will visit the most popular Prague landmarks and get a glimpse of this romantic medieval city during the brief half-day Prague city tour.

The half-day Prague city tour consists of visit to the Prague castle (we recommend entrance to the St.Vitus cathedral, Old Royal Palace and St.George basilica), Charles bridge and The Old Town Square.

About the tour types, vehicles and payment conditions

Prague city tour (Half-day)	Limousine (?)		Mini-van (?)
	CZK	EUR	CZK	EUR
Change the guiding language (if available): EnglishJapaneseCzechRussianSpanish
English-speaking driver only (?)	3260	128	3650	144	Order
English-speaking driver-escort (?)	3760	148	4155	163	Order
Driver and English-speaking guide (?)	5280	208	5670	223	Order
Note: * St.Vitus Cathedral is closed on Sunday morning

The rates are per vehicle, not per person.

Tour list | More about Prague

Why should you come to Prague (Praha)?

Prague (or Praha in Czech), the capital of Czech Republic, also called The Pearl Among Cities, Mother of Towns or City of One Hundred Spires is an excellent choice for your trip to Central Europe. As this most famous Czech attraction was mostly spared of bombings during the World War II, the whole historical city center is well preserved and inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage list. While Prague offers a unique historic experience during the romantic walks through the Old Town, it also offers the comfort of a modern European city with good infrastructure and services of hotels of all classes and restaurants of both local and international cousine. Prague is also a famous cultural center and you can spend hours in its galleries and museums, at concerts and other cultural events.

If you plan a trip longer than a couple of days, Prague can serve as an excellent base, due to its location. Prague is located almost in the center of Czech Republic and you can make trips to other Czech attractions (there are 12 properties inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage list in the Czech Republic). You can reach most of them within a couple of hours by car from Prague. As the Czech Republic is located in the heart of Europe, you can easily travel to the nearby countries (Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, ...)

For a great selection of places to stay with discount prices visit Prague Hotels for more information.

Information about Prague

One cannot help but be stunned by the beauty of the contrasting yet harmonic architecture of Prague. Gothic cathedrals rub shoulder with Renaissance mansions, synagogues, Baroque churches, Cubist buildings and Art Nouveau palaces. Prague is the capital of Czech Republic, and it is one of the most valuable historical city reserves. In 1992 the historical core of the city covering 866 hectares was inscribed in the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Register.

Prague represents a unique collection of historical monuments dominated by the Prague Castle towering high above the city. It is a specimen of all artistic styles and movements. The historical core of the city is situated on both banks of the Vltava river and consists of 6 parts - formerly independent urban units unified in the 18th century. They are as follows: Stare Mesto (Old Town), Josefov (the preserved part of the former Jewish Town - today a part of the Old Town), Nove Mesto (New Town), Mala Strana (Lesser Town), Hradcany and Vysehrad.

Prague is one of the nine cities awarded by the title of European City of Culture for the year 2000 by the European Community.

Miscellaneous photos of Prague

Related links

Prague city homepage
Prague Information Service (PIS)

Prague castle:

The castle was established in the 9th century, and a Romanesque palace was erected in the 12th century. It was rebuilt in the Gothic style under the reign of Charles IV in the 14th century. The final reconstruction of the Royal palace took place at the end of the 15th century, and at that time the builder Benedikt Rejt added the now-famous Vladislav Hall, also in the Gothic style. The castle was enlarged in the 16th century, after a big fire in 1541. The Spanish Hall, was added in the reign of Rudolf II, and it took its final form in the time of Empress Maria Theresa, under the direction of the architect M. Pacassi. After World War I the interior and gardens of the castle were renovated by the architect J. Plecnik. Now, the castle serves as the seat for te president of the Czech Republic.

The most visited parts of Prague castle are The Old Royal Palace (the old residence of Czech kings, built in the 16th century), St.Vitus cathedral (the spiritual symbol of the Czech state. Its construction started in 1344 and was finished in 1929), the Golden Lane (small houses incorporated in the Gothic fortifications in the beginning of 20th century), Basilica of St.George (hosting the 19th century art exhibition of The Czech National Gallery) and the castle gardens. We can adjust the length of our Prague city tour so that you can see and visit all Prague castle attractions you are interested in.

Prague castle photos

Related links

Prague castle homepage

The Charles bridge

Built in 1357 on the site of the Judita Most (Judith Bridge), an earlier construction that was washed away in one of the city's frequent floods, the Charles Bridge (or Karluv most in Czech) is the most familiar and enduring symbol of Prague and was the only bridge across the Vltava river until the nineteenth century. Inspired by the Pont Neuf in Paris, Emperor Charles IV commissioned a bridge designed to withstand the elements, consulting astrologers as to when to begin construction and mixing eggs with the mortar for added strength. The Charles bridge is must point for every Prague city tour.

Charles bridge photos

Dancing house

Situated on the banks of the Vltava River and a short walk from the metro, the Dancing House (Tancici dum in Czech), built by Frank Gehry and Vlado Milunic for the Netherlands Insurance Company, was opened in 1995. Please note, the building is not accessible for public. If you are interested in inovative moder architecture, we recommend to at least pass by the Dancing House during the Prague city tour.

Dancing house photos

Lorreto

This former place of pilgrimage with the copy of Santa Casa was built in 1626-31, and the Baroque Church of the Nativity of Our Lord was added in 1734-35. The facade of the front wing was rebuilt by K. I. Dienzenhofer in 1720-22. The tower contains 27 loretto bells which play a Marian song We Greet You a Thousand Times (every hour from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.).The most valuable item of the liturgical treasury is the so-called Prague Sun, a monstrance weighing over 12 kg and embellished with 6 222 diamonds.

Photos of the Lorreto

The Municipal House and the Powder Tower

The Municipal house (called Obecni dum in Czech) and the Powder tower (Prasna brana in Czech) is a unique harmony of architectural and painting styles of the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Neo-Baroque, Neo-Renaissance, and both Western and Oriental influences fuse together with Czech Art Nouveau. The impression Municipal House gives is enhanced by a wide range of decorative styles and materials, as well as by the high quality of craftmanship. The monumental appearance of the building is crowned by the outstanding decor created by most of the prominent Czech artists of the day, namely the painters Mikolas Ales, Vaclav Jansa, Alfons Mucha, Max Svabinsky, and the sculptors Josef Vaclav Myslbek, Karel Novak and Frantisek Uprka. The opening concert of the famous Prague Spring music festival takes place in Smetana hall inside Municipal House.

Municipal house photos

Related links

The Municiapl House homepage
The Prague spring music festival

The Prague Jewish Quarter

The Prague Jewish Quarter dates back to the thirteenth century, but due to intensive development between 1893 and 1913 only a few significant buildings remain. Despite the destruction of what had been the Jewish ghetto to provide space for some of the Prague's notable art-nouveau buildings, it is still an outstandingly beautiful area with the best collection of Jewish historical monuments in Europe, including the Jewish Town Hall, Old Jewish Cemetery and a number of superbly preserved or restored synagogues.

Photos of the Old Jewish Quarter

Related links

Prague Jewish museum homepage

The Prague Old Town square

The heart of medieval Prague, the Old Town Square has its origins in the 12th century and has witnessed many of the city's momentous events. It is surrounded by examples of beautiful architecture from various ages with many buildings having been added to over the years; a baroque or Renaissance facade may hide a Gothic or Romanesque cellar below. Free of traffic, it is a natural meeting place and attracts stallholders and entertainers who provide a carnival atmosphere every day. It also an excellent place to take a short break during our Prague city tour to buy souveniers.

Prague Old Town square photos

The Petrin hill

A stone-throw-away from the Prague Castle, the Petrin hill is perfect for a summer walk away from the tourist bustle. Part of the land is set aside for apple and pear orchard from which the fruit can be freely picked of the trees. The observation tower and a manicured garden dominate the summit. Don’t forget the hall of mirrors for a new and varied perspective of yourself - also on the summit.

The Strahov monastery

The Royal Canonry of Premonstratensians at Strahov, also known as the Strahov monastery (Stahovsky klaster in Czech) is one of the oldest monasteries of the Premonstratensian Order in the world. It has been a working monastery practically ever since it was founded in 1143. Fire, the Hussite Wars, religious wars, and the Communists all failed to shut down this institution. Besides its spiritual services and abbey life, Strahov Abbey also plays a role in the cultural life of society. The famous Strahov original historic Library and the newly reopened Strahov Picture Gallery attract more and more visitors every year.

Photos of the Strahov monastery

Related links

Strahov monastery homepage

The infant Jesus of Prague

The cult of the Childhood Jesus's linked to the Baroque period. During this period the Child Jesus plays the main part. In the year 1631 the Saxons invaded Prague and the plundering did not bypass the monastery. The sculpture of the Child Jesus was thrown out with the waste and damaged. Later, Prague citizens gathered some money for repairing the broken arms. The Infant Jesus thus became again the object of worship and a number of miracles were linked to the statue. The wax figure is 47 cm High. It is protected from damage by a silver casing, that reaches to the waist. The Infant Jesus was always dressed. There have been more than 70 dresses donated. The oldest well-preserved ones are from 1700. One is donated by the Empress Mary Theresa. Dresses come as gifts from all the world.

Related links

The infant Jesus of Prague homepage

The Troja castle

A vast complex of buildings and gardens built by J. B. Mathey 1679 - 1685. The core of the complex is the main three-wing building with a great hall. The murals in the hall are the work of A. Godin and his son Isaac. The grand garden staircase is decorated by sculptures depicting gods and goddesses fighting the Titans, work of Dresden sculptors J. J. and P. Herrmann.

Photos of the Troja castle

The Wenceslas square

Originally a horse market laid out by Emperor Charles IV in 1348, Wenceslas Square (Vaclavske namesti in Czech) was renamed in 1848 to honour one of Prague's two patron saints and martyrs. Measuring 750 metres (820 yards) in length by 60 metres (65 yards) wide, it is more of a boulevard than a square and is lined with hotels, restaurants and exclusive shops; a microcosm of the best and worst of twentieth-century architecture and the city's free-market post-communist legacy. The Wenceslas Square witnessed many important movements and events in the modern Czech history, like the demonstrations during the Velvet Reovolution in 1989 when the Communist regime had been overthrown.

Photos of the Wenceslas square

Museums and galleries in Prague

Prague Jewish museum
Bertramka: The Mozart museum
The Czech National museum
Antonin Dvorak museum
Bedrich Smetana museum
Museum of Alfons Mucha
The Czech National Gallery

Opera and concert halls in Prague

The Czech National theatre
The State Opera
The Czech Philharmony
The Municipal House
The Estate theatre

Tour types:

• Driver only: you walk around the sight-seeing spots by yourself
• Driver-escort: driver escorts you from parking to sight-seeing spots and gives basic explanation in English, helps you with tickets etc.
• Driver and guide: a licensed guide gives you detailed explanation
  
  

Vehicle types:

• Mercedes-Benz E-class: a limousine for up to 2 passengers and guide
• Mercedes-Benz V-class: a mini-van for up to 6 passengers and guide
  
  

Payment conditions:

• The rates are quoted PER VEHICLE (not per person) and include VAT, fuel expenses, parking fees, guiding fee in English or German language (if applicable) and driver/guide meal expenses. The rates DO NOT include admission fees.
• The prices are quoted and will be charged in Czech Crowns. The price in Euro is for your information only.
• Full prepayment is requested 1 working day before the service date.
• Payment is possible by a money wire transfer onto our account or by credit card. Accepted credit cards: Amex, Visa, Visa Electron, Master Card, and Maestro.
  
  

Tour conditions and ordering

• Confirmation of your booking will be sent within 24 working hours.
• All tours and trips are available in English, German, Italian, Japanese, French or Spanish language upon the client's request
• All the guides are licensed for Prague and the Czech Republic.
• All the tours are done by the top quality Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
• You will be picked up at your hotel in Prague and dropped off in Prague at place of your choice.
• The tours are private tours, done exclusively for you – there will be no strangers in the car with you.