BillJ

We will arrive in Prague on a Sunday and I would like to arrange a 2-3 hour driving/coach (not walking) tour of the city for Monday morning. I have found a couple of web sites, Cedok, to be exact, that seem to provide the type of tour I want. However, my hotel (U Pava) says by email they will assist with such arrangements upon arrival.<BR>OK, so now what? Cedok seems legit, and it is where I intend to purchase train tickets to Vienna. Should I book the tour now, or "trust" my hotellier?

Julie

Your hotel is a very reputable one. I'd take their word for it and get them to make the arrangements when you get there--presuming they know already when you want this tour. They may do business with another tour company that will give them and you a better deal. <BR><BR>We were in Prague earlier this year. It seems extremely geared to tourists and offer tours and concerts everywhere with apparently little need for advance reservations.

Annie

Bill, did you book the U Pava directly or did you book it through Cook Travel?

BillJ

Made initial inquirey as to availability and rates direct via Email. When we agreed on dates, then fax'd the credit card number.<BR><BR>I have emailed them several times since, asking about this or that. Responses are always quick. There is little reported about this hotel, but it all seems positive. We shall see.

Sherry

Hi Bill. The only thing that I would suggest is that I would confirm that the hotel realizes you want to take the tour the day after your arrival.<BR>If they know this and still say they can do it, I would let them. I only say this as it is short notice maybe for them to book the tour, but maybe not.

Annie

Bill, would you please give me U Pava's e-mail address. I would also like to check them for availability. Thanks.

Christina

Cedok is very legitimate and of good quality. It is the state-owned travel agency (or used to be in Communist days, I believe, it's been around forever), but that doesn't mean it's product is inferior to private enterprise, in my experience. There are many tour companies in Prague. Premiant is a good one; I've used Martin Tours and Prague Sightseeing (the 1st 2 at least have web sites); I espec. liked the latter--although I used them for day trips outside Prague.<BR><BR>There are a lot of tours, and perhaps there would be no problem, but if you know you want one that time and day, why not book it now and be sure you get the one you want? It sounds like your hotel may just be letting you know they are full service and can help you, unless they said something different than you quoted. If they recommended you not do it yourself and they do it, I would wonder if they are getting a commission or will try to steer you elsewhere. I would ignore their comment and book it myself, I see no reason why not. I reviewed Cedok's web site and it turns out they use Prague Sightseeing Tours, the company I especially liked. They are very good and have good buses.

Christina

(continued)<BR>I bought rail tickets myself in the station, but it was a long wait in line and I know a little Czech so could ask for things in Czech and figure some things out they were wrong (like the clerk gave me a smoking car when I didn't ask for it and he was not very helpful, refused to give me the time I had to transfer trains in one city), so I think it would be easier to get them through Cedok if you can. Cedok has an office right near Ticketpro, which is a good ticket agency if you want any entertainment tickets (www.ticketpro.cz

jason

Be aware of the format of your tour. Some companies do not pick up from the hotel. Some give you head phones and you get a tape recorded tour in your own language. Others fit 20 people into the coach (of which, some are not air conditioned and others are open sided). Ask these questions before you book.<BR><BR>You are welcome to make use of the guide to be found on the following link;<BR><BR>http://www.jasoncholt.com/prague/index.html<BR><BR>It is the result of 7 years living and working here.<BR><BR>Jason