Boat Tours

You can take a 30- to 60-minute boat trip along the Vltava year-round from several boat companies that are based on the quays near the Malá Strana side of the Charles Bridge. It's not really necessary to buy tickets in advance, though you can; boats leave as they fill up. One of the cruise companies stands out, and it's on the Old Town side of the bridge. Prague-Venice Cruises operates restored, classic canal boats from late 19th century; the company operates one larger boat that holds 35 passengers and 8 smaller boats that hold 12 passengers.

Take one of the smaller boats—particularly one of the uncovered ones—if you can, for a more intimate narrated cruise of about 45 minutes along the Vltava and nearby canals.

Refreshments are included in all cruises. You actually set sail from beneath the last remaining span of Judith's Bridge (the Roman-built precursor to the Charles Bridge). Look for the touts in sailor suits right before the bridge; they will direct you to the ticket office. Cruises are offered daily from 10:30 to 6 from November through February, until 8 from March through June and September through October, and until 11 in July and August. Cruises cost 270 Kc.

Information

Prague-Venice Cruises (776-776-779. www.prague-venice.cz).

Bus Tours

Cedok offers a 3½-hour "Prague Castle Tour," a combination bus and walking venture that covers the castle and major sights around town in English. The price is about 750 Kc. Stop by the main office for information on other tours and for information on tour departure points. You can also arrange a personalized walking tour. Times and itineraries are negotiable; prices start at around 500 Kc per hour.

Very similar tours by other operators also daily from námestí Republicy Národní trída near Jungmannovo námestí, and Wenceslas Square. Prices are generally a couple hundred crowns less than for Cedok's tours.

Information

Cedok (224-197-242. www.cedok.cz). Martin Tour (224-212-473. www.martintour.cz). Precious Legacy Tours (222-320-398. www.legacytours.cz). Premiant City Tour (296-246-070. www.premiant.cz). Travel Plus (224-227-989. www.travel.cz). Wittmann Tours (222-252-472. www.wittmann-tours.com).

Private Guides

Tours of Prague come under the supervision of Prague Information Service, which is reliable and always informative. The company organizes walking tours in Prague's city center and in the outskirts, including excursions from Prague. Arrangements can be made with them for many tailor-made tours. Nonregistered guides can also be found, but unless they come with a personal recommendation from someone you trust, their services cannot be guaranteed.

One private guide comes to us highly recommended. His name is Jaroslav "Jay" Pesta, and he's an informative and reliable guide who speaks good English. Jay offers a wide range of touring options, or he can design a personalized tour around your interests. He'll lead you around Prague on a full-day private walking tour for around 1,200 Kc per person (less if you want a half-day tour), and the experience is much more enjoyable than a bus tour with a large group. The best and easiest way to contact him is through his Web site.

Information

Jay Pesta (608-866-454. www.prague-walks.com). Prague Information Service (236-002-569. www.pis.cz).

Walking Tours

Theme walking tours are very popular in Prague. You can choose from tours on medieval architecture, "Velvet Revolution walks," visits to Communist monuments, and any number of pub crawls. Each year, four or five small operators do these tours, which generally last a couple of hours and cost 200 Kc to 300 Kc. Inquire at Prague Information Service or a major ticket agency for the current season's offerings. Most walks start at the clock tower on Old Town Square.

A special guide service is available in the Czech Republic, designed to examine and explain the country's Jewish history. The company, Wittmann Tours, offers several different tours within Prague and also outside, including the Terezín concentration camp.

Information

Wittmann Tours (222-252-472. www.wittmann-tours.com).