Private Prague Castle Tour with a Czech Guide, meeting up at hotel

Meet your guide at your Prague hotel 15 minutes before the beginning of the tour, which starts at 9am or 1pm depending which option you pick. Take public transport (own expense) to Prague Castle and pay the entrance fee (250 CZK per person). The castle dates from the 9th century and, according to the Guinness Book of Records, is the largest ancient castle in the world. See the changing of the guard at the main gate, then pass through the security check point to enter to castle. Please note that the line for the check point can be up to one hour in high season. As you wait, your guide will tell you about the history of the castle, and explain the Czech Republic's current political situation.

Stroll across the first two castle courtyards to St. Vitus Cathedral, an excellent example of Gothic architecture and the biggest and most important church in the country. After some time explore make your way across the third courtyard to the Golden Gate, the former main gate to the cathedral. Opposite this is the New Castle, the official residence of the President of the Czech Republic. Enter the Old Royal Palace nearby and see Vladislav Hall, which was used for large public events of the Bohemian monarchy and is still used today by the modern Czech state. This is where the Thirty Years' War began in 1618, bringing hunger, despair, and ongoing battles to Europe.

Relax with a traditional Czech coffee at one of the charming cafés at Prague Castle (own expense). Then continue to the St. George Basilica and the Golden Lane, a small street in a hidden corner of the castle fortifications, where you can tiny, brightly colored houses. One of them was once home to the writer Franz Kafka.

Last but not least, visit castle's Daliborka Tower, which was used as a prison. See the upper cells and the dungeon, which was reserved for harsher criminals – as evidenced by the various instruments of torture. Here the tour ends. If you wish, stay a little longer and explore the castle's museum of armor, weapons, and swords, or ask your guide for directions to the Metro Station or city center.