Over many hundreds of years, the capitals of Bohemia and Slovakia have been linked by the meandering flows of the Vltava and the Danube by a common heritage, and by the fortunes of the various states that governed them. Today, visitors can experience a distinctive itinerary that crosses the border between two nations With only a four-hour train connection or a short flight between them Yet each possesses a distinct soul. Complete guides on booking escorts for Prague tours can be found through our web portal.

Exploring the two cities as one journey exposes the layered cultural history of the heart of Europe. Where the tall pointed architecture of the Middle Ages exists side by side with the harsh concrete buildings of the Soviet period. In these places, the institutions of beer and the establishments of wine stand together. And where what has gone before is never completely gone. This guide is written for the visitor who desires not only to explore two cities, but also to experience the vital link that joins them.

Open your itinerary in Prague, a city that has the atmosphere of a stone fairy tale. The mediaeval Old Town Square, with its clock that has been in operation since the early fifteenth century, opens the experience in grand style. Make the crossing of Charles Bridge in the early morning, when the statues emerge from the fog and the castle on the hill takes on a golden colour. To get a sense of the culture, you should visit the Castle — the biggest ancient castle in the world — and then let yourself be taken by the winding lanes of Mala Strana, where Baroque houses hide calm gardens. Music has always been important here; you should attend a concert at the Rudolfinum or the National Theatre, where Dvorak and Smetana are known to have given the first performances of their well-known works.

Prague's culinary scene is a delight for the senses. Traditional foods, for example svickova (tender beef with a velvety sauce) and trdelnik (a sugar-coated pastry), are best tasted in a pub with history or a restaurant that looks over the river. The modern dining experience is equally strong; La Degustation and other Michelin-starred restaurants are presenting Bohemian cuisine in an updated form. During the intervals between meals, take the opportunity to experience the city's lively art offerings, from the Mucha Museum to the modern exhibitions at DOX. Do not neglect the local beer; the pubs in Prague are used not only for drinking but also for conversation, for debate, and for the slow beat of Czech existence.

Only a brief journey to the south will take you to Bratislava, a city that is the capital of Slovakia and which is charming, although it is often in the shadow of the bigger city nearby; however, it has its own quiet attraction. Unlike Prague's grandiose scale, Bratislava is intimate and walkable. The old centre of the city is a labyrinth of small lanes, buildings in soft colours, and small squares that feel welcoming. The hilltop Bratislava Castle offers panoramic views over the Danube and, on clear days, a glimpse of neighbouring Austria and Hungary. The city's small size makes it easy to discover; start at St. Martin's Cathedral, a Gothic building where Hungarian rulers were crowned, and finish at the peculiar statue of Cumil, which is a bronze man peeping from a manhole.