Over the long course of history, these two capitals have been intertwined by the flowing waters of the Vltava and the Danube by their shared memory, and by the great empires that ebbed and flowed around them. Nowadays, these two destinations present visitors with an exceptional trip across national boundaries Just a four-hour train trip or a short flight separates them But each of the two possesses its own individual essence. Comprehensive details on booking escorts for Prague tours can be found through our web portal.

 

When you take in both cities, the richness of Central European culture unfolds before you. In these cities, the Gothic spires and the brutalist structures of communism are neighbours. In these cities, beer houses and wine bars share the same neighbourhoods. And where yesterday is always present. This guide is intended for the visitor who seeks not merely to see two cities, but to understand the living bond that exists between them.

 

Set out from Prague, a place where the city itself resembles a stone-engraved fable. The Old Town's central square, where the clock has been counting the hours since 1410, provides a highly theatrical setting. Make your way over Charles Bridge in the early morning light, at the hour when the stone figures of the saints begin to appear through the fog and the castle above catches the first rays and turns golden. 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. Prague's musical tradition runs deep; you should attend a performance at the Rudolfinum or at the National Theatre, both venues where Dvorak and Smetana gave the first performances of their great works.

 

Dining in the Czech capital is an experience that pleases taste and smell and sight. You should try traditional plates such as svickova (marinated beef with a creamy sauce) and trdelnik (a sweet pastry) in a pub that has character or in a restaurant on the water. The city's current gastronomy is just as impressive, with restaurants like La Degustation (a Michelin-starred venue) that are reinterpreting the old flavours of Bohemia. Between courses and between restaurants, you should take in the city's rich art scene   from the museum of Alfons Mucha to the contemporary shows at DOX. Remember to try the local lager; the city's pubs are places for conversation, argument, and the slow, comfortable pace of Czech life, not just for drinking.

 

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. Bratislava, unlike Prague, is a city of modest size that is entirely walkable. The old town is a puzzle of narrow ways, buildings in gentle colours, and small, agreeable squares. From the castle on the hill above the city, you get an excellent view of the Danube, and on bright days you can even make out Austria and Hungary in the distance. Because the city is not large, it is easy to explore   you can go from the Gothic cathedral of St. Martin, which was the site of coronations of Hungarian monarchs, to the unusual statue of Cumil, which is a bronze figure of a man looking out from a cover in the pavement.