Throughout the ages, Prague and Bratislava have shared a bond forged by the serpentine waters of the Vltava and the mighty Danube by their common historical narrative, and by the rise and fall of the great powers that ruled them. In the present day, the two cities give tourists a singular opportunity for a journey that crosses borders With nothing more than four hours by train or a short flight between them Yet each possesses a distinct soul. Complete guides on booking escorts for Prague tours can be found on the online guide.

Visiting these two cities in combination brings to light the diverse cultural heritage of the Central European region. Where the spires of the Gothic period are found together with the severe construction of the communist era. In these cities, beer houses and wine bars share the same neighbourhoods. Where the past remains present. Here is a guide for those who want to do more than visit two cities — they want to understand the ongoing connection between them.

Start your travels in Prague, where the city itself seems to be a fairy tale in stone. The medieval square, with its astronomical clock that has kept time since 1410, offers a magnificent beginning. Cross the Charles Bridge at sunrise, when the statues of saints emerge from the mist and the castle on the hill glows gold. For a truly cultural visit, see the Castle, which is the most extensive mediaeval castle anywhere, and then explore the winding backstreets of Mala Strana, where Baroque townhouses conceal secret gardens. The city's musical heritage is profound; catch a concert at the Rudolfinum or the National Theatre, where Dvorak and Smetana once premiered their masterpieces.

Food in the capital is a delight for both taste and sight. Old Czech dishes like svickova, a beef meal with a creamy sauce, and the sweet pastry trdelnik, are best sampled in a historic tavern or in a restaurant with river views. The modern dining experience is equally strong; La Degustation and other Michelin-starred restaurants are presenting Bohemian cuisine in an updated form. When you are not dining, the city's art life awaits — with the Mucha Museum at one end and the contemporary art at DOX at the other. It would be a mistake to miss the local beer; these public houses are for more than consuming alcohol, they are for conversation, for debate, and for the slow, easy tempo of life here.

Going a short distance southwards will bring you to Bratislava, the Slovak capital, a place that is often overlooked in favour of its more celebrated neighbour, but which has a considerable and attractive character of its own. Where Prague is impressive in its size, Bratislava is more modest and can be explored on foot. The oldest part of the city is a tangle of narrow alleys, buildings in muted colours, and small, friendly 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. The city is compact, so exploration is simple; you can move from St. Martin's Cathedral (Gothic, and the place of coronation for Hungarian kings) to the statue of Cumil, a bronze man who peeks out from a manhole.