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 shared history, and by the ebb and flow of empires. Today, they offer travellers a unique cross-border journey Only a four-hour rail trip or a quick hop on a plane divides them Yet each has its own unique character and identity. Detailed information on an be found through our web portal.

When you visit both capitals, the rich cultural mixture of Central Europe becomes apparent. Where Gothic spires meet communist-era brutalism. Where the beer pubs and the wine bars are neighbours. Where the old is never fully old. This guide is for the visitor who wants to experience the two cities as part of a single living relationship.

Begin your journey in Prague, a city that is like a fairy tale that has been set in stone. The medieval square, with its astronomical clock that has kept time since 1410, offers a magnificent beginning. Take the Charles Bridge at dawn, when the saintly sculptures start to take shape in the mist and the castle is suffused with a golden light. For cultural exploration, the Castle, which is the largest ancient castle anywhere, is the first stop, and then you should explore the twisting streets of the Lesser Quarter, where Baroque palaces keep quiet gardens out of sight. The musical history of the city is important; you can go to a concert at the Rudolfinum or the National Theatre, the places where Dvorak and Smetana originally played their famous pieces.

The gastronomy of Prague is a feast for the senses. 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. Also, remember to taste the local beer — the pubs in this city are for more than just drinking; they are for talking, for discussion, and for the slow pulse of life in the Czech Republic.

Going south for a short time will take you to Bratislava, the pleasant capital of the Slovak Republic, which is frequently outdone by its more popular neighbour, but which possesses a quiet appeal of its own. Bratislava is not of the size of Prague; rather it is small and can be walked without difficulty. The Old Town consists of a series of narrow passages, buildings in delicate colours, and pleasant, small squares. The castle on the hill in Bratislava provides a view that includes the river and, on days without cloud, you can see Austria and Hungary. The city's modest size means that it is easy to make your way around, from the Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral (the coronation site of Hungarian kings) to the unusual statue of Cumil, which is a bronze representation of a man appearing from a drain.