For generation after generation, Prague and Bratislava have been united by the winding courses of the Vltava and the Danube by their shared story, and by the changing fortunes of the empires that held sway. At present, they offer a special journey that connects two countries With nothing more than four hours by train or a short flight between them However, each of the two capitals has its own distinct personality. Extensive resources on how to book touring companions can be found via our digital platform.

When you visit both capitals, the rich cultural mixture of Central Europe becomes apparent. Where the tall pointed architecture of the Middle Ages exists side by side with the harsh concrete buildings of the Soviet period. In these cities, beer houses and wine bars share the same neighbourhoods. And where yesterday is always present. This is a guide for the traveller who wishes to do more than just visit two cities — they want to feel the ongoing relationship between the two.

Set out from Prague, a place where the city itself resembles a stone-engraved fable. The ancient main square, home to the astronomical clock that has been measuring the hours since the year 1410, provides a spectacular opening. Venture over the Charles Bridge in the early hours, when the statues gradually appear from the mist and the castle on the hill is lit with gold. To reach the culture of the city, go to the Castle (the largest mediaeval castle) and then allow the narrow, twisting lanes of Mala Strana to absorb you, where Baroque residences hide away peaceful green spaces. Prague's tradition of music is well established; a performance at the Rudolfinum or at the National Theatre is recommended, as these are the locations where Dvorak and Smetana gave their first performances.

The cuisine of Prague is a celebration of sensory pleasures. The local specialities — svickova (beef with a creamy sauce) and trdelnik (sweet pastry) — are best enjoyed in a historic pub or a riverside eatery. But the modern cooking scene is just as striking, with places such as La Degustation, which has a Michelin star, giving Bohemian flavours a new interpretation. Between meals, explore the city's vibrant art scene — from the Alfons Mucha Museum to the contemporary exhibits at DOX Centre for Contemporary Art. 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.

A short journey to the south leads to Bratislava, the charming capital of Slovakia, often overlooked because of the fame of its neighbour, but which offers a great deal of understated appeal. Bratislava, unlike Prague, is a city of modest size that is entirely walkable. The old part of town is a web of narrow routes, structures in pale colours, and small, appealing squares. The castle which is situated on the hilltop at Bratislava offers extensive views of the Danube, and on days when the air is clear you can see into Austria and Hungary. The city's compact size allows for easy exploration — from the Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral, where Hungarian kings were once crowned, to the quirky statue of Cumil ("The Watcher"), a bronze man peeking out from a manhole.