Throughout the ages, Prague and Bratislava have shared a bond forged by the serpentine waters of the Vltava and the mighty Danube by their shared memory, and by the great empires that ebbed and flowed around them. Currently, these two destinations provide travellers with a rare opportunity for cross-border exploration Separated by a mere four hours on the train or by a brief aeroplane journey But each has its own unique spirit and character. Comprehensive details on top rated Slovakian escorts Prague</a> can be found on our website.

Visiting these two cities in combination brings to light the diverse cultural heritage of the Central European region. In these cities, the pointed towers of the Gothic period stand alongside the heavy concrete blocks of the communist regime. In these towns, beer halls are close to wine cellars. And where the past is never quite past. 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.

Begin your journey in Prague, a city that feels like a fairytale etched in stone. The square at the heart of the Old Town, whose celebrated clock has been ticking since 1410, establishes a suitably dramatic tone. Cross the medieval bridge at sunrise, when the saintly statues are slowly uncovered by the retreating mist and the castle is transformed to gold. 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.

The gastronomy of Prague is a feast for the senses. Traditional dishes like svickova (marinated beef with creamy sauce) and trdelnik (sweet pastry) are best enjoyed in a historic pub or a riverside restaurant. 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. When you are not eating, you should take time to look at the city's lively art scene   which ranges from the museum dedicated to Alfons Mucha through to the modern displays at the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art. Make sure the local beer is on your list; Prague's bars are for talking, for debating, and for absorbing the slow, steady rhythm of the city's life.

A short route southwards takes you to Bratislava, the pleasant capital of Slovakia, which is normally outshone by the city next door but which has a considerable quiet charm. Where Prague is impressive in its size, Bratislava is more modest and can be explored on foot. The Old Town is a tangle of small streets, buildings painted in gentle tones, and friendly little squares. Bratislava Castle, located at the top of the hill, looks out over the river and offers a view that extends, when the sky is clear, to the border with Austria and as far as 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.