Discover the hot springs of this elegant twin city. Buda is the setting for the white domes of Fishermen’s Bastion, its terraces affording a spectacular view across to the Parliament Building in Pest. Reach it via the funicular that leads to the city’s castle. Descend to sink into the warm waters of one of Budapest’s many spas: the largest is Széchenyi Baths in City Park but there are well over a hundred more to choose from.

Be enchanted by the beautiful landscape of Slovakia. The country’s capital, Bratislava, has a charming cobbled Old Town packed full of historic buildings, interesting shops and pavement cafes. Outside the city, you’ll find a denser concentration of castles and fortresses than anywhere else in Europe and nature lovers will be pleased to find a wide range of hiking trails criss-crossing the country’s valleys and forested hillsides.

Stroll through the streets of Krakow’s beautiful old town and travel back in time. Take the Royal Walk from the train station to Wawel castle and pass through one of the grandest squares in Europe. Don’t forget to linger in the Cloth Hall where you can browse for the perfect piece of amber jewellery, or the market which offers a wide range of local arts and crafts.

Explore Poland’s capital and be fascinated by its history and architecture. This city has everything from modern skyscrapers to Gothic churches. The town has been fully restored after the devastating bombing of World War II. Be sure to visit Zamkowy Square, home to the Royal Castle.