Four countries in harmony

Whether your cultural tastes veer toward top caliber music, healing spas, breathtaking castles or burgeoning culinary scenes, four countries in Europe offer the best in old world meets new experiences. Czech Republic, high scores for music lovers, Hungary, eateries for epicureans; Poland springs to mind for pampering, and Slovakia catching the royal wave. These countries are less expensive than the rest of Europe, and you save a considerable amount by taking a packaged tour.

These four countries achieve a beautiful balance between medieval and modern, striking a harmonious chord with culture savvy travelers.

Czech Republic

Prague is a hot destination right now. Home to three opera houses, eleven in the country and its 150 year old National Theater is well worth a visit. It has a fantastic Philharmonic orchestra. You will find music in many patisseries and art galleries. Enjoy everything from jazz to folk tunes. Have a sip of Becherovka, liquor made since the 19th century from twenty difference herbs.

Hungary

Budapest is also a hot destination for travelers. Take a seat at the chef’s table of Michelin-starred restaurants Onyz or Costes, or visit the newly awarded Michelin Star Borkonyha Winekitchen which indulges your palate with delicious innovation ranging from pate to soup. There are 22 wine regions in Hungary. My favorite adventure is to go to the Great Market Hall and sip a glass of Tokaji wine with a Hungarian treat, langos, deep fried flat bread with various toppings. Stop at Budapest’s most famous pastry shop Gerbeaud, and have a creation which has been prepared for 150 years. Go to Auguszt Cukraszda, a family bakery and café which has served traditional Esterhazy Torta and kremes since l870.

Poland

For a unique experience, retreat to one of more than three dozen unique spa towns and forty health resorts in Poland. It has wonderful mineral spring waters and people come from all over the world to experience their spa treatments. Since the 13th century, people have been soaking in waters rich in sulfur, silicone and fluoride. Wade in the underground Gothic pools at the romantic Hotel Copernicus situated in one of the oldest streets of Krakow.

Slovakia

Nothing symbolizes the mystique of royalty likes the castles and palaces of Slovakia. With more than one hundred in the country, some as early as the 11th century, I recommend you take a guided night tour of the spectacular 900 year old Bojnice Castle, which is often featured in fairy tale movies. Navigate the picturesque streets of Old Town in medieval Bratislava, the country’s capital where the stunning Bratislava Castle reigns above the horizon. From the castle, you can get a view of Austria, Hungary and Slovakia, outlined by the stunning Danube River.

Enjoy lots of history, wonderful architecture, fantastic food, and good value from visiting this part of the world.

Maureen Jones is president of All Horizons Travel at 160 Main Street. Members of her staff are experts in business travel, cruises, and all types of leisure.