Tripologist: 11 nights across three European cities – what should we do?

My wife and I are going to be in Warsaw for three nights, followed by Budapest for five nights and three nights in Frankfurt, we would appreciate your thoughts on what to do and see.
B. Stubbs, West Hobart TAS

In Warsaw, highlights include the Old Town Market Square, the Royal Castle at the entrance to Old Town and Lazienki Park, which has landscaped gardens, the Chopin Monument and the Palace on the Water. Also, the Warsaw Uprising Museum, which tells the story of the Polish resistance during World War II, the Palace of Culture and Science and the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews. You could also fit in a stroll along Nowy Swiat Street, lined with shops, cafes and historic buildings.

In Budapest, take in the Buda Castle District, the medieval hilltop area that is home to some of the city’s top landmarks such as the former Royal Palace. Don’t miss the Matthias Church and the city view from Fisherman’s Bastion. The Art Nouveau Gellert Thermal Bath is also on this side of the river if you’re in the mood for a very Hungarian experience. You could also take a cruise along the Danube, explore the Jewish Quarter and the Great Synagogue, the largest of its kind in Europe, take a tour of the Parliament Building and spend a day exploring the Gellert Hill, Citadella, and Pest Side of the city.

In Frankfurt, the Romer district in the heart of the city is quaint and reminiscent of an earlier age, as is the nearby Altstadt, the old city, which connects Romer with the city’s cathedral. The Stadel Museum has a world-class collection of artworks from some of the European masters. You could also take a one-hour scenic river cruise, a leisurely way to see the city’s impressive skyline.

I’m keen to explore India’s Rajasthan over about 10 to 14 days but rather than a group tour I’d like to hire a driver and guide. Is that possible and can you suggest an operator who can help me organise this? T. Parkinson, Bronte NSW

The best guide and organiser you could have is Harshwerdhan (Harry) Khichi. I’ve used Harry several times to organise my travels in Rajasthan and he’s excellent. He’s had years of experience in his home state, he knows it well including hotels and restaurants, he makes valuable suggestions that will elevate your travels and he makes problems evaporate before they become problems. You can contact him by email harshwerdhansinghkhichi@gmail.com

I’m hoping to present at a conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in mid-October and am wondering about options if I stay an extra seven to 10 days. I’m travelling solo and probably not brave enough to hire a car. Nature, wildlife, old cities, culture all of interest.
C. Hutton, Murrumbeena VIC

Try the Cabot Trail. You will need to get behind the wheel but driving is easy here and this is one of Canada’s most celebrated scenic drives, a 300-kilometre loop around Cape Breton Island, the north-eastern quarter of Nova Scotia. The trail begins at Baddeck on the shores of Bras d’Or Lake – Arms of Gold. It has pretty shimmering lake water winking through the vertical blinds of the birch trees and alongside, shingled barns sunken in green fields.