Across Slovakia – Walking and Easy Hiking

• Arrival at the airport
• Transfer to central Slovakia
• Sightseeing

The city of Banská Štiavnica welcomes you hidden in the green forests of the Štiavnica Mountains. It is a historical mining city and one of the first towns of the former Hungarian Monarchy to receive royal privileges, as early as the 13^th century. Our tour of the town includes a trip through the underground passages that miners used to use to get from their houses to the mines and which date back to the 17^th century. Coming back to the surface, we will take a walk in the Štiavnica Mountains. After all the walking, a traditional dinner and a splendid folklore programme in the evening will provide further insight into the history and culture of the region. We will also have a chance to listen to the melancholic sounds of the Fujara – a long shepherd's pipe inscribed in the UNESCO List of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage.

• Short Vlkolínec sightseeing
• Hiking in the Choč mountains

We will drive north over the ridge of the Low Tatra Mountains. Our first stop will be at the mountain village Vlkolínec (“wolf village”), where traditional wooden architecture has remained unchanged for more than 200 years. Another attraction here is to taste the typical Vlkolínec sauerkraut pie, which is not found anywhere but in Vlkolínec. After some light refreshment, we will continue to the Choč Mountains to admire the beauty of the Prosiecka and Kvačianska valleys.

• All day hiking in the Low Tatras

We will spend a day walking and hiking in the Low Tatra Mountains. For the first stage, a cable car will take us up to the ridge. We will have a nice, easy walk there enjoying lovely views over the valleys and the High Tatras. After lunch at a mountain chalet on the ridge we will take the cable car back down.
From the peaks, our tour continues underground. The visit of the Demänovská Cave will certainly remain in our memories. With 35 km of caves, the Demänovská cave system is the longest one in Slovakia, but don’t be put off! There is no need to go so far to see the highlights.

.

• All day hiking in the High Tatras

Hiking in the amazing High Tatras: we will walk to the most famous waterfalls in the Tatras and then to the alpine lake Skalnaté pleso. During our walking, we will be sure to take time to admire the peaks of the High Tatras as well as the valley below and the Low Tatras. The evening programme includes an opportunity to sample traditional Slovak cuisine at a shepherd’s cottage in the Spiš region

• Hiking in the Slovak Paradise
• Visiting the city of Levoča (UNESCO)

The morning walking in the wild and picturesque Slovak Paradise; our path will take us through peaceful woods but also through gorges and along rocky terraces. In the afternoon, we will continue to the splendid historical city of Levoča. The highlight of its many attractions is the Gothic church of St. James whose wooden altar by Master Paul of Levoča is the tallest in the world.

• Hiking in the Malá (Lesser) Fatra
• Spa

Hiking in the Malá (Lesser) Fatra mountains in the north-west of Slovakia is an exciting experience. Though we will take the easiest part of the trail, climbing up the ladders in the narrow canyons with waterfalls will test some people’s courage. After the demanding days of walking and hiking, everybody will appreciate pampering in the spa of one of the local hotels.

• Cycling or hiking
• Wine tasting

We will drive to south, to the Piešťany area. We can have a bicycle trip to the “New Zealand Ranch” in the woods above Piešťany or a hiking trip through the forests of Považský Inovec to the ruins of Tematín Castle. Finally we will round off an energetic day with a wine-tasting in a cosy restaurant in the countryside.

• Bratislava
• Departure

One last stop in the capital city, Bratislava, and farewell to Slovakia.