Best of Slovakia Tour 2021

Day 1
WELCOME TO BRATISLAVA – BEAUTY ON THE DANUBE RIVER

Do you need a pick up from Bratislava, Vienna or Budapest airports? Vienna or Budapest city center? Please let us know and get the best possible price for a comfortable and hassle-free door-to-door-service.

Morning
We drive to Devin castle (15min drive) – situated at the confluence of the Danube & Morava rivers. Its owners could control the important trade route along the Danube as well as one branch of the Amber Road. After admiring the beautiful castle ruin and enjoying views on Austria, we show you where once the “Iron curtain” – the former border between the West and the East used to stand. An overview of communist history (1948-1989). Devin’s area is also famous for its current wine. Have you ever tried current wine? Try now, It’s a regional specialty. Drive back and visit Slavin (World War2 memorial) and symbol of the city – Bratislava castle – to enjoy stunning views of the Danube river and know more about its rich history.

Afternoon
After a lunch break in the Old town (we will recommend a great restaurant), continue with the quality sightseeing tour to show you the highlights of the Old town.
Walking through the main square (admire a beautiful former town hall), the Primate Palace (outside) – the largest in Bratislava where the Treaty of Pressburg was signed in the Hall of Mirrors. Take pictures of some of our funny statues such as Cumil – the worker. Visit of the St. Martin’s Cathedral – the coronation place of 18 rulers including Austria-Hungarian empress Maria Theresa, walking through the only preserved entrance – Michaels gate. Late afternoon at leisure. You’ll get tips which museum, the gallery is worth to see, where to enjoy coffee & cake, a glass of excellent Slovak wine, where to buy good quality souvenirs. Your guide is ready to help you.

Evening– Dinner at your own – we will recommend you the best place

Overnight in Bratislava
Total driving distance: 25km / 15mi, driving time: 40min, walking time: up to 5 hours

Day 2
BANSKA STIAVNICA and VLKOLINEC / UNESCO World Heritage

Morning
This morning we have a scenic drive northeast. After 2hrs driving we’ll be in one of the most beautiful, most romantic and most special town – a picturesque Banska Stiavnica. It is like to step in the past centuries. Get an overview of the rich history of this town connected with the mining of silver, copper, and gold. Visit of the Old castle – a majestic fortress, 16^thcentury New castle, the heart of the Old town – the Holy Trinity square with beautiful sights such as the gothic 15^thcentury St. Catherine church, admire Renaissance buildings and the baroque Holy Trinity column.

Afternoon
Lunch break at restaurant Monarchia is about home-made specialties and a great atmosphere. Do you like beer?
Then, ERB restaurant will satisfy you with its high-quality microbrewery and delicious cuisine.
Which of these special beers from Slovak ingredients will be your favorite? Will it be Erb Pale lager 10 or 12, Erb Weizen 12, Erb Dark special 13 with balanced bitter and sweet tastes? Free time for souvenirs, coffee & cake break.

We continue to see an exceptional mountain village Vlkolinec (UNESCO sight since 1993), hidden in hills of National Park Velka Fatra. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and colorful 45 wooden log houses. It is the best-preserved oasis of folk architecture. We continue to High Tatra mountains – the heart of Slovakia.

Evening
Dinner at your own or we can book the tables at Koliba restaurant – a traditional wooden chalet with traditional tasty Slovak dishes, waiters in folk costumes, and Slovak folk music. Start with a shot of “Slivovica” – a plum brandy. Garlic soup, cabbage, or a lentil soup? Enjoy our national meal Bryndzove halusky (Potato dumplings with melted sheep cheese and pieces of bacon). What about dessert? Apple strudel is highly recommended to try.

Overnight in High Tatras / Strbske Pleso or Stary Smokovec or Tatranska Lomnica
Total driving distance: 350km / 217mi, driving time: 4hours 45min, walking time: 4-5 hours

Day 3
THE HIGH TATRA MOUNTAINS – THE HEART OF SLOVAKIA

Morning
It’s easy to fall in love with the High Tatras – mountains with its picturesque valleys, brooks, waterfalls, colorful meadows, tarns with crystal clear water.

We are very excited to show you our lovely mountains, firstly, drive to Stary Smokovec town to take a funicular railway (tickets not included) to get Hrebienok and walk to the waterfalls. An easy walking tour in nature.

Afternoon
We move to Tatranska Lomnica town (15min by car) to take a cable car (tickets not included) to Skalnate Pleso station to see the High Tatra mountains from above. We enjoy a little walk around Skalnate Pleso, views of the Lomnicky peak, and valley views.

Please note, if you would like to go up to the top of Lomnicky peak (2^ndhighest peak in the High Tatras), it is necessary an advance booking with a full payment for the tickets in advance. Please let us know.

Other possibilities what to do today (in case of bad weather or you do not like cable cars)

1, easy walking tour to Popradske Pleso lake (on the smooth road, a total of 2-3 hours of walking)
2, longer hiking tour, a total of 6-7 hours (e.g. up to cottage by Green lake or Teryho cottage)
3, visit the only accessible cave in High Tatras – Belianska cave (tickets not included)
4, a museum about the National park of High Tatras (tickets not included)
5, Aquapark Poprad – swimming, saunas, SPA treatments (tickets not included)

Evening– On your own

Overnight in High Tatras / Strbske Pleso or Stary Smokovec or Tatranska Lomnica
Total driving distance: 50km / 31mi, driving time: 1hour, walking time: 4-6hours

Day 4
LEVOCA and SPISS CASTLE / UNESCO

Morning
We travel further to the east to visit Spiss castle (45min drive). It is not just evidence of architectural development from the 12th to 18th centuries, but it is one of the largest castle ruins in Central Europe. Mighty and impressive fortress in a stunning location. Get more information about the former owners – famous dynasties such as Zapolsky, Thurzo, and Csaky. Visit the castle kitchen, chapel, torture chamber, and enjoy the views from the upper terraces.

Afternoon
History enthusiasts will admire charming medieval town Levoca, cultural & historic jewel among Slovak towns. Visit of the 14^thcentury Roman Catholic basilica of St. James with its tallest wooden wing gothic altar in the world – a masterpiece from Master Paul of Levoca. Get more details about this amazing wood crafter in a museum where he lived and worked.

Lunch break and comfortable drive to Bratislava via the Northern way, enjoy spectacular views of the Slovak longest river Vah, several castle ruins such as Strecno, Beckov, winding roads, and green scenery. Back to Bratislava and at leisure.

Evening– At your own

Overnight in Bratislava
Total driving distance: 435km / 270mi, driving time: 4hrs 45min, walking time: up to 2 hours

Day 5
FAREWELL and DEPARTURE

Your memorable holiday comes to an end today. We are ready to arrange for you an airport transfer – comfortable door-to-door service for discounted rates.

Would you like to add extra days in Slovakia?
What about adding and visiting Vienna, Budapest, Prague or Krakow?
Simply contact us for any special requests or Request a Private tour.