Grand Slovakia & Czechia Tour 2020

Day 1
WELCOME TO BRATISLAVA – BEAUTY ON THE DANUBE RIVER

Welcome to Bratislava. Welcome drink and itinerary introduction.
Your lovely holiday has just started.

Please note, we offer pick up services from the airports in Bratislava, Vienna or Budapest. Please let us know and get the discounted price. How do we provide this service?
We will wait for you at the airport’s arrival hall holding a sign with your name, help you with your luggage, drive you safely and comfortably to Bratislava and help with check in process. Maximum comfort, mineral water on board and a pleasant drive. At leisure.

Overnight in Bratislava

Day 2
BRATISLAVA QUALITY SIGHTSEEING TOUR

Morning
Meeting at 9am at your hotel and 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 enjoyingviews 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 the communist history (1948-1989). Devin 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 lunch break in the Old town (we will recommend you 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, 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– Welcome dinner at Peter & Jane’s house located in the picturesque little village Limbach in the heart of Small Carpathian Hills. Enjoy the home-made specialties, desserts and wine tasting (great variety of Slovak wines)

Overnight in Bratislava
Total driving distance: 75km / 45mi, driving time: 1hr 30min, walking time: up to 5 hours

Day 3
BANSKA STIAVNICA & HIGH TATRAS

Morning
Meeting at 8:30am and enjoy 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 great atmosphere. Do you like beer?

Then, ERB restaurant will satisfy you with its high-quality microbrewery and a 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 panorama 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 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 4
UNCOVER THE BEAUTY OF OUR MOUNTAINS

Morning
Meeting at 9am. It’s easy to fall in love with 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 the 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 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, total of 2-3 hours of walking)
2, longer hiking tour, total of 6-7 hours (e.g. up to cottage by Green lake or Teryho cottage)
4, museum about the National park of High Tatras (tickets not included)
5, Aquapark Poprad – swimming, saunas, SPA treatments (tickets not included)

Evening– At 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 5
SPISS CASTLE, CHAPTER & ZEHRA CHURCH / UNESCO

Morning
Meeting at 9am. We travel further to the east to visit Spiss castle (45min drive). It is not just an evidence of architectural development from the 12th to 18th century, 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.

Evening– At your own

Overnight in High Tatras
Total driving distance: 130km / 80mi, driving time: 1hrs 30min, walking time: up to 3 hours

Day 6
ORAVA REGION, ZUBEREC, HIGH TATRAS

Morning
Meeting at 9am and drive to Zuberec village where is a spectacular open-air Museum of Orava village – let’s see the rural life from the past centuries. It is located in incredibly nice region, walk through and admire peasant houses, craftsman’s houses, sacral buildings (a wooden church) and more.

Drive to see mighty Orava castle, much like others in Slovakia, stands on the site of old wooden forts and it was constructed after the Tartar invasion in 1241. 
Originally, it was built in the Romanesque and Gothic styles and later reconstructed in the Renaissance and Neo-Gothic styles. It consists of several buildings copying the shape of the castle rock.

Afternoon
Lunch break in Terchova village, trying Slovak specialties. Comfortable drive to Trencin. At leisure.

Evening– At your own

Overnight in Trencin
Total driving distance: 260km /160mi, driving time: 3hrs 45min, walking time: up to 4 hours

Day 7
WELCOME TO CZECHIA – LEDNICE-VALTICE & BRNO

Morning
Meeting at 8:30am and drive to Czech republic (Czechia). History joined us twice as CSR (we celebrated 100^thanniversary on Oct 28, 2018) and CSSR (during the communist times), now, since 1993, 2 independent countries with great relationships.
Get the overview of Czech history, what we (Slovaks) have in common, what is different. Try tasty Czech cuisine, famous beers and wines.

Drive to Lednice Chateau – Europe’s most beautiful example of the English Neo-Gothic style. Guided tour through the chateau and walking in the gardens.

Then we move to Valtice to see Baroque chateau, the former residence of the Lichtenstein family. Situated in the centre of a tradition wine region, the chateau was built in stages by thirteen princes and in the 18th century the residence, with its furnishings, collections and rich inventory competed with Imperial court in Vienna itself.

Afternoon
Lunch break and drive to Brno, 2nd largest city and a capital of Moravia. As the Czechs say, this city has rhythm and drive.

Evening– At your own. A great opportunity to have a dinner in the Old town. Wine bar or beer pub afterwards? Brno has it all and we know the best places.

Overnight in Brno
Total driving distance: 190km /118mi, driving time: 2hrs 45min, walking time: up to 5 hours

Day 8
TELC, Ceske Budejovice and Cesky Krumlov

Morning
Meeting at 9am and drive to fairytale-like little town – Telc. It is the most perfect example of the Italian Renaissance north of the Alps, square belongs to the most beautiful in Europe.
Continue to Ceske Budejovice – visit of a famous brewery, uncover the brewing secrets of the world-known and unique Budweiser Budvar Premium Lager.

Afternoon
Lunch at beerhouse restaurant. Continue to Cesky Krumlov

Evening– At your own. Our recommendation is to take an evening walk through the mysterious streets and enjoy the well lid up castle. It’s breathtaking.

Overnight in Cesky Krumlov
Total driving distance: 230km / 140mi, driving time: 3hrs 30min, walking time: up to 4 hours

Day 9
CESKY KRUMLOV – GEM AMONG THE CZECH UNESCO SIGHTS

Morning
Meeting at 9am and a quality sightseeing tour through narrow historical streets full of late gothic, renaissance and baroque well preserved houses. The town grew up within a meander of the Vltava river, which provides a natural setting of exceptional beauty.

Have you ever heard about the stone you can’t find elsewhere in the world? Discover mystery and beauty of the jewels from space – the light green to olive brown stones called the Moldavites.

Walk up to the symbol of this town – castle built on the rocky cliff, take a guided tour, later walk over the bridge, take pictures from the best view points.

Afternoon– Lunch break and free time.

Evening– At your own

Overnight in Cesky Krumlov
Only walking

Day 10
KARLOVY VARY – WORLD FAMOUS SPA

Morning
Meeting at 8:30am. (check out) and drive to Karlovy Vary (3hrs 30min drive).

Afternoon– lunch in Karlovy Vary.
Quality sightseeing tour along the Promenade of Karlovy Vary, the incarnation of spa elegance, imposing colonnades, exclusive spa buildings and a wonderful layout in the heart of a forested valley.

Thanks to its unique architecture, it is one of Europe’s most beautiful spas.
Did you know that Karlovy Vary has the largest concentration of hot mineral springs in the world? 15 local mineral springs are used for drinking cures.
We try different types of the mineral water and of course, we can’t miss the famous chocolate, vanilla or hazel nut wafers.

A short visit of Grand Hotel Pupp, the world-famous hotel with 3 centuries of history.
The list with famous guests is never-ending, empress Maria Theresa, J.W. Goethe, Beethoven, Chopin, Paganini, famous show business people, famous movie Casino Royale with James Bond was partly filmed here.

We visit Museum of History of Karlovy Vary, an interesting journey back in time. Possible, to go up to observation tower Diana – enjoy breathtaking views of the spa town (possible to take a funicular).

Evening– At your own

Optional – not included in the package. Booking in advance is necessary:
1, Visit of Moser museum of glass (luxury bohemian traditional crystal glass with more than 150 years of history), tour through the factory to see the process of glass making
2, Visit of Jan Becher museum –try traditional Czech high-quality herbal liquor with 200 years of history

Overnight in Karlovy Vary
Total driving distance: 130km / 80mi, Total driving time: 2hours, walking time: 4-5 hours

Day 11
PRAGUE – THE CAPITAL OF CZECHIA
– city of hundred spires and one of the most beautiful in the world

Morning
Meeting at 9am and drive to Prague. Which of the nicknames of Prague do you like the most? Mother of cities, City of Hundred spires, Golden city or a City of Legends and Ghost stories? The attraction of this city is mystical.

We start our journey through the history of this fascinating city with a Premium walking tour of the Old and New town. You will get the history overview of this former imperial and royal city, nowadays, a modern and attractive capital city.

We explore the ancient streets lined with historic buildings, pass through magnificent squares such as Old town square and of coure, the Astronomical clock and cross old bridge – the famous Charles bridge, and we learn of the people and of the events that have shaped the city over the past one thousand years.

Afternoon– lunch break. Which of these two Czech traditional meals you like more?  Svíčková na smetaně – tenderloin in cream sauce with dumplings, whipped cream and cranberries or Vepřo, knedlo, zelo – roast pork, dumplings and sauerkraut? Continue with a sightseeing tour and free time.

Evening– At your own. Evening concerts? We are ready to help you and book the tickets

Overnight in Prague
Walking only (on request, we can have a car ready)

Day 12
PRAGUE – PRAGUE CASTLE
– the largest castle complex in the world

Morning
Meeting at 9am. Stroll up to Prague castle through the former royal route through historical streets, cross the Charles Bridge, one of Europe’s oldest stone bridges and reach Lesser Town. Short stop to admire the most beautiful baroque church of Prague – St. Nicholas church, then, continue through the former Royal Route we come up to the Prague Castle complex to discover the major sights within.

Admire the architectural style from the medieval times up to 20^thcentury
Once a seat of the Bohemian kings, nowadays a seat of the Czech president
Your guide brings the magnificent castle buildings to life by explaining their oft turbulent history, and their royal and presidential connections.

See the changing of the guards. We admire and enter the largest and most important church –  Saint Vitus Cathedral, it is the dominant of Prague castle complex, many Czech rulers and important saints have their resting place here.

The beautifully decorated interior created by medieval masters is lit to perfection by the rays of sunlight which stream through the beautiful stained-glass windows. Above all make sure to view the stained-glass windows by the Czech Art Nouveau artist Alfons Mucha. From outside, look at the imposing mosaic of the Last Judgement above the Golden Gate. We’ll tell you the story.

Our ticket will allow you to visit the ancient architecture of the Old Royal Palace and Romanesque basilica St. George and Golden lane – the tiny lane will amaze you. Legend has it that the colourful houses were inhabited by alchemists working for the emperor Rudolf II, who wanted to discover the legendary Elixir of Youth and the Philosopher’s Stone. True or not, it is a special street where also world-famous Prague writer Franz Kafka worked.

After enjoying stunning views over the whole Prague we walk down to Lesser town full of baroque style buildings, home to government offices, embassies and foreign dimplomats.

Afternoon– lunch break.Time for a lunch break and we know where to try great Czech meals.

Have you seen the narrowest street with a traffic light? What about the controversial Czech artist David Cerny and his famous statues?  And of course, the John Lennon wall, the graffiti covered wall, with a special history representing global ideals such as love and peace.  Actually, the only place in the city where graffiti is legal. Walking back to the Old town via Manesov bridge and visit of Jewish Quarter (outside only).

Evening– At your own

Optional (not included in the package)
If you would prefer a complete visit of a Jewish Quarter (with an entrance to all synagogues and cemetery, an advanced booking is necessary)

Overnight in Prague
Walking only (on request, we can have a car ready)

Day 13
BONE CHURCH & KUTNA HORA / UNESCO

Morning
Meeting at 9am and drive to Kutna Hora and visit of Sedlec Ossuary, a small roman-catholic chapel located beneath the Cemetery Church of All Saints.
It definitely belongs among the most unique churches in the world. From more than 40 000 human skeletons you can admire big chandelier of bones containing almost all human bones. Candle holders, vases, even walls are made from bones and skulls.
Creepy? Maybe, but definitely worth to visit.

We move to Kutna Hora historical centre, known as the city of silver, symbol of Kutna Hora is the unique late gothic Cathedral of St. Barbara, founded as a miner’s church, dedicated to patron saints of miners.

Afternoon– lunch break and drive back to Prague.

Evening– At your own

Overnight in Prague
Total driving distance: 170km /105 mi, Total driving time: 2hrs 15min, walking time: 3 hours

Day 14
FAREWELL and DEPARTURE

Your memorable holiday comes to an end today.We are ready to arrange for you an airport transfer for discounted rates.