THE BEST OF SLOVAKIA

The Capital of the Slovak Republic Bratislava also referred to as the Beauty on the Danube can not only boast interesting history but it also is the centre of the most dynamically developing region of central Europe at present. The most attractive parts of Bratislava which we will explore today are The Castle, the Old Town and ancient ruins of Devin. The Castle built on a castle hill dominates the centre of Bratislava and its four towers became symbol of the city. The Old Town tiny lanes offer an ideal atmosphere for romantic walks to those who love to follow signs of history in the middle of modern world.  The ancient ruins of Devin Castle standing on a massive rock hill above the confluence of the Danube and Morava River is an unusually impressive landmark. It is part of the oldest history of Slovakia. Nightstop Bratislava.

This morning we will start driving north. After short 20 km ride we will stop in Pezinok.  A town of Pezinok is an old vintage town protected by the hills of the Little Carpathians, a mute companion of Pezinok´s rich culture. The foothill area of the mountain range Male Karpaty in the south-west of Slovakia is predetermined for vine growing. We will explore an extraordinary wine tasting some of the hundred best wines of Slovakia in the historical wine cellar with a piece of history; learn about winegrowing and winemaking in this region. Pezinok also holds a great deal of preserved historical monuments.

In the afternoon we will drive for about 2 hours to famous spa town Bojnice. The gem of Bojnice is the”fairy-tale” Bojnicky Castle, one of the most visited and most beautiful castles not only in Slovakia, but also in central Europe. The typical silhouette of the romantic image of medieval castle is enhanced by steep roofs of the palace, chapel and towers.
Optional activity in Bojnice:
Bojnice spa - History of this town is connected with local hot springs. Mineral hot springs with temperature 28-52° C, hyperthermal and isothermal pools, hydrotherapeutic procedures, electrotherapy, acupuncture, oxygen therapy, stays in salt cave are the methods currently offered. The spa also has one of the oldest and most beautiful spa parks in Slovakia.
The zoological garden in the spa town of Bojnice, which straddles western and central Slovakia, is the country's oldest and most visited zoo. It lies in a beautiful natural setting that surrounds the Bojnice Castle. Nightstop Bojnice.

One hour and half bus journey will take us to the former mining town Banska Stiavnica. The town lies amid the forests of the Stiavnicke Mountains and is included into the List of the World Cultural Heritage of Unesco. The buildings in the historic centre are the parts of the Town Monument Reserve. The Reserve comprises as much as 360 structures. We will also visit the Open Air Mining Museum. It belongs to the most interesting sights of the town. We can enter the mine, where oldest parts are dated from 17th century. There are also interesting exhibits connected with mining work, technique and technology. The visitor gets mining coat, helmet and lamp before mining. The underground exhibition is extraordinary and depicts the hard work of miners.
On the way to Jasna mountain resort (2 hrs drive) we will stop in extraordinary village Vlkolinec – a monument reserve of folk architecture. This remarkable oasis of folk architecture is included in the List of the World Cultural and Nature Heritage of UNESCO. It was classified as the best-reserved settlement of this time within the Carpathian Arch. Originally it was the settlement of loggers, shepherds and farmers. Nightstop Jasna.

Today we will visit one the real treasures of Slovakia. The national nature monument of the Demanovska Cave stands out by its unbelievable variety of colours and shapes of flowstone fills, unique water lilies and other forms of flowstone decoration. It is the most visited show cave in Slovakia. In the afternoon chairlift ride will take us up to the Chopok Mountain 2024m. It is the most comfortable six seat chairlift and very popular by skiers in the winter. We will take a rest in mountain hut at the top of Chopok and admire fantastic view of the mountains and valleys below us. On the way to the High Tatra Mountains (50 min drive) we will take a short stop in Open Air museum of Liptov village. Nightstop High Tatras

High Tatras with the highest peak – Gerlach (2655m) are truthfully called the smallest great mountains of the world. It offers more than 600 km of marked nature trails. Alpine hiking has in itself the power of nature and oasis silence and peace. We will enjoy the fresh mountain air by taking an easy walk around the Strbske Pleso Lake with overwhelming panorama of Tatras at the back. Later in a day we will take a funicular to Hrebienok Mountain where we can either relax and enjoy mountain views or we can take an easy walk to the waterfall or a mountain hut. In the evening a real Slovak dinner is ready for us with all it takes: traditional wooden restaurant, folk music and dance, various Slovak specialties and drinks…..Nightstop High Tatras

Today we will try an extraordinary transport. A trip to the canyon of the Dunajec River is one of the most beautiful in Slovakia. Rafting down the river Dunajec in the splendid natural scenery of the Pieniny National Park using wooden rafts is one of the greatest tourist attractions. On the way back we will visit Carthusian Monastery. Because the buildings of the monastery were built of red bricks the people began to call it Cerveny Klastor (Red Monastery). Cerveny klastor is a unique cultural and historical relic set in the wonderful natural environment of Pieniny under the majestic mountain Tri koruny. Nightstop High Tatras.

In the horizon of Spisske Podhradie town towers the Spis Castle. As a National Cultural Monument, Spis Castle with its large area, and partially in ruins, is one of the largest castle compounds in Central Europe. It is registered in the List of Monuments by UNESCO. Construction of this medieval castle on a travertine hill dates back to the beginning of the 12th century. Our next today’s stop is Levoca. Town Levoca belongs among the most well-known and most sought-after historic towns in this region. It is proud of especially by Church of Saint Jacob with the highest wooden Gothic altar – the work of Master Pavol, renaissance town hall and number of architectonic and cultural monuments in the centre itself. Nightstop Poprad

Leaving Tatra town Poprad we will drive south to Dobsina in Slovak Paradise National Park. Dobsinska ladova cave, one of the largest ice caves in Europe. Thanks to its significance and unique ornamentation, it was included into the List of the Cultural and Natural Heritage of UNESCO. It originated some time at the end of the Tertiary Age. The cave is also the lowest situated one in the world in terms of sea level altitude, which enhances its originality. Ice survives in the cave thanks to the form of the cave, which is similar to a sack. As the cave is situated lower than its entrance, the cold air maintains in its bottom and its temperature never increases above zero. This afternoon we will transfer back to Bratislava. You have free evening to explore more of the capital. Nightstop Bratislava

Transfer to the airport.