Couple of last years our best seller program. All the clients at the end of this extensive tour always say, that Slovakia lacks of advertisement, and the did not expect such “wau effect” as this tour provides.
Slovakia is definitely worth of a visit. Although it is a quite small country, every region of Slovakia is different. From flat Bratislava to Mountainous regions of North Slovakia. Program Slovakia History & Nature includes visit of Bratislava in addition to visit of beautiful region of North Slovakia.
Bratislava: Young Royal City
The tour starts with pick up at Vienna airport located just 35-40 min from Bratislava city center. Comfortable transfer with one of our high class professional drivers. Check in at the hotel and overnight in Bratislava.
The second day in Bratislava is dedicated to discovering one of the youngest, but also most dynamic capital cities of European Union. The Bratislava Grand City Tour starts at noon. You will discover all stages of development of this “Beauty on Danube”, dated from Roman Empire, when Bratislava was a part of Lines Romanus, continuing to years of first Slavic kingdom Great Moravia, which recalls one of the oldest buildings of Slovakia – The Devin Castle.
Continue to years of Hungarian Empire to the golden period of old “Pressburg“, an ancient name of Bratislava. When at St. Martin’s Cathedral were crowned 14 Hungarian kings & queens.
Although Bratislava is not so big comparing to other European capital cities, and its rather small, it has an unique ambience of pedestrian Old Town with highlights such us Blue Church, Bratislava Castle, Primatial Palace, and many more.
North West Slovakia
After two days in Slovakian capital, you will move to beautiful region of North of Slovakia. This region is famous thanks to beautiful nature as well as region of the castles. Did you know that Slovakia has more than 700 castles, castle’s ruins and palaces? Most of the built in 13th century after the war with Tatars & Mongols.
You will be transferred from your hotel in Bratislava to Bratislava main train station, where you will take a train to Zilina. The journey takes about 2 hours and you will discover the change of landscape from flat Bratislava to the mountains which starts around the city of Trencin. Along the journey you will see also two monumental castles of Slovakia – Trencin Castle & Beckov Castle.
In Zilina meeting with your driver guide at train station. The tour is offered in four languages: English, Spanish, French & Russian. During the Zilina Grand City Tour you will discover the beautiful city center of this important transportation knot of Slovakia. You will be surprised by the beauty of completely squared Holly Marry Square, learn about the rich Jewish heritage of Zilina, discover a piece of Vienna in the city, savor the atmosphere of beautiful park of Zilina Castle. At the end of the tour entrance to the oldest building of Zilina, St. Stephans church, which is completely different from all the churches you have visited.
Orava Region
The fourth day of the tour is dedicated to one of the most beautiful & authentic regions of Slovakia. Morning meeting with the driver guide and one hour drive thru beautiful landscape to Orava Forest Railway Experience. The Forrest Railway is located in splendid nature of Orava’s forest and it is a unique experience for all types of generations, from kids up to pensioners :).
Continue to “Rio de Klin” a small Slovakian village with the statue of Jesus & St. John Paul II. who often visited this region as a young priest. From the hill is a beautiful view on “Western Tatras” Mountain range and Orava Dum. Short break at traditional Slovakian restaurant Koliba. Last stop on the day trip is at “Dracula Castle” – Orava Castle, one of the best preserved and beautiful castles of Slovakia where 100 years ago was filmed the first movie about Lord Dracula – Nossferatu.
Wooden Creche, Fairy Tale Village, Cinderella Castle & Luxurious SPA
All these things you can enjoy during the 5th day of the tour. Your experienced driver guide will pick you up at your hotel in Zilina. The very first stop is at Slovakian Wooden Creche in pilgrimage site Rajecka Lesna. On this masterpiece the master Jozef Pekara worked more than 15 years. In addition to Christ’s birth in Bethlehem and his life, the exhibition also shows the landscape, history & customs of Slovakia from Bratislava to East Slovakia. The wooden creche includes in total of 300 figures, out of which more than half are animated.
Next stop it is in a marvelous village Cicmany. The almost completely wooden village is famous thanks to the wooden houses, some of them from 18th century and all of them are painted by white Cicmany “pattern”, which is very popular among the locals. Even the Slovakian sportsmen have it on their jerseys. Visit also a local souvenir shop – museum, where you can buy traditional hand made Slovakian products and clothing.
The third stop is dedicated to Bojnice Castle, also know in Slovakia as “Cinderella Castle”. The most visited Slovakian castle is similar to the chateaus & castles on River Loire in France. In addition to castle Bojnice is famous thanks to SPA Bojnice with thermal healing springs and ZOO. Therefore is a popular resort among the Slovaks.
The last stop of the day, probably one of the biggest highlights of the tour according to the references of the clients it is bath in Thermal Pools of Aphrodite SPA. At this time Slovakia does not have the oil, gas, but our fortune is in water and vast sources of mineral & healing water. You will enjoy 2 hours in beautiful environment of the SPA. Late evening return to the hotel in Zilina.
Small Fatra National Park
The last day in Zilina region is dedicated to Slovakian nature. In the morning check out from the hotel. Meeting with the driver guide and drive to Small Fatra National Park. The Small Fatra Park is not the biggest one of Slovakia, also not having the biggest peaks, but it is one of the most popular for trekking & hiking. Taking a funicular from Chata Vratna (790 m) to Snilovske Peak (1524 m). Enjoying the breathtaking landscape and views, including a view on the most beautiful peak of Slovakia Rozsutec. Tasting of traditional home made brandy with mountain biscuits. There are four possibilities what to see in Small Fatra National Park. For the clients in a good shape possible to hike to the highest peak of Small Fatra – Velky Fatransky Krivan (1708 m) or to iconic Chleb Peak (1645 m) or to Mountain Chalet Chata Pod Chlebom what is very easy walk on duration 30 min. The fourth possibility is just to take a cable car to Snilovske peak enjoy the views and taste of brandy and take a cable car back and visit Sheep Cheese Workshop and learn about cheese tradition of Slovakia in addition to obtain an certificate.
Transfer to Zilina train station and return train back to Bratislava. At Bratislava train station your chauffeur to wait you on platform and transfer to hotel in Bratislava. Overnight in Bratislava.
Possible Enhancements of the tour
You can enrich your stay with Beer Baths experience. On third day instead of overnight in Zilina you will be transferred directly to Orava region, to stylish wooden small hotel, where you will have also unforgettable experience of beer bath. The other days will continue according the itinerary with overnight in Zilina.
The other possibility is not to end the tour at Vienna airport, but to have a direct transfer to Vienna, and spend 1-2 days in charming Austrian Capital. E-TRAVEL.SK offers also accommodation and services in Vienna.
