Slovakia – the Czech Republic’s poorer partner in the days of Czechoslovakia - came out of the Velvet Revolution, quiet and mysterious. She removed the Eastern bloc uniform to reveal a refreshingly sincere, kind place, devoid of the tiresome glitz of the Western World. The land, almost 80% being over 750m (2460ft) above sea level, is full of dramatic geographic features, high alpine medieval villages and a cultural heritage appreciated by travelers seeking something unique. As our guide Lada pronounced: "Slovakia is the rustic home of my hardworking grandparents: farmers who live well in a spectacularly beautiful place."
You will begin near Budapest in Szentendre, home of two dozen museums, 7 churches, 13 galleries, and countless shops. After visiting a massive cathedral in Esztergom - the historic seat of the Hungarian church, you will cross the Danube River to enter Slovakia, stopping at Banska Stiavnica - an extraordinarily well-preserved ancient legacy of mining and minting.
You will visit Kremnica, with its castle and 7 peaks, and the village of Vlkolinec, the most undisturbed and complete collection of traditional architecture in Slovakia. Climb from Liptovska Osada into the thrilling terrain of the Low Tatras – a 7-mile ascent, spectacular views, and an unforgettable descent, then explore Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, where the Stations of the Cross, with 32 chapels and chaplets, end at an imposing Bernardine monastery.
The final stop before Krakow is the awe-inspiring salt mine at Wilitchka, where an unbelievable intricate sculptured salt cathedral attests to generations of workers who toiled and worshipped underground. This is a land of real spirit, where folk traditions have survived the domination of foreign rulers, and a plethora of castles and watchtowers pay testament to untold wars and civil conflicts. And the people have come through it all with their welcoming spirit intact!
Highlights: 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the open air museum at Szentendre, panoramic views of the Danube Valley, Hungary’s largest church, Socialist Spa town of Dudince, Banska Stiavnica, the castle at Kremnica, the pedestrian market at Banska Bystrica, Vlkolinec historic village, Orava Castle, the stations of the cross at Kalwaria Zebrzydowska.
2008 Guided Dates: Jul 6-13; Aug 10-17; Aug 31-Sept 7; Sept 28–
Oct 5.
Custom groups any time.
Tour starts: Szentendre 1430, day 1 (Transfer from Budapest available for C$ 35 (US $30) p.p. Szentendre may also be reached by train, bus or by boat on the Danube. Tour finish: 1600 Krakow, day 8. Route Notes: A challenging ride with several hills. More relaxed options available on guided trips. 40 to 60 km/day with options. Some short gravel/dirt sections.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Szentendre. We will meet you just outside of Budapest at your inn in the beautiful town of Szentendre. Szentendre has a unique atmosphere with two dozen museums, seven churches, 13 galleries, and countless coffee shops and little pubs. The nearby open air museum offers visitors a look at traditional Hungarian village architecture. There may be time to get acquainted with your bicycle with a short ride away from traffic on Szentendre Island before dinner. Dinner is included. Lodging: Centrum Panzion, Szentendre or Hotel Kentaur, Szentendre.
Day 2: Szentendre - Esztergom (38 km/24 miles). Your destination, Esztergom lies 38 km away, just around a bend in the river. We’ve chosen a challenging route through the hills rewarded with fantastic views of the Danube valley. Esztergom is the historic seat of the Hungarian bishops. Its massive castle and Cathedral are the climax of the Hungarian leg of your trip. Lodging: Alabardos Panzio, Esztergom or Hotel Thermal, Strovo.
Day 3: Esztergom/Sturovo - Dudince (58 km/36 miles) As you cross the Danube between Esztergom and Sturovo you enter Slovakia. The route follows the Ipel River Valley and the Slovakia/Hungary border north, a relatively easy route, through rolling terrain. The spa town of Dudince as you see it today is a monument to the true spirit of Socialist Realism, a glimpse into times not so long ago. The healing springs have been popular for centuries; Marcus Aureliu’s legions carved bathtubs out of the travertine rock in the times of the Roman Empire to treat their battle wounds. Lodging: Hotel Smaragd, Dudince, Hotel Rubin, Dudince or Hotel Hviezda, Dudince.
Day 4: Dudince - Banska Stiavnica (39 km/25 miles) Today’s route follows a gorgeous little path through the forest, running parallel to a small river. The cycling will get more challenging after lunch as we climb into the Stiavnica Hills. Banska Stiavnica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an extraordinarily well-preserved historical center once key to the Austro-Hungarian Empire with an ancient legacy of mining and minting. Lodging: Hotel Grand – Matej, Banska Stiavnica.
Day 5: Banska Stiavnica - Kremnica - Banska Bystrica (40 km/25 miles) Kremnica with its castle sits in a valley at the centre of the Kremnica Hills, a spectacular setting surrounded by 7 peaks. To get there you will follow an exciting and sometime difficult route (two long climbs). There is an easier alternative available, involving an enchanting train ride. You will be transferred by van to your inn, stopping along the way to see the wooden church in Hronsek. Banska Bystrica, the governmental and cultural center of Central Slovakia, has a tremendous central plaza surrounded by marvelously restored historic buildings. Lodging: Hotel Kuria, Banska Bystrica.
Day 6: Banska Bystrica - Liptovska Osada – Dolny Kubin (75 km/45 miles) After stocking up on fresh fruits and vegetables at the farmer’s market in front of your inn we will transfer by van to Liptovska Osada (30 min.) bypassing a busy highway through the valley. We will stop on the way at the village of Vlkolinec, the most undisturbed and complete collection of traditional architecture in Slovakia (UNESCO site). You’ll climb up from Liptovska Osada into the thrilling terrain of the Low Tatras. The 7 mile ascent is well worth it, rewarded with spectacular views on the way up and a relaxing descent. A fairly flat section by the Liptovska Mara reservoir is followed by the undulating terrain of the Chocsky and Oravsky Hills, one of the prettiest rides on your route. This takes you to the town of Malatina, where you may be able watch rugs being hand-made on an original wooden loom and the village of Lestiny with its rare wooden church built without a single nail. Your inn is on the square at the centre of town. Lodging: Penzion Marina, Dolny Kubin.
Day 7: Dolny Kubin - Trstena - Sucha Beskidzka (55 km/35 miles). The ride today is a little bit easier than the last few. The gently rolling route is dramatically punctuated with an imposing view of massive Orava Castle, a huge Gothic fortress, towering high above the river in the village of Oravsky Podzamok. The view from the castle tower is unforgettable. This day's ride ends in Trstene, a small town on the Slovak-Polish border. Transport is arranged to the village of Sucha Beskidzka. Lodging: Hotel Kasper Suski, Sucha Beskidzka.
Day 8: Sucha Beskidzka - Kalwaria Zebrzydowska - Wielizcka - Krakow The last day of cycling takes you through picturesque village of Lanckorona. Today’s destination is the famous town of Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, another UNESCO site, where the Stations of the Cross consisting of 32 chapels and chaplets end at an imposing Bernardine monastery. From here you will be taken by van for a moving tour of the famous salt mine in Wieliczka, yet another UNESCO site and finally into Krakow.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Guided Cost: $3045 pp. dbl. (includes: 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, 4 picnic lunches, 5 dinners, luggage handling, walking tour of Banska Stiavnica, tour of salt mine at Wieliczka, van & guide support, maps, route notes & GPS*, taxes)
Self-Guided Cost: $2395 pp. dbl. (includes: 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, relevant van transfers, luggage handling, emergency cell phone**, maps, route notes & GPS*, and value added tax)
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