Ffestiniog Travel

Monday 11 June to Monday 25 June 2012

This is a real tour of discovery as you embark on a journey through one of the most beautiful but lesser known countries in Central Europe - Slovakia. An abundance of mountains, historic towns and unspoilt villages form part of its rich tapestry brought to life by experienced local guides keen to share their country with others.

Day 1   Paris and Stuttgart

Depart London St Pancras on Eurostar and make our way to Gare de l’Est for the onward TGV service to Stuttgart for an overnight stay.

Day 2   Onwards to Prague

We leave Stuttgart after breakfast and travel to Nuremberg where we change for an onward journey to Prague for an overnight stay. There will be some free time on the return to look around this wonderful city.

Day 3   Introduction to Slovakia

A direct train takes us into Slovakia at Horní Lideč, a journey which travels via Vrútky before arriving at Banská Bystrica by early evening where we stay for four nights on a bed & breakfast basis. We will meet our local Slovak guide who will join us at a welcome dinner and give a short presentation on the area. Our guide will remain with us for the next 7 days.

Day 4   The National Park

We have a full day excursion to Dedinky by train travelling through the valley of the Hron River - a wonderful scenic route.

Day 5   Čiernohronská Steam Forest Railway

Lying about 40 km from Banská Bystrica we spend the day visiting this charming narrow gauge line as it winds its way through the rich forest. The day includes a barbecue lunch.

Day 6   UNESCO Site

We take the train to the historic town of Banská Stiavnica where you will see why it has earned its UNESCO Heritage Site status. As well as having time to explore this wonderful town, we will visit the open air mining museum and the mineralogy museum. Lunch is included.

Day 7   Transfer to the Mountains

We leave central Slovakia and head for the magnificent High Tatra Mountains, which form the border between Slovakia and Poland. We take the very scenic horseshoe route via Vrútky then the electric main line to Poprad Tatry. From here one last short journey on the Elektricka tram will take us to our hotel in Novy Smokovec where we stay for 5 nights on a bed & breakfast basis.

Day 8   River Rafting

Don’t be alarmed! This is a very sedate ride on a wooden raft with someone else doing all the work. The Dunajec River forms the border with Poland and you should be able to travel virtually to the border point on the river. The water is not deep and there is no danger. Following the rafting experience, we will have a barbecue lunch. Return to Novy Smokovec via Kezmarok. In medieval times, Kezmarok was one of the most important towns and has a well preserved wooden church.

Day 9   Ruins of Spisský Castle

No visit to Slovakia would be complete without a visit to this breathtaking site, the largest castle ruin in central Europe. The walk up to the ruins itself is quite challenging and requires good strong footwear but even from down at road level it is a sight worth seeing. Combined with a visit to the town of Levoča with its Gothic town centre and the highest wooden altar in the world this is a memorable day out. Travel today is by private coach.

Days 10 and 11   Free time to Explore or Relax

We have included in the cost of the holiday a rail pass for the Elektricka tram network so you can explore as little or as much as you wish for the next two days. There are funiculars and a cable car ride in the vicinity or you could just take the tram a few stations and walk in the wonderful scenery. There are numerous well marked easy footpaths. The one we recommend is around the lake at Strbské Pleso.

Day 12   Return to Prague

We return by the most direct route to Prague for a two night stay on a bed & breakfast basis.

Day 13   Exploring Prague

You have a free day to explore the city at your leisure. To help you get around we will include a one day public transport ticket in the holiday. One day can only be a taster but the main sights are all contained within the five historical districts linked by the famous Charles Bridge.

Day 14   Homeward Bound

Leaving Prague after breakfast we travel via the very scenic Elbe Valley route into Germany and Dresden where we change trains. A fast ICE service will take us finally to Frankfurt for an overnight stay.

Day 15   Return to London

We take the direct ICE train from Frankfurt to Brussels Midi station where we connect with Eurostar. We arrive back into London St Pancras by mid-afternoon.