Walking Holidays, Guided and Self-Guided Walks Abroad, from Walks Worldwide Walking and Hiking Holidays in Europe and Worldwide

Hungary, Slovakia and Poland - Crossing Central Europe

8 days, Guided Group, Fixed Departure

This rewarding guided trek leads you through three countries - Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland, in the steps of the historic amber trade route. Your journey starts in Budapest, the "Paris of the East". The hiking itself begins in the nearby village of Szentendre, one of many picturesque little towns full of cafes, galleries, churches, Romanesque towers and street artists. It is the gateway to an especially panoramic part of Hungary called the Danube Bend, where the river winds between high hills dotted with enchanting Renaissance castles and historic towns such as Ezstergom with its magnificent cathedral and the UNESCO city of Banska Stiavnica.
Cross into Slovakia to hike in the Low Tatras - an impressive mountain range that extends for more than 80km with abundant wildlife, pretty foothills and craggy peaks offering steep climbs and astounding views. From your central base you will embark on a series of incredibly rewarding day walks (sometimes involving ladders!).
The Tatras are also home to some of Slovakia's most beautiful valleys, Prosiecka with its extraordinary untamed environment of caves and waterfalls and Demanovska, for the ascent of the region's highest peak, Mount Dumbier (2043 metres).
Depart for Poland and visit a series of preserved traditional villages designed to revive folk crafts and local culture before arriving at the distinctive city of Krakow, famous for its beautiful architecture. This really is a trek through the heart of the former Eastern Bloc and one of the last frontiers in central Europe for the curious traveller!
Day 1. Outbound
Fly to Budapest, Hungary's stylish capital. Your guide will take you round mediaeval Buda, high on the hill overlooking the broad boulevards of modern Pest.
Days 2 and 3. Danube Walks
Travel to Szentendre and walk amongst the Vis Grad hills with views of the Danube Bend and King Matthias Palace before transferring to Esztergom, former capital and traditional seat of the Hungarian bishops. Cross into Slovakia and hike up Mount Sitno, the highest peak in the Stiavnica Highlands, past old mining landscapes, lakes and canals.
Days 4 to 6. Tatras Hikes
The opportunities for walking in the Tatras are boundless - no-one leaves disappointed from these mountains and we have chosen the highlights so that you can enjoy both valleys and peaks in this remarkable natural environment. Hike up the challenging Salatin Hill, a Nature Reserve of extraordinary botanical and zoological value with a gentle beginning and a sting of an ascent at the top! From your base of Liptovsky Mikulas, site of the Slovakian Robin Hood's execution, you will hike through Prosiecka Valley where a series of ladders assist as the route meanders between waterfalls and caves. Finally ascend to the highest peak in the Low Tatras for magical views over the beautiful Demanovska Valley - a stunning way to end your walking.
Day 7. Krakow
A morning of culture. Visit first the open-air museum at Zuberec then travel over the border into Poland to the traditional village of Lanckorona and the Unesco pilgrimage site of Zebrzydowska with its imposing Bernadine monastery. Waving the Tatras goodbye you end your trip at the thriving city of Krakow.
Day 8. Homeward
Krakow is well worth extending your stay for. It is famous for its bustling, central market square and imposing castle as well as its proximity to Auschwitz/Birkenau and the extraordinary Wieliczka Salt Mines. Fly back to the UK.
Solvakia

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  • Tour grade: B.
  • Cost per person: £895 land only.
  • Single supplement: On request.
  • CO2 offset cost: £2.52.
  • What is included: Accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, guide, transfers.
  • Accommodation: Hotels.
  • Departure date:
    Sunday, 3 August 2008.