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Slovakia - Paradise in the Carpathians

8 days, Self-Guided for 2 People or more, Seasonal Daily Departures

A trip to Slovakia is a journey into the heart of 'old Europe' with a wealth of history, rich mountain scenery, ancient folklore and romantic castles. The National Park of the Slovensky Raj or 'Slovak Paradise' lies to the south of the High Tatras.
It is characterised by its dramatic ravines and gorges, the limestone walls eroded by fast-flowing rivers creating numerous torrential waterfalls. Forests of beech and spruce cover the slopes and many protected plants exist here. Bear, lynx, eagle and black stork reside amongst the rare flora and there are over 200 caves, some more than 21km long. It is one of the most famous spots in Slovakia renowned for its exceptional natural beauty, variety of paths following shaded gorges to impressive karst plateaux, countless thundering waterfalls plummeting down over sheer rock walls and the famous canyon of Prielom Hornadu whose sides fall from the mountains to a depth of 300 metres.

The entire area offers outstanding walking and as this trip allows for several nights in the same villages you are not moving on each day and can enjoy the surroundings at a more relaxed pace. This is an exceptional area in an extraordinary country and a visit here will undoubtedly exceed expectations.
Day 1. Outbound
Make your own way to the capital Bratislava, a city of culture, gastronomy and wine. It has a 1000-year-old history with numerous baroque palaces, fountains and romantic lanes, which used to be home to many aristocratic families from the Hungarian Empire.
Days 2 and 3. Prielom Hornad Canyon
Journey across this beautiful country to the traditional trade town of Spisska Nova Ves. Its backdrop are the complex karst mountains of the Slovensky Raj. From here you embark on your walk through the famous Prielom Hornad Canyon. This 16km long gorge offers a spectacular introduction to the park as you climb iron ladders and rock-hewn stairs past refreshing waterfalls to a monastery ruin where you can rest before walking to Cingov along a tranquil forest path.
Days 4 and 5. Waterfalls and Gorges
The next two days you will walk through wild ravines, romantic gorges and pass more tumultuous waterfalls. Discover the Falcon Valley, one of the wildest spots in the country where you will follow a route only pioneered last century, past the highest waterfall in Slovakia. You will walk up through narrow chasms and along wooden boardwalks, bubbling streams and peaceful valleys - the crowds are all in the Alps! Sucha Bela is the most picturesque gorge in Slovakia, gushing out from the 1061 metre Glac Plateau, the largest in the park. The white water river rages through Podlesok where you stay for two nights.
Days 6 and 7. Caves and Karst
Follow the stream of 'Vel ka Bila Voda' to the Dobsinka Ice Cave, one of the rarest phenomenon in Slovakia. A visit to the cave is optional but highly recommended due to the cool air and stunning formations that the frozen spring waters create. Overnight at Stratena and then embark on a final day walking the fabulous Geravy Plateau. This offers outstanding views of a variety of karst surfaces and formations and is composed of many scenic meadows, peaks, forests, plantations and of course further pretty cascades.
Day 8. Homeward
Depart for Bratislava and your journey back to the UK.
Slovakia

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  • Tour grade: B.
  • Cost per person: £495 land only.
  • Single supplement: On request.
  • CO2 offset cost: £2.26.
  • What is included: Accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, most dinners, luggage transfers, route notes and maps.
  • Accommodation: Hotels.
  • Departure dates:
    Daily, May to October.