Castles & Culture in the Heart of Europe

Day 1 London to Bratislava, Slovakia.

Fly by scheduled flight to Vienna. On arrival we will transfer to our hotel in Bratislava for a three night stay. Settle in before joining the group this evening for a welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)

Day 2 Bratislava.

Bratislava is one of the youngest capitals in Europe and during the time it was called Pressburg or Pozsony it was one of the most important cities in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Its location on the banks of the River Danube and at the crossroads of ancient trading routes, right at the heart of Europe, predestined it to become a meeting point of various cultures. The reign of Maria Theresa is regarded as a golden era in the city’s history. During our guided city tour we will visit 13th century Bratislava Castle which sits on a hill 80 metres above the Danube. Here we can see the Historical Museum before strolling through the elegant Baroque gardens. We also visit St Martin’s Cathedral which was built in the 13th century and served as the coronation church of Hungarian royalty. After our tour we have some free time before meeting for dinner this evening. (B, D)

Day 3 Cerveny Kamen Castle & Small Carpathian Wine Region.

This morning we drive to the Cerveny Kamen Castle located in the Small Carpathian Mountains to the north of Bratislava. Originally built in the 13th century as part of a chain of defensive castles across the Kingdom of Hungary, Cerveny Kamen evolved under the noble Fugger and Palffy families. Today is one of the best preserved castles in Slovakia, surrounded by a beautiful park. After visiting the museum and viewing some of the historic rooms and furnishings, we continue to the nearby village of Dolna Krupa, renowned for its mead and honey production and home to Slovakia’s largest rosarium, with more than 2,500 roses. After exploring the gardens, we will have lunch and sample some of the award winning mead and honey which is produced on site. Continue to Trnava which has the nickname of “Little Rome” due its role as a religious and cultural centre. It also has a rich history, Medieval city walls and is reputed to have the most churches in Slovakia some of which we see of our walking tour. As we return to Bratislava, we will stop at one of the vineyards of the Small Carpathian wine region which has a heritage dating back over two thousand years. Learn about the soils and growing conditions that produce such characterful wines before enjoying a tasting, followed by dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 4 Banska Stiavnica & Galicia Nueva.

After checking out of our hotel we will drive to Banska Stiavnica. Located in central Slovakia, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the country’s most enchanting towns. Once a prosperous mining centre in the Middle Ages, it is today a quiet, atmospheric retreat filled with historic landmarks and stunning scenery. After exploring the cobbled streets and viewing the blend of Medieval and Renaissance architecture mixing with a thriving art scene of galleries and workshops we have some free time for an independent lunch. In the early afternoon we continue to the Galicia Nueva Castle Hotel, an historic property which dates from the 18th century. After checking in, enjoy some free time to relax, make use of the hotel’s facilities, or wander through the landscaped gardens. Later, we will be welcomed on a private tour of the castle before gathering for dinner in the hotel’s restaurant. (B, D)

Day 5 Salas & High Tatras.

This morning we learn about Slovakia’s long tradition of farming and sheep breeding with a visit to a salas, a traditional mountain farm. These working farms continue to use age-old methods and are renowned for their authentic Slovak specialities made from sheep’s milk and cheese. After exploring the farmstead, we enjoy a lunch featuring locally sourced delicacies. In the afternoon we head to the High Tatras Mountains and check into the Kempinski Hotel located on Lake Strbske Pleso. There will be time to settle into our rooms or perhaps take a short stroll to the lake, where, on a calm day, the mirror-like surface reflects the surrounding peaks with remarkable clarity. Later we will meet for dinner in the hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 6 High Tatras.

Known locally as Vysoke Tatry, the High Tatras are a striking mountain range that rises suddenly and dramatically from the plains of northern Slovakia. Here we find a landscape of craggy granite peaks, alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers, and glacial lakes of perfect stillness. Designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the High Tatras form the natural border between Slovakia and Poland, and have long been a place of retreat, renewal, and quiet awe for generations of writers, artists, and travellers. Today is free to be as active as you wish. Perhaps take the three kilometre nature trail around Lake Strbske or those feeling more active may wish to take the more strenuous 10 kilometre walk through the mountains to Lake Popradske. Alternatively, simply relax and enjoy the views from the hotel. Tonight, we meet for dinner at the hotel. (B, D)

Day 7 Levoca & Spis Castle.

After breakfast in the hotel we drive to the beautiful Medieval town of Levoca. Once a flourishing centre of trade, craftsmanship, and learning, Levoca remains remarkably untouched—its walled old town a masterpiece of Medieval urban design. Behind its fortifications lie elegant Renaissance merchant houses, the magnificent Town Hall and the 14th century Basilica of St James, home to one of Europe’s greatest wooden Gothic altarpieces which soars over 18 metres high. After lunch we continue to nearby Spis Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest castle complexes in Europe covering over four hectares. Building commenced in the 12th century and was continually expanded in a variety of styles including Gothic, Romanesque and Renaissance. Over the years the castle has served as a royal stronghold, noble seat, and frontier outpost before becoming a living museum. After our visit we return to our hotel and have the chance to dine independently this evening. (B, L)

Day 8 Pieniny & Krakow, Poland.

Checking out after breakfast, we continue north to Pieniny National Park. Covering ten square miles, the park is situated within the Pieniny mountain range, a picturesque and rugged landscape characterised by steep limestone cliffs and lush forests, where the Dunajec River carves a dramatic path as it creates a natural border between Slovakia and Poland. Weather permitting, we will board wooden rafts to enjoy the stunning scenery from the water, with our raftsmen providing commentary. After lunch we make our way to Krakow, arriving in the late afternoon. There will be some free time to relax in the hotel or explore independently before we meet for dinner this evening in the city. (B, L, D)

Day 9 Krakow.

Krakow is one of Europe’s best-preserved Medieval cities and a cultural jewel of Poland. A morning tour of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a blend of history and architecture as we explore the cobbled streets. During the walk we will see the main market square, surrounded by townhouses and churches, St Mary’s Basilica, and the Cloth Hall. Once a centre of international trade, this elegant 16th century market building now hosts local artisans. Lunch will be served in a central restaurant and the remainder of the afternoon and evening is free to explore the city independently. (B, L)

Day 10 Krakow.

Today we discover Krakow’s historic heart, Wawel Hill, which was the seat of Polish royalty for over five centuries. We will also visit Wawel Cathedral, an impressive Gothic structure and a spiritual and national symbol where monarchs were crowned and entombed. Also see Wawel Royal Castle, once the residence of kings, with its Renaissance courtyard and stately interiors which offer a glimpse into Poland’s golden age. From the castle walls, take in the panoramic views of the Vistula River and the city skyline. There will be free time for an independent lunch before we spend the afternoon in Kazimierz, a historic district of Krakow. From its inception in the 14th century to the early 19th century, Kazimierz was an independent royal city of the Crown of the Polish Kingdom, located south of the Old Town of Krakow, separated from it by a branch of the Vistula River. For many centuries, Kazimierz was a place where ethnic Polish and Jewish cultures coexisted and intermingled. The north-eastern part of the district was historically Jewish. In 1941, the Jews of Krakow were forcibly relocated by the German occupying forces into the Krakow ghetto just across the river in Podgorze, and most did not survive the war. Today, Kazimierz is an important centre of cultural life in the city. After our tour we enjoy dinner accompanied by music. (B, D)

Day 11 Krakow to London.

Transfer to the airport for the return scheduled flight to London. (B)