Bratislava, located on the River Danube, has been an important hub of Central Europe for centuries. In the 20th century, it was perhaps a little bit in the shadow of nearby Vienna or Budapest, but nowadays charming Bratislava has been rediscovered by travellers from all over the world.
Thanks to its location, in the 16th century, Bratislava became the capital and coronation town of the Hungarian Kingdom. The most important and most famous monarch who was crowned in Bratislava was Maria Theresa.
After the separation of Czechoslovakia in 1991, forming two independent countries of Slovakia and the Czech Republic, Bratislava yet again naturally became the capital of Slovakia, and deservedly so.
This tour is the super way to explore the highlights of Bratislava and several hidden gems beyond Bratislava, including Lednice UNESCO grounds and the nearby winegrowing towns of Mikulov and Skalica, experiencing the real Slovakia.
Over four days, you´ll discover:
Welcome to charming Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia beautifully nestled on the Danube River between Vienna and Budapest. On arrival you will be met by your tour guide who will brief you about the programme about the next four days. The meeting time is scheduled for 4 pm. Depending on your arrival time, there might be time for a stroll around the old town.
Meals included
None
Accommodation
Bratislava, Hotel Devin (or similar)
Located on an ancient European trade route, Bratislava has always been a busy and flourishing town. Only a 65-km distance from Vienna made Bratislava a popular summer residence of Queen Maria Theresa.
Bratislava, often called the pearl of the Danube, along with the High Tatras, is naturally Slovakia´s top destination. Today we´ll follow the coronation route of Hungarian kings that is marked out in plaques with gilded crowns hammered into the cobblestones.
The dominant feature is Bratislava Castle towering majestically above the Danube. During our guided tour, you will also see Michalska Brána Gate, Primate’s Palace and the President’s Palace, St. Martin’s Cathedral, and more.
Afternoon is free for further exploration and an optional cruise on the Danube River to the Devin Castle, one of the iconic symbols of Slovakia.
Meals included
Breakfast
Accommodation
Bratislava, Hotel Devin (or similar)
This morning we´ll cross the Czech-Slovak border and travel 1 hour north by a private bus to explore the most attractive part of southern Moravia, an area known as Moravian Versailles. The first stop on today´s list is the winegrowing town of Mikulov dating back to the Stone Age.
Its many historical sites, including the dominate hilltop castle where Napoleon Bonaparte stayed during battles in Bohemia, make this town a destination that should not be missed. We´ll have a guided tour around the town before we move to the next jewel of southern Moravia, the Lednicky chateau.
The Lednicky chateau was a representative summer residence of the Lichtenstein family and is the crown of the Lednice-Valtice UNESCO grounds, one of the most beautiful complexes in the English Neo-Gothic style in Europe.
In the afteroon, we´ll cross the Czech-Slovak border once again and travel 40 minutes to the royal town of Skalica, the jewel of western Slovakia. Dating back to 13th century, Skalica is known for its preserved historical centre and extensive vineyards that surround the town.
For a short period of time, Skalica was also the capital of Slovakia, but the real glory of Skalica is especially linked to two local specialities: pastry “Trdelnik” made from dough wrapped around a wooden stick and baked over an open fire before being topped with sugar and walnuts and the red wine “Skalický Rubín” (Skalica´s Ruby).
During our visit to a family-run wine cellar, accompanied by a local vinedresser, you´ll have the opportunity to taste both Trdelnik and Skalica´s Ruby as well as many other locally produced wines, while finding out about the spectacular folklore that is very much still alive in and around Skalica.
Meals included
Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation
Skalica, Hotel sv. Ludmila
After breakfast, we´ll travel 1 hour back to Bratislava where your tour ends. Alternatively, an extra transfer can be organized to Vienna, Prague, or Budapest.
Meals included
Breakfast
This trip operates daily, so you can pick a date that suits you. Choose a day between April and October, and we’ll make all the arrangements for you. Just let us know when you want to travel.
Available
to Monday 31st October 2022
Guided groups
6 - 7 guests. Single room option +120 EUR
Available
to Monday 31st October 2022
Guided groups
4 - 5 guests. Single room option +120 EUR
Available
to Monday 31st October 2022
Guided groups
2 - 3 guests. Single room option +120 EUR
This well-thought-out trip is a great choice for people who like cultural discovery holidays. This trip is classified as easy with no demanding walks, so it can be managed by people with an average level of fitness.
Normally 16 max.
This tour starts in Bratislava.
This tour ends in Bratislava.
To enhance flexibility our holidays do not include flights. This gives you the freedom to choose a local airport that works for you and shop for the best deal.
List of airports with distances to the first hotel in Bratislava:
Bratislava Airport – 14 km / 20 min
Vienna Airport – 64 km / 45min
Once you have decided which airport works for you best you will need to choose the way how to get to the starting hotel / joining point. There are two options:
Public transport
You can reach Bratislava by public transport (bus, train). Using the public transport is another way of experiencing your destination, which puts you right in the centre of the action. If you prefer to travel by public transport we can help you find the best option.
Private transfers (door to door service)
Book your private airport transfers directly with us. Our fast, reliable and affordable private transfers are the best way to reach your starting hotel quickly and comfortably. For up-to-date prices of Airport private transfers click here.
During this tour, you´ll stay in comfortable four-star hotels.
If you need to arrive or leave on a different date, please contact us and we’d be more than happy to arrange extra pre- or post-tour accommodations for you.
Please note: We want to run this trip following the day-to-day itinerary on the trip notes. However, sometimes operational circumstances may sometimes prevent us from doing this. Your tour leader will keep you fully informed of any alternative plans that are necessary on-the-ground. Also, based on feedback from past travellers, occasionally our itineraries are amended. The final version of your trip notes will be emailed to you prior to travel.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions at all. Our knowledgeable and helpful team is here to help, and we look forward to welcoming you to our spectacular country soon!
Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want to know about this trip, including detailed itinerary and full kit list.
To download trip notes, please submit your email address down below.
This holiday is operated by our expert, in-country team at Slovakia Explorer. By booking with us, you’ll benefit from our unrivalled local knowledge and have 24/7 support during your trip.
Our holidays offer unique experiences, which give you an unparalleled insight into Slovakia. During the planning and booking process, we pay attention to every detail of your holiday to ensure your trip is perfect.
Slovakia Explorer offers great value, high-quality holidays.
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