Welcome to Budapest, Hungary´s capital and one of the most magnificent European gems on the Danube River.
On arrival, you´ll meet your tour guide at the hotel´s reception, who will brief you about the program for the next eight days. The introductory briefing is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Depending on your arrival time, there might be time for a stroll in the Old Town orwander on the pedestrian zone along the Danube River lined with many traditional restaurants and coffee shops. Enjoy your first Hungarian dinner at your hotel or one of the traditional restaurants. Your guide will be there to assist you with anything you might need.
Meals included
None
Accommodation
Budapest – Hotel Lion´s Garden (or similar)
Budapest is beautifully nestled in a stunning natural setting with a rich historical and architectural heritage. Accompanied by your tour guide, today you´ll discover the very top monuments of this beautiful city.
The majestic Danube River divides Budapest into two parts: Buda with its romantic atmosphere on one side and Pest as a cultural centre on the other. Today we´ll get to know the Royal Palace, the Matthias Church and Castle District, the Parliament, the Great Market Hall, and St. Stephen´s Basilica.
In the evening, why not enjoy a cruise on the Danube River with a view of the Parliament or experience the world-famous Budapest spas, which offer a unique blend of Roman, Turkish, and European bathing cultures.
Meals include
Breakfast
Accommodation
Budapest, Hotel Lion´s Garden.
This morning we’ll head to Slovakia. After crossing the Hungary-Slovakia borderline, it’s then only a short drive to Kosice. Known as the European capital of culture and Slovakia’s second-biggest city, here, we can admire some of Europe’s best.
After check-in at the hotel, it’s time for a guided stroll in the beautifully preserved Old Town. Most of our attention will be on Main Street, split into two parallel branches. Here we’ll find the town’s most significant monuments, such as the St. Elisabeth Cathedral, Urban’s Tower, St. Michael Chapel, State Theatre, and Kosice Gold Treasure, which is one of the largest in the world.
The evening is free for our first Slovak dinner at your hotel or one of Main Street’s lovely restaurants.
Meals included
Breakfast
Accommodation
Kosice, Hotel Marathon (or similar)
Heading west, we´ll travel about 50 minutes to the magical region of Spis, which is home to several remarkably preserved UNESCO sites. Spišsky Castle, the town of Levoča, Spišské Podhradie, Spišská Kapitula, and Žehra form a remarkable group of military, political, urban, and religious elements. Such formation was relatively common in medieval Europe, but throughout Europe, almost none has survived in such complete integrity.
After exploring this remarkable region, which includes entry to Spissky Castle, our journey continues to Stary Smokovec, our home for the next two nights—located in the heart of the High Tatras.
Meals included
Breakfast
Accommodation
Smokovec – Hotel Villa Siesta (or similar)
Your tour guide will take you on one of the most popular walks in the High Tatras for those who are interested. This walk involves taking a cable car to Skalnate Pleso (1,754 m.) and hike to Hrebienok (1,285 m.) with mountain huts on the way, including Zamkovského hut and Rainerova hut – the oldest hut in the Tatras. We´ll also pass several waterfalls, including the cascading Cold Creek waterfalls. This moderate 2.5-hour walk is full of fantastic panoramic views of majestic peaks and settlements below you.
Those who prefer gentle walks can take a mountain tram to Strbske Pleso, Slovakia´s highest village, and enjoy a walk around a beautiful lake of the same name. You can also visit one of the local museums, Belianska Cave, or visit the town of Poprad, the gateway to the High Tatras. You can choose many various activities, and your guide will be there to assist you with anything you might need.
Meals included
Breakfast
Accommodation
Smokovec – Hotel Villa Siesta (or similar)
This morning we´ll head to Pieniny National Park. A unique way to experience Pieniny is by taking traditional rafting on the River Dunajec. This two-hour gentle journey on wooden rafts through one of the longest canyons in Europe, which forms the natural border between Poland and Slovakia, is an experience of a lifetime.
Under the guidance of professional raftsmen, often dressed in their traditional Goral costume, you will learn many interesting stories and legends about this area. The most famous one is about the monk Cyprian, who lived in the nearby Cerveny Klastor monastery. Reportedly, Cyprian invented the first hang glider and established the first pharmacy in Central Europe.
After about two hours of rafting, you will reach Lesnica, the perfect spot for a well-earned lunch. Our journey then continues to Krakow, the former Polish capital. Depending on the arrival time and hotel check-in, there might be time for a stroll in the Old Town before dinner at the hotel or nearby restaurants.
Meals included
Breakfast
Accommodation
Krakow, Hotel Benefis (or similar)
Krakow is a UNESCO World Heritage City famous known for its beautifully preserved Old Town, which houses three kilometres of city walls, 46 spires, countless historic buildings, narrow streets, and churches.
We’ve included a guided tour that explores the city’s highlights, including the Rynek Glowny, Europe´s largest medieval market square, Wawel Castle and Cathedral, and a walk through the most enchanting district in Krakow, the Jewish Kazimierz.
The afternoon is free for you to spend time in Krakow - there’s plenty to do in this relaxed and charming city. The square comes alive with performers throughout the day and provides plenty of entertainment. You may wish to visit the interiors of Wawel Castle, now a museum, stroll alongside or cruise the Vistula River, enjoy a horse and carriage ride through the city streets admiring the beautiful architecture, or walk the Royal Route - the historical coronation path of Polish kings.
You can also visit the world-famous Wieliczka salt mines or the concentration camp of Auschwitz.
Meals included
Breakfast
Accommodation
Krakow, Hotel Benefis (or similar)
After your last breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye as your adventure comes to an end. Krakow is a fantastic city, so if you fancy spending more time here, let us know, and we’ll help you book an extra night(s).
Meals included
Breakfast
