❄️Dive into the heart of Slovakia’s High Tatras with this exclusive eight-day winter adventure, designed for those seeking a blend of exhilarating activities and peaceful mountain landscapes. Discover snow-dusted trails, frozen waterfalls, and stunning panoramic views as you explore this iconic alpine region.
In just one week, you’ll enjoy:
This winter adventure combines outdoor excitement with cosy relaxation, creating unforgettable memories in Slovakia’s snow-covered wonderland.
Upon arrival at Krakow airport, your friendly guide will greet you and ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel in Smokovec, a cozy village at the foot of Gerlachovsky Peak in the High Tatras. After check-in, relax and enjoy the surroundings. Later, join your group for a warm welcome and a preview of the exciting days ahead.
Overnight: Smokovec
Hop on the Tatra tram to Strbske Pleso, Slovakia’s highest village, for a winter walk to the stunning, frozen Skok waterfall. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Tatra wilderness, with opportunities to spot the elusive chamois and enjoy a peaceful picnic in the snowy landscape. In the afternoon, return by tram to Smokovec.
Overnight: Smokovec
Today, prepare for an exhilarating day in the Tatra meadows, perfect for an unforgettable dog sledging experience. After learning the basics from a professional musher, you can try driving the sledge yourself, gliding across snowy landscapes with your team of sledge dogs.
We’ll then enjoy a cosy lunch at a traditional mountain cottage before heading to Besenova Aqua Park to unwind in the warm, soothing thermal springs. In the late afternoon, we’ll return to Smokovec, refreshed and full of memories from the day’s adventure.
Overnight: Smokovec
Today, we set off for the picturesque village of Zdiar to begin our snowshoeing adventure. After a quick lesson on using snowshoes, we’ll explore the historic Spisska Magura ridge, where smugglers once travelled in days past. This scenic, moderate trail is ideal for both beginners and seasoned hikers. As we make our way along the ridge, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Belianske Tatras—an unforgettable way to experience the serene beauty of the Tatras in winter.
Overnight: Smokovec
Start with a cable car ride to Hrebienok (1285m) and marvel at the Tatra Ice Dome’s stunning ice sculptures. Take a short winter walk to Rainerova Hut, the oldest in the Tatras, for a cosy break and scenic views. Later, visit Zdiar for thrilling downhill sledging and explore an outdoor museum celebrating Goral culture. Each part of this day brings adventure, warmth, and unforgettable memories.
Overnight: Smokovec
After breakfast, we’ll head to Tatranska Lomnica for some of the best skiing in the High Tatras. Tackle one of the longest downhill runs, gliding from high altitude to the village below. With trails for beginners and experienced skiers, there’s something for everyone. Need a refresher? We can arrange a ski lesson to get you ready. Grab your skis, and let’s make today unforgettable!
Overnight: Smokovec
The choice is yours! Hit the slopes, hike to a mountain hut, try cross-country skiing at Štrbské Pleso, or enjoy a scenic horse-drawn carriage ride. For a relaxing day, visit Belianska Cave or AquaCity Poprad, a water park with thrilling slides, thermal pools, and a wellness centre. History lovers can explore the UNESCO town of Levoča or the TANAP Museum. Whatever you choose, your guide is here to assist!
Overnight: Smokovec
After a memorable week of winter adventures, it’s time to bid farewell to the High Tatras. Following a relaxing lunch, we’ll set out on a scenic drive back to Krakow Airport, ensuring you arrive with plenty of time for your flight. Take unforgettable memories of snowy peaks, cosy mountain huts, and incredible moments in the heart of Slovakia. Safe travels and we hope to welcome you back for more alpine adventures!
Guided Adventure: Explore with a Local Expert!
Our scheduled dates for this tour are listed below, offering you the chance to join a group of like-minded travellers.
Go Private
If these dates don’t fit your plans, or if you’d prefer a private experience tailored just for your family or friends, please get in touch. We’d be delighted to customize your adventure to suit your needs!
Holiday Status:
Available
Spots are open, and we'd be happy to have you join us! You can reserve your place now, but please wait to book flights and other travel plans until this departure is Guaranteed to Run."
Guaranteed to Run
Good news—this trip is confirmed! You can now book your flights and make the rest of your travel arrangements with confidence.
Available
to Sunday 12th January 2025
🚌 Airport transfer included
5+ places remaining
Available
to Sunday 26th January 2025
🚌 Airport transfer included
5+ places remaining
Available
to Sunday 2nd February 2025
🚌 Airport transfer included
5+ places remaining
Available
to Sunday 9th February 2025
🚌 Airport transfer included
5+ places remaining
What to Know to Shine on Your Journey
This well-thought-out trip is a great choice for people who like active holidays or would like to try something new. The snow determines the difficulty of movement in the Tatras, but in general this winter multi-activity trip is designed so that it can be managed by active people with an average level of fitness.
What´s Included
🎁A Sustainable Slovak Gift to Remember: As a thank you, each family will receive a special, sustainable gift featuring locally-made Slovak products, including natural bee products crafted by our CEO, Petr Ivanek, who is also a beekeeper.
What´s not Included
For a bit more privacy, opt for a single room supplement at 140 EUR and enjoy your own space on the journey!
Getting there - Smooth Transfers for a Journey that Shines
Start: Krakow John Paul II International Airport, Poland, 17:00
End: Krakow John Paul II International Airport, Poland, 17:30
Transfer Details
Upon arrival at Krakow airport, we’ll welcome you and take you to your hotel in Smokovec, in the stunning High Tatras. Our group transfer departs at 17:00, setting your trip off smoothly.
On your final day, we’ll depart the High Tatras after lunch and drop you at Krakow Airport by 17:30.
Krakow is well-connected with regular flights from the UK and Europe. The 150 km group transfer takes about 2.5 hours, including a border crossing. We recommend our group transfer for convenience and affordability, though private transfers are available.
Due to traffic, we don’t provide pick-up or drop-off at Krakow city hotels, but frequent trains connect the airport to the city in just 17 minutes for an easy, budget-friendly option.
Stay & Shine: Our Selected Hotels
For this trip, we’ve hand-picked a hotel for its convenient location and good value for money.
Novy Smokovec: Hotel Villa Siesta
What is the accommodation like?
Hotel Villa Siesta
We’ve selected Hotel Villa Siesta for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, great value, and perfect location within walking distance of Stary Smokovec, the oldest spa village in the High Tatras. With cosy rooms, an on-site restaurant, and basic wellness facilities, it’s the ideal spot for families to relax close to nature, with easy access to nearby trails, charming restaurants, and local places to explore.
Meals included
Day 1: none
Day 2: Breakfast, Packed Lunch
Day 3: Breakfast
Day 4: Breakfast, Packed Lunch
Day 5: Breakfast
Day 6: Breakfast
Day 7: Breakfast
Day 8: Breakfast
👨🍳 What is the food like?
Breakfasts
Start your morning with a hearty buffet featuring fresh, local goodies like bread, cheese, meats, and seasonal fruits. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the warm options like eggs and sausages, plus lighter choices such as yogurt, cereals, and fresh fruit – plenty to fuel your family’s day of adventure!
Lunches
On days two and four, enjoy a packed lunch with a fresh sandwich or baguette, fruit, and biscuits—perfect for a picnic on your winter walks.
On the other days, we’ll explore local restaurants in the Tatras. Here, you can savour traditional Slovak specialities and various international dishes, ensuring there’s something for every taste.
Dinners
Dinner in Stary Smokovec offers something for everyone! Dine at the hotel for a cozy and convenient meal, or head out to explore local restaurants that serve Slovak favorites like Bryndzové Halušky (potato dumplings with sheep cheese) along with international options. Many places focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, so whether you stay in or venture out, your family will enjoy a warm, welcoming taste of the High Tatras.
Special Dietary Requirements
We’re committed to ensuring everyone, including those with special dietary needs, enjoys their meals. Whether you’re gluten-free, vegetarian, or have other dietary preferences, we’ll work with the hotel and local restaurants to accommodate your requirements. Let us know in advance, and we’ll ensure delicious options are available so you can relax and enjoy every meal with peace of mind.
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 accommodation for you.
We recommend you pack as light as possible, with a suitcases or backpacks that are easy for parents to lift and carry, because you will be expected to carry your own bag during travelling, taking it to your hotel room etc.
You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips. Below you will find a recommended packing list. It is by no means exhaustive, so if you’re in any doubt, please contact us.
Local Knowledge to Brighten Your Journey
On this family winter adventure in the High Tatras, our friendly guide and local team will transform each day into a journey of discovery for everyone.
With deep roots in Slovakia, they know the best spots for winter fun, from scenic views to unique wildlife sightings.
They’ll bring the Tatras to life with fascinating local legends, cultural traditions, and hidden wonders, making every moment magical.
Their love for these mountains ensures that your family’s winter adventure goes beyond activities – it’s an unforgettable experience, perfect for creating warm memories together in the heart of Slovakia’s snowy beauty.
Reserve Your Spot with Confidence in Just 3 Steps
1. 💬 Get in Touch
Click the "ENQUIRE OR BOOK" button of your chosen date, contact us via email sales@slovakia-explorer.com or send us a WhatsApp message at +421 908 021 469 to let us know you're interested.
2. 🗺️ Plan Your Journey
Once we hear from you, we’ll swap emails to arrange all the details and ensure your trip is perfectly tailored to your needs.
3. 🔒 Choose Your Payment Options
After confirming the details, you can secure your spot with flexible payment options:
5% Discount for Full Payment: Start your journey with ease and enjoy a 5% discount when you pay in full at booking. (Note: This option is non-refundable in case of cancellation)
25% Deposit: reserve your place with a 25% deposit, and settle the balance 10 weeks before departure.
💳 Payment Methods
We offer secure and convenient ways to complete your booking:
🏦 Bank Transfer: A direct and reliable option for making payments.
🔗 PayPal: Quick, secure, and allows for credit card payments. A PayPal payment link will be sent directly to your email for easy payment.
Choose the payment method that best suits your preference, and let us take care of the rest so you can focus on the adventure that awaits!
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!
Our guide Jan is amazing. He has enriched our stay. The trip was well organized, easy going, professional (also the contact beforehand and after), the activities well appointed and put together. The Hotel we stayed in was fine, good bed, big rooms, balcony, rich breakfast - Jan arranged for some veggies and fruit, so really perfect.
We all had a fantastic time and made new friends. We felt very lucky to be in the group that we had, we all got on very well. It was nice not to have too large a group. We were very impressed with you communication prior to our holiday.
Jan was an excellent guide, very friendly and was keen for us to have the best experience that we could whilst on holiday. The holiday appeared to work well as the members of the group appeared to be of similar fitness and ability (I feel that the holiday might not have gone so well if this were not the case). The activities were thoroughly enjoyed.
GENERAL FEEDBACK - YOUR OVERALL EXPERIENCE
Excellent introduction to winter activities in the Tatras. The whole tour was very well organised with a relaxed pace leaving some free time for us to use the Wellness Centre, go into town for a drink etc.
WHAT WERE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR TRIP?
Cross country skiing (in a blizzard!), the funicular from Stary Smokovec and hike to Rainerova chata (beautiful snowy hike) , dressing up in the museum (what fun), the horse and carriage ride (amazing!) and the final day going up Lomnicky stit on the cable car (thank you Petr, we would never have worked out how to get up there without you!). Every day was a highlight to be honest.
ACCOMMODATION
The Bratislava hotel was fab and view of Danube much appreciated. The hotel Uran was comfortable and our room was lovely and warm with plenty of hot water. The wellness centre was very nice at the end of an active day. However, its worth noting that the evening buffet at the hotel was very limited for non meat eaters. There were also some issues about room servicing which Petr quickly resolved.
TRANSPORT
Transfers and trains were all on time and very efficient. Petr took his car when the rail link to Strbske Pleso wasn't running due to a fallen tree. Petr worked hard to ensure we used the most time efficient way to get to places so that we could spend the most time there.
MEALS
Breakfast in both hotels was fine with a reasonable breakfast buffet. There is a good selection of restaurants in Tatranska Lomnica so plenty of choice for evening meals. Plus Petr was happy to make suggestions about places we could try.
PLEASE RATE YOUR LEADER
Fabulous! A++ Thank you Petr.
WERE YOU DISAPPOINTED WITH ANY PART OF YOUR TRIP?
No, not at all. The only very small point I would make is that the BBQ on day 5 is great for meat eaters but it would have been nice for Jeff, as a non meat eater, to have been able to join in and perhaps BBQ a veggie sausage.
WHAT TIPS WOULD YOU GIVE OTHER TRAVELLERS BOOKING THIS HOLIDAY?
Be prepared for changing weather conditions and make sure you have good waterproofs and warm thermal clothing. Also, be prepared to have great fun and lots of laughs.
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.
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