PAST TOUR: 2012 Day-By-Day

Calendar Archive: September 2012

Slovakia Heritage Tour
10 Days / 9 nights
Friday, September 7 – Sunday, September 16, 2012

Fri. Sep. 7:  Vienna  Airport – Bratislava – Nitra – Banská Bystrica
Morning meet at Vienna Airport. Travel through Bratislava to the lovely city of  Banská Bystrica and the Spa Hotel Kaskády. Gather for an evening Welcome Dinner (included) in a 16th century frescoed restaurant to review the travel plans and have an introductory Slovak lesson.

Sat. Sep. 8: Banská Bystrica – Špania Dolina
Explore the elegant and historical downtown of Banská Bystrica.  Step back in time in the ancient mining and craft village of Špania Dolina.  Afternoon will be free to rest and enjoy the spa, shop, or visit the National Museum of the Uprising.

Sun. Sep. 9: Orava – Tatry Mountains
Travel through beautiful landscapes, stopping to visit Orava Castle, and the Orava Outdoor Museum.  Relax and watch the sunset on the mountains from our “Pension 2004” in Stara Lesna.  Dinner and traditional music at a nearby Zbojnícka Koliba (folk restaurant).

Mon. Sep. 10: Tatry Mountains
Enjoy the beauty of the Tatry Mountains at your own pace.  Choose from several options for a day of out-door scenic adventure in this dramatic small alpine range, or relax in the resort towns.  Learn to make Bryndzové Halušky for our traditional Slovak supper (included).  (Optional personal family and village visits can be arranged.)

Tue. Sep. 11: Levoča – Spiš Castle – Spišská Kapitula – Spišská Sobota
Explore the ruins of the majestic Spiš Castle, one of the largest castle ruins in Europe.  Lunch in the medieval pilgrimage town of Levoča with visits to see the large exquisitely-carved altar in St. Jacob’s Cathedral by 15th century master woodcarver Pavol.  In the evening, explore the village and dine in Spišská Sobota.

Wed. Sep. 12: Bardejov – Sabinov – Prešov – Košice
At our first stop in Bardejov, explore the well-preserved medieval town center and the Šariš Outdoor Museum, and sample the curative waters of the Bardejov Spa.  Enjoy a traditional Slovak lunch and music in Sabinov (included) .  Continue to Prešov for visits to the Šariš Museum, a nearby social service center, and mass with organ music at St. Nicholas Church, before rest at the Hotel Zlatý Dukát in Košice.

Thu. Sep. 13: Košice
Morning guided walking tour of Košice’s well-preserved historic center.  Afternoon free to shop and explore the thriving downtown. Optional evening special cultural program.  (Optional personal family and village visits can be arranged.)

Fri. Sep. 14: Košice – Budapest – Bratislava
After learning about the role of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in Slovak history, we return to Bratislava with a day-stop in the ancient Hungarian capital, Budapest.  After an auto-tour of the central city, lunch and free time to explore the Danube Promenade, and Vaci utca, a very famous shopping street.  Return up the Danube Valley, with an evening arrival in Bratislava to relax at the central “old world”-style Radisson Carlton Hotel.

Sat. Sep. 15: Bratislava – Modra Wine Festival
With a morning city tour, explore the lovely medieval central streets and plazas, and take in the panoramic views from Bratislava Castle.  Travel to the Small Carpathian Mountain wine and ceramic region for the annual Modra Wine Festival to celebrate the new wine (burčiak) and sample the Lokše potato pancakes and Klobásy (home-made sausages).  Watch the master potters at a local pottery studio.  Toast a wonderful tour at our Farewell Dinner in a local wine cellar restaurant.

Sun. Sep. 16: Bratislava
Farewell to Slovakia!  We bid good-bye from the Radisson Hotel.  (Extended private tours can be arranged for Slovakia, or to Prague, Krakow, Vienna, or other Eastern European cities.)