Prague & Tatra Mountains family holiday
| country: | Czech Republic, Slovakia |
| departures: | 2010: 29 Jul, 5 Aug, 12 Aug, 19 Aug 2011: 21 Jul, 28 Jul, 4 Aug, 11 Aug, 18 Aug |
| price: | From £929 - £989 (10 days) per adult and from £849 - £899 per child including flights from the UK. From £789 - £829 per adult and from £759 - £789 per child excluding flights. |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
introduction to Prague & Tatra Mountains family holiday
Action-packed activity holiday in the Western Tatra Mountains of Slovakia combined with the culture of Prague
Prague Culture
Your holiday begins in Prague, a beautiful city with a wealth of sights to discover - Wenceslas Square, the Charles Bridge and a maze of medieval alleyways and courtyards. After a full day’s exploration you'll catch the overnight sleeper train to Slovakia.
Mountain Activities
The Western Tatras hold some of the highest peaks and most spectacular scenery in the Carpathian range, and are home to chamois, marmots, lynx and deer. From your base in Zuberec you’ll set out on a different adventure each day.
Cycling & Rafting
You can enjoy hiking along mountain trails, cycling, rafting on the River Orava, trying your hand at traditional crafts and taking a carriage ride into the mountains. You’ll also learn about the way of life in Slovakia over a meal with a local family.
Castles & Caves
There's time, too, to visit the imposing Oravsky Castle and Demanovska Cave, as well as following in the footsteps of Juraj Janosik - the Slovakian ‘Robin Hood’. And if you'd like to relax, you can - by a mountain waterfall or in a thermal pool!
Prague Culture
Your holiday begins in Prague, a beautiful city with a wealth of sights to discover - Wenceslas Square, the Charles Bridge and a maze of medieval alleyways and courtyards. After a full day’s exploration you'll catch the overnight sleeper train to Slovakia.
Mountain Activities
The Western Tatras hold some of the highest peaks and most spectacular scenery in the Carpathian range, and are home to chamois, marmots, lynx and deer. From your base in Zuberec you’ll set out on a different adventure each day.
Cycling & Rafting
You can enjoy hiking along mountain trails, cycling, rafting on the River Orava, trying your hand at traditional crafts and taking a carriage ride into the mountains. You’ll also learn about the way of life in Slovakia over a meal with a local family.
Castles & Caves
There's time, too, to visit the imposing Oravsky Castle and Demanovska Cave, as well as following in the footsteps of Juraj Janosik - the Slovakian ‘Robin Hood’. And if you'd like to relax, you can - by a mountain waterfall or in a thermal pool!
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Depart London After arriving at Prague’s international airport you’ll board the airport bus for the short transfer into the city, where you’ll check in to your accommodation. The hotel we’ve chosen for this trip is located near to the centre as we feel being in the centre of Prague, and thus near to the main attractions, will help you to make the most of your time here. Rooms will have en-suite facilities. Prague is probably the foremost architectural gem in all of Europe. Built on medieval foundations, the city today is an amazing fusion of architectural styles from Romanesque, through to Gothic, Baroque and Avant Guarde. The Old Town (Staré Mesto) is spread along the right bank of the Vltava River and, although the baroque influence finds expression in many individual buildings, the pattern of streets and squares has remained largely the same from medieval times. Hotel – 1 night |
| Day 2: | Prague This morning you’ll take a guided walking tour around some of Prague’s most important monuments. The exact sites visited will depend on the interests of the group, but may include the 1100 year old castle, St Vitus Cathedral, the old city square and the Charles University. There’s also the Charles Bridge which, for over 400 years, was the only link between the two halves of the city. As you wander through the districts of Staré Mesto, Hradcany, the old Jewish quarter of Josefov and the intensely baroque Malá Strana, you’ll discover that Prague is simply packed with the ancient, the monumental and the unique. After your city tour, there may be free time to wander at leisure: when you’re not staring incredulously at the city’s architectural splendours there are other, more lively distractions to consider such as the bustling street café scene. An international community of artists, writers and musicians has sprung up here and performing arts, live music and a buoyant literary scene all add to the city’s many attractions. After dinner, this evening you’ll head for the train station to catch the overnight sleeper train into Slovakia. Berth on overnight train – 1 night (B) Berths are in first-class cabins sleeping two to three people, “bunk” style. This means, for example, one member of a family of four may be accommodated with other families on the trip. All bedding is provided and a toilet / sink are located at the end of each carriage. There’s also a buffet service available. |
| Day 3: | Zuberec This morning you wake in western Slovakia, alighting from your train at the small town of Liptovsky Mikulas. A charter bus will meet you here and transfer you the 30 kilometres northwards into the mountains, to Zuberec which will be your base for the next seven days. Situated on the western edge of the High Tatras, Zuberec was originally an agricultural settlement. Today the village is a popular base for both winter and summer mountain activities and has developed to offer a range of facilities for tourists. There are a number of small guesthouses and pensions and a growing range of organised activities on offer to visitors. On arrival in Zuberec you’ll check in to your pension for the next six nights. Most pensions in this area are built in chalet style, with wooden furniture, offering simple but clean and comfortable accommodation. Breakfast is served in your pension each morning and you’ll be able to choose from a selection of mountain restaurants and village cafes for your lunches and dinners. Meals should also be available at your pension.After time for breakfast, and maybe to relax, transport will be available to take you to nearby Oravice, 20 minutes away. Here, those that wish can visit one of the village’s two thermal pools (see back page of this dossier for details of entrance fees to the pools). Pension – 6 nights (B) |
| Day 4: | River Rafting / Horse & Carriage Ride Leaving the pension straight after breakfast you’ll drive (80km) westward out of the Rohace Mountains to reach Mala Fatra National Park. The Vratna Dolina (valley) is considered one of the park’s gems and is reached through a narrow rocky cleft in the Tiesnavy cliffs. There are many fine walks in the valley but your day begins with a rafting trip down the Orava River from Parnica. The waters here are graded 2-3 for rafting. This is towards the gentler end of the grading system used to measure the challenge of a river’s waters, e.g. number and speed of rapids. This makes today’s journey an ideal first time rafting experience, and means you can enjoy the beautiful passing scenery as you journey along the river. Perhaps a little damper than when you set out and certainly more exhilarated, you’ll leave the river at Kralovany and make your way by bus to a traditional restaurant for a typical Slovak lunch. This afternoon you’ll climb aboard a horse-drawn carriage for a memorable ride through forest and meadows. From Trusalova village, the route takes you through two of Slovakia’s National Parks, Mala Fatra and Velka Fatra, with river and mountain views as you ride, including of the highest peak in Mala Fatra, Velky Fatransky Krivan. Each carriage carries four people, and the ride is planned so a maximum of eight people will be travelling at any one time, also giving you the opportunity to take a 90-minute walk to Sutovsky waterfall. There may even be time to ride one of the horses during this excursion! The area you’re in this afternoon was once ground trod by one of Slovakia’s foremost folk heroes – Juraj Janosik – and on this walk you can discover what led to his reputation, as Slovakia’s ‘Robin Hood’, by walking the secret pathways that Juraj used to evade his enemies. (BL) |
| Day 5: | Rohackse Waterfalls & Lakes Walk Today you’ll trek into the mountains. A short, five-minute, bus journey takes you to the small settlement of Zverovka (1004m), on the outskirts of Zuberec. A variety of different trails lead away from Zverovka but you’ll follow the main path along the Rohackse Dolina (valley). From Zverovka, you’ll walk along the road before ascending to the mountain lake of Tatliakovo. Initially it’s only trees that you’ll see above you but within a short space of time the mountains begin to reveal themselves; jagged, grey limestone peaks reaching over 2000m in height. From Tatliakovo, you’ll continue alongside a stream to reach a further three mountain lakes (1650m), each with crystal clear water. These lakes make the perfect spot for lunch, and after refuelling you’ll continue to the beautiful glacial lake of Rohackse Pleso. You will also see the 18 metre high waterfall Rohackse, before descending back towards Zverovka. (BL) Approximately 6 hours of walking; maximum ascent of 650 metres. |
| Day 6: | Orava River & Castle This morning’s transport will take you to Oravice, where once again there’s the chance for those that wish to take a dip in the thermal pools. Other options include a walk in the area, or a visit to a sheep farm where, if we are lucky, we may be able to buy locally produced cheese. After lunch at a traditional restaurant near Oravice (for your own account), you’ll then drive west for 35 kilometres to the banks of the Orava River where you’ll board a traditional Slovakian wooden raft for a gentle one-hour river journey to Orava Castle. The scenery here is reminiscent of the Dordogne, with the flat, tranquil waters leading you to a towering cliff-top castle. Leaving the raft you’ll walk up through the village of Orava, to reach its castle, some 100 metres above. Dating back to the 13thCentury, Orava Castle has been home to a succession of royals and rich landowners. Its many rooms tell the history of the castle, from the sumptuous feasts held in its dining halls to the use of various instruments designed to loosen the tongues of rogues or enemies. (B) |
| Day 7: | Cycling & Open Air Museum After breakfast you’ll take to mountain bikes for a ride into the countryside. From Zuberec, you’ll head uphill on a tarmac road into the mountains, through forest and crossing several streams, before arriving at the traditional mountain cottage of Sindlovec, about 8km away. Here you can relax, maybe trying some of the rich Slovakian ice cream. You’ll explore the area by bike a little more before heading downhill (!) to the celebrated open-air museum of local life at Brestova. The total distance today will be approximately 18km. Here you’ll discover the traditions and culture of this part of Slovakia, through the many examples of traditionally built local homes as well as farms, barns and a wooden church. There are many interesting artefacts and displays here but your visit will be timed to also make the most of the “hands-on” activities that the museum organises each week. You might make some traditional Slovakian pottery or learn some local games or folk dances. (B) |
| Day 8: | Lunch With Local Family / Cave Visit This morning is free, before you visit the home of a local family who’ll have prepared a Slovakian lunch for you. The main dish will be a specially prepared Halusky. This is a traditional mountain dish of hot potato dumplings served with melted cheese and sprinkled with bacon. Eating with the family is a great way to discover more about Slovakian culture and daily life. After lunch, you’ll drive for 45 minutes to the Lower Tatras National Park, where you’ll visit the Demanovska Freedom Cave. This cave forms part of what is the longest cave system in Slovakia, formed when springs of the Demanovska River came up through the Lower Tatras. Located at 870m, you’ll walk up a footpath to the entrance of the cave in the side of a mountain. Inside you’ll find an array of interesting and colourful stalactites, stalagmites, stone waterfalls, lakes and karst scenery amid the cave’s domed halls and subterranean passages, which stretch to 8km in total. After your visit, you’ll return to Zuberec. (BL) |
| Day 9: | Free Day Today is free for you to choose from the many activities on offer in and around Zuberec. You may wish to head back into the mountains on foot, or perhaps hire bikes for the day to explore further afield. Another option likely to be popular with the children is a visit to Tatralandia, Slovakia’s largest water park, with more than 20 slides and tubes plunging into nine separate swimming pools. Your leader will of course be on hand for advice, should you decide to explore beyond Zuberec. This evening there’s time for a final night’s celebratory meal - your Group Leader may be able to organise a BBQ and traditional band - before driving down to Liptovsky Mikulas to catch an overnight sleeper train to Prague. Berth on overnight train – 1 night (B) |
| Day 10: | Fly from Prague to UK Your overnight train arrives in Prague early this morning (often between 06:00 and 07:00). Depending upon flight schedules, you may want to explore Prague a little more before catching an airport bus to the airport for your return flight to the UK. NB. The cost of travel back to the airport is at your own expense. Further information will be given on departure from Slovakia. but please also see ‘Local Costs’ on the trip guide page for details. Please note: You will be accompanied by two local Group Leaders on this trip. A local Group Leader / guide will meet you upon arrival at Prague airport until your departure by train to Slovakia on day two. Your Slovakian leader will then meet you upon arrival at Liptovsky Mikulae train station on day three until your departure on the train back to Prague on day eight. Your two overnight train journeys and departure airport transfer will not be accompanied by an Adventure Company representative. However, full instructions will be given by the leaders before you embark on the overnight train journeys and for the departure transfer. |
traveller reviews for Prague & Tatra Mountains family holiday
Climbing up the Tatra Mountains to be within sight of the Polish border was the most memorable part. (more)
small group family holiday
This is a 'small group family adventure' - typically you will join several other families and travel in a group of approx. 16 people. The trips are great value and a great way for you and your children to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of time to yourselves. Most adventure kids tend to be aged between 7 and 15, but some are younger (minimum age is usually 5) and some older (perhaps travelling as part of a larger family group). Please check with the operator to confirm the minimum age for this trip how this holiday makes a difference
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On this trip: By staying in locally-owned accommodation and using only local leaders, your tourist spend directly benefits the local economy. The museum of village life at Brestova is made up of over 50 dwellings, barns and workshops dating back as far as the 15th century. A visit here offers a great insight into traditions and customs, whilst sharing a meal with local people is a great way to find out about every day life in modern Slovakia. The family would also appreciate a small token or gift, if you wish to take one. The gift should be something that is typically English, for example tea, confectionery or maybe a present from your home town. This should not be expensive, but something that will help them appreciate a little bit of English culture, as they show you theirs.
Our Responsible Travel Code: Clients who travel with us will automatically receive a copy of our Responsible Travel leaflet. This contains details and advice on how you can make a positive difference when you travel. If you would like a copy in advance of travel please contact us. Charity Partnerships: We work in partnership with Plan International. Plan works with some of the world’s poorest communities where three out of four children die before the age of five. We also support Friends of Conservation – an international charity committed to working with local people to develop a balance between their needs and the wildlife with which they share the natural habitat and ecosystems. Carbon Balancing: Global warming is a real issue and is a direct result of your travel. We have teamed up with Climate Care to give you the opportunity to offset the carbon emissions from your flight. You’ll be asked upon booking if you want to donate – with set amounts from £5. As a company we offset the carbon emissions from all staff travel in full.  Our Foundation: We’ve highlighted a few of the ways in which we offer our support, financially or otherwise, and now you can, too. We have set up our own foundation, which will administer funds donated by you. A small donation of £1 per person will be taken when booking a holiday and that money will be put to good use by one of our carefully selected projects. If you don’t want to make the donation, just tell us when you book. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |
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