Prague and Tatra Mountains tours
| country: | Czech Republic, Slovakia |
| location: | Carpathian Mountains |
| departures: | 2010: 26 Jun, 17 Jul, 31 Jul, 21 Aug, 18 Sep 2011: 25 Jun, 16 Jul, 30 Jul, 20 Aug, 17 Sep |
| price: | From £929 - £999 (10 days) including flights from the UK. From £799 - £859 excluding flights. |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
the amazing things you'll be doing
From the magnificent peaks of the High Tatra Mountains to the cultural highlights of Prague
From Prague to the Mountains
The beautifully preserved city of Prague has a wealth of sights to see. Discover bustling Wenceslas Square, the historic Charles Bridge and a myriad of medieval alleyways and courtyards. After a full day exploring you’ll catch the overnight sleeper train for Slovakia, waking the next morning in the dramatic Tatra Mountains – where the country’s highest peaks form the border with Poland.
Mountain & Cultural Activities
From your pretty base in Zdiar you’ll set out each day to explore the surrounding countryside. Enjoy a gentle rafting trip along the Dunajec River, a short cycle ride into Poland, cable car ride, visiting ethereal ice caves and learning about the Slovak way of life from a local family. You’ll also make an overnight trek into the heart of the High Tatra, with plenty of time to relax either by a waterfall or with a refreshing swim in a mountain lake.
Overnight in the mountains
In common with high mountain ranges across Europe, the High Tatra are dotted with mountain huts and refuges. Originally built in the 19th century, a night in a refuge is definitely a mountain experience not to be missed.
From Prague to the Mountains
The beautifully preserved city of Prague has a wealth of sights to see. Discover bustling Wenceslas Square, the historic Charles Bridge and a myriad of medieval alleyways and courtyards. After a full day exploring you’ll catch the overnight sleeper train for Slovakia, waking the next morning in the dramatic Tatra Mountains – where the country’s highest peaks form the border with Poland.
Mountain & Cultural Activities
From your pretty base in Zdiar you’ll set out each day to explore the surrounding countryside. Enjoy a gentle rafting trip along the Dunajec River, a short cycle ride into Poland, cable car ride, visiting ethereal ice caves and learning about the Slovak way of life from a local family. You’ll also make an overnight trek into the heart of the High Tatra, with plenty of time to relax either by a waterfall or with a refreshing swim in a mountain lake.
Overnight in the mountains
In common with high mountain ranges across Europe, the High Tatra are dotted with mountain huts and refuges. Originally built in the 19th century, a night in a refuge is definitely a mountain experience not to be missed.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Depart London: Arrive Prague 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 centrally located hotel. Flight schedules permitting, there should be time to spend most of this afternoon exploring this fascinating city with your Group Leader. 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, including the 1100 year old castle, St Vitus Cathedral, the old city square and Charles University. You’ll also see 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. This afternoon you’re free 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 an early dinner 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 cabins sleeping 3 people, “bunk” style. All bedding is provided. |
| Day 3: | Zdiar This morning you wake in northern Slovakia, alighting from your train at the town of Poprad. A charter bus will meet you here and transfer you 40km north into the mountains, to Zdiar which will be your base for the next seven days. Situated on the eastern edge of the High Tatras called Belianske Tatras, near the border with Poland, Zdiar was originally established as a farming settlement in the 16th century. 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 an increasing number of events and activities are organised for visitors. On arrival in Zdiar you’ll check in to your pension and have time to unpack and freshen up after your train journey. Most pensions in this area are built in chalet style, with wooden furniture, offering simple but clean and comfortable accommodation. Breakfast will be served in your pension each morning and you’ll be able to choose from a selection of mountain restaurants and village cafes for your dinners. There’s also a good range of shops selling provisions for picnic lunches. This afternoon you’ll have the opportunity to explore the area of Zdiar and enjoy its breathtaking scenery as your group leader guides you on a walk. Pension – 5 nights (Bx4, Lx1) |
| Day 4: | Traditional rafting & cycling Leaving Zdiar you drive to Pieniny National Park (47km) to try some traditional rafting! Next, you cycle back to the start point (11 km) enjoying the stunning scenery en route. For lunch, you will enjoy a picnic with a local family. Finally, on your way back to Zdiar later this afternoon there’s one final stop to make at the home of a Slovakian family. Over home-baked cakes and perhaps a glass of the traditional blueberry liqueur Cucoriedkovica, you can learn about the Slovakian way of life, present and past. Now well off the beaten tourist trail, this is a great way to gain a genuine insight into local culture and customs. You’ll return to Zdiar after your visit, in time for dinner. |
| Day 5: | Zakopane & Thermal Pools Today you will travel to Zakopane which will be one of the highlights of the trip. It is one of the most famous attractions in the Polish Tatras and it is only 35 km from Zdiar. In Zakopane, you will have a choice of what to do - you can either walk in this beautiful mountain settlement, watch musicians, try sheep cheese or take a chair lift to Kasprow peak and enjoy wonderful views of the area. Next, you’ll drive to the thermal pool complex at Vrbov. There are seven pools here each holding waters ranging in temperature of between 25°C and 38 °C. The mineral properties of the water here are said to be especially good for asthma suffers or those with rheumatism, they’re also a great place to relax after a mountain walk. Suitably refreshed and recharged you’ll return to Zdiar at the end of the afternoon. |
| Day 6: | Belianska cave & walk Today you will board a local bus to travel to Belianska cave (approx 10 mins). After visitng the cave, you will again travel by public transport to Tatranska Lomnica and walk to a mountain hut called Zelene Pleso (green lake) which will take approximately 2 hours. This walk is very beautiful. In the evening, you will return to Zdiar. |
| Day 7: | Free Day Today is free for you to choose from the many activities on offer in and around Zdiar. You may wish to head back into the mountains on either a full or half day walk; there are a couple of attractive circuits from the village itself. Mountain bikes are available to hire in the village and in addition to forest tracks the quiet country roads make for a variety of interesting routes. You could also choose to go sightseeing, visiting Spissky Hrad castle, what is thought to be the largest castle in central Europe and the unusual ice caves at Dobsinska (don’t forget your fleece, gloves and hat!). Whatever you choose to do today your leader will be on hand to offer advice and help with any arrangements you need to make. |
| Day 8-9: | High Tatra Trek Strbske Pleso is the largest settlement in the High Tatra, set at an altitude of 1346m. It’s one of the regions busiest centres for mountain sports and is the point from which you’ll begin your overnight trek into the heart of the mountains. From Zdiar you’ll drive south, skirting the lower slopes of the mountains before gradually ascending to arrive at the lakeside at Strbske Pleso after around 45 minutes. From here it’s a one / two hour walk northwards into the mountains to reach the lake of Poradske Pleso. Gaining just 150m in height this is a gentle climb. Beside the lake sits your overnight accommodation, the Popradske Pleso Chalet, or mountain refuge. Originally built in the 19th century, these chalets/refuges provided accommodation for the country’s pioneering climbers and mountaineers. Today they’re more commonly used as sources of refreshment for those out on day walks; however they still provide overnight accommodation. At Popradske Pleso, a range of rooms are available, including the traditional dormitories sleeping six to nine people. However, you can expect to be accommodated in smaller rooms sleeping two to three with the additional benefit of private toilet, shower and washbasin. All bedding is supplied. There’s the chance to drop some of your belongings off at the refuge before continuing today’s walk to reach Velke Hincovo Pleso, the largest of all the Tatra lakes. It’s a further two hours or so of walking and around 450m of ascent to reach this lake but there’s plenty of time to stop and take pictures and admire the view. To the east lies Gerlach (2655m) and ahead of you to the north, Rysy (2499m) which straddles the border with Poland. From Velke Hincovo Pleso you’ll return to the mountain chalet in time to freshen up before a simple but hearty dinner. The following morning, before descending to Strbske Pleso, you’ll visit what is known as ‘The Symbolic Cemetery’ - a memorial to both climbers and workers who lost their lives in the mountains. Set on the slopes of Ostrva Mountain the memorial was established in 1940 by a local artist, Otakar Štáfl, and his wife. As you descend the mountain you’ll visit a final waterfall, Skok, arriving back at Strbske Pleso in time for a refreshing drink at one of the lakeside cafes. You’ll then board your transport and return to your pension in Zdiar with some free time to relax before boarding the sleeper train back to Prague. Mountain chalet/refuge – 1 night (multishare); berth on overnight train – 1 night (B). Berths are in cabins sleeping 3 people, “bunk” style. All bedding is provided.(Bx2) |
| Day 10: | Fly To London Your overnight train arrives in Prague early this morning (often between 05:00 and 06:00). There may be time to visit one last pavement café before the trip ends for Land Only clients and those on group flights to the London catch 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' tab 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 and accompany you until your departure by train to Slovakia on day two. Your Slovakian leader will then meet you on arrival at Poprad train station and remain with you until your departure from Poprad on day nine. Your two overnight train journeys and return journey to Prague Airport, will therefore not be accompanied by a leader from The Adventure Company. However, full instructions will be given by the relevant leaders before you embark on the overnight train journeys. |
how this holiday makes a difference
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On this trip: This trip provides income for a variety of local business, from our ground agents and local Group Leaders, to the small, independent accommodation we stay in and the local restaurants we use along the way. All of the activities on this trip are operated by local companies ensuring the money spent by our groups directly benefits the local economy and provides vital employment. They have also been devised to cause minimum environmental impact on the region being explored. Our visit to the home of a Slovakian family gives a great insight into both traditions and everyday life in Slovakia.
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. Other charities that we work closely with include Born Free Foundation and The Travel Foundation, a UK charity that has been established to promote responsible travel practises throughout the whole of the travel industry. 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. |
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