Slovakia Spring – exploring the Tatra Mountains

SUMMARY

Dates: Saturday May 4th  to Thursday May 9th 5 nights and 4 days of walks

Guide: Alena our local guide. Born and bred in Poprad and lives between England and Slovakia. English speaking.

Walking Grade: 2 Goats

Base: Penzion Darinka in the medieval Slovakian town of Poprad in the Tatra Mountains on the border with Poland. A short walk away is the towns square with lots of cafes and restaurants.

Getting there : Fly to Krakow airport which is  2-3 hours from Poprad town . The airport transfer will pick up at 13.00 so please arrive by then. Departure transfer will be on Thursday May 9th leaving Poprad at 10am.

There are very early flights from London Luton directly to Proprad if you prefer to take this route. From Proprad airport it is a short trip to your hotel and we can arrange pick up and return transfer which will be included in the cost of your holiday.

Krakow is a lovely city and you may want to extend your visit with a stopover there – we can help arrange hotels and tours of the city. You may also want to visit Auchswitz  close to Krakow.We will have WalkingWomen support during the weekend of Thursday 9th to Sunday 12th May if you do choose to extend.

It is also possible to travel by train to Poprad as there is a train station with connections to all the main cities and towns.

Price:£ 1045 per person inclusive of :

• Solo occupancy ensuite rooms for 5 nights
• All breakfasts
• Welcome Evening Meal on Saturday May 4th
• Packed lunch on day 4 – other days we have restaurant stops at your own cost( all very reasonable)
• Experienced english speaking local guiding
• Group Airport transfer pick up and return
• Local transport required for walking
• Mountain insurance needed for hiking in the Tatras

Not included:

• Travel to Krakov or Propad
• Lunches which will be in local mountain huts to try Slovak regional cuisine whilst supporting the local businesses. Expect 8-10 euros per meal.
• Evening Meals after 1st night – there are lots of interesting local restaurants to try in the town and your guide will recommend and arrange. Meals are usually between 10- 20 euros with a beer approx 3 euros.
• Additional Drinks
• Additional activities not in the programme

DETAILS

We seek out entrepreneurial mountain women who can help create and offer wonderful walking holiday experiences to our WalkingWomen Guests. We found Alena who grew up in Propad, Slovakia and spent her childhood exploring the peaks and breathing the wonderful mountain air. She wants to share her passion for the Tatra’s with others and she founded her own company Tatra Escapes to help showcase the area. Partnering with WalkingWomen together we bring you an undiscovered area known as the smallest alpine mountain region in Europe. We stay in Alena’s home town of Poprad which is the gateway to the magnificent High Tatra mountains. It is a historic city with a 13th century Churchs, baroque houses and medieval squares. There  are plenty of things to do  with art galleries, an aqua park, spa’s , cafe’s and restaurants.

Poprad is situated in the north of Slovakia and the mountains are shared with Poland (Slovakia has 75% and Poland 25%) Many believe these mountains to be a hikers paradise with over 350km of hiking and trekking trails.

In summer the snow has melted and we have green wide open spaces. There are lakes and mountains and a great variety of walks. Alena will help you discover this beautiful area.

ITINERARY

Itinerary – could change depending on the weather and at the discretion of the guide

Day 1 Saturday May 4th – arrival for airport transfer 13.00. For those not flying or arriving at a different airport we will give instructions for getting to our hotel.  Briefing with guide and get to know the local area

Welcome dinner together in Propad.

Day 2 – Popradske Lake walk – 10km – final destination 1,298 meters – 3.5 hours – restaurant for lunch mid stop (ascend 387 meters)
Evening– Explore locally and free time

Day 3 – Green Lake Chalet hike– 15km – final destination 1,632 meters – 6 hours – restaurant available mid stop (ascend 675)
Evening– Explore locally and free time.

Day 4 – Cold Water Waterfalls – 8km – final destination 1,335 meters – 3/3/5 hours – restaurant available at the start/finish (ascend 435 meters)

Evening–optional water park and spa

Day 5 – cultural day with options to visit Spis Castle (one of the  largest castle sites in Central Europe) to do a Cable car trip to Lomnicky Peak – 2,634 meters above sea level – spectacular views or do a Belianska Cave visit or explore on your own/free time
Evening– farewell dinner

Day 6 – departure after breakfast leaving 10am