The Eastern
Circuit is not only a cultural and historical walk but also a walk through
splendid and varied countryside. Our route starts in Munich in Southern
Germany. Travelling east, we stop for lunch in the delightful town of
Regensburg. Why not try a bratwurst and beer from one Germany’s oldest
“Sausage Restaurants” !
Regensburg is beautifully located on the
Danube River and home of its famous 13th Century cathedral and 12th Century old
stone bridge. It is also built on Roman ruins which date back to 90 B.C. In the
afternoon we continue through Bavaria before we cross the border and enter the
Czech Republic near Cheb.
Our route takes
us through the delightful region of the Ore Mountains before reaching the
picturesque countryside of Bohemia, famous for its spas and maze of walking
trails. After indulging ourselves in the spa town of Karlovy Vary (Karlsbad)
for 2 nights, we travel the short distance to visit one of the finest cities in
Europe, Prague. Time to taste the famous Prague ham and knedliky (dumplings)
washed down with a mug of Pilsner or a Slivovitz!
The next day we
travel further East through the Czech Republic and cross the border into
Poland. We spend two days in Cracow, Poland’s former capital and one of the
great art centres of Europe. Located on the Vistula River, the city stands on
the place where the Little Poland Upland and the Carparthian Mountains meet and
form the so-called “Cracow Gate”. In the Polish Tatras we base
ourselves in the beautiful mountain resort of Zakopane.
Located in a
picturesque valley, it is renowned for its quaint timber houses. From here we
discover high peaks and ridges, alpine meadows, cosy alpine chalets and crystal
clear streams flowing into breathtaking mountain lakes such as Morskie Oko. A
highlight of our 4 day stay here is the ridge walk where you can have one foot
in Poland and the other in Slovakia !
The next day
takes us across into Eastern Slovakia into one of the most beautiful natural
wonderlands in Europe - the High Tatra Mountains National Park. The region is
alive with marmots, rare chamois, eagles and even bears. Our walks take in
spectacular mountain scenery, including a visit to Scalanaty Pleso where there
is an option via cablecar to visit Lomnicky Stit, the second highest peak in
the Tatras.
Our Hotels & Cuisine
Our final day
takes us to the sophisticated Austrian city of Vienna. On our way we travel
through the beautiful little Carparthian Mountains. They begin in Romania and
in Bratislava they finally come to an end. Bratislava, the capital of the
Slovak Republic, is located on the Danube River and the Austrian border is
almost in sight of the city.
Our first 2
nights we spend in a beautiful hotel in the old spa town of Karlovy Vary. Even
today it still has a Victorian atmosphere and the wide boulevards and
architecture are outstanding. A highlight is the aperitif in one of
Europe’s oldest hotels, The Grand Hotel Pupp. Our accommodation in Prague
is in a delightful hotel next to the river and right next to the famous Charles
Bridge. All the main historical sights are just a 10 minute walk away.
The next
two nights are spent in a charming family run hotel in the centre of Cracow. We
dine in one of Cracow’s famous cellar restaurants where we enjoy fresh
local trout or Kings Shaslics cooked on an open grill. During the 4 days in the
Polish Tatras we stay in a superb 4 H hotel in Zakopane. Our dinners will be in
cosy local restaurants with excellent Polish cuisine.
Our final 3 nights are
spent in the High Tatras in the Slovak Republic.
We stay in the venerable old
Grand Hotel in Stary Smokovec. This historic building which dates back to the
beginning of the last century has lots of old world charm and is ideally
located on the edge of the Tatra Mountains National Park.
Tour combination
Departure dates have been arranged to allow both "EASTERN CIRCUIT" and "PEER GYNT'S TRAIL" walks to be combined.
Eastern Circuit
REQUEST THE TOUR PRE-DEPARTURE NOTES 
