EASTERN EUROPE
Czech Republic, Poland, Tatra Mountains & Slovak Republic

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* 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 the "Eastern Circuit" and "Explore Slovenia and Croatia" walks to be combined.