Europe
J
since the division. Many people remain
ana Kotalikova has been a Wayfarers Walk confused about Slovakia and its place in the
Leader for seven years and is popular with context of modern Europe, so I am looking
guests for her in-depth knowledge of art forward to helping people understand more
history and culture. Here she explains why our about the often difficult, but fascinating
new Slovakian Walk is not to be missed: heritage of this lovely country.
‘People come to Eastern Europe with mixed
expectations so I always really enjoy watching Hiking in the Wayfarers tradition is still quite
the pleasant surprise our walkers have as they a new concept in Slovakia, where the tourism
discover the beautiful countryside, excellent industry is small but improving all the time.
local food and charming hotels we stay at here. The mountainous landscape here is rugged
and challenging but we will take things
Slovakia divided from the Czech Republic in slowly, peppering our walks with visits to
1991. The two countries share a similar some of Slovakia’s many thermal spas, and to
language but are very different in many other the local ‘koliba’ – traditional wooden houses
ways, and I am keen to share my understanding where meat is served on a grill and we’ll
of political and cultural changes in Slovakia drink the excellent beer and wine.’
Jana Kotalikova on the trail in Slovakia.
T
he rugged landscapes of Slovakia are the back- Walk Highlights
drop to this journey through one of Europe’s
Trip of a lifetime
most interesting ‘new’ countries.
Spis Castle, Grand Castle Hotel
From Budapest, we cross to Slovakia and begin our hike
from West to East. Crossing mountains and green mead-
Halusky, koliba, local beer
ows, we encounter ancient gold mines and rustic gypsy
settlements, indulge in thermal spas and explore historic
towns. At Spis in the northeast we visit historic sites
including Spis Castle, a World Heritage Site.
• Arrival: Budapest, Hungary
Departure: Budapest, Hungary
Grand Hotel Matej, Hotel Golfer,
We dine on delicious ‘halusky’ – a nutritious Slovakian
• August 9-16
Sporthotel, Hotel Zlaty Dukat
• 8 days, 7 nights
dish with bacon and cheese – and eat at traditional ‘koliba’
Alpine paths, good cross country • US$ 3,895
a wooden house where meat is served from the grill. trails. 9-14 miles walking per day. (US$ 495 Single Supplement)
D
iscover the modern spirit of the new Czech Walk Highlights
Republic against the historic landscape of one Baroque & renaissance
of Europe’s oldest countries.
Vltava River, Smetana
Crossing the border from Austria, we discover a land of
rural villages rich in folklore and tradition, wooded hills,
rare flowers and tranquil lakes. We marvel at Baroque
Prague Castle, Cesky Krumlov
architecture and meander through majestic landscaped
parkland.
We explore the unspoilt town of Cesky Krumlov and Hotel Templ, Hotel Celerin, • Arrival: Vienna City Air Terminal (Austria)
sample the beer in one of Europe’s oldest breweries.
Hotel Concertino, Hotel Ruze, Departure: Prague
Rezidence Lundborg
• May 30-June 6, July 11-18, September 12-19
Our trip ends in the vibrant capital city of Prague, where
Forest walks and open country,
• 8 days; 7 nights
we walk the famous Charles Bridge and visit Prague
firm paths with some brisk hill-
• US$ 3,895
Castle, the largest ancient castle in the world. walking. 7-10 miles walking per day. (US$ 495 Single Supplement)
For more details: www.thewayfarers.com or call us at: 1-800-249-4620 (U.S & Canada) 17
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