Friday, September 27, 2024 - Monday, October 7, 2024
Poland and Slovakia,
International,
Slovakia
Our day-hiking adventure takes us into the heart of Slovakia's Alps, the High Tatras, considered the smallest alpine mountain range in the world. The High Tatras are part of the Carpathian Mountains, which straddle the border of Slovakia and Poland, and Slovakia's first national park. Considered an outdoor paradise, there are approximately 35 valleys, 110 emerald green glacial lakes, miles of rugged hiking trails, thundering waterfalls, towering pine forests, the chamois - the endangered, agile, goat-antelope native to the area - and towering, majestic, snow-capped mountains, 10 of which are above 2,600m. More than worthy of the designation, the High Tatras constitute a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Overall, this area is the nature enthusiast's paradise you may have overlooked, but should not. We begin our trip in Krakow, Poland, a convenient city to which to fly from the United States, and one rich in culture and history. We'll partake in an all-day guided tour of the Wawel Royal Castle and Cathedral and the Wieliczka Salt Mine. The next day, we will transfer to Tatranská Lominca, Slovakia, and undertake six consecutive days of day hiking with luggage transfer between accommodations. After our final hiking day, we return to Krakow. The accommodations for this trip are a mix of Slovak country inns, hotels, and mountain hotels. Transportation to all destinations and to and from all activities in the itinerary, and all breakfast and dinners, are included.
