Self-Guided/Guided

Self-Guided: Daily from April to end of October, 2010
Guided: May 23, June 13, August 1, August 28 2010

Self-Guided: €1360
Guided: €2090

Day 1: Budapest - Szentendre
After arriving in Budapest, you transfer yourself to the small town of Szentendre (12 miles away). This is achievable by bus, train, car or boat. This town has a unique character with 24 museums, 7 churches, thirteen galleries and numerous cafes and small bars. A Open Air Museum close by shows you original Hungarian country life. Accommodation in Szentendre.

Day 2: Szentendre - Esztergom (51 km/32 miles)
Cycling along the Danube to Lenyefalu on the first day leads you to the ferry to Szentendre Island. After crossing and biking through the charming island, the ferry takes you back to the mainland and it is onward to Esztergom. For those wishing for more cycling miles there is a challenging ascent to nearby Visegrad Castle, where a superb panorama of the Danube valley can be seen. The original place of the Hungarian bishops, Esztergom has a massive castle and is the highlight of the Hungarian part of this tour. Accommodation in Esztergom.

Day 3: Esztergom/Sturovo - Dudince (59 km/36 miles)
The Slovak part of the tour starts today as we cross from the southern to the northern bank of the Danube to Sturovo. It is fairly easy cycling over rolling landscapes to the town of Dudince, which takes full advantage of the mineral rich waters in the area. This town was built according to the ideas of Socialist Realism and, as a result, is a very interesting place to visit. A highlight in this town is some Roman bathtubs carved out of the travertine stone. Accomodation in Dudince.

Day 4: Dudince - Banska Stiavnica (40 km/25 miles)
The demanding section of the Slovak part starts here with the Stiavnicky Hills, a precursor to the later mountain stages. If you do not feel like mountain cycling then that is fine. We can always shorten your daily miles or transfer you to the next destination. Finish in Banska Stiavnica, protected by UNESCO, having an extremely well conserved old town and a long heritage of mining. It is one of the best stopovers on the entire Amber Trail. Accommodation in Banska Stiavnica.

Day 5: Banska Stiavnica - Kremnica - Banska Bystrica (37 km/23 miles)
Avid cyclists can bike directly to Kremnica today. This is a very challenging section incorporating two ascents, but for those who do not think they will manage this, there is an absorbing train ride with superb views of Kremnica. Kremnica is located in one of the most beautiful parts of Slovakia. It is nestled in the middle of the Kremnica Hills, surrounded by seven peaks. The castle dominates the town. From here there is a transfer to Banska Bystrica, stopping to look at the precious timber church located in Hronsek. Once in Banska Bystrica you will see that the old part of the town is being well restored and is doing much to overcome the towns upsetting, Socialist past. For those who want to have a rest day
we can transfer you to Banska Bystrica from Banska Stiavnica and you can take a day to explore this city.
Accommodation in Banska Bystrica.

Day 6: Banska Bystrica - Liptovska Osada - Liptovsky Mikulas (44 km/28 miles)
Today transportation is organized from Banska Bystrica to Liptovska Osada – thirty minutes, due to the fact that the only route along the valley is a motorway. On the way you can see the small mountain village of Vlkolinec. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it contains the biggest concentration on traditional architecture in the Slovak Republic – precious, old houses built using old crafts and techniques. Having climbed up from Liptovska Osada you begin cycling in the very challenging area of the Lower Tatras – beginning with a seven mile climb. However the amazing views and the sweeping landscape are worth the ride to the top. The rest of the day is easier with a ride around the reservoir in Liptovska Mara. Finish in Liptovsky Mikulas, an interesting town whose museum documents an infamous outlaw Juraj Janosik – the equivalent of Robin Hood in Slovakia. Accommodation in Liptovsky Mikulas.

Day 7: Liptovsky Mikulas - Dolny Kubin (47 km/29 miles)
Cycle through the Chocsky and Oravsky Hills, one of the prettiest segments of the whole route. In the town of Malatina, you can watch rugs being hand-made on an original wooden loom. In the village of Lestiny there is a rare wooden church built without a single nail. Evening transfer to Sucha Beskidzka, Poland. Overnight in Sucha Beskidzka

Day 8: Sucha Beskidzka - Kalwaria Zebrzydowska - Krakow (29 km/18 miles)
The main highlight today is Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, an imposing Bernadine monastery. Transfer by car from Kalwaria Zebrzydowska to Krakow.
Overnight in Krakow.

Day 9: Krakow
In Krakow you will probably want to spend more than just one day. Wawel Castle, the Old Market Square, the Kazimierz Jewish Quarter, the town walls and Royal Way are some of the many things to see in this royal city. (Overnight lodging not included)

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