Krakow to Budapest Cycling Holiday ~ Map
Krakow, Budapest, and the Amber Trail: three locations which shouldn't need any introduction. Krakow is atmospheric, alive, and vibrant with a densely packed core of national and cultural treasures. The UNESCO listed town square is also the largest in Europe.
Similarly, Budapest - located on the banks of the Danube River, is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world and its liveability is second to none. With numerous UNESCO listed sites packed into this bustling cultural hub it's oh so simple to get lost in its magic and ambience.
As the name suggests, the Amber Trail is an ancient trade route for amber. During Roman times, the main trade route ran from the Baltic coast to the head of the Adriatic Sea. Baltic amber was found in the tomb of Tutankhamen and amber was was also sent from the North Sea to the temple of Apollo at Delphi as an offering. Amber was also traded with Asia via the Silk Road, another ancient trade route. Come and live history on one of the toughest European rides!
8 Day / 7 Nights Guided Tour
Aug 09-16 2008, Aug 30-Sept 6 2008
£973 / €1324
Day 1 ~ Saturday
Arrive in Krakow
Upon arrival in Krakow and after settling in to your hotel room we will have the opportunity to meet the guides and other cyclists over dinner. Krakow's main square is enormous and there is no shortage of cafes and pubs to relax in and take in the ambience of this royal city. Following dinner you can choose to go a guided night tour of Krakow's must see sights. Welcome to Krakow: welcome to the spiritual heart of Poland.
Day 2 ~ Sunday
Krakow to Zakopane / Kroscienko
Avoiding the traffic of Krakow we hop in our shuttle bus and make our way to Zakopane. We will spend a few hours exploring the nooks and crannys of this famous artistic town nestled at the foot of the Tatra Mountains.
Getting back on the bus we travel to a little hamlet named Kroscienko which lies on the banks of the Dunajec River. We are now in the heart of rural Poland so let your body and mind slow down and revitalise in this peaceful part of the Pieniny National Park. Take the opportunity in the afternoon to traverse the foothills on your bike in the shadow of the majestic Polish Alps.
Day 3 ~ Monday
Kroscienko to Stara Lubovna ~ 45kms
The crisp morning air greets us as we ride our bikes to a special place on the river. Dismounting from our bikes we climb onto wooden rafts and are guided down 8kms of gentle Dunajec Gorge rapids by mountain men in traditional dress.
At the end of the trip we disembark and cross the now virtually invisible border (thanks to the Schengen Agreement ) into Slovakia. We are in the High Tatras; the home to bears, Eurasian Lynx, wolves, and foxes! We have long challenging ascents and quick white knuckle descents. We end an invigorating day in the saddle in the free royal town of Stara Lubovna.
Day 4 ~ Tuesday
Stara Lubovna to Spišské Podhradie ~ 45kms
Now firmly in Slovensky Raj (Slovak Paradise) the scenery will surely delight you as we cycle through dense pine and deciduous forest. In addition to the wildlife there are also the architectural wonders like Spiš Castle.
This UNESCO listed castle is both spectacular, photogenic, and one of the largest in Europe. We climb to the top of the gothic tower to view the picture perfect panorama. After such an exciting day we lay down our heads in an agro tourism hotel in the 13th century artisans' town of Spišské Podhradie.
Day 5 ~ Wednesday
Spišské Podhradie to Levoca ~ 40kms
Still in the mountains we have a day of great cycling ahead. You really have to experience this area as words just don't do it justice. The rolling hills will test your legs and lungs but remember the van is always available. Keep you eyes peeled for eagles, lynxes, gorges, and waterfalls. Taking a short break we head down into the UNESCO listed Dobsinska Ice Cave to gaze in fascination at the delicate ice formations.
A perfect time for an afternoon ride as we steer our bikes towards Levoca: a historically impressive town filled to the brim with late renaissance buildings (thanks to a fire in the 16th century which destroyed its wooden buildings). Feel free to wander around the town's mostly intact fortified walls and see the highest wooden altar in Europe in the renaissance era church. Levoca is charming, sedate, and beautiful.
Day 6 ~ Thursday
Levoca to Mýto pod Dumbierom ~ 65kms
Upon leaving Levoca we dive back into the rolling terrain of the Low Tatras which we have come to know so well. With pristine blue skies and lakes and quiet country lanes cycling has never been so fulfilling. Certainly the place to be if you want peace and serenity. If we have the time and inclination we can make a quick side trip via our mini bus to Liptovsky Mara reservoir today. There are the ruins of a prehistoric Celtic hill fort and a medieval wooden castle. Stopping in Mýto pod Dumbierom for the nights provides us the opportunity to reflect back on the wondrous and magical landscapes we've spun through. But Budapest beckons us.
Day 7 ~ Friday
Mýto pod Dumbierom to Hriňová ~ 40kms
Characterised by long valleys, dense forests, and high peaks we emerge from the largest mountain range in Slovakia and head further south in the low Tatras and into the Hron River valley. Passing through Cierny Balog we ponder the engineering involved in the construction of the world's longest wooden railroad in Europe. The picturesque town of Hriňová is our stop for our last night in Slovakia.
Day 8 ~ Saturday
Hriňová to Balassagyarmat / Budapest ~ 65kms
With our last day upon us we cross the border into Hungary from one of the most culturally diverse regions in Europe. The landscape gives way from forests, valleys, and mountains to fields, orchards, and wineries. Following village roads and bike paths we arrive first in Balassagyarmat and then in the artists retreat of Szentendre. We are now on the outskirts of Budapest and we collect our thoughts and our bikes and shuttle into Budapest proper.
It's a good idea to spend an extra day or two in this marvelous city. There is so much to see and do: galleries, museums, the opera and more! Our guides will be happy to help you make the most of your stay and it's the perfect place to part company and leave you in Budapest's secure hands.
This cycling holiday is easily one of Europe's finest, and is quite mountainous in places, but our support vehicle is always close by.
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