Hungary, Slovakia & Poland Hiking
This one-of-a-kind journey provides an opportunity to experience the reemergence of Eastern Europe. From Budapest, travel to Hungary’s idyllic wine-growing area, Tokaj. Walk from private vineyards to medieval towns before shuttling into Slovakia’s famed Spiš region. Hike through the hills to Slovakia’s largest castle, then venture into the High Tatras, the loftiest range of the Carpathians. Here gondolas whisk us to grand heights for hikes past 9,000-foot granite peaks, emerald mountain lakes and alpine flora. As a final flourish, visit Kraków, a city buzzing with history and architectural wonders.
Days 1-2 tarcal
Meet in Budapest 
Shuttle to De La Motte Castle, the country's smallest renovated Baroque castle, for a private tour 
Stride through vineyards and woods savoring vistas of rolling Hungarian countryside Walk along footpaths in the Tokaj region, a World Heritage site famed for its dessert wine, Tokaji Aszú Explore the romantic old village of Tokaj, settled by French and Italian vintners in the Middle Ages Indulge in a wine tasting in an ancient cellar.
Day 3 tatranska lomnica
Journey into Slovakia to the hamlet of Spis Walk to Spiš Castle, a World Heritage site crowning a bluff above a windswept plain Explore the UNESCO-recognized town of Levoča Soak up magnificent views of the High Tatras peaks in the mountain town of Tatranská Lomnica.
Day 4 tatranska javorina
A gondola transports you to an alpine landscape of granite spires and glacial lakes Make the 1,200-foot ascent to Velka Svistovka, then descend into Dolina Zeleneho Plesa, embraced by the inspiring Tatra Mountains.
Days 5-6 zakopane
In Pieniny National Park, trek through meadows of wildflowers to a rocky promontory with sensational 360-degree views Keep your eyes peeled for martens, boar, wolves and lynx Sample vodkas flavored with everything from horseradish to plum Ascend by gondola to Kasprowy Wierch for a strenuous hike with vistas of alpine lakes and valleys.
Days 7-8 krakow
Enjoy a mellow jaunt through the countryside, replete with pine tree forests, haystacks and farmers tending their sheep Shuttle to Kraków and explore the city’s historic center, a World Heritage site anchored by Europe’s largest market square, dating from the 13th century Walk to Wawel Castle or the intriguing Jewish quarter of Kazimierz.
CENTRAL EUROPEAN GEMS: Premiere Inns
Grof Degenfeld Castle Hotel (2 nights): Slumber in elegance at this 19th-century palace-turned-hotel featuring a sunny terrace, wine bar, tennis courts, swimming pool and splendidly appointed guest rooms.
Grandhotel Praha (1 night): This 1905 Hapsburg-yellow grande dame rests at the foot of the second loftiest peak of the High Tatras.
Kolowrat Hotel (1 night): Alpine accommodations with a swimming pool, a spa, bowling, billiards and fantastic mountain views.
Hotel Belvedere (2 nights): Enjoy well-appointed guest rooms, a large indoor swimming pool and spa, squash courts and a wellness center at this luxurious hotel in a spectacular mountain setting.
Hotel Copernicus (1 night): This elegant Relais & Châteaux-member hotel, set on Kraków’s oldest street in a beautifully restored Renaissance building, offers deluxe amenities and a rooftop terrace looking onto Wawel Castle.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 4 miles
- 400 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- 6.7 miles
- 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 2.9 miles
- 600 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 6.5, 10.6 miles
- 1200 - 1500 feet elevation gain, significant elevation loss
Day 5
- Level 3 1 Route Option Available
- 7.5 miles
- 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 2 2 Route Options Available
- 5.8, 6.5 miles
- 1000 - 1500 feet elevation gain, significant elevation loss
Day 7
- Levels 1 to 2 1 Route Option Available
- 5 miles
- 100 feet elevation gain
Day 8
- Walking Tour 2.5 hours
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2010 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 6/9-16Price: $4198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $670 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/1-8Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $680 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/13-20Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $660 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/4-11Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $680 for sgl. occ.)
Guest Trip Reviews
I loved it! Having never been on a Backroads trip before, I imagined great things and my expectations were even surpassed. In spite of the fact that this was the first running of the trip, everything seemed to be well organized. Even the weather cooperated. We are already looking at the Backroads catalog to find a trip for next year.- Wellesley, MA