Turn the wasted travel day into the highlight of your trip with stops at Orava Castle, Čičmany and Trenčín on your journey from Krakow to Bratislava.
Our guide, Alexandra was awesome and we couldn't have been happier with this tour! Being from Slovakia she enthusiastically gave us so much insight about the country that we wouldn't have gotten otherwise. What would have been a boring and stressful travel day for us ended up being one of our favorite adventures while in Europe. Highly recommend experiencing this drive to Bratislava.
This tour offers hotel pick-up. You will be picked up from your hotel, apartment, or any other pick-up point accessible by car.
We’ll visit one of Slovakia's most iconic castles, learn about its rich history, and admire the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Orava region.
What we’ll do
Visiting Orava Castle is a journey back in time, set against the breathtaking landscapes of Slovakia. Perched dramatically atop a rocky hill, this imposing medieval fortress offers stunning panoramic views of the Orava region.
As we explore its ancient corridors, grand halls, and fortified towers, we’ll uncover the castle’s fascinating history, from its origins in the 13th century to its role in films like Nosferatu. Every corner—from the towering ramparts to the charming courtyard—reveals stories of noble families, medieval defenses, and legends that have stood the test of time.
Please note: Entrance tickets are not included in the tour price. The admission fee for Orava Castle is €9 per adult, with discounts available for children, students, and seniors.
About Orava Castle
Orava Castle, steeped in centuries of history, stands as a testament to Slovakia's medieval heritage. Built in the 13th century, the castle has witnessed numerous historical events and undergone several architectural transformations over the years.
Originally constructed as a strategic defense fortress, the castle evolved into a noble residence during the Renaissance period, boasting luxurious living quarters and impressive fortifications.
Throughout its long history, the castle has survived wars, fires, and sieges, yet it stands proudly today as one of Slovakia's most iconic landmarks. It's offering visitors a glimpse into the past and a deeper appreciation for the country's cultural heritage.
We'll wander through the picturesque village of Čičmany, admiring its iconic painted wooden houses and rich folk heritage.
What we will do
In Čičmany, we'll immerse ourselves in the unique charm of this picturesque village known for its iconic painted wooden houses. As we stroll through the narrow streets, we'll admire the intricate folk motifs adorning the facades, a testament to the village's rich cultural heritage. Whether we wander the cobblestone pathways or simply enjoy the ambiance of this historic settlement, Čičmany promises a delightful experience steeped in tradition and architectural beauty.
About Čičmany
Nestled in Slovakia's scenic mountains, Čičmany is a picturesque village with a rich cultural legacy. Its distinctive wooden houses, adorned with vibrant folk motifs, symbolize traditions passed down through generations. With a history dating back to ancient times, Čičmany flourished as a trading post and cultural center in the Middle Ages. Recognized as a folk architecture reserve, the village preserves its heritage while allowing for carefully regulated development. These efforts safeguard Čičmany's authenticity and invite visitors to explore its timeless charm.
We’ll explore the charming town of Trenčín, strolling its cobblestone streets on our way to the impressive hilltop castle.
What we'll do
As we make our way through the charming town of Trenčín toward its impressive hilltop castle, we’ll stroll along cobblestone streets lined with colorful boutiques and cozy cafés, soaking in the town’s relaxed, historic atmosphere.
Entry to the castle’s lower courtyard is free, offering a perfect introduction to this iconic landmark. For those interested, the castle gardens can be explored for a modest fee of €3, offering lovely views and a tranquil setting. To delve deeper into the castle’s rich past, a short interior tour is available for €8 per person, revealing fascinating stories, ancient halls, and hidden corners within the fortress walls.
After our visit, we’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch in Trenčín—an ideal chance to relax and soak in more of the charm this delightful Slovak town has to offer.
About Trencin
Trenčín, a picturesque town in the heart of Slovakia, offers a journey through more than a thousand years of history. From its Celtic roots to its time as a Roman military outpost, the town flourished in the Middle Ages as a key trade and cultural center.
Dominating the skyline is Trenčín Castle, perched dramatically atop a limestone cliff, where it has stood since the 11th century. Once a powerful stronghold guarding the Váh River valley, the castle remains a symbol of the town’s resilience and historic significance.
Today, visitors can walk along the ancient castle walls, admire the medieval architecture, and take in sweeping views of the town and surrounding landscape. With its rich heritage and striking setting, Trenčín is a must-visit for history lovers and curious travelers alike.
This tour offers hotel drop-off. Please provide your preferred drop-off location when making the booking.
Want to personalize this trip? When booking a private transfer, tell us your itinerary and start time preferences and we'll do everything we can to accomodate your request. Note: open group tours cannot be customized.
Martina our tour guide/driver was very welcoming, friendly & knowledgeable of our trip stops. Nice & kind person. She did not leave us until we were settled on our place of final destination. We enjoyed the scenic views & short stops in small villages where she brought us including the vampire castle. She knows a lot of history & the trip was not boring because of her stories. She is highly recommended as driver/tour guide.
This tour offers hotel pick-up only for private bookings. For private bookings, you will be picked up from your hotel, apartment, or any other pick-up point accessible by car. Please provide your preferred pick-up location when making the booking.
This tour offers hotel drop-off. Please provide your preferred drop-off location when making the booking.
Yes, this is a one-way tour ending in Bratislava. Please note that the tour does not take you back to Kraków.
The planned duration of this tour is 10 hours. For the safety of our passengers and drivers, we are unable to accommodate requests to extend this duration.
Hotel pick-up and drop-off are only available when booking this tour as a private tour for a single group. Open group tours have a fixed meeting point and drop-off location.
Yes! We have space for luggage, similar to common airline baggage allowances. There is no extra charge for luggage that meets these criteria:
If you your luggage requires special consideration, please contact us.
Lunch is not included in the tour price but a lunch break is scheduled. Kindly let our tour leader know if you have any special dietary needs that we should take in account.
Yes! With a maximum of 8 people in each group, our guide can make sure that the pace of the tour is suitable for everyone. Just note that the tour does include some walking at the stops.
If you cancel more than 48 hours before the tour, your booking is fully refunded*. If you cancel less than 48 hours before the tour or in the case of a no-show, no refund is issued.
*Please note, that the credit card processing fee (1.5-3%, up to 5.9% if you paid by Paypal) charged by the third-party payment provider will not be refunded.
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