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Krakow to Budapest One-Way Transfer Tour
Turn the wasted travel day into the highlight of your trip with stops at Orava Castle, UNESCO listed Vlkolinec, and Banska Stiavnica on your journey from Krakow to Budapest.
This tour is also available from Budapest to Kraków.
Trip Itinerary
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Leave from Kraków
This tour offers hotel pick-up. You will be picked up from your hotel, apartment, or any other pick-up point accessible by car.
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Stop 1: Orava Castle
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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.
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Orava Castle
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.
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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.
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Stop 2: Vlkolinec
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We'll explore the UNESCO-listed village of Vlkolínec, admiring its colorful wooden houses, traditional bell tower, and stunning Carpathian Mountain views.
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Vlkolinec
What we'll do
Discover the traditional charm of Vlkolínec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved folk villages in Slovakia. We’ll stroll through its picturesque streets, lined with colorful wooden houses that showcase authentic Slovak rural architecture. Visit the quaint wooden bell tower and traditional log barns, offering a glimpse into the simple, peaceful life of past centuries.
For nature lovers, the surrounding Carpathian Mountains provide stunning scenic views and peaceful walking paths. Whether immersing yourself in the village’s folk heritage or enjoying the natural beauty, Vlkolínec offers a serene and unique experience.
Additionally, you will have time for a lunch break (not included) near Vlkolínec.
About Vlkolínec
Nestled in the foothills of the Velká Fatra Mountains, Vlkolínec is a living museum of Slovak folk culture. First mentioned in historical records in 1376, the village has remained virtually unchanged, preserving over 40 traditional wooden houses built in the 18th century.
Unlike many historical sites, Vlkolínec is not just an open-air museum—it’s a real village where people still live, maintaining the customs and lifestyle of their ancestors. Its blend of vibrant folk architecture, untouched natural surroundings, and cultural heritage makes Vlkolínec a rare and captivating destination for travelers seeking authentic Slovak history.
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Stop 3: Banska Stiavnica
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We'll explore the fairy-tale town of Banská Štiavnica, a UNESCO site with colorful medieval streets, historic castles, and stunning hillside views.
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Banska Stiavnica
What we'll do
Step into the fairy-tale town of Banská Štiavnica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in history and charm. We’ll explore the beautifully preserved medieval center, filled with colorful Renaissance and Baroque buildings. Visit the striking Holy Trinity Square, the heart of the town, and admire the historic Old Castle and New Castle (tickets not included).
For those who enjoy nature, a short walk offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Štiavnica Hills, once a center for gold and silver mining. Whether discovering the town’s fascinating history or simply enjoying its enchanting streets, Banská Štiavnica promises a unique and memorable experience.
About Banská Štiavnica
Tucked away in central Slovakia, Banská Štiavnica is one of Europe’s oldest and most significant mining towns. Its prosperity began in the Middle Ages when rich deposits of silver and gold turned it into a thriving economic and cultural hub. The town became a center for mining innovation, even hosting the world’s first technical university focused on mining and forestry in the 18th century.
Surrounded by volcanic hills and dotted with picturesque lakes (known as tajchy), Banská Štiavnica beautifully blends nature with history. Despite the decline of mining, the town remains a hidden gem, drawing visitors with its well-preserved architecture, fascinating past, and romantic atmosphere.
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Arrive at Budapest
This tour offers hotel drop-off. Please provide your preferred drop-off location when making the booking.
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What's included?
- One-way transfer from Kraków to Budapest with 3 sightseeing stops
- Knowledgeable local tour leader
- Transport in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan or car
- Room for a reasonable amount of luggage
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Lunch (a break is scheduled for this)
- Gratuities (optional)
Good to know
- Confirmation will be provided within 24 hours of booking.
- All tours are subject to availability.
- Minimum numbers for group size apply. There is a possibility of cancellation even after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative tour or a refund. The Sidetrip team will also be happy to help you arrange alternative transport to your destination city.
- Paper free confirmation: just bring your confirmation code or a valid ID.
- A moderate amount of walking is involved, please wear flat shoes suitable for walking.
- Infant seats are available on request during the booking.
- The tour operates in all weather conditions, please dress according to the weather and wear proper shoes for walking (waterproof would be great in winter).
- The planned duration of this tour is 10 hours. Our priority is to deliver you safely and on time to your destination. In the event of delays due to traffic, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances, we reserve the right to abbreviate or omit certain stops to ensure your prompt arrival.
- All our public group tours are in English. Private tours in different languages are subject to availability.
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Meeting point
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.
See the drop-off point in Budapest
Drop-off point
This tour offers hotel drop-off. Please provide your preferred drop-off location when making the booking.
Questions & Answers
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Is this a one-way tour?
Yes, this is a one-way tour ending in Budapest. Please note that the tour does not take you back to Kraków.
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How long is this tour?
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.
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Do you offer hotel pick-up/drop-off?
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.
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Can I take my luggage with me?
Yes! We have space for luggage, similar to common airline baggage allowances. There is no extra charge for luggage that meets these criteria:
- One item of airline carry-on size: maximum size of 55 x 40 x 23cm (22 x 14 x 9in)
- One item of airline checked size: maximum size of 80 x 50 x 30cm (32 x 20 x 12in), weighing less than 23 kg (50lbs)
- One personal item: maximum size of 15 x 15 x 10 cm (6 x 6 x 4in)
If you your luggage requires special consideration, please contact us.
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Is lunch included in the tour price?
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.
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Is this tour suitable for senior citizens?
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.
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What is your cancellation policy?
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.
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.