Slovakia is a beautiful, less visited gem than Austria and the Czech Republic. A small country that can be combined (ideally on one of our self-drive itineraries) with both of these countries. Bratislava, the Tatra Mountains and fairy-tale castles that are UNESCO world heritage sites make it worth dedicating a week to Slovakia’s cultural and natural beauties.
For custom luxury travel and tours to Slovakia, please contact one of our travel experts.
Download PDF itinerary here.
Please contact Exeter International for specific pricing and availability.
Midday arrival into Bratislava or Vienna, where you will be met by your private car, driver and guide for your transfer to the deluxe hotel in the center of the city and in the heart of the historic district. In the afternoon, start your overview walking tour of Bratislava’s historic district.
First you will enjoy a walk along the banks of the Danube where you will see the famous Old and New Bridges as well as fragments of the old city walls. You may step briefly inside St. Martin’s Cathedral, the site of the coronation of the Austrian emperors. You will continue past the Presidential Palace and the Squares of Peace and Freedom, until you reach the Bratislava castle, with its fantastic views over the city. Later in the day you may continue on foot through the Old Town district and the former palace of the Archbishop of Esztergom – renowned for its beautiful tapestries.
Exeter Services: Transfer (one included); Guide (4 Hours)
Hotel: Roset
This morning you will meet your guide and driver in your hotel lobby. Today you will have the opportunity to visit the Devín Castle. With its strategic position, the cliff at the confluence of the Danube and Morava rivers was an ideal place for a fort. From here one could control the important trade route along the Danube as well as a branch of the Amber Road. The site has been settled since the Neolithic period and has been fortified since the Bronze and Iron Age. Later, both the Celts and Romans built strong fortresses on the site. In the Roman ruins, the first Christian church located North of Danube has been identified.
Afternoon return to Bratislava and remainder of the day at leisure.
Exeter Services: Vehicle, Driver & Guide (4 Hours)
Hotel: Roset
Today you will depart with your driver and guide for a day trip to the Little Carpathians. You will visit the Red Stone Castle in the countryside and will then explore some of the best winemaking in the country.
As your driver takes you through the valleys of the Little Carpathians you will see the banks dotted with picturesque little villages. You will visit two villages – Pezinok and Modra that have a long tradition of wine making and ceramic production. You will be invited to an old vintner’s house to learn about the history of local viticulture and Modra Majolika manufacture where you will observe how the handmade ceramic is made.
If time allows, you may wish to continue to see the impressive Cerveny Kamen castle whose history goes back to the 13th century when a gothic fortress was built here. From the 16th century Cerveny Kamen belonged to one of the wealthiest families in the region, the Palffys, who extended the existing renaissance castle and built an impressive baroque chateau. You may tour the interior of the Castle, the living quarters with historic furniture and the original castle pharmacy.
In the evening, you will return to Bratislava.
Exeter Services:
Car, Driver & Guide
Hotel: Roset
This morning you will meet your guide and driver in the hotel lobby for your final day trip. You will explore the unique area surrounding western Slovakia. You will see the Slovakia Ring; this special purpose-built race track in the countryside was designed particularly for grand prix style racing. Today you will get a little off-road experience here and through the nearby forest along the Danube (in a Jeep Wrangler).
If you like the thrill of adrenaline, for an extra cost, you can hit the track and do a few laps at high speeds.
Afterwards, stop at the Malkia Zoo Park. Only recently opened in the past few years, this animal conservation park is dedicated to the preservation of circus animals. Since 2016, though small in stature, has seen the recovery and protection of many large-cats now retired from the circus. It’s also one of the very few places where one can still see the ever rare snow leopard.
Exeter Services: Vehicle, Driver & Guide (6 Hours)
Hotel: Roset
Today check out of your hotel and meet your driver for a transfer toVienna to meet your departing flight.
Exeter Services: Transfer Only
