Slovakia Winter Adventure

Arrive in Krakow. Dating from the 13th century, Krakow is a picture-postcard maze of narrow streets, grand buildings and al-fresco cafes.

For those arriving on time today our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 5pm for the welcome meeting and to take us on an orientation walk of the city.

If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Krakow's John Paul II International Airport (airport code KRK), which is 18km, around 30 minutes from the hotel.

Please note that if you wish to join the orientation walk today, you must arrive at the hotel by 5pm. If you are booking your own flights, we recommend giving yourself at least 1 hour to clear the airport. From the airport to the hotel is around 30 minutes' drive, so therefore the latest your flight can arrive is 3.30pm. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

On this evenings walk we will visit Rynek Glowny, Europe's largest medieval square with its quirky town houses and historic buildings that surround the area including Sukiennice which is the most famous and still in use today as a covered market. We also explore the delightful Old Town; a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only major Polish district to escape the war unscathed.

Overlooking all this is the fairy-tale Wawel Castle, where past kings and queens are buried and is the home of many treasures that have been collected by the Polish monarchy. There is also the opportunity this evening to explore the former Jewish Kazimierz District, which was the Jewish Ghetto in World War II and the setting for the film Schindler's List. Nowadays this area is probably the most vibrant part of the city with unique cafes, bars and restaurants and it offers an interesting insight into how the Krakow Jews lived during the war years. Stay: Hotel Wyspianski (Comfortable)

We travel this morning crossing the border from Poland into Slovakia, a journey of around three hours, making a stop at Zdiar en-route, a pretty Tatra village just across the boarder from Poland.

Our destination is Tatranska Lomnica. This village with Stary Smokovec, Novy Smokovec and Strbske Pleso are the most frequently visited tourist places in the High Tatras. Tatranska Lomnica is known for its skiing in winter and hiking and mountaineering in the summer and is located in the heart of the mountain range with stunning views of the Tatras Basin below. The Tatras Mountain range is strictly protected, and despite the area's popularity, the town still has many traditional wooden buildings and its alpine culture still strongly evident.

On arrival, we'll enjoy a gentle walk around the town to get our bearings, Please note, the order of the itinerary may vary depending upon the weather conditions. Stay: Hotel Titris (Comfortable) (B)

Head out after breakfast catching a local train to the neighbouring village of Starý Smokovec.

After donning snowshoes and an introduction lesson, head out to explore the trails. There is nothing to beat the tranquil splendour of mountain scenery and beech trees that are covered in layers of blanketing snow as we gently glide along the forest trails. Snowshoeing is fairly easily mastered and we should need just a few minutes to feel confident enough before heading off on our morning's exploration which should last around 2 ½ hours. Your Leader will adjust the duration and distance to match the requirements of the group.

Snowshoes and hiking poles are provided. Snowshoes and hiking poles are provided although it is worth bringing your own flask to take hot drinks along the way.

Returning to Tatranska Lomnica by train, we head to a local lake to try our hand at ice skating followed by a warming glass of mulled wine (or a cup of tea). All equipment is provided. Stay: Hotel Titris (Comfortable) (B)

This morning we drive to Strbske Pleso further up the valley where we try out cross country skiing. Strbske Pleso is the highest village in the High Tatras with the nearby lake an ideal location to learn to cross country ski offering flat terrain with a stunning mountain backdrop.

The group may be divided according to physical ability with an initial 0.7km loop to get aquatinted. Proficient skiers can try the medium loops of up to 2 km with an instructor and there is a more technical loop of 5 km also available, for experienced skiers only.

The whole group reunite at the nearby local restaurant to enjoy a typical Slovak lunch typically bean, cabbage or garlic soup followed by sheep cheese gnocchi (halushky) or pierogi, goulash and schnitzel washed down with local beer or wine before being driven back to Tatranska Lomnica.

There is time to relax for a few hours back at the hotel before venturing out for our night sledging activity. We take the funicular train up the mountain to reach the start of the 2.6km sledge track which leads from Hrebienok down the mountain to Stary Smokovec. The route is flood lit and its a race to the bottom! Stay: Hotel Titris (Comfortable) (B/L)

This morning we take a train to the neighbouring village of Stary Smokovec once again. From here it's a few minutes to the funicular base station. We board the funicular and ascend to a high mountain village where many of the snow activities take place. From here we take a half hour's walk to Velka Studena dolina. The high elevation offers spectacular views down the valley and provides the setting for this afternoons informative and interactive talk on avalanche rescue techniques brought to life as we find hidden objects under piles of snow using a special device to search for the object as well as shovels and detectors. We all have to work together as a team to discover what lies beneath. Hot refreshments are provided.

The afternoon is left free to enjoy the skiing in the area or alternatively relax in the wellness centre of our hotel. If you wish to book ski lessons we suggest these are booked well in advance as ski lessons are in high demand.

Tatranska Lomnica is the highest ski resort in Slovakia and includes a 6.5 km long slope from 2196 m down to the base back in the town. The resort offers eight lifts, with most being ultra modern high speed six or eight person chairlifts or gondola lifts. There is an easy ski slope close to the hotel with more advanced slopes further up the mountain. For current prices see the budgeting section. Stay: Hotel Titris (Comfortable) (B/D)

The morning is free to once again enjoy the skiing in the area. Most hire shops rent equipment for 24 hour blocks, so you shouldn't have to pay again if you hired equipment the previous afternoon. Alternatively take a break from the outdoors and relax in one of the numerous wellness centres found in the town.

This afternoon we walk to our cooking class which takes place in one of the local hotels. We learn how to cook a selection of traditional Slovakian dishes as we split into groups to prepare a starter, main and dessert. We then sit down and enjoy our creations at the end of the class. Stay: Hotel Titris (Comfortable) (B/D)

After breakfast we drive back to Krakow where we have the afternoon free to enjoy this city further. Stay: Hotel Wyspianski (Comfortable) (B)

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Krakow.

There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Krakow at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Krakow's John Paul II International Airport (airport code KRK), which is 18km, around 30 minutes from the hotel. (B)