Page 115 - Eastern Europe

Downtown
Providing Fascinating Travel Experiences
Bratislava and Slovakia
Why visit Slovakia and start by discovering Bratislava? Because it is the capital and largest city of the state! This city has many influences (Austrian, Hungarian...) which give it a very rich heritage. The historical museum is a good way to discover all the history of Slovakia, just as a long walk through the historic city center allows you to soak up the atmosphere of Bratislava, to appreciate it. architecture, churches, castles ...
Castles of Slovakia
In addition to the big cities, Slovakia therefore has vast mountainous regions where there are castles, nestled in the middle of forests. By staying in Slovakia for one or even two weeks, one can visit Nitra, its castle and its remarkable religious monuments (a church and a syna- gogue), the castles of Malacky and Devin, both of which are located in the vicinity of Bratislava. or finally the town of Banskà Stiavnica which also has an old castle.
High Tatras
This small mountain range of 10 peaks is located on the border with Poland. Suitable for hiking, you can leave from Smokovec, or reach Lake Skalnaté with the cable car from Tatranska Lomnica. The highest point is Gerlachovský štít, but Mount Lomnicky is more easily accessi- ble, always thanks to the same cable car.
National Parks
Slovakia is also a sporting destination that can be enjoyed in both summer and winter. Indeed, who says mountainous regions, says winter sports. You can therefore ski in Slovakia, in the Tatra Mountains. This is where most of the Slovak winter sports resorts are located. In summer, Slovakia is also a good country for hiking. An activity that can be practiced in national parks such as Vel'kà Fatra, Malà Fatra or one of the most famous: the Slovak paradise. It has several hundred kilome- ters of marked paths and the Dobsinskà cave is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Inexpensive destination
Slovakia and Bratislava, like many countries in Central Europe, Prague or Budapest for example, is a cheap destination. However, the cost of living tends to increase with the euro and the development of tourism. Thus, the many terraces of the old town of Bratislava allow you to have a drink without breaking the bank - count a euro for a pint of beer! We advise you to taste Slovak wines, which are often very good. You can also sit down for lunch or dinner in Slovakia and discover typical dishes such as bryndzové halušky, potato dumplings with sheep's cheese, or one of the many specialties made with cabbage!
Why Slovakia?
For prices and other details visit www.holidayswithdowntown.com 115