Family Vacation in Turiec Region - Historic, Cultural and Natural Heritage of Slovakia

Itinerary

The Turiec basin is a picturesque region in Central Slovakia. It is an ideal departure point for leisure tourism and travel in the often visited Small and Large Fatra. The Small Fatra National Park, is well known for its markedly, multifarious surface, the beauty of which is enhanced by picturesque scenery, rock formations, towers and walls. The protected, rural region of Large Fatra is visited throughout the whole year, especially the wonderful long valleys, richly endowed with rare plants and creatures. Besides natural beauty, this county contains many cultural and historical gems: caves, castles and folk museums. This is an ideal family vacation for active rest.

1. Day 1

   Arrival to Slovakia, accommodation, informal reception.

2. Day 2

   We walk through the most popular reaches of the Vratna valley: Dolne Diery, Horne Diery, and Tiesnavy; splendid landscapes of a "rock city", narrow gorges, miniature canyons, waterfalls and spires carved into the rock by the force of a mountain stream.

3. Day 3

   We will visit a gothic castle in Strecno. It was built in 14th century and served the purpose of a watchtower. It is situated on the top of a rock above the Vah river and has been recently reconstructed. A monument that is a grave of the Slovak National Uprising heroes is located near the Castle.

4. Day 4

   We will ascend one of the grand mountains of Velka Fatra, Tlsta (altitude 1414 m), near Gaderska Dolina (Gaderska Valley). The mountain can be recognised from far away by several horizontal limestone and dolomite rock terraces. From underneath the mountain top, one can enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding landscape adorned by karst formations.

5. Day 5

   We will take a tour of the cave Harmanecka jaskyna that is 2500 m long, of which 720 m is open to public. 9 species of bats found their home in this cave. We will get to see beautiful halls created by subterranean forces, lakes, waterfalls and bizarre shapes.

6. Day 6

   We will visit an open air museum of Slovak village that was established near Martin in 1972. There are more than 500 objects exhibited there. Afterwards, we will go to see Martin, the center of the Turiec region. In Martin, we will visit the Slovak National Museum.

7. Day 7

   We will take a cable car ride up to Martinske hole (Martin Uplands) that is an attractive skiing and hiking resort. From the cable car final station, we will take a hike up to the highest peak (altitude 1476 m) of this part of the Mala Fatra range. From there, we will have a view of the highest Slovak mountains. There is a meteorological station located near the top of the peak.

8. Day 8

   We will visit a horse farm where each participant will have a chance to ride a horse in the beautiful environment of the village of Bystricka (near Martin). Upon request, a quick horseback riding course may be taken by the participants.

9. Day 9

   We will visit Sutovska Dolina valley with the rumbling Sutovsky Vodopad, the tallest waterfall (38 m) in the Mala Fatra. The waterfall flows from Mojzisove Pramene (Moses' Springs) at the end of the valley. Precipitous cliffs 50-60 m tall tower over the waterfall.

10. Day 10

    Farewell and departure from Slovakia.

Overview