13 days in Slovakia Itinerary

Slovakia's capital, Bratislava, attracts visitors for its natural beauty and rich culture, offering a plethora of landscapes, outdoor activities, historical monuments, and a stately old town.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Trenciansky Hrad and Hviezdoslavovo Namestie. Visit Bratislava Castle and Franciscan Church and Monastery for their historical value. Get out of town with these interesting Bratislava side-trips: Beckov castle (in Beckov) and Vodnik (in Trencin). There's still lots to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Blue Church of St. Elizabeth, admire the masterpieces at Nedbalka Gallery, get great views at UFO Observation Deck, and contemplate the long history of St. Martin's Cathedral (Dom svateho Martina).

To find maps and tourist information, use the Bratislava trip planning site.

Buffalo, USA to Bratislava is an approximately 15.5-hour combination of shuttle, flight, and bus. You can also do a combination of flight and bus. The time zone difference moving from Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Central European Standard Time (CET) is 6 hours. Expect a daytime high around 81°F in August, and nighttime lows around 60°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Fri) to allow enough time to drive to Banska Stiavnica.

Banská Štiavnica is a town in central Slovakia, in the middle of an immense caldera created by the collapse of an ancient volcano. Kick off your visit on the 19th (Sat): step into the grandiose world of Sasovsky hrad, learn more about the world around you at Open-Air Mining Museum (SMM), then explore the historical opulence of Old Castle Banska Stiavnica, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Kalvaria.

For traveler tips, where to stay, maps, and other tourist information, refer to the Banska Stiavnica online trip maker.

Getting from Bratislava to Banska Stiavnica by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a bus; or take a train. Cap off your sightseeing on the 19th (Sat) early enough to go by car to Terchova.

Terchová is a large village and municipality in the Malá Fatra mountains in the Žilina District in the Žilina Region of northern Slovakia.HistoryThe village was established in 1580, but the area was inhabited even before its establishment. On the 20th (Sun), contemplate the long history of Zilina Catacomb, then explore the ancient world of Strecno Castle, then take an in-depth tour of Museum of Transport, and finally head outdoors with Janosikove Diery. Here are some ideas for day two: pause for some serene contemplation at Holy Trinity Cathedral and then look for all kinds of wild species at Vratna dolina.

For traveler tips, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Terchova trip itinerary tool.

Traveling by car from Banska Stiavnica to Terchova takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and taxi; or do a combination of train, bus, and taxi. Expect a daytime high around 77°F in August, and nighttime lows around 55°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 21st (Mon) early enough to go by car to Tatranska Lomnica.

Tatranská Lomnica is a town in the Slovak part of the High Tatras mountains. Step off the beaten path and head to Strbske Pleso Lake and Strbske Pleso. Visiting Slovak Paradise and Jazierka lasky will get you outdoors. Get out of town with these interesting Tatranska Lomnica side-trips: Dobsinska Ice Cave (in Dobsina), The Sucha Bela Canyon (in Hrabusice) and Monument to victims of SNP (in Strbske Pleso). Spend the 24th (Thu) exploring nature at Tatras National Park.

To see other places to visit, photos, reviews, and other tourist information, refer to the Tatranska Lomnica vacation planner.

You can drive from Terchova to Tatranska Lomnica in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Plan for a bit cooler nights when traveling from Terchova in August since evenings lows in Tatranska Lomnica dip to 50°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 24th (Thu) so you can go by car to Kosice.

Kosice has long been a hidden medieval gem.

On the 25th (Fri), get to know the fascinating history of Kosice Historical Centre, then ponder the design of Singing fountain, then steep yourself in history at Jakabov Palac, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at Kaplnka svateho Michala.

For other places to visit, photos, and other tourist information, you can read our Kosice online trip planner.

Traveling by car from Tatranska Lomnica to Kosice takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Expect a bit warmer evenings in Kosice when traveling from Tatranska Lomnica in August, with lows around 58°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Sat) to allow time to travel back home.