Day 1 Arrive Zilina
Arrival in Zilina a significant centre of native Slovak craft and culture with its unique arcaded square.
Day 2
Zilina to Terchova 37 miles.
Today the cycling begins with a ride out of Zilina through some small hills and then along a river valley to Strecno Castle, a gothic castle high on a cliff. Then on towards the legendary village of Terchova, located in the Mala Fatra mountain range, one of the most beautiful and visited areas of Slovakia.
Day 3 A circular route from Terchova 11 miles.
A circular route through the hills where you will be rewarded with stunning views. A visit to Janosikovci, the real birth place of Juraj Janosik, the Slovak Robin Hood, before returning to Terchova.
Day 4 Terchova to Ruzomberok 31 miles.
The road from Terchova leads you up hill heading to Zazriva then down alongside a river to Parnica with its original timber chalets and shingled roofs. Continue following tracks and minor roads all the way to Ruzomberok. A final detour to Vlkolinec, a traditional Slovak village now containing a folk museum well worth a visit.
Day 5 Ruzomberok to Liptovsky Mikulas 25 miles.
From Ruzomberok you will be heading to Lake Liptovska Mara, the largest in Slovakia. Cycling around the lake is one of the highlights with some magnificent views all the way to Liptovsky Mikulas passing the biggest Aqua park in Slovakia called Tatralandia.
Day 6 A circular route from Liptovsky Mikulas 38 miles.
Leaving Liptovsky Mikulas you cycle through the village Bobrovec all the way to Bobrovecka Vapenica and a farm where you can relax and try the local traditional sheep cheese. Then you head east following a track called Tatranska Magistrala (no tarmac after a while). Dismounting to push your bike in places, cycling through streams and meadows you will be rewarded with fantastic views. Back on tarmac you will pass the village of Pribilina where an open-air museum can be found before returning to Liptovsky Mikulas.
Day 7 Transfer to Bratislava.
By train from Liptovsky Mikulas to Bratislava where you will have time for exploring this enchanting city in the afternoon and relaxing in one of the many bars or restaurants for the evening.
Day 8 Depart from Bratislava.
Checkout from your hotel after breakfast to make your way home. |