The travelers mostly spend their city breaks in the capital city of the country. Slovakian Capital Bratislava is not an exception. The majority of the tourist spend their time just in Bratislava. Historical city center as well as the Small Carpathian Wine Road located in outskirts of Bratislava are definitely worth of visit. But why not enrich your stay in Slovakian capital by visiting other parts of Slovakia whilst having accommodation in Bratislava?

We in Bratislava City Tours offer you several half day & one day trips suggestions which could enrich your stay in “Beauty on Danube”.

Half Day Trip to “Little Rome of Slovakia”

Just 50 km far from Bratislava is located a “hidden gem of Slovakia” the historical city of Trnava. The first written notice about Trnava came from 12th. century. Trnava became also the frist Slovakian town with the status “Royal Town”. The prerogative gave to Trnava, the king Belo IV also in 12th century.

The “golden era” of Trnava started in the 16th century, when due to Ottoman wars between Habsburg Empire and Ottoman Empire, the Esztergom Archbishop moved to Trnava. In this period Trnava gained also its nicknames as “Little Rome” or “Slovakian Rome”. In 17th century in Trnava was established one of the first universities in Hungarian kingdom. The university at the beginning had just two faculties – Theological and Philosophical, later accompanied by faculty of Law and Medicine.

Trnava was also one of the centers of Slovak autonomy movement within Austro – Hungarian Kingdom, leaded by the catholic priest Anton Bernolak, who codificated the first rules of modern Slovak language. Trnava has been always closely connected with Bratislava, the first horse carriage railway between Bratislava and Trnava was open in 1846.

The main highlights of Trnava are:

• University Cathedral of St. John Baptist
• Basilica of St. Nicolas
• City Tower
• City Wall
• Archbishop Palace
• Neological Synagogue
• The Immaculate Statue
• The church of St. Anna
• Seminary of St. Vojtech – Adalbertinum
• Holly Marry Seminary – Marianum
• The St. Joseph Church
• The Church of St. Helena and many more

Full Day Trip to Cicmany, SPA Aphrodite & Zilina

During this full day trip you will visit the authentic Slovakian region called “Povazie” according to the longest Slovakian river Vah what flows thru it. In the morning you will travel by comfortable train with seat reservation to Zilina. The journey takes about 2hrs 30 min. In Zilina you will meet with experienced driver guide and depart towards Cicmany.

On route to Cicmany, you will stop in pilgrimage site of Rajecka Lesna, where we will enter to see “Slovakian Wooden Creche”. Rajecka Lesna wooden creche is the biggest wooden creche in Slovakia, all in movement. It is the masterpiece of Slovakian carpenter Mr. Pekara. The beautiful wooden creche shows whole landscape of Slovakia with it’s main highlights in addition to traditional Slovakian customs.

Second stop it is in beautiful mountain village Cicmany famous thanks to unique wooden house painted by ¨traditional Cicmany Ornament”. Cicmany it is the highest village of Zilina region. Every year it is visited by many Slovaks and foreigners thanks to beautiful scenery. The wooden houses what looks like a “ginger bread” are almost 200 years old.

After the stop in Cicmany and short break for a lunch we continue to gorgeous SPA town Rajecke Teplice. Rajecke Teplice are famous thanks to unique SPA complex Aphrodite built in antic style. Two hours relaxation in thermal pools will stroke your soul.

At the end of the tour visit of center of North – West of Slovakia, city of Zilina. Zilina is definitely worth of visit, not only beautiful squared city center of Holy Marry Square, but you will also discover the beautiful Budatin Castle with it’s English park in addition to the oldest building of the town, medieval St. Stephan’s King Church from 13th century.

Evening return by train to Bratislava.

Full Day Trip to Small Fatra National Park & Zilina

During this full day trip you will discover “the New Zeland” of Slovakia, beautiful Small Fatra National Park.
Small Fatra is not the biggest, not the tallest national park of Slovakia, but in our opinion the most beautiful one. The park boast by endless forest with remarkable peaks with outstanding views.

You will travel again by train from Bratislava to Zilina, where you will be greeted by experienced driver guide. Short drive from Zilina to one of the most beautiful valleys of Slovakia – Vratna Valley. Take a cable car (in price included) to Snilovske Peak (1524 m), where you will taste traditional Slovakian trekking cookie “Horalka” and those who are brave enough also a shot of hand made plumb brandy (52% of alcohol :)). Depending on your physical condition it is either possible to stroll to Chleb Peak (1645 m) or the the highest point of Small Fatra – Velky Fatransky Krivan Peak (1708 m). Descending by cable car to Vratna Valley. Possible to book an option with “Sheep Cheese Workshop” where you will learn about the sheep cheese production of traditional Slovakian cheeses with tasting of hand made products made by you. Two course lunch in a traditional hunting restaurant Dianna. Continue to Zilina and city tour of the city.