CSTS launches programmes for accompanying persons

During its 5-year history, CSTS has hosted or served numerous scientists who were – either during scientific or conference excursions – accompanied by their spouses or friends. We have therefore decided to launch a special programme – beside sendwiching science with mountain-biking, horse-back riding and thermal-springs bathing already available – for accompanying persons or even for excursion members who would wish to spend an extra week or ad-on holidays in Slovakia, alone or with their families or friends. It covers a wide array of topics that can also be mixed so as to cover various interest:

1. Slovak spa discoverer

Take delight in a surprisingly high number of mineral water springs, majority of which posses curative properties and are extensively being used in both preventative and curative medicine. On top of that, mineral springs are generally being located in most beautiful and idyllic natural settings of Slovak mountains, valleys and lowlands. Magical scenery, we feel, represents an extra quality added to this tour.

In the east of Slovakia the Bardejov spa caming into existence just near the unique historical medieval town of the same name, protected by UNESCO. In the valleys of the middle Slovakia the unique conditions came into existence at the spas Piestany and Trencianske Teplice, on the foots of the Carpathian mountains there are the spas of Rajecke Teplice, Bojnice with unique medieval castle, Turcianske Teplice, Sliac and Kovacova and Vysne Ruzbachy. In the valleys of the mountain peaks the unique natural conditions came into existence at the spas of Besenova and Korytnica.

2. Tracing the wine route

Slovak wine-making tradition is not perhaps as famous as that of France or Italy, however, it is maybe worth making a journey here to get a first hand experience of genuine Central Europe wine. One may be pleasantly surprised by the quality and taste of local produce complemented with fine cuisine, folk music and unforgettable atmosphere of small traditionally built wine cellars. Feeling tempted? Wine or gourmet? Then this is the right tour for you.

Rizling Rynsky, Veltlinske Zelene (Green Veltliner), Mueller Thurgau, Silvanske Zelene (Green Silvaner), Rulandske biele (White Rulander), Svätovavrinecke (St. Lawrence), Frankovka and the remarkable Tokaj stand out from among the high quality, impulsive, rich in sorts and sensorically attractive Slovak wines.

3. From steam to ice – the diverse world of Slovak caves

Slovakia enjoys a privilege of having some of the nicest caves and karst systems to be found within the boundaries/context of Europe. Many of them are open to public thus providing a unique insight into the magical depths of our Earth. Their current state is the result of millions of years of forming processes so they represent a priceless source of knowledge for present generations od both scientists and public alike. We have tried to include in our itinerary a variety of caves to give the visitor a better idea about the versatility and beauty of these phenomena, quite rightly called wonders of our natural world.

4. Towns whose fame grew out of gold, silver and copper lodes (historic, architectural and artistic reflections of the medieaval gold, silver and copper mining in Slovakia)

Slovakia quite rightly prides herself on undoubtedly one of the richest mining traditions in the world. Back in the Middle Ages it served as one of a few prime European mining centres supplying the whole continent with gold, silver, copper, lead and other non-ferrous metals. Rapid development of mining centres inevitably brought along the development of trade, architecture, education, culture, etc resulting in Slovakia becoming quite a progressive area of contemporary Europe.

5. Slovak medieval castles – the bones in the throat of the Mongolian and Ottoman invaders

Rich and many times tumultuous history of Slovakia has been also amply reflected in the works of architecture. There are to be found many fine and splendidly preserved "witnesses" of the past in a form of medieval castles, mansions, manor houses, wooden churches, traditional fork architecture, etc. This tour was particularly designed to highlight some the most important gems of Slovak secular architecture of the Middle Ages.

6. Highlights of wooden churches of Slovakia

Sacral wooden architecture, namely breathtaking little churches of Eastern Lithurgy located in Eastern Slovakia, represents truly priceless legacy of the craftsmanship and skillfulness of contemporary masters and artists. They reflect traditional lifestyle, beliefs and customs of local folks and the whole region. This tour taking you to the remotest part of Slovakia will award you with unique scenery and inspiration.

7. Treasures of slovak traditional folk architecture

Thanks to the fact that Slovakia of the past was predominantly the country of farmers, smallholders, shepherds and artisans with very little industry, many oustanding examples of rural folk architecture have survived to these days. Not only have traditional folk objects outlasted to date but also typical rural lifestyle in some regions has resisted dramatic changes brought on by general industrial development and technological advances. Combine it together with breathtaking natural scenery and the result is guaranted. In this respect we feel that we can satisfy the "appetite" of both experts and enthusiasts alike.

8. The peaks and gorges of the Carpathians

The High Tatras – Slovakia's bear-tooth naecklace. Jagged teeth of granite within an area of just 341 sq. kilometers, the smallest range of alpine mountains in Europe. 20 peaks reaching above 2500 m, 100 crystal blue alpine lakes.

Slovak Paradise – bustling streams shoot through high rock walls, tumbling over jagged rock faces. Sttel ladders and chain dripping with wet spray navigate these gorges and allow hikers to explore deep into the national park.

Pieniny – a small national park featuring unique phenomenon: a wild Dunajec River breaks its way through the famous Klippen Belt. Best enjoyed most from a raft!

Please click here and download detailed itineraries (pdf, 1500 kB).

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