Welcome to the High Tatras Mountains, the highest mountain range in Slovakia and the Carpathians as a whole! We suggest arriving a day or two in advance and taking advantage of the great hiking and wellness opportunities on offer in the area. On arrival day, we meet at our tour hotel in the late afternoon for a trip briefing and welcome dinner. The hotel is located on the shores of the montane lake of Strbske Pleso, around 30 minutes from Poprad Airport, 1.5 hours from Kosice Airport, and 2.5 hours from Krakow Airport. The breathtaking backdrop of the lake, framed by the snow-capped peaks of the High Tatras Mountains, is like a living painting. Please let us know if you require assistance with airport transfers and pre-tour hotel bookings.
Hotel Solisko
DinnerOur first ride leads us into the wilds of High Tatras National Park, an expanse of dense forests and one of Europe's few remaining untouched landscapes where wolves, lynxes, brown bears, and endangered eagles roam freely. The route, mostly downhill, allows us to acclimate slowly and fully absorb the natural beauty of the national park as we traverse a mix of paved roads and forest trails. Our destination is the charming town of Liptovsky Mikulas, located near the shores of Lake Liptovska Mara and surrounded by the towering High Tatras to the north and the rolling Low Tatras to the south. Following lunch, you'll have the afternoon to explore Liptovsky Mikulas's town square, historical museums, and the 13th-century Gothic Church of St. Nicholas. Alternatively, you can venture a little further afield to discover the Demanovska Cave of Liberty, renowned for its underground lakes and striking, colorful rock formations. A soothing soak at a mineral spring is also an option!
Hotel JanosikBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 47km
+420m
-1162mToday’s ride takes us through the Low Tatras Mountains. The first half of the route is mostly flat as we cycle through the farmlands of the Liptov Basin and enter the valley of the Revuca River. Around 30 km into our journey, we arrive at the idyllic mountain village of Vlkolínec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its centuries-old folk architecture nestled amidst pastures and fields. We’ll take a break here before continuing southward, where the terrain becomes more hilly, culminating in a climb up to the Donovaly Pass. Along this stretch, we'll enjoy alternating views of dense forests, expansive mountains, and lush valleys. The final 20 km of our ride lead us downhill along gravel trails and paved country roads to the city of Banska Bystrica, located in the geographic heart of Slovakia. The afternoon is free to explore Banska Bystrica’s beautiful town square. With plenty of restaurants to choose from, dinner is on your own tonight.
Hotel Penzion KuriaBreakfast, LunchRide 84km+918m-1144mThe first 25 km of today’s ride is flat as we follow the course of the Hron River, Slovakia’s second-longest waterway, to the town of Zvolen. We’ll cycle past Zvolen’s mighty medieval castle before heading south into a terrain of low-rising, forested mountains and cultivated valleys. This is a glorious and challenging backcountry ride in the heart of Slovakia. A final ascent brings us to the picturesque town of Banská Štiavnica, etched into the hillsides of the Western Carpathians. The prosperity from centuries of gold and silver mining near Banska Stiavnica is still evident in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic townscape of burgher houses, grand churches, and ornate public buildings. This afternoon, wander through the town's narrow streets to admire Renaissance and Baroque architecture, visit the central Holy Trinity Square, and take in panoramic views from the Old and New Castles.
Penzion KachelmanBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 57km+834m-584mStarting from Banska Stiavnica, we initially wind our way up the hillsides before enjoying a long and meandering descent down the foothills of the Western Carpathians. Within 30 km, we transition to the flat farmlands of the Nitra region, following rural roads through forests, farms, villages, and vineyards to reach the banks of the mighty Danube River. At Sturovo, we cross the iconic Maria Valeria Bridge to enter Hungary and the city of Esztergom. Crowning the city is the Esztergom Basilica, the largest church in Hungary, boasting beautiful classicist architecture and interior decorations. You can also visit Esztergom Castle which, perched on a hill, offers splendid views over the Danube and the city. We celebrate our arrival in Hungary by treating ourselves to a wine-tasting included with dinner tonight.
Bellevue HotelBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 100km+520m-1003mOn our final day of cycling we ride the "Great Bend" of the Danube, one of the most scenic stretches along the entire valley. Here, the river winds its way through forested hillsides and rugged cliffs and the banks are dotted with historic villages and towns. We’ll ride through Visegrád, with its medieval castle peering down from a cliff face, and stop in Szentendre, known for its vibrant arts scene and elegant baroque architecture. And finally we reach the “Queen of the Danube”, Budapest, where we end our bike tour. In the evening, Hungary’s capital city glitters and sparkles as its facade of stately landmarks are lit up. We’ll convene for a final Hungarian feast and bid our farewells.
NH Budapest CityBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 85km+318m-316mOur cycling tour has ended but we suggest you extend your stay to explore Budapest. Please let us know If you require assistance with airport transfers and post-tour hotel bookings. Heading back to Vienna via a river cruise on the Danube is also possible.
BreakfastDisclaimer: The adventure cycling tours we operate often go beyond the beaten track, and the countries where we ride are not always predictable. Due to these reasons, it is occasionally necessary to reroute or update itineraries. Our guarantee is that we will not change a trip unless for safety or to improve it. Our listed hotels are always accurate at the time of writing, but should we have to change any hotel, it will always be for a similar or better one.
DestinationsSlovakia and Hungary
Tour MeetsStrbske Pleso
Fly in toPoprad Airport (TAT)
Group Size4-12 riders
SpiceRoads jerseyWater bottleSupport vehicleGuide(s)Meals (as indicated)Bike and helmetSnacks and drinks
International flightsDomestic flightsAirport pick upAirport drop offVisa feesAlcoholTips
This tour covers 373 km over 5 days of riding. We cover a varied geography, from the mountainous region of the High and Low Tatras in northern Slovakia, the rolling hills of central Slovakia, and the plains of southern Slovakia and Hungary along the Danube River. We ride primarily on paved backcountry roads though a generous sprinkling of gravel and forest paths are also thrown into the mix. The first 3 riding days are entirely hilly with up-and-down sequences to be expected throughout, while the last 2 days are primarily downhill and flat. We generally ride from the morning to the early afternoon, with the remainder of the day at your own leisure to immerse yourself in the charm of towns bursting with history and the beauty of untamed wilderness. Please note that entrance fees to castles, museums, other types of heritage sites, as well as chairlifts, national parks, etc. that require payment to enter are not included in the price. Your guide will discuss options for independent afternoon explorations in the town’s visited. The trip is fully supported, and your guide’s expert knowledge of the area and terrain means that you always know what is coming up in terms of distance and difficulty. This makes a tremendous difference, as does the constant supply of water and refreshments along the way.
Suitability: This is an active level tour and riders can expect to be challenged by the route and terrain in a variety of ways. We climb an average of around 600 m per day, though there are only two days where the elevation gains are more than the losses! While there is nothing overly technical, good handling skills are an asset on unpaved sections. The average distance is 75 km per day, with the longest ride being 100 km, though it is mostly downhill and flat. A basic level of physical fitness, comfort on a mountain bike, and adept handling skills enhance the enjoyment of the tour. A support vehicle is available at all times to provide refuge for weary riders. As the majority of the riding takes place on paved roads, this tour is not suitable for any riders seeking off-road experiences.
Biking Conditions: Around 75% of the route is on paved roads which are mostly in good condition, though broken asphalt, road debris, and potholes do present themselves. The remaining 25% are on gravel roads, forest paths, and some off-road trails. The riding takes place predominantly on quiet backcountry roads with minimal traffic though occasionally we’ll also be on the shoulders of main roads. Coming in and out towns, as well as near popular tourist attractions, we will share the roads with cars and buses and rules of traffic must be observed. While rainfall is uncommon during the months we schedule our tours, showers can occur at any time – we generally ride rain or shine though, based on the guide’s discretion or your level of comfort, modifications to the planned route can be made. It’s all part of the adventure!
Welcome to the High Tatras Mountains, the highest mountain range in Slovakia and the Carpathians as a whole! We suggest arriving a day or two in advance and taking advantage of the great hiking and wellness opportunities on offer in the area. On arrival day, we meet at our tour hotel in the late afternoon for a trip briefing and welcome dinner. The hotel is located on the shores of the montane lake of Strbske Pleso, around 30 minutes from Poprad Airport, 1.5 hours from Kosice Airport, and 2.5 hours from Krakow Airport. The breathtaking backdrop of the lake, framed by the snow-capped peaks of the High Tatras Mountains, is like a living painting. Please let us know if you require assistance with airport transfers and pre-tour hotel bookings.
Hotel SoliskoDinnerOur first ride leads us into the wilds of High Tatras National Park, an expanse of dense forests and one of Europe's few remaining untouched landscapes where wolves, lynxes, brown bears, and endangered eagles roam freely. The route, mostly downhill, allows us to acclimate slowly and fully absorb the natural beauty of the national park as we traverse a mix of paved roads and forest trails. Our destination is the charming town of Liptovsky Mikulas, located near the shores of Lake Liptovska Mara and surrounded by the towering High Tatras to the north and the rolling Low Tatras to the south. Following lunch, you'll have the afternoon to explore Liptovsky Mikulas's town square, historical museums, and the 13th-century Gothic Church of St. Nicholas. Alternatively, you can venture a little further afield to discover the Demanovska Cave of Liberty, renowned for its underground lakes and striking, colorful rock formations. A soothing soak at a mineral spring is also an option!
Hotel JanosikBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 47km+420m-1162mToday’s ride takes us through the Low Tatras Mountains. The first half of the route is mostly flat as we cycle through the farmlands of the Liptov Basin and enter the valley of the Revuca River. Around 30 km into our journey, we arrive at the idyllic mountain village of Vlkolínec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its centuries-old folk architecture nestled amidst pastures and fields. We’ll take a break here before continuing southward, where the terrain becomes more hilly, culminating in a climb up to the Donovaly Pass. Along this stretch, we'll enjoy alternating views of dense forests, expansive mountains, and lush valleys. The final 20 km of our ride lead us downhill along gravel trails and paved country roads to the city of Banska Bystrica, located in the geographic heart of Slovakia. The afternoon is free to explore Banska Bystrica’s beautiful town square. With plenty of restaurants to choose from, dinner is on your own tonight.
Hotel Penzion KuriaBreakfast, LunchRide 84km+918m-1144mThe first 25 km of today’s ride is flat as we follow the course of the Hron River, Slovakia’s second-longest waterway, to the town of Zvolen. We’ll cycle past Zvolen’s mighty medieval castle before heading south into a terrain of low-rising, forested mountains and cultivated valleys. This is a glorious and challenging backcountry ride in the heart of Slovakia. A final ascent brings us to the picturesque town of Banská Štiavnica, etched into the hillsides of the Western Carpathians. The prosperity from centuries of gold and silver mining near Banska Stiavnica is still evident in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic townscape of burgher houses, grand churches, and ornate public buildings. This afternoon, wander through the town's narrow streets to admire Renaissance and Baroque architecture, visit the central Holy Trinity Square, and take in panoramic views from the Old and New Castles.
Penzion KachelmanBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 57km+834m-584mStarting from Banska Stiavnica, we initially wind our way up the hillsides before enjoying a long and meandering descent down the foothills of the Western Carpathians. Within 30 km, we transition to the flat farmlands of the Nitra region, following rural roads through forests, farms, villages, and vineyards to reach the banks of the mighty Danube River. At Sturovo, we cross the iconic Maria Valeria Bridge to enter Hungary and the city of Esztergom. Crowning the city is the Esztergom Basilica, the largest church in Hungary, boasting beautiful classicist architecture and interior decorations. You can also visit Esztergom Castle which, perched on a hill, offers splendid views over the Danube and the city. We celebrate our arrival in Hungary by treating ourselves to a wine-tasting included with dinner tonight.
Bellevue HotelBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 100km+520m-1003mOn our final day of cycling we ride the "Great Bend" of the Danube, one of the most scenic stretches along the entire valley. Here, the river winds its way through forested hillsides and rugged cliffs and the banks are dotted with historic villages and towns. We’ll ride through Visegrád, with its medieval castle peering down from a cliff face, and stop in Szentendre, known for its vibrant arts scene and elegant baroque architecture. And finally we reach the “Queen of the Danube”, Budapest, where we end our bike tour. In the evening, Hungary’s capital city glitters and sparkles as its facade of stately landmarks are lit up. We’ll convene for a final Hungarian feast and bid our farewells.
NH Budapest CityBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 85km+318m-316mOur cycling tour has ended but we suggest you extend your stay to explore Budapest. Please let us know If you require assistance with airport transfers and post-tour hotel bookings. Heading back to Vienna via a river cruise on the Danube is also possible.
BreakfastDisclaimer: The adventure cycling tours we operate often go beyond the beaten track, and the countries where we ride are not always predictable. Due to these reasons, it is occasionally necessary to reroute or update itineraries. Our guarantee is that we will not change a trip unless for safety or to improve it. Our listed hotels are always accurate at the time of writing, but should we have to change any hotel, it will always be for a similar or better one.
Bikes are included for this tour and are well-known makes of hardtail mountain bikes with Shimano component's and front suspension. Helmet hire is included, however you are welcome to bring your own seat and/or pedals, and we'll fit them to your bike for the tour. E-bikes are available at additional cost.
Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though we cannot guarantee having spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube and a pump while riding is recommended.
Wearing a helmet is required on all our biking adventures and is non negotiable. If you do not wear a helmet you will not be allowed to cycle. Your tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree you must be responsible for your own safety while riding. It is therefore compulsory that you take out travel insurance that will cover you for a mountain biking tour.
You will be led by a local English-speaking guide and if the group is 9 people or more we will add another guide to the tour. All our guides are well informed in the history, culture and religions of the area where you are biking and are skilled at passing that knowledge on to you. Your guide is also medically trained and an experienced cyclist, able to handle most minor repairs en route.
See here for recommendations and detailed information.
In Slovakia, spring arrives mildly from March to May, with temperatures typically ranging from 10-20°C (50-68°F). Warm summers follow from June to August, with temperatures averaging between 15-25°C (59-77°F). Fall extends from September to November, bringing temperatures of about 5-15°C (41-59°F). Winter settles in from December to February, with temperatures ranging from -5-5°C (23-41°F). The prime time for cycling enthusiasts is late spring/early summer and late summer/early fall when the weather is pleasant, and you can steer clear of the peak tourism season in the summer.
Meals are included as per the itinerary where B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner.
A lesser known European cuisine, you're in for a treat with Slovakian food. Try bryndzové halušky, potato dumplings with sheep cheese and bacon, or the soul-warming kapustnica cabbage soup.
Any special dietary requirements can also be catered for as well. Please let us know at the time of booking.
Keeping you completely hydrated is a job we take very seriously. Water and a regular supply of refreshments are included in the tour price while riding. Soft drinks and other beverages during meals are not included. But you may also want to bring electrolyte in powder or tablet form. Alcoholic drinks are available everywhere, but are NOT included in the price. Slovakia has plenty of choices of homegrown wine, beer and spirits. Na zdravie!
SpiceRoads does not require you to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above.
We recommend that you tuck away a few extra Euros for possible incidentals that might arise. It is always wise to have some paper currency in case of ATM absence or credit card problems. This will save you a lot of unnecessary worries. It is also customary to tip local tour guides and drivers; however, the amount you give should be dependent on the level of service you receive. As a general guide we suggest that €5-10 per person per day is appropriate.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted throughout the country, but that is not a guarantee, especially in mom & pop shops in rural areas.
Tourist Tax: The tourist tax varies depending on the region and the type of accommodation. The fee is between 1 - 5 Euros per person/per night. This amount needs to be paid directly and in cash - hence why we do not include it in the tour price and you will be expected to pay this where necessary.
The currency used in Slovakia is the Euro (€).
See here for recommendations and detailed information.
In Hungary, spring lasts from March to May, with temperatures ranging from 10-20°C (50-68°F). Summer brings warmth from June to August, with temperatures typically between 15-25°C (59-77°F). Fall extends from September to November, offering cooler temperatures of 5-15°C (41-59°F). Winter settles in from December to February, with temperatures ranging from -5-5°C (23-41°F). For ideal cycling conditions, late spring/early summer and late summer/early fall are recommended, providing pleasant temperatures and avoiding the peak summer tourism season.
Meals are included as per the itinerary where B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner.
You've probably heard of goulash, but Hungary offers many more culinary delights to reward hard working cyclists!
Any special dietary requirements can also be catered for as well. Please let us know at the time of booking.
Keeping you completely hydrated is a job we take very seriously. Water and a regular supply of refreshments are included in the tour price while riding. Soft drinks and other beverages during meals are not included. But you may also want to bring electrolyte in powder or tablet form. Alcoholic drinks are available everywhere, but are NOT included in the price. Hungary has plenty of choices of homegrown wine, beer and spirits. Egészségedre!
SpiceRoads does not require you to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above.
We recommend that you tuck away some extra bills for possible incidentals that might arise. It is always wise to have some paper currency in case of ATM absence or credit card problems. This will save you a lot of unnecessary worries. It is also customary to tip local tour guides and drivers; however, the amount you give should be dependent on the level of service you receive. As a general guide we suggest that €5-10 per person per day is appropriate.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted throughout the country, but that is not a guarantee, especially in mom & pop shops in rural areas.
Tourist Tax: The tourist tax varies depending on the region and the type of accommodation. The fee is between 1 - 5 Euros per person/per night. This amount needs to be paid directly and in cash - hence why we do not include it in the tour price and you will be expected to pay this where necessary.
The currency used in Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF).
If this is the tour for you here's what you need to do to confirm your place:
Just complete our online booking form or send your booking details offline (email or post), and we will confirm your participation. No deposit is needed to confirm your place on a SpiceRoads tour.
You are advised to read our Booking Conditions in full before you make your payment and should you require further clarifications of any of the conditions below, please email us or call our office.
There is a minimum number of participants (usually 2) required to enable the trip to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to Depart'. Once a trip is guaranteed to depart you are free to book your flights and make other travel arrangements. If the trip status is ‘Limited’ will mean we have only a small number of spaces available for booking. If you are unsure about the trip status, please email us or call our office.
From the tour page, click the 'Book Now' link. All departures for this tour will appear, just select the date you'd like to travel. For the next steps, you'll need to know the names of the people travelling. If you wish you can also provide extra details such as passport numbers, height (for bike hire), or you can add that later by logging into Manage My Trip (we'll set up an account for you automatically if you don't already have one). Our system will contact you from time to time to fill in the missing information, as it will be required before departure. However, if the trip that you are booking offers a child discount, you will have to fill out the date of birth of each rider (so we can calculate the appropriate discount).
If you are having any problems please send us an email, or give us a call (+66 026 3295) and one of our travel specialists will assist you with your booking.
Just call us or send an email indicating which trip you want to join and we will happily send you a list of questions and process your booking for you.
We do not require a deposit or full payment to book a place for you on a tour.
The balance of the tour’s cost (final invoice) will need to be paid 60 days before the departure date with fees for any bicycle rental(s), single supplement(s) and extra hotel nights.
In the case where a booking is made when there are less than 60 days until the tour departure date, the tour’s cost should be paid in full within 72 hours of receiving an invoice from SpiceRoads. Payment can be made by credit card using our online payment gateway or by bank transfer. When making payment online you will need to confirm that you have read these booking conditions during the "checkout" process, which equates to agreeing to the terms of services and stipulations as indicated in this document.
In all cases, tour fees need to be paid “in full” before participation in a tour. No person(s) will be allowed to join a tour without fully settling their invoice and receiving a confirmation number from SpiceRoads.
The exception can be made for last-minute miscellaneous fees that can be paid locally (visas, additional local hotel bookings, etc.) can be settled on the day of arrival.
If the tour is cancelled or postponed by SpiceRoads because we didn't make the trip numbers and the tour can’t run, we will make a full cash refund (by bank transfer or on your credit card).
If the tour is cancelled for any other reason, including due to Covid related travel restrictions, we will give you a full credit (with no deductions for admin or any other small-print item) to use on any SpiceRoads tour with no time limit. (Exceptions being flights, special permits and other non-refundable items and these will be advised when booking the trip).
Before paying for your tour, you can cancel your booking with no charge and up until 40 days before departure, you can change your booking to another travel date or move your booking onto another SpiceRoads tour with no charges.
If you need to cancel after you have made full payment, please see our cancellation policy.
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