Alicia Gough looks at Hungary, Poland and Slovakia in part two of our Central Europe update.
This feature also covers Central Europe’s potential as a summer holiday destination and the highlights of Austria, Germany and Czech Republic.
Poland
Cracow sits on the banks of the Wisla River. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its well-preserved Old Town, dating from the 13th century, is a labyrinth of medieval streets, galleries and museums. Hop on the tourist tram for a whistle-stop tour of its cobbled streets.
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the dunes, lakes and forests of the Slowinski National Park.
Alternatively, discover castles, caves and wildlife of the Sudeten Mountains or the beautiful white-sand beaches on the Baltic coast near Gdansk.
Increasingly popular are vineyard tours of South Moravia, and golfing holidays – Poland has some world-class courses.
Suits: Young and old seeking city breaks, stag and hen dos, and families looking for cheap beach holidays.
Sample package: Abercrombie and Kent offers a seven-night tour of Poland with three nights’ bed and breakfast at the Hotel Le Regina in Warsaw and four nights at the
four-star Hotel Copernicus in Cracow, from £1,826 per person this July, including flights.
Hungary
Budapest’s boutique hotels, old-world coffee shops and funky bars and clubs attract a vibrant young crowd.
The city’s historic charm combines Roman ruins, Gothic, baroque and art nouveau architecture, and a choice of 223 museums and art galleries.
Hungary boasts more than 1,000 hot springs, some of the most popular being Buk, Hajduszoboszlo and Gyula.
The 50-mile-long Lake Balaton or ‘Hungarian Sea’ is one of Hungary’s most frequented resorts.
During the summer months, the water temperature reaches 27C. The shallow waters of the southern shores are ideal for children and the silky mud has curative properties.
The region is also rich in vineyards and produces an excellent range of wines.
In the middle of the Great Plain sits Lake Tisza – famous for its wealth of water sports.
The Hungarian countryside is scattered with virgin forests, lush valleys, medieval villages, Renaissance palaces, lakes and wetlands.
Suits: A young crowd drawn to Budapest’s trendy vibe and families seeking cheap waterside holidays.
Sample package: Thomas Cook offers seven nights’ bed-and- breakfast accommodation at the three-star Hotel Carlton in Budapest from £471 per person this July, including flights.
Slovakia
One of the world’s youngest capitals, Bratislava combines historic treasures with a throbbing social life. The Old Town is a maze of pretty lanes scattered with historic monuments, overlooked by the majestic hilltop castle.
Just three miles from the city centre, Bratislava Forest Park is perfect for daily excursions.
Slovakia’s mineral springs are increasingly popular, with tourists heading to the spa towns of Trencianske Teplice and Liptovsky Jan.
The National Park of Tatras is home to more than 100 lakes and several waterfalls and is a popular ski centre in winter.
The 700-year-old mining town of Roznava is the gateway to the Slovak Karst – an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Adventure holidays in Slovakia are on the increase with water rafting, rock climbing, bungee jumping and paragliding.
Suits: Adrenalin junkies, outdoor adventurers and couples combining cultural city breaks with rural trips.
Sample package: Regent Holidays offers seven nights’ bed and breakfast at the four-star Hotel Devin in Bratislava from £480 per person this July, including return flights with SkyEurope.
- Central Europe: sell it for summer holidays as well as city breaks
- Central Europe:Austria, Germany and Czech republic highlights
