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Bratislava to Krakow One-Way Transfer Tour
Turn the wasted travel day into the highlight of your trip with stops at Trenčín, Čičmany and Orava Castle on your journey from Bratislava to Krakow.
This tour is also available from Kraków to Bratislava.
Trip Itinerary
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Leave from Bratislava
This tour offers hotel pick-up. You will be picked up from your hotel, apartment, or any other pick-up point accessible by car.
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Stop 1: Trenčín
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We’ll explore the charming town of Trenčín, strolling its cobblestone streets on our way to the impressive hilltop castle.
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Trenčín
What we'll do
As we make our way through the charming town of Trenčín toward its impressive hilltop castle, we’ll stroll along cobblestone streets lined with colorful boutiques and cozy cafés, soaking in the town’s relaxed, historic atmosphere.
Entry to the castle’s lower courtyard is free, offering a perfect introduction to this iconic landmark. For those interested, the castle gardens can be explored for a modest fee of €3, offering lovely views and a tranquil setting. To delve deeper into the castle’s rich past, a short interior tour is available for €8 per person, revealing fascinating stories, ancient halls, and hidden corners within the fortress walls.
After our visit, we’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch in Trenčín—an ideal chance to relax and soak in more of the charm this delightful Slovak town has to offer.
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About Trencin
Trenčín, a picturesque town in the heart of Slovakia, offers a journey through more than a thousand years of history. From its Celtic roots to its time as a Roman military outpost, the town flourished in the Middle Ages as a key trade and cultural center.
Dominating the skyline is Trenčín Castle, perched dramatically atop a limestone cliff, where it has stood since the 11th century. Once a powerful stronghold guarding the Váh River valley, the castle remains a symbol of the town’s resilience and historic significance.
Today, visitors can walk along the ancient castle walls, admire the medieval architecture, and take in sweeping views of the town and surrounding landscape. With its rich heritage and striking setting, Trenčín is a must-visit for history lovers and curious travelers alike.
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Stop 2: Čičmany
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We'll wander through the picturesque village of Čičmany, admiring its iconic painted wooden houses and rich folk heritage.
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Čičmany
What we will do
In Čičmany, we'll immerse ourselves in the unique charm of this picturesque village known for its iconic painted wooden houses. As we stroll through the narrow streets, we'll admire the intricate folk motifs adorning the facades, a testament to the village's rich cultural heritage. Whether we wander the cobblestone pathways or simply enjoy the ambiance of this historic settlement, Čičmany promises a delightful experience steeped in tradition and architectural beauty.
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About Čičmany
Nestled in Slovakia's scenic mountains, Čičmany is a picturesque village with a rich cultural legacy. Its distinctive wooden houses, adorned with vibrant folk motifs, symbolize traditions passed down through generations. With a history dating back to ancient times, Čičmany flourished as a trading post and cultural center in the Middle Ages. Recognized as a folk architecture reserve, the village preserves its heritage while allowing for carefully regulated development. These efforts safeguard Čičmany's authenticity and invite visitors to explore its timeless charm.
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Stop 3: Orava Castle
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We’ll visit one of Slovakia's most iconic castles, learn about its rich history, and admire the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Orava region.
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Orava Castle
What we’ll do
Visiting Orava Castle is a journey back in time, set against the breathtaking landscapes of Slovakia. Perched dramatically atop a rocky hill, this imposing medieval fortress offers stunning panoramic views of the Orava region.
As we explore its ancient corridors, grand halls, and fortified towers, we’ll uncover the castle’s fascinating history, from its origins in the 13th century to its role in films like Nosferatu. Every corner—from the towering ramparts to the charming courtyard—reveals stories of noble families, medieval defenses, and legends that have stood the test of time.
Please note: Entrance tickets are not included in the tour price. The admission fee for Orava Castle is €9 per adult, with discounts available for children, students, and seniors.
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About Orava Castle
Orava Castle, steeped in centuries of history, stands as a testament to Slovakia's medieval heritage. Built in the 13th century, the castle has witnessed numerous historical events and undergone several architectural transformations over the years.
Originally constructed as a strategic defense fortress, the castle evolved into a noble residence during the Renaissance period, boasting luxurious living quarters and impressive fortifications.
Throughout its long history, the castle has survived wars, fires, and sieges, yet it stands proudly today as one of Slovakia's most iconic landmarks. It's offering visitors a glimpse into the past and a deeper appreciation for the country's cultural heritage.
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Arrive at Kraków
This tour offers hotel drop-off. Please provide your preferred drop-off location when making the booking.
Reviews
Comfortable, Scenic Private Transfer from Bratislava to Krakow
If you're looking for a comfortable, time-saving way to travel with a bit of sightseeing along the way, this private transfer is a great option. With limited vacation time, we didn’t want to spend 6–7 hours stuck on a direct train or bus. We also wanted to explore more of Slovakia beyond Bratislava, so we booked a private group transfer with Sidetrip Tours (as no others had joined to form a shared group). The night before our trip, our driver-guide, Martina, messaged us via WhatsApp to suggest swapping the original stop at Trenčín Castle for the more picturesque Bojnice Castle. After comparing photos, we happily agreed. We visited Bojnice Castle, Čičmany village, and Orava Castle. Although both castles were closed due to the off-season, their exteriors were still impressive and photo-worthy. Čičmany was a highlight, with its charming painted wooden houses and peaceful atmosphere — and a simple lunch at one of the village’s only two restaurants made for a pleasant break. The 10-hour journey was relaxed and scenic. Martina was kind, thoughtful, and a safe driver. She made sure we had plenty of time for photos and rest stops, and when we arrived in Krakow, she thoughtfully waited to make sure we had the right hotel. We felt like we’d seen a quieter, more beautiful side of Slovakia — all without the stress of a rushed schedule.
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What's included?
- One-way transfer from Bratislava to Kraków with 3 sightseeing stops
- Knowledgeable local tour leader
- Transport in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan or car
- Room for a reasonable amount of luggage
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Lunch (a break is scheduled for this)
- Gratuities (optional)
Good to know
- Confirmation will be provided within 24 hours of booking.
- All tours are subject to availability.
- Minimum numbers for group size apply. There is a possibility of cancellation even after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative tour or a refund. The Sidetrip team will also be happy to help you arrange alternative transport to your destination city.
- Paper free confirmation: just bring your confirmation code or a valid ID.
- A moderate amount of walking is involved, please wear flat shoes suitable for walking.
- Infant seats are available on request during the booking.
- The tour operates in all weather conditions, please dress according to the weather and wear proper shoes for walking (waterproof would be great in winter).
- The planned duration of this tour is 10 hours. Our priority is to deliver you safely and on time to your destination. In the event of delays due to traffic, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances, we reserve the right to abbreviate or omit certain stops to ensure your prompt arrival.
- All our public group tours are in English. Private tours in different languages are subject to availability.
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Meeting point
This tour offers hotel pick-up only for private bookings. For private bookings, you will be picked up from your hotel, apartment, or any other pick-up point accessible by car. Please provide your preferred pick-up location when making the booking.
See the drop-off point in Kraków
Drop-off point
This tour offers hotel drop-off. Please provide your preferred drop-off location when making the booking.
Questions & Answers
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Is this a one-way tour?
Yes, this is a one-way tour ending in Kraków. Please note that the tour does not take you back to Bratislava.
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How long is this tour?
The planned duration of this tour is 10 hours. For the safety of our passengers and drivers, we are unable to accommodate requests to extend this duration.
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Do you offer hotel pick-up/drop-off?
Hotel pick-up and drop-off are only available when booking this tour as a private tour for a single group. Open group tours have a fixed meeting point and drop-off location.
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Can I take my luggage with me?
Yes! We have space for luggage, similar to common airline baggage allowances. There is no extra charge for luggage that meets these criteria:
- One item of airline carry-on size: maximum size of 55 x 40 x 23cm (22 x 14 x 9in)
- One item of airline checked size: maximum size of 80 x 50 x 30cm (32 x 20 x 12in), weighing less than 23 kg (50lbs)
- One personal item: maximum size of 15 x 15 x 10 cm (6 x 6 x 4in)
If you your luggage requires special consideration, please contact us.
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Is lunch included in the tour price?
Lunch is not included in the tour price but a lunch break is scheduled. Kindly let our tour leader know if you have any special dietary needs that we should take in account.
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Is this tour suitable for senior citizens?
Yes! With a maximum of 8 people in each group, our guide can make sure that the pace of the tour is suitable for everyone. Just note that the tour does include some walking at the stops.
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What is your cancellation policy?
If you cancel more than 48 hours before the tour, your booking is fully refunded*. If you cancel less than 48 hours before the tour or in the case of a no-show, no refund is issued.
*Please note, that the credit card processing fee (1.5-3%, up to 5.9% if you paid by Paypal) charged by the third-party payment provider will not be refunded.
Want to personalize this trip? When booking a private transfer, tell us your itinerary and start time preferences and we'll do everything we can to accomodate your request. Note: open group tours cannot be customized.