Oct.28-Nov.2 Yoga & Hiking in Slovakia; Slovak Paradise & High Tatras Nat. Parks

Join us for Yoga & Hiking, Relaxation & Sightseeing 5 days holiday in Slovakia.

Having just been to investigate in this amazing country I'd like to invite to explore it with AAA LG.

Here you may see photos from our trip in June 2015. (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.413260768874220.1073741851.278934735640158&type=3)

(If it does not open you may need to become a member of AAA LG on facebook. https://www.facebook.com/pages/AAA-London-Group/278934735640158) (https://www.facebook.com/pages/AAA-London-Group/278934735640158)

Slovakia is a central European country known for its dramatic natural landscape and many castles. This a great video representing it well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkdG0AP3_FM

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/6/c/6/600_438534982.jpeg

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/c/f/7/600_438536567.jpeg

Hungarians and Turks came to Slovakia for its natural resources, and so does the modern tourist. Broad, sprawling mountains mean good skiing, there’s excellent caving in the Karst, and the rambling hilly midlands are a hiker’s paradise.

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/3/1/d/600_438534045.jpeg

Sharing borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary and Ukraine, Slovakia is landlocked, with high mountains in the north, low mountains in the centre, hills to the west, and the Danube basin to the south. The population is fairly diverse, with over half a million ethnic Hungarians, hundreds of thousands of Roma (Gypsies), and several thousand Rusyns in the east.

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/6/d/3/600_438534995.jpeg

We will be based in Tatranská Lomnica (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tatransk%C3%A1_Lomnica) - the quaintest, quietest village. It is situated on 900 m above sea level in the High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry), the tallest range in the Carpathian Mountains, tower over most of Eastern Europe. Some 25 peaks measure above 2500m. The massif is only 25km wide and 78km long, but photo opportunities are enough to get you fantasising about a National Geographic career – pristine snowfields, ultramarine mountain lakes, thundering waterfalls, undulating pine forests and shimmering alpine meadows. Most of this jagged range is part of the Tatra National Park (http://www.tanap.org/english/) (Tanap).

The National Park is the heritage of all mankind. Mount Krivan (2495m) is the national symbol of the Slovak people. Since 1993 the mountain range Tatras, together with the Polish part of the National Park, has been identified as natural, biospheric, reserve of UNESCO.

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/e/1/1/6/600_438537622.jpeg

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/7/7/9/600_438535161.jpeg

Slovak Paradise National Park (Slovenský Raj) (http://slovakia.travel/en/national-park-of-slovensky-raj) situated in the eastern part of Slovakia contains one of the biggest ice caves in Europe and an attractive landscape of karstic plateau, gorges, waterfalls and caves. The monuments that testify the oldest history of the region and the country are also here.

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/8/2/e/600_438535342.jpeg

This very popular National Park is a gem among Slovak national parks (http://www.slovakia.com/national-parks/). There are 300 km of marked trails stretching through this enchanting paradise. Even if it might look so, most walking trails are not that challenging, elevation is not particularly high, but the walk still feels like an adventure. Crossing ravines is like an obstacle course full of wooden or metal ladders, bridges, creepers and chains.

It's a highly addictive attraction :)!

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/8/0/0/600_438535296.jpeg

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/8/0/f/600_438535311.jpeg

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/8/c/a/600_438535498.jpeg

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/8/e/4/600_438535524.jpeg

There are more than 1300 mineral sources in Slovakia that are used like curative water and high quality mineral water for drinking. There are 21 thermal spas built on these mineral springs.

Slovakia is literally overflowing with hot springs, mineral water sources, spas and even a geyser. While in the U.S. spas are generally expensive and considered a luxury, the Central and Eastern European spa tradition stresses affordability, health and relaxation.

We plan to visit for a day the thermal water park Gino Paradise Besenova.

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/c/e/c/600_438536556.jpeg

The water in this thermal park is due to the magnesium brown.

GINO PARADISE is built on the hot springs of the thermal waters, which come from the depth of 1987 m with a temperature of 60.5 °C.

The thermal park cools them down to 36-40°C, so its possible to bath in them. Due to higher capacity of litium, the water has favourable effects for the health and moving organs, urologic problems and skin. Gino paradise Besenova offers besides 8 outdoor pools with thermal water,2 swimming pools also tobogans,3 outdoor slides,indoor pools from stainless steel with crystal clear heated water

The price for entries varies from 14 € to 33 €, depending on what’s included in the price. Have a look at this link for more information. (http://www.ginoparadise.sk/index.php/en)

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/e/d/4/600_438537044.jpeg

YOGA

Yoga can be fun and a very beneficial physical and mental work out.

We are lucky to have AAA LG Yoga Instructor - Claudia Mei (https://www.meetup.com/AAA-London-Group/members/23313791/) she will be teaching us on this trip.

Any level is welcome, classes will be tailored and suitable for the beginners and the advanced yoga practitioners as well!

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/b/4/6/600_433436134.jpeg

Yoga sessions will take place in the morning and in the evening.

The morning session will wake up and invigorate the body, targeting metabolism and body detoxification. While afternoon/evening yoga will be all about relaxation, emotional detachment and gentle stretching.

HIKING

We plan to visit and hike in all above places, . We can not tell you a day to day agenda at this stage because it always depends on the weather conditions.

There will be 2 experienced hike leaders on this trip, both with extensive navigational and leading experience and trained in wilderness first aid, if we need we may split a group into 2 smaller groups so members can choose a hike according their fitness and abilities!

You can expect the shorter of the hikes to be around 7-8 miles / 11-13km and the longer hike to be 10-11 miles / 16-18 km plus. This will vary according to the terrain and ascents.

ACCOMMODATION

We will be staying in really spacious apartments, equipped with high-quality furniture; TV; WiFi; well equipped kitchen. Some of them have got a fire place with wood provided.

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/a/0/600_438550912.jpeg

You may hear the sound of two streams running next to the building and inhale fresh mountain air, remember we are 900 m above sea level :).

AAA LG is hiring the apartment wellness centre for our sole use for one afternoon.

We may relax in there in absolute privacy. In the new wellness you will find jacuzzi, Finnish sauna, relaxation corner, Kneipp therapy, SatTV, kitchen with refrigerator and mostly PRIVACY.

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/c/e/e/600_438551502.jpeg

There is also table tennis if you wish to have more exercises.

FOOD

Slovak cuisine is unique. True Slovak food and recipes are really only available in Slovakia itself, all other versions are not really authentic. Slovak cuisine was greatly influenced by the food of two neighbouring countries - Hungary and Austria and to add to the spice of life, the dishes vary from one region to the next. Slovak food is hearty, typical of a country with strong rural roots.

We will eat in a small family owned restaurant based in our apartment block. They will be using fresh, local, organic , when possible ingredients. I eat there myself while we were investigating and checking the hiking routes; liked it a lot. You know AAA LG's food has got a very good reputation, need to keep it up :).

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/9/d/600_438550909.jpeg

TRIP ITINERARY

Wed. 28.10.

12:15 airport transfer to our accommodation

13:00 settling down in apartments

13:30 walk around a village, lunch

15:30 free time/2 hour walk

18-19 Yoga

19:30 dinner

Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

7 - 8 Yoga classes

8:30 - 9:30 Breakfast

9:30 - 17:30 We plan to visit all places mentioned above, choosing the best weather days for hiking and other for sightseeing and relaxing in the thermal park

18 - 19 Yoga classes

19:30 Dinner

Monday

7-8 Yoga

8:30 breakfast

9:30 departure to the airport

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/b/e/9/600_438551241.jpeg

PRICE OF £429 INCLUDES:

5 nights apartment accommodation in twin rooms (free WiFi),

5 breakfasts and 5 dinners in restaurant

10 Yoga classes for 1 hour each (bring your own Yoga mat)

all transport in private cars, including airport pick up and drop off.

Financial Consumer Protection according Package Holidays and Tours Regulations 1992,

and guided hikes by a certified Slovakian tourist guide and

Mountain Leader trained at Plas Y Brenin ( The National Mountain Centre http://www.pyb.co.uk/... (http://www.pyb.co.uk/)) ) guides, and certified First Aiders.

(You can have an apartment with a double bed for yourself for £75 extra, please contact us via aaalondongroup@yahoo.co.uk).

The price does not include flights, cable cars, entrance fee to the castle & cave (around 6-8 Euro) and 5 lunches (6-8 Euro a day) when we will go out to try some local cuisine.

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/b/a/7/600_438536231.jpeg

The apartment have got kitchen, fridges, you may buy food to make sandwiches as well.

No extra or hidden cost, you may forget your wallet at home :)

!!!ONLY PAYMENT CONFIRMS YOUR RSVP!!!

After you RSVP yes, to secure your place you will need to make a bank transfer of £429 to

Account Name: AAA LG

Sort Code 60-09-02

Account 69543038

Please, make sure you have got your name as a reference as on your profile on

Meetup (to avoid misunderstanding) in your payment so I will be able to recognize it as yours. ALSO DROP A LINE TO aaalondon.meetup@yahoo.co.uk WHEN YOU HAVE TRANSFERRED FUNDS PLEASE

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/c/0/9/600_438551273.jpeg

FLIGHTS:

The recommended flights with Wizz Air:

London Luton (‏LTN) → Poprad/Tatry Airport (‏TAT)

W6 7692 28/10/2015 08:20 - 11:50

Poprad/Tatry Airport (‏TAT) → London Luton (‏LTN)

W6 7691 02/11/2015 12:20 - 14:00

We may have one check in bag for Yoga mats and chip in for that. Email to aaalondongroup@yahoo.co.uk if you are interested.

Total £76.98 at the moment, hurry up before the price goes up!

We will drop you off back at Poprad/Tatry Airport (‏TAT) at 10:20 am on Monday November 2.

Conditions: You will need to have travel insurance and provide details before travel. It is strongly recommended to have this in place at the time of paying the deposit or the flight.

Visa: Please check with the Slovakian Embassy if you need a visa to travel there. It is your responsibility to obtain all necessary travel documents, including visa. It is also essential that you take out travel insurance that covers hiking activities up to 2500 meters.

If you have signed up to the event you acknowledge the AAA London Group Terms and Conditions. (https://www.meetup.com/AAA-London-Group/pages/AAA_London_Group_Terms_and_Conditions/)

Safety is always paramount with AAA London Group!

All participants (members and their guests) on any AAA London Group walk or activity are personally responsible for their own fitness, safety and welfare and must be equipped accordingly.

Everyone in the group has to obtain appropriate insurance.

The BMC: http://www.thebmc.co.uk/modules/insurance/Policies.aspx

offer excellent policies for all outdoor enthusiasts at competitive rates.

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/f/8/d/600_438537229.jpeg

Investigating in High Tatras with AAA LG in June 2015

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/e/1/2/e/600_438537646.jpeg