TOUR PROSPECTUS This prospectus sets out the contents of the tour and together with the Booking Conditions and Booking Form is the basis of our contract with you. Poland/Slovakia A Carpathian Discovery 1-16 September 2007 Tour 0749 The Carpathian Mountains cross three borders. This tour takes in two of them, going east through Southern Poland and then returning west via Northern Slovakia. Small fields with hedges; hill tops covered in natural trees; traditional wooden houses and churches; castles; wildlife extinct in other parts of Europe; warm, friendly people and excellent food. The tour offers lots of opportunities to stop and relax in a village square, but it also presents some demanding riding, as only the river valleys offer a respite to the undulating terrain. Medieval villages, traditional folk music and warm welcomes will leave you with a wish to return. Itinerary Sat 1 Sept Sun 2 Sept Mon 3 Sept Tues 4 Sept Wed 5 Sept Thurs 6 Sept Fri 7 Sept Sat 8 Sept Sun 9 Sept Mon 10 Sept Tues 11 Sept Wed 12 Sept Meet at the pension in Krakow where the tour begins. Early arrivals can wander through the traffic free streets of old Krakow and explore the Rynek Glowny, the largest market square in Europe. Stay one night. Transfer from Krakow to Nowy Targ (110kms) Cycle to Cerveny Klastor, riding south with the Tatras to the village of Trybsz, along to Niedzica then into Slovakia following the Dunajec. Stay one night. 51km Cycle from Cerveny Klastor to Krynic, following the Dunajec river gorge on a dedicated cycle path for 15kms. Continue to the spa towns of Stary Sacz and Krynica. Stay one night. 118km Cycle from Krynica to Dukla, passing several wooden churches in an undulating landscape to Gorlice for a panoramic view of the rich plain below, then through gently undulating country to Dukla. Stay one night. 116km Cycle from Dukla to Polanczyk, through green fields, timber covered hills and river valleys to the fortified town of Lesko, then into Bieszczady National Park, the world s first Biosphere reserve. Stay one night. 101km Cycle from Polanczyk to Stropkov in Slovakia, following the lake shoreline and climbing through woodlands, then through open country to the actual border. A narrow lane leads through timber-house villages to Medzilaborce and the Andy Warhol museum. Stay one night. 110km Cycle from Stropkov to Bardejov, initially up a couple of steep ascents on rough roads to Kozany with its beautiful timbered C17th church, then flatter to Bardejov with time to explore this beautifully preserved medieval town. Stay one night; no evening meal. 42km Cycle from Bardejov to Tatransky Lomnica. A more demanding ride on a road that passes through traditional villages then descends to Stara Lubovna with its dominating castle. Return to the Tatras from Spisska Bela to Tatransky. Stay two nights. 104km Rest day. Opportunity to take the cable car to Lomnicky sedlo and the lake at 2100m, or take the train or bus to Kezmarok, another walled medieval town, or to Levoca, an exceptionally preserved C15 town. Cycle from Tatransky Lomnica to Liptovsky Tepla. After a brilliant corniche ride, wooded hillsides give way to open fields in the descent to Liptovsky Hradok and through Liptovsky Mikulas to Lake Liptovska, following its shores for 17kms. Stay one night. 100km Cycle from Liptovsky Tepla to Terchova, climbing into the mountains of the Mala Fatra and through hamlets where local farmers wives offer cheeses for sale along the roadside. Optional ride up the Vratna Dolina, a gorge carved out of the mountains. Stay one night. 76km Cycle from Terchova to Namestovo, riding north into the isolated Kysuce region of rolling hills with small logging and farming towns. Optional visit the Kysuce Open Air Museum. A climb on forest tracks to a col at 960m before the long descent through tranquil villages to the lake by Namestovo. Stay one night. 77km Thurs 13 Sept Cycle from Namestovo to Zakopane, following the lake to Podbiel, a village of timbered houses, then east with the High Tatras before passing through open fields of wheat, timbered hamletsand across the river valleys to cross back into Poland. Stay one night; no evening meal. 84km Fri 14 Sept Sat 15 Sept Sun 16 Sept Free time in Zakopane, or ride up to the Gubalowka Ridge (1120m) for spectacular views of the Tatras, or take the cable car. Afternoon transfer to Krakow. Stay two nights. Rest day in Krakow. No evening meal. The tour ends after breakfast.
Visas and Health Requirements EU citizens must hold a passport that is still valid for at least six months at the end of the tour. Visas are not required for EU passport holders. Holders of non-eu passports are advised to check whether they require a visa. There are no compulsory vaccinations for UK & EU residents although it is strongly recommended that you are vaccinated against typhoid, hepatitis, meningitis. Tetanus and polio vaccinations should also be up to date at the time of travel. You should contact your doctor at least 3 months prior to travel to obtain these vaccinations and the latest advice to travellers. Luggage carrying There is no support vehicle on this tour, but transfers are included for riders and cycles from Krakow to Nowy Targ and from Zakopane to Krakow. Accommodation and meals Most nights are in 2-4 star pensions and hotels of both the Polish and Slovakian Tourist Board grading system having en suite facilities on a half board basis. Three of those nights (as specified in the Itinerary) are on a bed and breakfast only basis. Rooms are generally based on two people sharing twin bedded rooms, although in some instances only apartments which accommodate 4 people are available. Although both Poland and Slovakia are predominantly meat eating lands, it is possible to obtain vegetarian meals. (say so in advance?) Price 934 The price is based on a minimum number of 8 participants taking part in the tour and is calculated at a rate of 5.8 Polish zlotys to 1 sterling and 55.15 Slovak Kroner to 1 sterling (based on exchange rates published by Forex.CH Group (25 October 2006) for Poland and Mataf-net (25 October 2006) for Slovakia); please note Booking Conditions, clause 4). If there are insufficient bookings by the closing date of 1 July 2007 we will contact you and return all monies paid, though in certain circumstances the tour may still run at below minimum numbers but at the same price. Price includes: - 12 nights hotel/pension accommodation on half-board basis, sharing rooms - 3 nights hotel/pension accommodation on bed & breakfast basis, sharing rooms - Transfer of cycles and riders from Krakow to Nowy Targ and from Zakopane to Krakow - CTC Cycling Holidays & Tours costs Price does not include: - Travel to and from the start of the tour - Evening meals on three nights - Drinks with evening meals - Lunches or refreshments at morning and afternoon stops - Entry fees at any attractions visited - Any other personal expenses - Travel Insurance - Single occupancy supplement ( 12 per night, subject to availability) Payment schedule A deposit of 500 per person must accompany the Booking Form, with a second payment of 234 due by 1 May 2007 and the final balance of 200 per person to be paid ten weeks prior to departure, by 23 June 2007. Cheques should be made payable to CTC Tours. Cancellations Should you be forced to cancel your booking for any reason you must notify us in writing. Cancellation charges are as follows: Written notice received: Cancellation charge: Before 23 June 2007 Deposit ( 500) 23 June 2007 through to 18 August 2007 78% ( 734) 19 August 2007 to departure 100% ( 934) Travel Insurance It is a condition of booking that you are adequately insured for this tour. Whether you already hold a policy or will be taking out a new one, the cover it offers must be comparable to that stated in clause 8 of the Booking Conditions, and you must complete the enclosed Insurance Declaration Form and return it with your Booking Form. CTC Cycling Holidays & Tours Ltd can accept no responsibility for any costs you may incur due to insufficient insurance cover. To make a booking Complete, sign and return the Booking Form together with your deposit and the relevant part of the Travel Insurance Declaration Form directly to the leader (address on Booking Form). CTC Cycling Holidays & Tours Ltd, Parklands, Railton Road, Guildford, Surrey GU2 9JX
LEADER S INFORMATION SHEET The information below is given by the tour leader to help enquirers decide if the tour is suitable for them. Poland/Slovakia A Carpathian Discovery 1-16 September 2007 Tour 0749 The area covered by the Tour The Carpathian Mountains run from the Czech Republic through Slovakia into the Ukraine. Incorporated along their length are the Pieniny and Beskid Mountains of Southern Poland who share the Tatras and the UNESCO funded Bieszczady Biosphere National Park with N.Slovakia. The dominant feature is the High Tatras, the smallest mountain range in Europe as it is advertised locally. Its sharp jagged peaks with snowfields rise dramatically and as such attract a year round tourist trade based on walking and skiing. Predominantly it is a region of rolling hills, the tops being covered with native hardwood and pine trees whilst the lower slopes and valleys are planted with wheat, potatoes, cabbage, orchards of cherries, apples, apricots and plums. Families still build traditional hayricks upon a wooden frame and horses pulling carts carrying dried hay are still a common feature in the more isolated areas. Timber log houses are in abundance with new ones being built using the same age-old skills. The timber churches of the Rusyns(an ethnic minority) display outwardly sloping walls, bulbous wooden domes and elaborately decorated insides. During the 12th and 16th centuries German weavers and miners came to the region and established new towns that have been preserved in their entirety with large squares and rows of painted houses with triangular shaped gables, and it is a joy to wander along their traffic-free streets. As the land has had a violent past, castles (hrad) are situated at strategic points offering numerous photo stops. The evidence of the recent Soviet past is still around with derelict buildings of collective farms, large high-rise blocks of flats, but despite this, individual farms are small with hedgerows; ancient and new tractors are in evidence; one can feel the harmony of man with the land and nature. There is also a vibrancy emanating from the people who have adapted quickly to the change from the past and welcoming of the future and the EU. I rode through these lands not knowing what to expect. The landscape in all senses captivated the eye; the warmth and friendliness of the people made you want to stay and of course the numerous varieties of local beer added that extra.! It was truly a Carpathian discovery. A more detailed description of each day s ride is included at the end of this document. Rides and rest days This is a daily moving-on tour with rest days for exploring locally or just chilling-out. Each day we will be climbing around 500 metres (more on some days) through an undulating landscape with several short steep climbs daily. Gradients tend to be between 4 7%. With a lightly loaded bike the ride is not too hard, although there are some demanding sections. The riding is along virtually traffic free roads and lanes, often being shaded by trees for part of the day. The road surfaces are sealed and smooth except for a couple of short sections. On the rare occasions that we ride on main roads there are hard shoulders for cyclists denoted by a very wide white line. All drivers are courteous and leave lots of room when overtaking and will wait behind for a safe moment to do this. You will be using route cards for this tour that, combined with the map, should enable you to get from place to place. We all ride at different speeds, particularly climbing hills. I tend to ride through the group but stop for coffee (regularly) and on the top of cols to see everyone is over. If you want to make your own way, then that is fine, just let me know where you are going. Please ride at your own pace and enjoy it. Detailed route descriptions will be sent with the final tour information approximately 3 weeks before the tour starts. Travel The tour starts in Krakow, and therefore you must make your own arrangements to travel there. The hotel is very near the airport, and taxis should be plentiful. Return arrangments can be made through the hotel. Accommodation / Meals The myth of ancient buildings with no hot water and bad food is just that. Architecturally pleasing hotels of glass and timber abound, as do penzions both built and run by entrepreneurial families. All have a mixture of rooms (en suite) with some offering apartments for 4/5 people, well within the 2-4 star bracket of both countries grading system. Some offer evening meals although there are excellent restaurants where this is not an option. As we are never far away from the border, the food tends to be similar in both countries, offering pork and beef (plus chicken) wrapped in potato pancakes with sauerkraut, a variety of sausages with mustard and goulash served with dumplings. For the vegetarian there are dumplings stuffed with potatoes and cream cheese, or mushrooms. Delicious
desserts based upon apples and cheese are available, or choose a mixture of ice creams from the stalls that appear on every street corner. A speciality of the area is smoked cheese, which is made in a mould and travels really well and compliments the bread Of course, the beer. Forget the Bud and taste the fantastic local real beers (Saris;Okocim;Zywiec) at a price you can afford, perhaps as a chaser to the local Vodka!!!!! Breakfast will be around 0730, and we move off shortly after to make use of the whole day as there is much to stop and admire along the way. Stop en route to buy lunch stuff for a picnic and for coffee or ice cream etc. Water out of the tap is fine, having drunk it regularly myself. However, bottled water can be bought. It seems that each village has a shop called a potroviny in Slovakia and sklep in Poland, plus we do actually pass by a Tesco. Group information The maximum group size will be 12 including the leader. Smokers are welcome on the tour provided they agree not to smoke in shared bedrooms, or at the dining table whilst others are eating. Weather and clothing Temperatures could get as high as 25C in the valleys, whilst in the mountains it should be more like 20C. The wind normally blows from the East and there maybe some rain. However, a mountain storm is a wild thing to be out in, and could occur at any time. Sun cream is a must, as is a covering for your head. Normal riding gear should suffice, with light windproofs for the descents and full waterproofs for any storm we may encounter. A light fleece could be welcome for the nights in the mountains. Cycles / Equipment A touring cycle, hybrid or lightweight ATB is suitable. Make sure this is in good working order, especially the brakes. A bottom gear of 26 inches or less is recommended. Mudguards are optional. As you will have to carry all your luggage, the minimum of luggage and a sturdy carrier are essential. You should have ridden your cycle fully laden before the tour to ensure you are happy with its handling. Lights will not be necessary. Each participant will be expected to bring and carry sufficient spares and tools to deal with punctures and minor repairs. Maps You should carry a map in case you become separated from the group. The route has been planned using the following maps, available from Stanfords, Long Acre, Covent Garden, London (Tel 0207 836 1321, www.stanfords.co.uk/) or from The Map Shop, Upton on Severn (Tel:01684 593146; www.themapshop.co.uk). They can also be purchased in Krakow prior to the ride. Poland Compass Malopolska 1:200 000 Poland Demart Bieszczady 1:75 000 Poland Euromap Poland 1:300 000 Slovakia Edicia Cykloturistickych Map Nos: 1:2:3:4 1:100 000 Travel Insurance and Advice Information on CTC Cyclecover Travel Insurance is available from CTC (0870 873 0068) or can be found at www.cyclecover.co.uk/. Before booking you should check the Foreign Office Travel Advice by Country at www.fco.gov.uk or on 0845 850 2829. About the leader I am a climber, mountaineer, sea canoeist and long distance rider. I have climbed and trekked through the Pyrenees, Alps, Norway and the Himalayas of Nepal and Ladahk, and I also ran an outdoor centre on the Isle of Mull. I have cycled through many parts of the world for extended periods and have been leading CTC tours for some years. In between renovating an old house in France I find time to research and introduce people to places I enjoy. Pete Jarvis Tel/Fax: 0033 562 58 39 05 (France) petej47@hotmail.com UK Contact for Bookings: Pete Hartley 1 Goldfield Ave, Worsthorne, Burnley, Lancs BB10 3JJ
CARPATHIAN DISCOVERY DETAILED ITINERARY Sat 1 Sept Sun 2 Sept Mon 3 Sept Tues 4 Sept Wed 5 Sept Thurs 6 Sept Fri 7 Sept Meet at the Globtroter Penzion in Krakow where the tour begins. Wander through the traffic free streets of old Krakow. Explore the Rynek Glowny at night. Listen to the trumpeters of the Notre Dame Church and enjoy a beer in one of the cafes surrounding this; the biggest market square in Europe Transfer from Krakow to Nowy Targ (110kms) Cycle from Nowy Targ to Cerveny Klastor 51kms Riding south with the Tatras before us to the village of Trybsz to visit one of the numerous timber churches for which the region is famous. Continue along the river through fields of wheat to Niedzica on the shore of the dam. Ride up to the castle above the gorge, which controlled the region. Then we cross into Slovakia following the Dunajec River to our penzion on its banks. A chance to go down the river on traditional timber rafts. Cycle from Cerveny Klastor to Krynica 118kms Passing by the ancient fort of Cerveny Klastor we take a dedicated cycle path, which follows the Dunajec river gorge for 15kms as it flows through limestone cliffs, emerging at the Polish border before Szczawnica. We continue following this river to the spa town of Stary Sacz and its tree shaded cobbled square. Riding south along the charming banks of the Poprad river where as it nears the border mountains, continues on its serpentine way. We leave it near Muszyna as we climb gently to the spa town par excellence of Poland at Krynica. In the spa there are 20 different waters to taste, each offering relief for various ailments. Hotel accommodation. Cycle from Krynica to Dukla 116kms From here to Uscie Gorlickie we pass several wooden churches riding through an undulating landscape to another dam. Continuing to Gorlice we gradually gain height for a panoramic view of the rich plain below. If we time it correctly you will hear the hour chiming phenomenon in Poland. As the clock strikes the hour it actually plays a piece of classical music. Then through gently undulating country to Dukla. The pass of that name to the south was one of fierce fighting during WW II. Cycle from Dukla to Polanczyk 101kms Riding East continuing through the Beskid Mtns of green fields, rounded timber covered hills, crossing river valleys to Lesko, a fortified town perched on a hilly bend by the river. To arrive here there is a choice of routes, some more demanding than others. Then into the Bieszczady National Park, which is the world s first Biosphere reserve under the auspices of UNESCO. It s a region of woodlands and numerous rivers, where bears, wolves, bison and other species co-exist with man, and steep lanes of which we become aware as we head towards the penzion at Polanczyk by yet another lake. Cycle from Polanczyk to Stropkov in Slovakia 110kms We follow the lake shoreline for a while before going south, climbing through woodlands to Cisna by the Slovak border. Then through open country following an ancient railway line(built for timber extraction in C19th) before taking a new crossing into Slovakia. A new EU funded road takes us gently upwards to a col at 850m before a steep descent to the actual border. A narrow lane then takes us through timber house villages to Medzilaborce and the Andy Warhol museum complete with Campbell s soup tins outside. Then a steady climb out followed by a relaxing ride along a river with trees offering shade. Hotel accommodation. Cycle from Stropkov to Bardejov 42kms Initially a couple of steep ascents on rough roads takes us to Kozany and its small beautiful timbered C17th church. Then it s a flattish ride to Bardejov arriving there early in order to explore this beautifully preserved medieval town founded in C12 by Saxon weavers. Its vast cobbled square (containing a basilica) is surrounded by multi-coloured, wooden, triangular gabled houses. NO EVENING MEAL
Sat 8 Sept Sun 9 Sept Mon 10 Sept Tues 11 Sept Wed 12 Sept Thurs 13 Sept Fri 14 Sept Sat 15 Sept Sun 16 Sept Cycle from Bardejov to Tatransky Lomnica 104kms A more demanding ride. Although we follow river valleys, the road rises and falls passing through villages where little has changed in centuries. Descending to Stara Lubovna we see the huge castle(hrad) which dominates the valley. The town itself is delightful with w shaded cobbled square. Continuing to Spisska Bela we again return ot the Tatras seeing their jagged peaks silhouetted against the sky. S steady climb takes us towards them to the spa town of Tatransky Lomnica. Penzion accommodation two nights. Rest Day in Tatransky Lomnica An opportunity to take the cable car to Lomnicky sedlo and the lake at 2100m: Take the train or bus to Kezmarok, another walled medieval town with its Renaissance castle or even further to Levoca, an exceptionally preserved C15 town. Just take in the local scene and gaze at the Tatras from the penzion. Cycle from Tatransky Lomnica to Liptovsky Tepla 100kms A brilliant corniche ride going west between the High Tatras and the plain of the River Vah which via the Danube enters the Black Sea. Wooded hillsides give way to open fields as we descend 500mts to the castle at Liptovsky Hradok. Then through the town of Liptovsky Mikulas which has always been a hotbed of Slovak Nationalism and onto Lake Liptovska, following its shores for 17kms to our penzion at Tepla. Cycle from Liptovsky Tepla to Terchova 76kms Leaving the valleys we climb into the mountains of the Mala Fatra. A slight diversion takes us to Oravsky Hrad, a castle north of Dolny Kubin perched upon a rock pinnacle, totally dominating access to the valley. Retrace to Dolny Kubin and out north through hamlets where along the roadside, local farmers wives offer delicious cheeses for sale. Crossing a col at 690m we see the whole of the craggy limestone peaks of the Mala Fatra with the long village of Terchova trapped between. An optional ride is up the Vratna Dolina, a limestone gorge carved out of the mountains. Cycle from Terchova to Namestovo 77kms We ride north into the isolated Kysuce region of rolling hills with small logging and farming towns. An optional highlight is to visit the Kysuce Open Air Museum, which preserves traditional ways of life, and see the narrow gauge railway (former logging railway) that operates now for visitors. A climb on forest tracks to a col at 960m before the long descent through tranquil villages to the lake by Namestovo and our penzion on its shores. Cycle from Namestovo to Zakopane 84kms Following the lake shore we descend to Podbiel a village of timbered houses where teams of loggers used to float them down to the Danube. Going East with the High Tatras before us we pass through open fields of wheat and timbered hamlets with some low cols before arriving at Oravice, a thermal spring. Then cutting across the river valleys to cross back into Poland near the exquisite timbered village of Chocholow and a gentle ride again following the Dunajec River to Zakopane, where we stay in a traditional timber house of a local family. Free time in Zakopane NO EVENING MEAL Ride up to the Gubalowka Ridge (1120m) for spectacular views of the Tatras or take the cable car. Afternoon transfer to Krakow Penzion accommodation two nights. Rest day in Krakow Visit the tower of the Notre Dame Church: Take the train out to the Wieliczka Salt Mine where after 900 years of salt extraction, an amazing underground town has emerged complete with church etc: A whole day visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau: the Wawel Castle: numerous museums and of course numerous cafes and bars. NO EVENING MEAL The tour ends at the Globtroter Penzion after breakfast.