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Days like theseOur recommendations for the perfect holiday in SlovakiaCapital of Culture2013 will see Slovakia play host tothe prestigious European Capitalof Culture for the first time. Theaccolade has gone to the country’ssecond city, Košice, which has spentthe past couple of years busilyrestoring many of its landmarks,including the Gothic St Catherine’sCathedral, and organising a raft ofexciting cultural events spanning thewhole year. This will be a very specialtime to visit.Little Big CountrySlovakia may not be the largestcountry in Europe but what it lacksin size it more than makes up for incultural, natural and historical heft.Boasting an impressive 7 UNESCOWorld Heritage Sites, including theprimeval beech forests and woodenchurches of the Carpathians, themagnificent castle ruins of Spisand the fortified medieval town ofBardejov,Great heightsFor those for whom the Alps havebecome a little too predictable, thespectacular High Tatras in the northof Slovakia offer a wholly refreshingalpine experience. The skiing,climbing and hiking opportunitiesare first-class but many come hereto just unwind and marvel at thebreathtaking scenery of serenemountain lakes, snow-cappedpeaks, swathes of forest and roaringwaterfalls.Folklore FunFew countries uphold and celebratetheir traditions as much as Slovakiaand it’s highly recommended thatyou acquaint yourself with itsvarious cultural quirks. Head tothe historical Liptov region in thenorth where you will find open-airmuseums displaying typical folkarchitecture and costume as wellas folk workshops in which youcan learn crafts such as weaving,bobbing and wood carving. The firstweekend of July sees the region hostVychodna – one of Slovakia’s biggestfolklore festivals.Ask a Regent Slovakia Specialist tocreate the perfect Individual Touror Fly-Drive for you.POLANDCadcaBardejovCZECH REPUBLICBeskidZilina MountainsGerlachovsky2655 mTatra Mountains KezmarokPovazskáMartinPresov HumennéBystricaLiptovsky Poprad SpisskáVranov nad ToplouMikulásNová VesTrencín SLOVAKIABreznoMichalovceSkalica PrievidzaKosiceBanskáTrebisovBebravouBystricaRoznavaUKRAINESenicaPiestanyZvolenMoravaMalackyAUSTRIABRATISLAVAVáhDanubeHronTrnavaNitra Zlaté Moravce LucenecPezinokGalantaLeviceBRATISLAVA SuranyDunajskáStredaNovéZámkyHronKomárnoSLOVAKIAIpelSlovenske RudohorieRimavskáSobotaHUNGARYToplaTorysaLaborecSlovakia - Perfect ForNature lovers and hikers will feel well at home in Slovakia with the abundanceof untamed wildlife, flora and fauna to be found around its scenic mountainranges and alpine lakes. Whilst anyone wishing to explore the history of theCommunist era will find plenty of Soviet relics to keep them busy in Bratislava.1989Velvet Revolutionheralds end of thecommunist era1995Treaty of Friendshipand Cooperation signedwith Hungary2002Wins gold at the Ice HockeyWorld Championships2007Withdraws last troopsfrom Iraq2012Leftist oppositionparty wins landslidevictory in generalelection1993Czechoslovakia splitscreating independentSlovak republic1999Pro-Western RudolfSchuster wins first directpresidential elections2004One of 10 new statesto join the EU2009Adopts the euro55Call 020 7666 1244 | www.regentholidays.co.uk | visit your local travel agent