Day 4: Tue 13th - Spis Castle, Levoca & Vysoke Tatry - Slovakia

Sunrise 6:09am – Sunset 6:55pm

Weather Forecast:   20c and partly cloudy

Steps:    10,637  7.34 km      

I woke up with the alarm. The wake up call came through at 6:45 and breakfast also started at that time. A pretty basic breakfast spread and all I had was some OJ, slice of toast, a cup of coffee and some yoghurt.  Bags were out at 7:15 and I managed to get onto the internet and update my blog for Sunday.  We departed shortly before :8.30.

Karin went through the optionals this morning while we travelled along the highway.  Beautiful rolling hills.  Some were forested, while others were under cultivation. Some villages could also be seen in the distance, every now and again.  We passed through a tunnel around 9:30 and when we came out the other side we could see the Spis (pronounced Spish) Castle in the distance.

We arrived at the car park shortly after and then began the walk up to the castle. A steepish climb but not too much so.  We all made it, even the elderly gentleman who walks with 2 sticks. (I haven't met him yet).

 We started our tour at 10am, continuing to climb

but for the most past it was fairly easy, even for those who had walking sticks.  

The tour was over by 11am, so there was time for a leisurely walk back to the coach.  All back and on board early, so we departed at 11:38.

Next, we arrived in Levoca, with an accent over the c (pronounced Levocha).  We had an hour to ourselves before meeting with the local guide, for an hour's walk & talk about the town.

Cage of Shame

 















After that we then visited the St. James Basilica and after that 15 minute talk, headed back to the coach for a 3pm departure and on to Vysoke Tatry, where we arrived at 3:30.  This hotel doesn't have air conditioning in any of the rooms and it's a very large establishment.

We dined at a local restaurant tonight, that was a 10 minutes drive from the hotel, which we departed from at 5:30pm.
After a delicious 3 course meal (I had duck pate, a lamb dish with potatoes and desert was a cheese cake, for won't of a better description.  We were back at the hotel around 8:30. I have my window & balcony door both open, letting some of the cool night air in.

Another early start tomorrow, as we go up the mountains.