Meet your host at Bratislava Airport and head to the town of Banska Bystrica. Settle in and then meet up with the rest of your group for dinner and a chance to chat about the adventure ahead.

Get off the beaten path and hike into the mountainous Great Fatra National Park, an area populated by bears, wolves, deer and black grouse - to name just a few of the local residents. Follow the main ridgeline to the highest peak in the area - Ostredok, passing through vast meadows and small forests. Unwind at a remote mountain hut beneath Borisov Mountain - your home for the night.

After breakfast Slovakian style, continue along the main ridge through the National Park. Take in the amazing views in all directions - there’s over 900 metres of elevation gain today, so get ready for some peak-bagging! Finish at a mountain hotel in Smrekovica in time for a sundowner or a Finnish sauna to soothe your limbs after a big day.

Complete your hike through the Great Fatra, ending at Vlkolinec, a remarkably well-preserved 14th-century village. Drive to Liptovsky Jan, your base for the next 3 nights, famous for its soothing thermal springs. You'll have a chance to take a warm dip this evening and have the place to yourself after the daytime crowds have moved on.

Today you'll have a choice of activities. If you're ready for a chill, then take a free day and relax in and around Liptovsky Jan. If you're thirsty for more, then hike to Lake Temnosmrecianske - one of the least visited and most peaceful places in Slovakia. First, you'll cycle for 10km along flat gravel tracks into the Koprova valley, next you'll visit the highest waterfall in the country and then hike through the forest to the lake. It’s a hard place to get to but well worth the effort. If cycling isn't your thing, e-bikes are available for a small extra fee, just let your host know you're keen.

Ride the cable car ride to one of the highest peaks in the Low Tatras mountains - Chopok (2020m.) Spend the day hiking the main ridge far away from the usual tourist areas. It’s part of the spectacularly named, 'Path of the Heroes of the Slovak National Uprising,' a 400km long trail that crosses the entire country. Today is a tough hike with nearly 1500m of descent, so make sure those knees are ready for it.

Take a detour on the way back to Bratislava and hike in the Mala Fatra Mountains. You'll take the cable car up and down, but you've earned the right to cut some corners by now! After bagging the highest peak in the area, Velky Krivan, drive back to Bratislava and spend the evening exploring the city.

Depending on your flight, you may have some more time to explore lovely Bratislava, before heading back to the airport in time for your flight home.

What do I need to bring?

Bags

• Soft overnight duffel bag or rucksack
• Daypack (35+ litres)
• Waterproof liner for kitbag or rucksack / drybags

Clothes

• Waterproof jacket
• Waterproof trousers
• Breathable wicking layers
• Fleece jacket or similar
• Buff or neckscarf
• Lightweight gloves
• Lightweight trousers/shorts etc
• T-shirts
• Underwear & socks
• Sunhat
• Something to sleep in
• Hiking boots (worn-in)
• Sandals

Other

• Swimwear
• Sunglasses
• Padlock for left luggage
• Universal travel adapter
• Power bank or solar charger
• Spare camera batteries
• Passports (and visas)
• Travel Insurance documents
• Earplugs
• Insect repellent
• Suncream
• Personal first-aid kit (including blister treatment)
• Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
• Quick-dry towel
• Alcohol hand-gel
• Headtorch or torch
• Reusable water bottle x1 ltr (2 of these if you have room)
• Biodegradable wet-wipes
• Energy bars and snacks
• Water purification tablets/treatment system