Slovak Castles and Châteaux.

On Saturday, 14 November 2026, we will depart from Szeged, from the Pláza car park, in the morning to discover the most beautiful historical landmarks of Slovakia’s historic Upper Hungary region. Our first stop will be Svätý Anton, where a local guide will introduce us to the magnificent Koháry–Coburg Castle. This splendid Baroque aristocratic residence was once the home of the Koháry family, renowned for their victories against the Ottoman Empire, before passing into the possession of the princely House of Coburg. Ferdinand of Coburg also lived within its walls after being deposed from the Bulgarian throne. The richly furnished castle offers a fascinating glimpse into the everyday life of the aristocracy. Our journey will then take us to Banská Štiavnica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For centuries, this charming historic mining town was a major European centre of mining, metallurgy and forestry. As we stroll along its cobblestone streets, the past comes alive, and we will recall that both Sándor Petőfi and Kálmán Mikszáth once studied at its Lutheran Lyceum. Leaving the embrace of the Štiavnica Mountains behind, we will continue to Zvolen, a historic town on the banks of the Hron River and the birthplace of the Hungarian poet Bálint Balassi. Here, we will visit one of Slovakia’s finest Gothic-Renaissance castles, which has dominated the town’s skyline for centuries. At the end of this eventful day, we will travel to our accommodation, where a delicious dinner awaits us.

After breakfast, we will visit one of Slovakia’s best-known attractions, Bojnice Castle. Rebuilt in the Romantic style according to the vision of Count János Pálffy, it is one of the most popular and spectacular castles in the entire country. Rising amid an ancient wooded park, the castle looks as though it has stepped straight out of a fairytale. Preserved in excellent condition, the castle is not only an architectural masterpiece but has also served as a filming location for numerous international productions. It is also famous for its ghost and spooky festivals. After exploring the castle, we will travel to Hronský Beňadik, where, accompanied by our Hungarian-speaking guide, we will discover the Benedictine Abbey Church, founded in the 11th century, along with its adjoining monastery courtyard. Within these thousand-year-old walls, the Middle Ages come to life as we learn about the site’s rich history. The programme will conclude with a group dinner, after which we will set off for home, enriched by unforgettable experiences.