We offer our tours in two types according to the level of support you want to get on while walking.
include:
• Welcome briefing upon arrival
• Stand-by support cellphone & contact person
• Accommodation in selected hotels and pensions
• Buffet breakfast
• Luggage transfer
• Transfers by car according to program
• English route descriptions
• Detailed hiking maps
• Town maps
• GPS device with preprogrammed routes
Do you prefer to walk on your own or only with the people you know? On our self-guided tours, it is you who decides what time you start in the morning, what pace you keep, and where and when you take a break. However you will not miss our professional services providing you with detailed maps, English route descriptions and GPS showing you the way. Your luggage will be waiting for you at your next overnight stop. There is no need to worry about being on your own in a different country. We lend you out a reliable mobile phone to reach a contact person to help you in emergencies, unexpected situations or in case of language barriers.
There is no minimum number of participants at our self-guided walking tours, you can feel free to go alone, as a couple, with your family or a group of your friends.
Welcome briefing upon arrival
We personally come to meet you at the start of your self-guided hiking tour. At the personal tour orientation we give you all your navigation materials and explain how to use them in detail. It is also the time to ask us any questions you might have.
Depending on the tour itinerary, we may meet you on Day 1 or in the morning of the first walking day (this could be Day 2 of the tour). Be assured that if we meet with you on Day 2 of the tour, we will send you the hotel voucher for your first night in advance.
Stand-by support cellphone & contact person
We provide you with a mobile phone and a charger, so that you can call us in case anything happens during your tour. You will get a contact person whose number is programmed in the phone. This is a 24-hour service and you can call anytime.
Our clients tell us this service allows them to have an adventure on their tour with the peace of mind that they can always call if needed. It also enables us to resolve any issues quickly. You do not have to keep your mobile on. If we need to contact you during the tour, for any reason, we leave a message at your overnight hotel. On some tours you will use the mobile phone to call us to arrange a particular transfer time.
Accommodation in selected hotels and pensions
We use smaller, preferably family-run hotels and pensions located in old town centers and often in historical buildings. We always try to arrange a good view as well.
All rooms are typically double occupancy with a private bathroom. A double room has one large bed for two people (usually queen size), a twin room has two single beds in one room. Single rooms are available for a supplement fee.
Your room, breakfast and local taxes are included in the tour cost. However, if you take any extra services (telephone, minibar etc.), you will settle this cost with the hotel receptionist at the check-out.
Buffet breakfast
A typical buffet breakfast usually consists of bread, rolls, cheese, ham, jams, spreads, cereals, muesli, fruit and yoghurt; coffee, tea, milk, and fruit juice.
Lunch and dinner are not included in our self-guided tour package, however in our guidebook you can find recommendation for places to eat during the walk or in the overnight town.
Luggage transfer
Depending on the daily itinerary your luggage either travels in a van with you to the trailhead or if you set off right from the hotel, you leave your main bags (amount is not limited) at the hotel reception where we pick them up and transfer to the next overnight hotel.
Transfers by car according to program
On most tour days we include car transfers either to drive you to the trailhead or pick you up at the end of your hike. This way you take only the most interesting sections between the overnight places. You can find more in each tour itinerary. We use air-conditioned vans or estate cars (depending on your group size) which can carry both you and your luggage.
Navigating your way along the route
English route descriptions
We provide each client with detailed route descriptions we write ourselves, meaning that we have actually covered every inch of the trail. Besides blow by blow route instructions the guidebook contains information on various matters you might encounter, e.g. banks, tipping, trail signs, local dishes and drinks, etc. With each day there is a list of things to see, places to eat, sights to visit, including admission and opening hours…
Detailed hiking maps
Each participant gets a complete set of hiking maps with the route highlighted. We use the most accurate topographic maps, often based on military ones, by national map publishers such as Czech Tourist Club (Czech Republic), VKU Harmanec (Slovakia ) or Kompass (Austria, Germany). The scales are detailed at 1:50 000.
Town maps
For easy navigation in overnight towns you will obtain a set of detailed town maps with the location of your hotel or pension marked. Moreover you are provided with address and phone contact to each accommodation place on your tour, just in case.
GPS Navigation
Precise navigation is ensured by Garmin GPS device (one per group) into which we upload your route. There is a map where an arrow points the way once the GPS is set to nagivation mode. Alternatively you can use the compass mode with info on upcoming turns and a large arrow pointing your way.
The GPS also gives data such as estimated time of arrival, elevation, or time of sundown.