Slovakia & Hungary 7-Night Thermal Wellness Journey

Step into a fairytale at Štrbské Pleso, a stunning alpine lake nestled at the foot of the High Tatras and near the Polish border. This picturesque region is influenced by Polish cuisine and culture, and offers a variety of outdoor activities: forest hikes, cycling, cable car rides, climbing, rowing, and skiing. The surrounding mountains are home to 13 fascinating limestone caves—ask your travel advisor if you’d like to explore them.

The central lake of Štrbské Pleso is the most important mountain lake in the High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry), formed by glacial waters. A walk around the lake takes about 40 minutes, and guests can also enjoy cable car rides, jogging, or boating.

For these two nights, you’ll stay at the five-star Grand Hotel Kempinski, a luxurious spa resort perched at 1,351 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the High Tatras.

Discover the charming heart of eastern Slovakia in Košice, the country’s vibrant second-largest city. At the center lies the iconic Hlavná Street, a grand pedestrian boulevard lined with historic façades, cafés, and lively public spaces. Just off this main avenue, two atmospheric side streets — Mäsiarska and Kováčska — invite travelers to slow down and experience the authentic rhythm of local life.

Along Kováčska Street, you’ll find the beloved café Kávy Sveta Košice, a cozy haven for coffee enthusiasts. With its warm interior and a wide selection of beans from around the world, it’s the perfect spot to pause your journey and enjoy a beautifully brewed cup, whether you prefer bold, rich flavors or a bright, fruity aroma. This is where you can truly savor Košice’s everyday charm.

A short stroll away, Villa Cassa Wine Bar offers an elegant contrast. Set in a stylish, character-filled space, the bar showcases an impressive collection of wines from Slovakia and neighboring regions. It’s an ideal destination for an evening wind-down — a place to relax, taste, and appreciate the region’s growing wine culture.

If you wish to experience Košice at its most authentic, begin with a leisurely walk through Hlavná, then let Mäsiarska and Kováčska guide you deeper into the soul of the city — one cup of coffee, and one glass of wine, at a time.

Five Must-Do Experiences in Budapest

• A National Pastime – Thermal Baths
  Regardless of the season, Hungarians love to soak and relax in thermal baths. Introduced during Roman times and later perfected under Ottoman influence, this long-standing tradition is a must-try for anyone visiting Hungary. The famous Széchenyi Thermal Bath, built in 1913, offers pools, saunas, steam rooms, and therapeutic waters that locals frequent daily. Perfect for relaxation and wellness.
• Architectural Wonderland
  Budapest is a paradise for architecture lovers: Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Art Nouveau, and Secessionist styles can all be found here. Don’t miss iconic landmarks like St. Stephen’s Basilica, Fisherman’s Bastion, the Parliament Building, the Opera House, City Park, Central Market Hall, and the Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest synagogue in Europe.
• Revived Old Buildings – Ruin Bars
  Years ago, Szimpla Kert transformed an abandoned space in the old Jewish Quarter into the city’s first unique ruin bar, launching Budapest’s vibrant nightlife. These eclectic, creatively decorated spaces go beyond bars—they’re cultural and design hubs. Enjoy coffee by day, drinks by night, or explore weekend local markets in these iconic venues.
• Imperial Elegance – Historic Cafés
  Once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Budapest boasts several century-old cafés. In addition to the world-renowned New York Café, recognized as one of the most beautiful cafés in the world, Centrál Kávéház offers a more relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of the literary and artistic circles of the past.

• Million-Dollar Night Views – Evening River Cruise
  When night falls, the Danube’s banks sparkle like stars on earth. Experiencing Budapest’s illuminated landmarks from a river cruise is the fastest, most comfortable, and affordable way to enjoy the city’s magical nightscape.

   

Did you know? Budapest is often called the “City of Spas”. Its thermal bathing culture dates back to Roman times and remains a national pastime. The mineral-rich waters are said to have therapeutic effects on joints, rheumatism, and respiratory health. A soak in Budapest’s famous baths is a quintessential local experience you won’t want to miss!

Vienna’s “Non-Classic” Café Recommendations

No trip to Vienna is complete without experiencing its coffee culture! Coffee is an essential part of daily life here, with over 2,000 cafés scattered throughout the city.

• For a quieter, elegant stop: Head to Bank Brasserie & Bar inside the Park Hyatt. Look closely and you’ll notice it resembles a grand old bank hall—because it used to be one! A perfect place to rest your feet and soak in the historic atmosphere. Click here fore more photo !
• For serious coffee lovers: Try Jonas Reindl Coffee Roasters for expertly brewed pour-over coffee, or pick up some beans as souvenirs to bring home.
• Not a coffee fan? Enjoy a cup of tea at Haas & Haas, known for its cozy ambiance and extensive selection—ideal for pairing with breakfast.
• For something unique: Visit Vollpension, where the staff are mostly grandmothers, and the décor reflects a charming, retro “Oma” style. Indulge in homemade cakes that taste just like grandma used to make! Click here for more photo !

Vienna’s café scene offers something for everyone—whether you’re after historic elegance, specialty coffee, or quirky local charm.

Traveler Luxe Recommendation: Link

Wake Up Surrounded by the Aroma of Wine at LOISIUM Wine & Spa Resort

A gentle stroll northwest of Vienna along the Danube River leads you to the picturesque wine region of Langenlois, where sunlight spills over lush vineyards. Amid the greenery stands a striking postmodern structure: LOISIUM Wine & Spa Resort, a hotel that combines a winery with a full-service spa. Its floating glass design, with a slightly sci-fi cube aesthetic, is the creation of renowned American architect Steven Holl. The ground floor is entirely glass, allowing the building to seamlessly blend into its verdant surroundings. Inside, a forest-inspired concept is brought to life with tree-trunk-like columns supporting the 82 rooms above, creating a spacious, airy atmosphere.

Every piece of furniture is carefully selected, with Holl collaborating with Austrian design brand Wittmann, known for its century-long tradition of craftsmanship, to create bespoke interiors for LOISIUM.

The resort offers more than just a stay—it’s an experience in refined lifestyle. Guests can enjoy guided wine tastings, savor dishes crafted from local ingredients, visit the wine cellar and museum, or simply relax with a walk through the vineyards. For ultimate indulgence, book an Aveda spa treatment, where massages and wellness facilities allow the healing properties of wine to envelop your body.

Getting There : A train from Vienna to Langenlois takes about 1 hour, followed by a 15-minute walk to the resort.
Price : During off-peak season, double rooms start at approximately €200 per night, including breakfast.