Castles and churches. Hot springs and national parks. Arts and architecture. Slovakia in Central Europe is diverse in many ways. Protected by its better known neighbors including Austria and Hungary, Slovakia is a tourist delight. Relatively unexplored, the country has a rich heritage to tell of. Like they say ‘explore the unexplored’ and you’ll be in for a real treat!

England is a country of timeless beauty.  Home to the world’s most cosmopolitan cities, it also revels in its quintessential English countryside comprising quaint villages and historical sights, which add to its character.  A holiday in England is for the global traveller looking to experience the buzz of city life that’s balanced by the British culture and traditions.

Read on to know more about what a holiday in Slovakia or England has to offer.

Slovakia

Bratislava: Along the Danube River bordering Austria and Hungary lies the capital city of Slovakia, Bratislava. Dotted with monuments and buildings representative of its medieval history, the Bratislava Castle is probably the town’s most famous landmark perched above the Danube River. The Devin Castle atop a rock where the Morava River meets the Danube River is an important Slovak archaeological site and houses a museum. Bratislava is blessed with nature’s bounty in the form of the Little Carpathian mountains, vineyards and forest trails. The city also has its share of museums and churches, namely the Slovak National Museum, the Bratislava City Gallery, the Bratislava City Museum, the Church of St. Elizabeth and the Trinitarian Church. For some fun, enjoy a day on the Danube Promenade, take a stroll through Primate's Square in Old Town and admire Michael’s Gate, a 14th century green copper roof known to be one of the oldest buildings in Bratislava and built as one of the four gates in to the city.

Kosice:A city dating back to the 8th century, Kosice has a rich medieval heritage and culture. Declared the European Capital of Culture in 2013, there is much to see and do here. Visit some prominent points of interest like Slovakia’s biggest church, St. Elisabeth Cathedral with its vaulted ceilings, wall frescoes and stained glass windows. Also visit the historic St. Urban Tower, the Baroque style State Theatre and the Eastern-Slovakia Museum with its collection of gold. The Spis Castle ruins, one of the largest castle sites in Central Europe is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and worth a visit. In Kosice, every street tells a story and Main Street with its aristocratic palaces and Catholic churches is no different. A pedestrian-only zone, Main Street’s modern dwellers come in the form of boutiques, cafés and restaurants.

How To Get There
Major international airlines including Austrian Airlines, Turkish Airlines and Flydubai operate via flights from India to Bratislava. Check for available flights from your city here.

England

London: London is a city filled with character. Abuzz with excitement all through the year in spite of the occasional bouts of drab weather, the city is inviting in every way. London is home to some great shopping, eclectic nightlife and spectacular and historical monuments like the iconic clock tower Big Ben, the Buckingham Palace where the Royal family resides, the historical castle Tower of London with the nearby Tower Bridge, the Angelical St. Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey, which serves as the traditional place of coronation and burial site for English and British monarchs. Take a ride on the London Eye for a bird’s eye view of the city and also visit outdoor locations including Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park and Piccadilly Circus.

Manchester: Manchester city in northwest England has a legacy of being an industrial hub. However, the city has transformed itself over the years to become a hub for the arts and home to educational institutes. The Manchester Cathedral is a good place to start your tour. Dating back to 1215, the interiors boast of stained glass and intricate carvings. In the heart of the city, the Manchester Art Gallery houses a great selection of artworks. The Museum of Science and Industry in Castlefield is a great place to learn about the city’s industrial and scientific past. Also worth a visit are the University of Manchester, Heaton Park and Manchester Town Hall. Football fans must visit the City of Manchester Stadium, the home ground of Manchester City Football Club.

Brighton: Charismatic and captivating, that’s the English seaside town of Brighton for you. Aside from Brighton beach with its seafront bars, restaurants, nightclubs and recreational activities, there’s plenty to see here. Visit the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery with its innovative displays, the Royal Pavilion with royal artefacts and a collection of Regency silver gilt and Theatre Royal Brighton, which hosts musicals and West End productions.

How To Get There
Major international airlines including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Air India, Jet Airways and Qatar Airways operate direct and via flights from India to London. Check for available flights from your city here.
 

Destination	Bratislava, Slovakia	London, England
Hotels (centrally located)	Rs. 6,136 per night (Comfort room at Loft Hotel Bratislava) Rs. 6,241 per night (Standard room at Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel Bratislava) Rs. 11,217 (Classic room at Sheraton Bratislava Hotel)	Rs. 6,800 (Standard room at Chrysos Hotel) Rs. 10,725 per night (Deluxe Single room at Park Grand London Hyde Park) Rs. 16,126 (Queen room at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London Westminster)
Meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner without alcohol)	Rs. 2,000 per day	Rs. 4,500 per day
Local Transportation (public bus)	Rs. 55 per ticket	Rs. 250 per ticket
Miscellaneous	Rs. 1,500 per day	Rs. 4,900 per day

*All prices are approximate and subject to change.

Unique in their own ways, England may be more familiar for many. Slovakia is a gem amidst its European counterparts that’s waiting to be discovered, polished and shined. Why not consider Slovakia for your next holiday, then?