Highlights
- Explore the world's oldest and largest opal mines on a guided day trip
- Discover the history of the mines and learn about their significance
- See the Andy Warhol Museum, the only dedicated King of Pop Art museum in Europe
- Observe iconic screen prints and paintings, including the Campbell's Soup Cans
- Learn about Warhol's Rusyn heritage and see personal items from his childhood
Description
Depart from Kosice and head nordeast to explore the Rusyn East Slovakia region, a place rich in history and culture.
Begin your journey at the Slovak Opal Mines, the oldest and largest opal mines in the world. Closed and forgotten since 1922, these mines have been reopened after 90 years, revealing a sprawling network of over 30 kilometers of tunnels spanning 17 vertical levels. Today, 5 of these levels are completely flooded, making the site a world-famous hotspot for extreme cave diving.
Discover the fascinating history of opal mining, dating back to the 11th century, though historians believe Romans may have sourced opals from here even earlier. Until major deposits were discovered in Mexico and Australia in the 19th century, this Slovak location was the only known source of precious opal on Earth. Learn about the site's significance as a wintering sanctuary for around 4,000 bats across 11 different species.
Next, visit the Museum of Andy Warhol in Medzilaborce, the only dedicated King of Pop Art museum in Europe and one of just two in the world. Established in 1991 by the Ministry of Culture and the Warhol family, this museum was the first to focus entirely on Warhol's life and legacy. Explore over 400 of Warhol's works, including iconic screen prints and paintings like the Campbell's Soup Cans and the Ladies and Gentlemen series.
The museum's location in north-eastern Slovakia is significant, as Warhol’s parents were of Rusyn origin and emigrated from the nearby village of Miková. Discover deeply personal items from Warhol's childhood, including his authentic christening robe. After a massive three-year renovation, the museum now features immersive digital installations, an interactive Andy Warhol hologram, and a walkable green roof with an amphitheater, blending physical pop-art history with cutting-edge upgrades.
Includes
Visit to Slovak Opal Mines
Visit to Museum of Andy Warhol in Medzilaborce
Live tour guide
Excludes
Food and drinks
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
