I’m planning a trip for my son and myself to eastern Slovakia next May or June. We will have a guide who is going to take us to our ancestral village near Poprad, and for other historical sightseeing. We want to see Levoča and Špis Castle, do small hikes in the Tatras, do the wooden raft trip on the Dunajec River, and visit the Dukla Pass historical area. The guide is based in Prešov, and that is closer to Dukla Pass. But the rest of what we want to see--that I know about so far--is further north (although maybe there are lots of things around Prešov I am neglecting). We are generally more interested in natural and historic sites than churches and architecture. Would we do better to stay in Prešov, or perhaps Poprad or Starý Smokovec? We won’t be renting a car; can anyone steer me to a good site where I can investigate public transportation options? How easy is it to get around if you don’t speak Slovak? Finally, we are planning to go to Prague afterward: plane or train?
Thanks in advance for any advice; I know I've asked a LOT of questions. I wish Slovakia was not so woefully neglected in the travel literature.