Experience a walking holiday in Poland
Walking in Poland, including the infamous Tatra Mountains, as well as two of the country’s most spectacular sites, Krakow and Zakopane, are brought together in this holiday of contrasts. Firstly, the medieval UNESCO – listed city of Krakow, for centuries Poland’s capital, dating back to the 7th century, followed by Zakopane, Poland’s highest city, amidst the stunning Tatra Mountains and situated 800m above sea level. The central market square in Krakow is the largest in Europe and where several of the city’s architectural and cultural landmarks can be found, such as the Cloth Hall, which houses a gallery of Polish paintings and St Mary’s Church, world famous for its alter carved by Veit Stoss. Having escaped destruction during World War II, the city has uniquely retained its charming medieval form. Krakow is the home of the Jagiellonian University, founded in 1364, the oldest in Poland and the 13th oldest University in continuous operation in the world!
Zakopane situated at the foothills of the majestic Tatra Mountains is renowned for its unique wooden architecture, featuring pretty, wood-fronted 19th century villas with high sloped roofs. The rugged peaks of the Tatra Mountains form the natural border between Poland and Slovakia, becoming a National Park in 1955 and was also established as an official UNESCO biosphere reserve. The park is rich in flora and fauna, pinewood trees, bears, wolves, wild cats and marmots, offering some of the best walking trails in Poland. The journey between Krakow and Zakopane may take longer than expected – you will spend 2-3 hours gently meandering through the Dunajec River Gorge on rafts! This will allow you to fully appreciate the rocky landscapes of the Pieniny Mountains (the coach continues with your luggage – if weather conditions dictate, or if anyone prefers, the land route by coach may be used).
Holiday Highlights
- Three nights bed & breakfast in the Wyspianski Hotel in Krakow
- Four nights bed & breakfast in the Czarny Potok Hotel in Zakopane
- Gentle Raft trip through the Dunajec Gorge
- Local knowledgeable walking guide
- Walking tour of Krakow
- Three guided walk
- s Optional excursion to the Wieliczka Salt Mines
- Flights included from your local airport
Itinerary
Day One – Arrival Day
Flight to Krakow, transfer to your hotel for two nights bed and breakfast accommodation. Transfer time approximately forty minutes.
Day Two – Walk 1
5 MILES – 100M ASCENT/DESCENT Your first walk will visit the enchanting forested Ojcowski National Park for a guided 5 mile walk, Poland’s natural gem that thrives with lush greenery and diverse wildlife. Some of the wildlife that can be found include wild European Bison, Wild Boar, Red Deer, Pine Marten’s & more.
Day Three – Depart Krakow, Dunajec River Gorge raft trip
Depart Krakow for Zakopane, you will board the wooden rafts navigated by local people wearing traditional regional costumes, to journey through the stunning scenery of the Dunajec River Gorge. On arrival at Szczawnica, you will have some free time before continuing to Zakopane and the Czarny Potok Hotel, for four nights bed and breakfast accommodation.
Day Four – Walk 2
8 MILES – 500M ASCENT/400M DESCENT You travel by local bus to walk through the Koscieliska Valley, Przyslop Mietusi Pass and Malej Laki Valley to the Grzybowiec Pass at a height of 1330m. Your guide will then lead you down the Strazyska Valley to Zakopane. The walk is about 8 miles with ascent of 500m and descent of 400m.
Day Five – Free day, optional excursion to the High Tatras region of Slovakia
Free day or join an optional excursion to the High Tatras region of Slovakia.
Day Six – Walk 3
8 MILES – 550M ASCENT/600M DESCENT Meet your walking guide in reception. Short transfer to the Slovakian border from where you walk back to Zakopane following a trail through Hala Gasienicowa, the alpine meadow (1500m) and then back to Zakopane. The walk is about 8 miles with 550m of ascent and 600m of descent.
Day Seven – Return to Krakow, Walking tour of Old Krakow
n the morning travel back to Krakow for your last nights accommodation. On arrival in Krakow there will be an Included guided walking tour of Old Krakow. Free afternoon, or why not join a local excursion to the stunning Wieliczka Salt Mine.
Day Eight – Departure Day
Free time until you transfer to the airport, for your return flight home.
Accommodation
Wyspianski Hotel – 3 Star
Krakow – 3 Nights
TV, Free Wi-Fi, Hairdryer, Room Safe, Air Conditioning, Restaurant, Gift Shop, Bank Branch
The Wyspianski Hotel is situated on the edge of the Old Town with its seemingly unpronounceable name, it derives from that of Poland’s best-loved artist, Stanislaw Wyspianski. The great man once lived in a house on this spot, and later in life, he often drew the Planty Gardens, the ring of parkland that encircles the Old Town. The hotel has modern amenities and an outstanding location right in the centre of Krakow, a proverbial stone throws away from the main square.
Czarny Potok Hotel – 3 Star
Zakopane – 4 Nights
TV, Free Wi-Fi,Hairdryer, Room Safe, Spa, Sauna, Indoor Swimming Pool, Garden, Restaurant, Bar
Located in the centre of Zakopane, with most bedrooms offering a balcony and stunning mountain views, the Czarny Potok Hotel is an ideal base for the second half of your week amidst the spectacular Tatra Mountains! It boasts a beautiful garden with the murmuring Czarny Potok (black stream). You can also enjoy rest and relaxation in the hotel’s spa and aqua thermal centre (swimming pool, jacuzzi and saunas).
Hotel Features
Dates & Prices
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