Experience a walking holiday in Poland
This holiday brings together some of Poland’s most striking contrasts - from the dramatic Tatra Mountains to the cultural treasures of Kraków and Zakopane. Your journey begins in Kraków, the medieval UNESCO-listed former capital whose roots reach back to the 7th century. Its vast central market square - the largest in Europe - is home to many of the city’s most significant landmarks, including the Cloth Hall with its gallery of Polish art, and St Mary’s Church, renowned for its magnificent altarpiece carved by Veit Stoss. Remarkably untouched by wartime destruction, Kraków has preserved its original medieval layout and timeless charm. It’s also home to the Jagiellonian University, founded in 1364 and still one of the world’s oldest institutions of higher learning.
From here, the adventure continues to Zakopane, Poland’s highest town, set at 800m above sea level in the shadow of the majestic Tatra Mountains. Known for its distinctive wooden architecture, the town is filled with beautifully crafted 19th-century villas with steep, elegant roofs. The Tatras themselves mark the natural border with Slovakia and have been protected as a National Park since 1955, later gaining UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status. The region is rich in wildlife - from pine forests and marmots to elusive wolves and wildcats - and offers some of the finest walking routes in the country.
The journey between Kraków and Zakopane is an experience in itself. Rather than simply travelling by road, you’ll spend 2–3 gentle hours rafting through the Dunajec River Gorge, a peaceful way to admire the rugged scenery of the Pieniny Mountains. (Your luggage continues by coach, and if weather or preference calls for it, the land route is always available.)
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
- 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
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
In 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. Enjoy a 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
Reviews
Average Review Score:
I thoroughly enjoyed the holiday.
Sandra TThe Tatra area was beautiful and offered great trails.
Pamela HThe guides were all very good and the Mountain views were magnificent.
Susan BOverall, I am pleased to confirm that everything went smoothly and I enjoyed this first trip to Poland.
Lyn SThe guide in Zakopane who we called Ted was very good.
Anne