Hiking in the Polish Carpathians
Hiking in the Polish Carpathians
Hiking in the Polish Carpathians
8 Days Starting and ending in Krakow
Visiting: Kraków, Babia Góra National Park, Zakopane, Pieniny
Tour operator:
Tour code:
WPS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 16
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
This Poland walking holiday visits both the Tatra Mountain range in the south and the outer Carpathian Mountains in Babia Gora National Park. Explore the dramatic peaks and valleys, turquoise lakes and highlander folk culture of this stunning country.
Krakow - Home to Europe's largest medieval market square, explore on foot
Tatra Mountains - Hike in the stunning Valley of the Five Polish Lakes
UNESCO Dunajec Gorge - Walk the Pieniny Way, a spectacular cliff-cut path through the gorge
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Join Trip In Krakow
Location: Kraków
Accommodation: Hotel Maximum
Accommodation Name: Hyatt Place Krakow
The trip starts in Krakow, a beautiful city which dates back to the 13th Century; it has a wonderfully rich and varied architecture; a well preserved vast medieval square and a fascinating old Jewish quarter.
For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Krakow at any time. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive at Krakow John Paul II International Airport (KRK) which is around 30 minutes' drive from the hotel. Should you miss the meeting, your leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.
If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to explore on your own, why not try some traditional Polish dumplings known as pierogi. Found at restaurants throughout the city and filled with anything from sweet sauces to cottage cheese, mushrooms or meat, they are delicious!
Day 2: Explore Old Krakow On Foot: Head To The Carpathian Mountains
Location: Kraków
Accommodation: Hotel Jawor
Accommodation Name: Hotel Beskidzki Raj
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast we take a walking tour of Krakow beginning with Rynek Glowny, Europe's largest medieval square and the focal point of the city. We discover the distinctive character of the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town with its narrow cobbled streets and majestic architecture. Heading away from the centre we walk to Wawel Castle and Cathedral perched on a hill overlooking the old town. Our final stop today is the Kazimierz, the former Jewish Quarter, now a busy neighborhood crammed with art galleries, traditional restaurants and atmospheric cafes.
In the afternoon we depart towards Babia Gora National Park in the Outer Carpathian Mountains, the drive to our hotel in Zawoja will take approximately 1 hours and 30 minutes. The Babia Gora massif lies within the Western Beskidy Mountains and is the second highest in range in Poland. Depending on travel time, for those who wish to stretch your legs this afternoon there is an optional walk in the Babia Gora range to be rewarded with your first view over the Carpathian Mountains.
Today's optional 2 kilometre/1.2 mile walk is expected to take around 1 hour with an ascent and decent of 200 metres/656 feet.
Day 3: Hike Across Alpine Meadows And Through Forest To ‘Witches Mountain’
Location: Babia Góra National Park
Accommodation: Hotel Jawor
Accommodation Name: Hotel Beskidzki Raj
Meals Included: Breakfast
A short drive this morning brings us to the edge of Babia Gora National Park and the start of today's hike to the peak of Babia Gora (1,725 metres). Babia Gora, which translates to Witches Mountain, is named so after a folk legend describing the area as a meeting place for witches and black magicians. The path takes us through alpine meadows, ancient spruce and dwarf pine forests. From the peak stretches one of the best panoramas of several Carpathian ranges and across to the Tatra mountains. The Polish-Slovakian border runs over the top of Babia Gora and along the shoulders of the mountain from east to west. We descend via a different route before transferring back to our hotel.
Today's 14 kilometre/8.7 mile walk is expected to take around 6 hours and 30 minutes with 700 metres/2297 feet of ascent and 1,050 metres/4922 feet of descent.
Day 4: Trek To Rakon Peak On Poland/Slovakia Border; Drive To Zakopane
Location: Zakopane
Accommodation: Hotel Czarny Potok
Accommodation Name: Hotel Logos
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we drive to Zverovka village, crossing the Slovakian border into the West Tatras. Accompanied by an English speaking mountain guide we walk along a wide path climbing gently through the forest to Rakon peak (1,869 metres) and into Slovakia. From this ridge there are fantastic views across forested peaks of the western Tatra. We descend to Polana Chocholowska, a clearing with a number of mountain huts for livestock where we'll stop for lunch in a mountain chalet. Walking down the valley, the bus will be waiting to take us to Zakopane, a town lying at the foothills of the Tatras Mountains. Zakopane is a popular Polish ski resort and an excellent base for hiking. The town is characterized by traditional 'Zakopane Style' of timber architecture inspired by the surrounding mountains.
The Tatras region has its own home-grown culinary traditions, this evening tuck into a hearty meat or vegetable stew followed by a small glass of sliwowica lacka (plum brandy).
Today's 15 kilometre/9.3 mile walk is expected to take around 7 hours and 30 minutes with 890 metres/2920 feet of ascent and 960 metres/3150 feet of descent. As we pass into Slovakia you will need to have your passport with you.
Day 5: Waterfalls And Lakes Of The Tatra Mountains
Location: Zakopane
Accommodation: Hotel Czarny Potok
Accommodation Name: Hotel Logos
Meals Included: Breakfast
A ten minute drive this morning takes us to the lower station of the cable car to Kasprowy Wierch, the starting point for today's walk to Czarny Staw lake (1,583 metres). Starting out at around 1000 metres we follow the trail to the Murowaniec mountain chalet and then on to the lake. From here, there's a choice to return with the tour leader to the chalet at Murowaniec and descend, or, if you're feeling strong, continue with our mountain guide up to the mountain pass at Karb (1,853 m), a beautiful spot located between the peaks of Koscielec and Maly Koscielec. We'll then climb the peak at Koscielec (2156m) before descending on the same route.
Today's 17 kilometre/10.5 mile hike to Czarny Staw and back expected to take around 6 hours with an ascent and descent of 800 metres/2,625 feet.
The optional extension to Koscielec is graded as Challenging and is an additional 3 kilometres/1.8 miles taking approximately 3 hours with an additional 500 metres/1640 feet of ascent and descent.
Day 6: Dunajec Gorge And The Pieniny Way
Location: Pieniny
Accommodation: Trzy Korony Chalet
Accommodation Name: Hotel Nawigator
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a leisurely morning in Zakopane we drive to Dunajec Gorge, listed by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site and one the most stunning gorges in Europe. We follow the Pieniny Way along the gorge with limestone cliffs blanketed in lush forests of fir, beech, larch and spruce rising high above us. The Way runs the entire length of the Dunajec Gorge snaking in and out of Poland through sections of Slovakia. The end point of today's walk and accommodation for the evening is in the spa town of Szczawnica, back on Polish side of the border.
For those who prefer to take a break from walking today it is possible to travel the same route down Dunajec River by traditional wooded raft. This leisurely form of transportation has been used for centuries in this area to move both goods and people between villages.
Today's 14 kilometre/8.7 mile walk is expected to take around 3 hours and 30 minutes along a flat route. As we pass into Slovakia you will need to have your passport with you.
Day 7: Hike Up Trzy Korony Peak With Views Of Dunajec Gorge
Location: Kraków
Accommodation: Hotel Maximum
Accommodation Name: Hyatt Place Krakow
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a good night's rest we start our last ascent of the trip, the peak of Trzy Korony. Departing from the hotel we take a small wooden boat across the Dunajec River to reach the start of the today's walk. The traditional boats seat approximately 8 people at one time and the ferrymen are dressed in local folk attire.
Once across the river we begin our gradual ascent starting at 500 meters/1641 feet through the forest to reach our first peak of the day, Sokolica (747 metres). After taking in the fabulous views we continue to a green meadow before the final ascent to the peak of Trzy Korony (982 metres), the summit of the Three Crowns massif. There is an observation deck on top of the peak with views of the Dunajec River, Gorge and Pieniny National Park. We take a different trail down from the peak looping the massif, enjoying the spectacular views of the limestone peaks, before descending to the bottom of the valley. Today's walk ends in Kroscienko town where our driver will be waiting to take us on to Krakow (2 hours).
Today's 15 kilometre/9.3 mile walk is expected to take around 5 hours and 30 minutes with 480 metres/1575 feet of ascent and 550 metres/1805 feet of descent.
Day 8: Trip Ends In Krakow
Location: Kraków
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Krakow.
There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Krakow at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRK) which is around 30 minutes' drive from the hotel.
If you have booked a late afternoon or evening flight it is possible to take an optional morning excursion to Oswiecim, the site of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp.
What's Included
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Fully Guided
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Meals – Breakfast Only
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Accommodation
What's Not Included
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Country Entry Visas
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Tipping and Gratuities
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1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day
Meals
Breakfasts: 7
Check out our Q&As
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes
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What is the maximum group size?
16
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I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?
It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.
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Should I get travel insurance?
Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us
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How long has the tour company been trading?
At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.
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What is the accommodation like?
We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.
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Do I need to be very fit to book with you?
All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o
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Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel
It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.
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Free Date Changes
Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of explore! charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.