Poland & Slovakia Walking & Hiking Tour
National Parks Adventure from Kraków to the Tatras
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days 5 nights
Activity Level: 1-4
Premiere Hotels
From: $4,199 - $4,349 pp dbl occ
($1,050 for sgl occ)
A dramatic natural border between Slovakia and Poland. Pristine passes and lakes nestled between twenty-five peaks towering at over 8,000 feet. If you haven’t heard of the Tatra Mountains, it’s time you did. Picture days exploring an alpine wonderland of national parks. Nights in grand lakeside hotels. And an ancient but changing cultural landscape of shepherds’ villages, local food and traditional handicrafts. Take going off the beaten path to new heights. You’ve never seen Europe like this.
Poland & Slovakia
Start/End Kraków
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Traverse from Poland to Slovakia and back on foot while exploring the High Tatras’ mesmerizing scenery
- Experience Lesser Poland, a region steeped in history but in the throes of change
- Discover mountain lakes and flocks of sheep hidden among rocky crests as you hike
- Complete your journey in enchanting Kraków, a World Heritage city and the ideal place to extend your trip on either end
Itinerary
6 Days Premiere Hotels
From Kraków we travel into breathtaking Tatra National Park | Climb through dense forest and open meadows, pausing to enjoy panoramic vistas of surrounding mountains and valleys | Bustling Zakopane has long been a popular resort for alpine enthusiasts and the highlands’ fascinating gateway city | Sample local flavors at the first of many exceptional dinners.
A stylish retreat in downtown Zakopane’s Villa Marilor, restored to its historic splendor with tasteful updates. (pool, spa)
Journey into Slovakia by chairlift | Hike a craggy canyon to a roaring waterfall | Enjoy the views at our splendid hotel nestled between Strbské Lake and the Slovakian High Tatras | Discover a panorama of craggy massifs, pristine lakes and wildflower-strewn meadows | Savor a hot lunch on the trail at a rustic mountain hut | Up for a challenge? Hike to Vel’ké Hincovo Pleso, the area’s largest and deepest glacial lake, tucked high amid rocky peaks | Hiking through a spectacular alpine refuge for myriad flora and fauna, see for yourself why Tatra National Park is recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve.
Consisting of three buildings constructed during various eras, this stately property sits on the shore of Štrbské Lake and beneath the craggy peaks of the Slovakian High Tatras. (pool, spa)
Hike across a dramatic ridgeline back into Poland, passing grazing sheep and traditional wooden boats that float along the Dunajec River | Get to know Szczawnica, a mountainside spa town made famous nearly two centuries ago by the curative properties of its thermal mineral springs | Pass through tiny mountain hamlets where local ethnic communities proudly display their distinctive dress, customs and language | Venture into Pieniny National Park, stopping to greet local shepherds and sample their goods—care for some oscypek (smoked sheep milk cheese)? | Joined by a local mountain guide, we gain insight into the region's varied landscapes, as well as the traditional highland culture | Take a last jaunt to a hut for some homemade apple tart before traveling on to Kraków.
With art deco-inspired interior spaces, this boutique hotel is set alongside a wooded park. (pool, spa)
Dates & Prices
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy.
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
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From our Guests
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Activity Level:
1-4
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
Route notes
The terrain on this trip is rolling, with some steeper inclines and descents, particularly in the High Tatras. We generally follow well-marked valley and alpine trails on which you can expect to encounter uneven surfaces including rocks and roots.
Daily Route Options
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
Route notes
The terrain on this trip is rolling, with some steeper inclines and descents, particularly in the High Tatras. We generally follow well-marked valley and alpine trails on which you can expect to encounter uneven surfaces including rocks and roots.
What's Included
- All breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers and porterage
- All breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers and porterage
