Annual Leave Explorers

Why not head to the Polish mountains for a very affordable, incredible mountain experience.

Winter Wonderland in Zakopane:

Day 1: Arrival and Winter Activities

• Morning: Fly into Krakow and take a scenic 2.5-hour bus or drive to Zakopane. Admire the snow-capped peaks and frosted forests along the way.
• Afternoon: Check into your cozy mountain lodge or boutique hotel and head straight to the slopes for skiing or snowboarding. Feel the exhilaration as you glide down the pristine pistes, surrounded by the enchanting winter landscape.
• Evening: Warm up with a cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate at a cozy tavern. Indulge in hearty mountain cuisine, savoring traditional dishes like pierogi and oscypek cheese.

Day 2: Winter Adventure

• Morning: Rise early for a day of snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in the Tatra National Park. Explore snow-covered trails and marvel at the serene beauty of the winter wilderness.
• Afternoon: Experience the thrill of tobogganing or snow tubing at one of Zakopane’s snow parks.
• Evening: Relax tired muscles with a soak in a thermal spa. Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a local restaurant, indulging in comforting Polish dishes by a crackling fireplace.

Day 3: Exploring Zakopane

• Morning: Take a scenic horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snowy countryside, wrapped in blankets and surrounded by the enchanting winter landscape.
• Afternoon: Visit the Wielka Krokiew ski jump and learn about Zakopane’s rich skiing heritage. Admire the views from the top and imagine the thrill of flying through the air like an Olympic athlete.
• Evening: Wander through Krupówki Street, illuminated by twinkling lights and bustling with winter festivities. Savor a final meal of hearty mountain fare before bidding farewell to Zakopane.

Summer Escapes in Zakopane:

Day 1: Arrival and Summer Adventures

• Morning: Arrive in Zakopane after a 2.5 hour scenic drive or bus from Krakow.
• Afternoon: Check into your accommodation and head out for a leisurely hike along one of Zakopane’s picturesque trails. Marvel at the blooming wildflowers and panoramic views of the Tatra Mountains.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, savoring seasonal specialties made with fresh ingredients from the surrounding countryside.

Day 2: Nature Exploration

• Morning: Embark on hiking Morskie Oko, one of Poland’s most stunning mountain lakes. Hike through lush forests and alpine meadows, taking in the breathtaking scenery along the way. This is a very easy and well signed trail to follow.
• Afternoon: Cool off with a refreshing dip in the lake or enjoy a picnic by the water’s edge. There is a mountain hostel to grab some food or drink or even a very special bed for the night. If you are feeling adventurous you can carry on and climb Poland’s tallest mountain, Rysy, a challenging but rewarding climb that can be completed in a day.
• Evening: Return to Zakopane and explore the town’s charming streets, browsing artisanal shops and enjoying live music in the town square.

Day 3: Cultural Discoveries

• Morning: Visit a local museum or art gallery to learn about Zakopane’s rich cultural heritage. Discover the work of famous Polish artists and artisans, from traditional woodcarvers to modern sculptors.
• Afternoon: Take a scenic chairlift ride to Gubałówka Hill for panoramic views of the Tatra Mountains. Enjoy lunch at a mountain hut and soak in the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
• Evening: Wander through Krupówki Street, sampling local delicacies and picking up souvenirs to remember your summer getaway in Zakopane.