- Our “Essential” holidays are ideal for those who like to explore under their own steam, safe in the knowledge all their accommodation, transfers and travel are taken care of by us.
- Choose from three-star to boutique hotels in both places
- Explore historic Krakow
- Enjoy mountain walking in the summer
Krakow & The Tatra Mountains
Combine the historic city of Krakow with the mountain scenery of Zakopane on this 7-day tailor-made holiday, travelling between the two by train and spending three nights in each destination.
Explore Krakow’s medieval Old Town, Wawel Castle and the historic Kazimierz district, with the option to visit Wieliczka Salt Mine or Auschwitz-Birkenau. Then travel south to Zakopane at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, where days can be spent walking in Tatra National Park, enjoying the mountain views or discovering the distinctive culture, food and wooden architecture of the Podhale region.
With plenty of free time in both destinations, this holiday is ideal for independent travellers looking to combine one of Poland’s most historic cities with time in the mountains. The itinerary can be tailored with alternative hotels, excursions and additional nights.
Tour Itinerary
Fly to Krakow and transfer to your hotel for a three-night stay. Depending on your arrival time, take a first stroll through the Old Town and Main Market Square, where the Renaissance Cloth Hall and St Mary’s Basilica provide an impressive introduction to the city. There is a wide choice of cafés, restaurants and bars nearby for your first evening in Krakow.
Spend the day exploring Krakow at your own pace. Begin in the vast Main Market Square before continuing to Wawel Hill to visit the Royal Castle and Cathedral. Later, head to Kazimierz, Krakow’s historic Jewish district, where synagogues and museums sit alongside cafés, restaurants and independent shops. Across the Vistula, Oskar Schindler’s former enamel factory houses an excellent museum examining life in Krakow during the German occupation of the Second World War. In the evening, return to the Old Town or Kazimierz for dinner. (B)
Enjoy another free day in Krakow or pre-book an excursion outside the city. Visit the UNESCO-listed Wieliczka Salt Mine, with its underground chambers, passageways and remarkable Chapel of St Kinga, or travel to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum. Both are popular excursions and we recommend arranging them in advance. Alternatively, remain in Krakow to explore more of the city’s museums, walk beside the Vistula or simply enjoy the Old Town and Kazimierz at a slower pace. (B)
Make your way to the railway station and travel by train south to Zakopane, set beneath the peaks of the Tatra Mountains. After checking into your hotel for a three-night stay, spend the remainder of the day exploring the town. Stroll along lively Krupowki Street, browse shops and stalls selling local produce and crafts, or take the funicular up Gubalowka for panoramic views towards the mountains, weather permitting. In the evening, try some traditional highland cuisine in one of Zakopane’s restaurants. (B)
Spend the day discovering Zakopane and the surrounding Tatra Mountains. In the warmer months, choose from a network of walking trails through Tatra National Park, ranging from gentle valley walks to more demanding mountain routes. Alternatively, take the cable car towards Kasprowy Wierch for superb views across the Tatras. Back in Zakopane, look out for the distinctive wooden architecture of the Podhale region and try oscypek, the smoked sheep’s cheese traditionally produced by local highlanders. (B)
Enjoy another free day in the mountains. Walk one of the scenic valleys surrounding Zakopane, spend more time exploring the town or simply enjoy the mountain scenery at a relaxed pace. During winter, Zakopane becomes Poland’s principal winter sports resort, with skiing and other snow activities available in the surrounding area. Whatever the season, there are plenty of restaurants serving regional dishes, often accompanied by traditional Goral music. (B)
After breakfast, make your way to Zakopane railway station and travel by train back to Krakow. On arrival, transfer to Krakow Airport for your return flight to the UK. (B
Pricing Information
Price Includes
- Return international flights between the UK and Poland
- All airport taxes and security charges
- Airport transfers in Krakow
- Accommodation in hotels as specified with breakfast*
- Meals as specified (B= Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
- Train tickets: Krakow to Zakopane return in second class
Price Excludes
- Arrival and departure transfers in Zakopane
- Entrance fee to Tatra National Park
- Optional excursions
Price Includes
Price Excludes
Price Notes
Price based on two people sharing a twin/double room in May 2027; supplements may apply for peak-season dates or flight fare variations. International flights are based on direct services between the UK and Poland, with a choice of London and regional departures available. Airlines and routings vary according to your chosen departure airport and travel dates, and supplements may apply.
A local tourist fee of PLN 1.90 per person for each commenced day of stay currently applies in Zakopane and is typically payable locally at your accommodation. Local taxes may change before you travel.
Accommodation features a selection of comfortable three and four-star hotels chosen for their location and ease of exploring each destination. If you would prefer more upmarket options or have a different budget in mind, our travel specialists can tailor the trip to your exact requirements. Please call us on 0207 666 1244 to discuss your preferences.
For single room supplements and solo traveller prices, please contact us.
Tour Route Map
- Poland, Krakow
- Poland, Zakopane
- Poland, Krakow
Tour Accommodation
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Reviews
Ellie Marr took on board our basic requirements and seemed happy to tailor a holiday to suit – offering suggestions but taking note of our wishes. I found this pleasantly unusual and reassuring.
All aspects of the holiday went smoothly. As planned with transfers to/from the Airport and Hotels.
We would like to go to Russia and would certainly consider using Regent Holidays based on our recent experience in Poland.