Kraków: Zakopane + Thermal Spa + Tasting – One Day Full Tour

Exploring the Tatra Mountains has never been more seamless. This one-day tour from Kraków promises an unforgettable experience, blending natural beauty, culture, and relaxation. Travelers will journey to the charming town of Zakopane, indulge in a traditional cheese tasting, and unwind at the Chocholowska Thermal Baths. With stunning vistas and regional delicacies, this tour offers a well-rounded adventure that just might leave you craving more of Poland’s enchanting landscapes.

Key Points

• This one-day tour from Kraków provides a comprehensive experience exploring Zakopane, the Tatra Mountains, and the Chocholowska Thermal Baths.
• The tour includes a cheese tasting at a highlander shepherd’s hut, a cable car ride to Gubałówka Mountain, and an optional regional food tasting and dinner.
• Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains from Gubałówka Mountain and explore the lively tourist promenade in Zakopane.
• The tour offers a relaxing 3-hour visit to the Chocholowska Thermal Baths, where guests can unwind in natural hot springs.
• The tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, and an English-speaking host for a seamless and hassle-free experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour starts with pickup from Stare Miasto, the historic old town of Kraków.

Guests will then travel by van to the Tatra Mountains, a 75-minute journey.

The tour includes a cheese tasting at a highlander shepherd’s hut, a cable car ride to Gubałówka Mountain for panoramic views, and time to explore the town of Zakopane, known as the winter capital of Poland.

A cheese tasting at a highlander shepherd’s hut, a cable car ride to Gubałówka Mountain, and exploration of the winter capital of Poland, Zakopane.

Optional activities include a regional food tasting and dinner, as well as 3 hours of relaxation at the Chocholowska Thermal Baths.

The tour concludes with a 1.5-hour van ride back to Stare Miasto.

The overall duration is 11 hours, with prices starting from $168.26 per person.

Itinerary Highlights

After the pickup from Stare Miasto, guests embark on a 75-minute van ride to the Tatra Mountains.

Upon arrival, they’ll enjoy a 30-minute cheese tasting at a highlander shepherd’s hut, savoring the local flavors.

Next, they’ll take a cable car ride up Gubałówka Mountain, where they’ll be treated to panoramic views of Zakopane for an hour.

Guests then have 45 minutes to explore the town, strolling along Krupowki Street. An optional 1-hour dinner and regional food tasting is available.

The tour culminates with 3 hours of relaxation at the Chocholowska Thermal Baths before the 1.5-hour return trip to Stare Miasto.

Key Attractions

Known as the winter capital of Poland, Zakopane boasts a rich tradition and culture that captivates visitors.

Zakopane, Poland’s winter capital, boasts a rich tradition and culture that captivates visitors.

Key attractions in the town include:

• Gubałówka Mountain, which offers the best panoramic views of Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains

• Wielka Krokiew, Poland’s largest ski jump and a symbol of the town’s skiing heritage

• The lively tourist promenade, lined with quaint shops selling traditional crafts and local delicacies

• Chocholowska Thermal Baths, where visitors can relax and unwind in the natural hot springs

• Krupowki Street, the main thoroughfare bustling with restaurants, bars, and street vendors.

Inclusions

The tour package includes several key inclusions to provide a comprehensive and hassle-free experience.

Hotel pickup and drop-off ensure a seamless start and end to the day. Entrance tickets to all the attractions are covered, with no extra charges. An experienced English-speaking host accompanies the group, providing valuable insights and information throughout the tour.

Transportation by van is included, making the journey between Kraków and Zakopane comfortable and efficient.

These inclusions work together to deliver a convenient and enriching Kraków to Zakopane experience for travelers.

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Preparation and Recommendations

When preparing for the Kraków to Zakopane tour, visitors should bring a swimsuit and towel. The tour includes a relaxing visit to the Chocholowska Thermal Baths, so these items are essential.

Plus, visitors should dress for winter conditions, as Zakopane is typically 3-5°C cooler than Kraków. Some recommended items include:

• Warm jacket

• Hat, gloves, and scarf

• Sturdy, weatherproof boots

• Layers of clothing for changing weather

• Sunscreen and lip balm

The tour’s itinerary provides a range of activities, so packing appropriately will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Cheese Tasting at a Highlander Shepherd’s Hut

As part of the Kraków to Zakopane tour, visitors get to experience a traditional cheese tasting at a highlander shepherd’s hut.

This 30-minute stop offers a glimpse into the region’s pastoral heritage. Guests will sample award-winning cheeses like oscypek, a smoked sheep’s milk cheese, and bundz, a soft, white cheese.

The shepherd will share the age-old cheesemaking techniques passed down through generations. Visitors can observe the process and learn about the cultural significance of these dairy products in the Tatra Mountains.

It’s a delicious and educational experience that immerses travelers in the local culinary traditions.

Relaxation at Chocholowska Thermal Baths

Capping off the Kraków to Zakopane tour is a relaxing 3-hour soak at the Chocholowska Thermal Baths.

Conclude the Kraków to Zakopane tour with a rejuvenating 3-hour soak at the serene Chocholowska Thermal Baths.

Nestled in the Tatra Mountains, the baths offer a rejuvenating experience:

• Mineral-rich geothermal waters sourced from nearby natural springs

• Temperatures ranging from 32°C to 38°C, perfect for unwinding

• Multiple indoor and outdoor pools, including a children’s pool

• Saunas and steam rooms for added relaxation

• Serene mountain views to soothe the senses

Visitors can indulge in the thermal experience, restore their energy, and prepare for the journey back to Kraków.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Types of Cheese Will Be Sampled During the Tasting?

The tour includes a cheese tasting at a highlander shepherd’s hut, where visitors can sample traditional Polish highland cheeses like oscypek, a smoked sheep’s milk cheese, and bundz, a fresh sheep’s milk cheese.

Are the Thermal Baths Clothing-Optional or Are Swimsuits Required?

The thermal baths require visitors to wear swimsuits. Clothing-optional bathing is not permitted. Swimwear and towels should be brought for the thermal spa portion of the tour.

Can Travelers Bring Their Own Food and Drinks to the Thermal Baths?

Visitors to the thermal baths are generally required to wear swimsuits. Bringing one’s own food and drinks is typically not allowed, as the baths have on-site dining and beverage options available for purchase.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement for the Tour?

There is no minimum group size requirement for the tour. Travelers can join as individuals or in small groups, as the tour is offered on a daily basis regardless of the number of participants.

Are Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated During the Included Meals?

The tour accommodates dietary restrictions for the included meals. Guests can request vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary options when booking, and the tour provider will work to accommodate these preferences.

The Sum Up

This full-day tour from Kraków to Zakopane offers an immersive experience in the breathtaking Tatra Mountains. Visitors can indulge in a cheese tasting, take a cable car for panoramic views, relax at thermal baths, and explore the lively Krupowki Street, all while savoring regional delicacies. The tour provides a hassle-free opportunity to discover the natural beauty and cultural richness of this stunning alpine region.

You can check availability for your dates here: