Krakow: Zakopane Tour, Thermal Springs, Cable Car & Hotel Pickup

Explore the enchanting Tatra Mountains on a day trip from Krakow to Zakopane. Enjoy the convenience of hotel pickup as you embark on an immersive cultural experience. Ride the cable car up Gubałówka Hill for panoramic vistas, then unwind at the Chocholow Thermal Springs. Indulge in traditional Polish delicacies and discover the charming wooden architecture of the Highlander region. This tour promises a seamless blend of natural beauty, relaxation, and local traditions – an unforgettable glimpse into the heart of southern Poland.

Key Points

• A guided tour of Zakopane to immerse in the rich Highlander culture, including traditional architecture, local cuisine, and artisanal crafts.
• Tasting of the renowned oscypek, a smoked sheep’s cheese, along with other regional specialties in the charming wooden village of Chocholow.
• Panoramic cable car ride up Gubałówka Hill for breathtaking 360-degree views of the Tatra Mountains, including Poland’s highest peak, Rysy.
• Relaxation in the Chocholow Thermal Springs park, featuring mineral-rich hot spring pools with scenic mountain views.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off service for a seamless and convenient Zakopane experience from Krakow.

Discover Highlander Culture

As visitors explore the charming town of Zakopane, they’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the rich Highlander culture that has defined this region for centuries.

From the traditional wooden architecture to the locals’ distinctive dress and customs, the Highlander influence is palpable.

Tourists can savor the region’s renowned smoked sheep’s cheese, a culinary staple, and even sample a shot of Polish vodka for an authentic taste of local hospitality.

With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, travelers can explore the history and heritage that make Zakopane a unique cultural destination.

Taste Traditional Smoked Sheep’s Cheese

Visitors to Zakopane can’t leave without tasting the region’s renowned smoked sheep’s cheese, a culinary staple that exemplifies the Highlander culture.

This artisanal cheese, known as oscypek, is made from salted sheep’s milk and smoked over a fire of pine and juniper wood. The process imparts a rich, nutty flavor and distinctive golden-brown color.

Highlights of the cheese tasting include:

1. Sampling the classic oscypek alongside other regional specialties like bundz and bryndza.
2. Learning about the centuries-old cheesemaking traditions of the Tatra mountain shepherds.
3. Purchasing freshly smoked wheels to take home as a tasty souvenir.

Explore the Wooden Village

The Zakopane tour also takes visitors to the charming wooden village of Chocholow, allowing them to enjoy the traditional architectural style and lifestyle of the Polish Highlanders.

Wooden chalets with steep roofs dot the landscape, showcasing the region’s rich heritage. Visitors can stroll through the quaint streets, admiring the intricate carvings and folk art adorning the buildings.

They may even have the chance to interact with local artisans demonstrating their crafts, such as weaving or woodworking.

This unique cultural experience provides a glimpse into the enduring traditions of the Tatra mountain communities.

Enjoy Panoramic Views via Cable Car

Why not take in the panoramic views of the Tatra Mountains via a thrilling cable car ride? The cable car, or "Gubalówka" as it’s known locally, whisks you up Gubałówka Hill, offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

Here’s what you can expect:

1. A 10-minute cable car journey that climbs 1,126 meters above sea level.
2. Stunning 360-degree views of the majestic Tatra Mountains, including Poland’s highest peak, Rysy.
3. The chance to explore the summit’s hiking trails and enjoy the alpine atmosphere.

This is an unmissable part of the Zakopane tour, providing a bird’s-eye perspective of the region’s natural beauty.

Relax at the Hot Springs Park

After enjoying the panoramic cable car ride, visitors can relax and unwind at the Chocholow Thermal Springs park. The park offers a range of hot spring pools, each with varying water temperatures. Guests can soak in the mineral-rich waters and take in the picturesque mountain views.

Pool	Temperature
Main Pool	35-40°C
Smaller Pool	40-45°C
Outdoor Pool	30-35°C

The thermal experience lasts 2.5 hours, providing ample time to fully unwind. Visitors can also indulge in a traditional cheese tasting and a shot of Polish vodka, seeing the local Highlander culture.

Indulge in a Taste of Polish Vodka

As part of the immersive cultural experience, visitors can indulge in a taste of authentic Polish vodka.

The tour includes a complimentary shot of Polish vodka, offering a chance to sample the national spirit. Polish vodka is known for its smooth, clean taste, often enjoyed neat or with a twist of lemon.

Key highlights:

1. Savor the distinct character of Polish vodka.
2. Experience the traditional spirit in a cultural setting.
3. Enjoy the vodka tasting as part of the overall tour package.

The vodka tasting adds a delightful touch to the Zakopane tour, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the local traditions.

Explore the Zakopane City Center

Visitors can explore the charming Zakopane city center during the allotted free time on the tour.

Stroll along the bustling Krupówki Street, lined with local shops, cafes, and street vendors selling handicrafts and regional delicacies.

Browse the open-air market for traditional highlander souvenirs, such as handmade wool clothing and ornate wooden carvings.

Admire the distinct wooden architecture adorning the buildings throughout the town.

With 2.5 hours of free time, travelers can enjoy the lively atmosphere and soak up the unique Highlander culture that defines Zakopane’s identity.

Convenience of Door-to-Door Service

The door-to-door service provided by the tour offers convenient transportation, eliminating the need for travelers to navigate unfamiliar public transit or arrange their own rides.

This service includes:

1. Hotel pickup from your accommodation in Krakow.
2. Direct transportation to Zakopane, without the hassle of finding your own way.
3. Drop-off back at your Krakow hotel at the end of the tour, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience.

This door-to-door service allows you to make the most of your time, focusing on enjoying the tour’s activities and sights without the worry of logistics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Cancel the Tour at Any Time?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. However, cancelling closer to the tour date may result in fees or inability to receive a refund.

Is the Tour Suitable for Those With Medical Conditions?

The tour is generally suitable for most travelers, but may not be appropriate for those with serious medical conditions. Guests are advised to consider their health status before booking.

How Many Travelers Are Allowed per Group?

The tour has a maximum of 20 travelers per group. It is not suitable for those with serious medical conditions, but most travelers can participate.

What Is the Exact Pickup Time the Day Before?

The exact pickup time is provided to travelers the day before the tour, which can occur between 8:30 and 9:00 AM. The tour has a maximum of 20 travelers per group.

Is the Transportation Comfortable for the Full-Day Tour?

The transportation for the full-day tour is generally comfortable, though some travelers note it can feel cramped with a maximum of 20 travelers. The round-trip door-to-door service from Krakow provides convenient pickup and drop-off.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a well-rounded experience, blending nature, culture, and relaxation. From stunning cable car views to traditional cheese tasting and mineral-rich hot springs, it provides an immersive glimpse into Highlander life. With convenient hotel pickup, travelers can sit back and enjoy this enchanting journey from Krakow to the breathtaking Tatra Mountains in Zakopane.