ZAKOPANE & THERMAL SPRINGS, Funicular, Cheese Tasting

Escape the bustling city life and venture into the serene rural landscapes of southern Poland. Explore the charming village of Chocholow, where you’ll visit a traditional shepherd’s hut and savor the region’s renowned smoked cheese. In the lively town of Zakopane, ride the eco-friendly funicular railway up Gubalowka mountain for panoramic views of the Tatra Mountains. But the real treat awaits as you unwind in the natural mineral-rich thermal pools, with both outdoor and indoor options for year-round relaxation. Enjoy the authentic culture and tranquility of the Polish countryside – an experience that’ll truly revive the senses.

Key Points

• Visit the charming town of Zakopane and ride the funicular railway up Gubalowka mountain for panoramic views of the Tatra Mountains.
• Explore the pastoral village of Chocholow and observe the traditional cheese-making process at a shepherd’s hut.
• Indulge in the region’s renowned smoked cheese and sample the local delicacies in the lively markets of Zakopane.
• Relax in the natural mineral-rich thermal pools, with outdoor and indoor options, as well as saunas and steam rooms.
• Convenient air-conditioned transportation from Krakow and an English-speaking guide to provide a seamless and informative journey.

Escape the Busy City

Why not escape the busy city of Krakow for a day in the peaceful Polish countryside?

This tour offers a convenient way to do just that, with a comfortable air-conditioned transfer and an English-speaking guide to lead the way.

You’ll leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind as you venture into the serene rural landscapes of southern Poland.

Along the way, you’ll have the chance to explore the charming village of Chocholow, taking in the traditional wooden architecture and visiting a shepherd’s hut to sample local smoked cheese.

It’s the perfect opportunity to learn about the authentic culture and tranquility of the Polish countryside, away from the crowds and chaos of the city.

Conveniently Travel by Car/Van/Minibus

The tour transports travelers from Krakow to the Polish countryside in the comfort of an air-conditioned car, van, or minibus, providing a convenient and hassle-free way to explore the region.

An English-speaking driver/guide accompanies the group, ensuring a seamless and informative journey.

The vehicle’s climate-controlled environment offers respite from the elements, allowing visitors to relax and soak in the passing scenery.

With pickup directly from their accommodations in Krakow, guests can sit back and enjoy the scenic drive without the worry of navigating unfamiliar roads.

This efficient mode of transportation allows the group to make the most of their time, transitioning smoothly between the various attractions and activities on the itinerary.

Explore Chocholow Village and Zakopane

After departing Krakow, the tour makes its way through the Polish countryside, stopping first in the quaint village of Chocholow. Here, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy the local culture, as they visit a traditional shepherd’s hut and sample the region’s renowned smoked cheese.

Next, the group travels to the mountain town of Zakopane, nestled in the Tatra Mountains. Visitors can:

• Ride the funicular railway up Gubalowka mountain for panoramic views
• Explore the town’s charming streets and traditional wooden architecture
• Browse the lively local markets for handmade crafts and regional delicacies
• Enjoy free time to discover Zakopane’s vibrant culture and outdoor activities

Admire the stunning natural scenery of the surrounding Tatra Mountains.

Visit a Shepherd’s Hut

From the charming village of Chocholow, the tour makes its way to a traditional shepherd’s hut, where visitors can enjoy the local culture and sample the region’s renowned smoked cheese.

At the hut, guests are welcomed by a friendly shepherd who proudly showcases the time-honored cheese-making process. Visitors have the opportunity to observe the shepherd tending to the herd and learn about the intricate techniques used to create the rich, smoky cheese.

After the demonstration, guests are invited to savor the flavorful cheese, paired perfectly with fresh-baked bread. This hands-on experience provides a unique glimpse into the pastoral lifestyle of the Polish countryside and allows travelers to connect with the region’s heritage through its iconic dairy products.

Ride the Funicular Railway

Upon reaching the town of Zakopane, visitors are whisked up the slopes of Gubalowka mountain aboard the efficient funicular railway. This eco-friendly mode of transport effortlessly carries passengers to the summit, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding Tatra Mountains.

The funicular’s modern carriages and smooth operation provide a comfortable and convenient way for travelers to ascend the scenic incline and enjoy Zakopane’s stunning alpine setting.

At the top, visitors can:

• Admire the breathtaking views of the Tatra peaks
• Explore hiking trails and lookout points
• Visit the historic Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima
• Indulge in local cuisine and artisanal crafts
• Capture memorable photos of the picturesque landscape

Enjoy Free Time in Zakopane

With the funicular ride complete, visitors are treated to an abundance of free time to enjoy the vibrant heart of Zakopane. They can stroll the lively Krupówki Street, admiring the charming wooden architecture and browsing the stalls brimming with traditional crafts, regional cuisine, and warm winter attire. Visitors may choose to visit the inspiring Jaszczurówka Chapel, marveling at its distinctive wooden construction, or wander through the tranquil pine forests that surround the town, taking in the invigorating mountain air.

Activity	Description
Krupówki Street	Explore the lively main street, admire the wooden architecture, and browse local shops and stalls.
Jaszczurówka Chapel	Marvel at the distinctive wooden construction of this historic and beautiful chapel.
Pine Forests	Wander through the peaceful pine forests surrounding Zakopane and breathe in the fresh mountain air.
Regional Cuisine	Savor traditional Polish dishes and local specialties at the many cafes and restaurants.

Relax in the Thermal Pools

Visitors can enjoy the soothing warmth of the thermal pools, which offer a rejuvenating respite from the day’s activities. The pools are fed by natural mineral-rich springs, providing a luxurious and therapeutic experience amidst the picturesque mountain setting.

Guests can unwind and rejuvenate their senses in the various thermal pools, which include:

• An outdoor pool with stunning mountain views
• A children’s pool for families
• An indoor pool for year-round relaxation
• Jacuzzi jets and massage functions for sore muscles
• Saunas and steam rooms to detoxify and invigorate

The thermal springs are known for their health-boosting properties, making this the perfect way to end a day of exploration in the Polish countryside.

Inclusions and Logistics

The tour package includes all the necessary arrangements to make the day trip as seamless and convenient as possible. Transport is provided to and from Krakow, with pickups directly from the customer’s selected hotel or apartment. The pickup time is communicated a day before the tour, allowing participants to plan accordingly.

The group size is capped at a maximum of 22 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. Infant seats are also available for families.

Upon arrival at the destinations, travelers will receive an informative brochure in their language of choice, providing them with all the details they need to make the most of their day. The tour offers a perfect blend of guided experiences and free time, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Guests are generally permitted to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, the tour operator may have specific guidelines or restrictions, so it’s best to check with them prior to the tour.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Location?

The tour allocates approximately 1-2 hours at each location, allowing visitors ample time to explore the shepherd’s hut, ride the funicular railway, and relax in the thermal pools before returning to Krakow.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Disabilities?

The tour offers accessibility options for travelers with disabilities. It provides wheelchair-friendly transportation and access to the thermal springs. However, the funicular railway and some outdoor activities may have limited accessibility. Guests should inquire about specific needs when booking.

Can I Extend the Tour to Include Additional Activities?

Yes, the tour can likely be extended to include additional activities. Travelers should contact the tour operator to discuss customization options and any additional costs. The tour operator may be able to accommodate requests for extra experiences.

What Should I Bring to Make the Most of the Experience?

To make the most of this experience, visitors should bring comfortable walking shoes, warm layers, and swimwear for the thermal pools. They may also want to bring a small amount of cash for any optional purchases like souvenirs or additional food.

Recap

Venture into the picturesque Polish countryside to discover the charming villages, majestic mountain views, and rejuvenating thermal springs.

Explore Chocholow and savor traditional smoked cheese, then ride the funicular up Gubalowka in Zakopane for panoramic vistas of the Tatra Mountains.

Unwind in the natural mineral-rich pools, with both indoor and outdoor options for year-round relaxation.

This tranquil rural escape offers an authentic cultural experience away from the busy city.