KRAKOW AND THE TATRAS FAMILY HOLIDAY

11 days from GBP849 to GBP899 including flights

Tripcode: FVN

Itinerary

FVN - KRAKOW AND THE TATRAS FAMILY HOLIDAY

Day 1: We depart London Gatwick for the flight to Krakow and drive to our hotel in Zakopane, a journey of about two hours by private minibus. Those making their own flight arrangements should join us in the evening in Zakopane. Or by prior arrangement you may meet the group at Krakow Airport.
Day 2: The mountain resort of Zakopane is set in the foothills of the Tatras with dramatic mountain scenery all around. In the winter the area becomes Poland's 'winter capital' as skiers flock to the slopes but in the summer months the snow melts to reveal upland meadows carpeted with flowers, clear lakes and the jagged peaks of the Tatras high above. We start our day with a visit to one of the most impressive sporting locations, the big hill ski jump. At 90m high this is for only the bravest or most foolhardy competitors and even in the summer athletes are here training their skills. The area is also home to a regional culinary speciality, smoked cheese. Produced in the many pretty wood-built villages that dot the forests we have the chance to see how this is done and try the produce. There is also the chance today to take a funicular railway ride for great mountain views and to stretch the legs on a relaxing walk through the beautiful forests of the Koscielisko valley.
Day 3: The morning is free for individual exploration of Zakopane or simply the chance to have a lie-in. In the afternoon we travel a short distance away from Zakopane and take a gentle cycle ride through the Chocholwska valley. The route is generally flat with very little traffic and the occasional horse drawn cart and is a lovely way to enjoy the country scenery. The total cycle ride will be approximately 16kms. For those with tired legs there is the chance to soak the muscles in a geothermal pool after the day's ride is complete. We round the day off on a high point by enjoying a cable car ride to Mt. Kasprowy peak to enjoy the spectacular mountain panorama.
Day 4: We drive east today from Zakopane towards the Slovakian border and the chance to try one of the most famous activities in the region; traditional wooden rafts. We take to the water and bob down the spectacular Dunajec gorge passing mediaeval castles and buildings that cling to the surrounding expanses of stone. Don't worry this is not white water rafting but a relaxing jaunt so no need to be an expert rafter, although children should be able to swim. We return to Zakopane nice and dry in the late afternoon.
Day 5: We drive to the Slovakian border before taking to some lovely horse drawn carts. These gently take us to the beautiful Morskie Oko Lake for lunch and nice short walk. After this break we continue by bus to the city of Poprad in Slovakia. This rapidly developing location is known as the gateway to the High Tatras.
Day 6: We spend a full day at Poprad's brand new 'Aqua City' water activity centre, home to a huge range of daredevil flumes and slides and great fun for all of the family. If all of this excitement gets too much, then there is also an excellent range of health spas and a wellness clinic where parents may choose to unwind.
Day 7: Leaving Poprad, this morning we visit the impressive Spis Castle, set right in the heart of the rural Slovakian hinterland. The castle has been beautifully restored and is a great place to explore and let imaginations get to work. From here we transfer into the High Tatra Mountains to ride the funicular railway from Stary Smokovec. This takes us right up into the hills from where there are a number of pleasant forest walks and also good mountain views. The outdoor terrace at the nearby mountain hut makes a fabulous place for refreshments en route.
Day 8: We transfer to the amazing cave complex at Demianovska, where a guided tour takes us deep into the limestone caverns. Here the various formations are truly spectacular. After lunch we transfer back across the border into Poland, arriving in Krakow late afternoon.
Day 9: The ancient city of Krakow has a magnificent mediaeval centre, with a huge market square - the biggest in Eastern Europe - and several Gothic churches. We take a short tour on foot of the main sights of the old city, including the Mariacki church, Old Market, the Jewish quarter and of course the Royal Castle of Wawel. Undoubtedly the highlight of any visit to Krakow, Wawel Castle is renowned as the best example of renaissance style on the north side of the Alps. In the afternoon we will visit the impressive and labyrinth like Wieliczka Salt Mine. This vast network of tunnels and rooms now covers 9 levels to a depth of 327m and was described by an eighteenth-century visitor as being 'as remarkable as the Pyramids and more useful'. This huge mediaeval underground salt mine contains chambers, chapels and even concert halls all excavated from salt by hand. Such is its historic value and uniqueness that it has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 10: Free day for further exploration and to soak up the unique atmosphere of Krakow, Poland's finest city.
Day 11: We transfer to Krakow airport in the morning and catch our flight to London. Those on Land Only arrangements will leave us in Krakow after breakfast.