KRAKOW AND THE TATRAS - FAMILY HOLIDAY

Day 1
Transfer to hotel, afternoon short orientation tour.

Day 2
Today we begin with a sightseeing tour in the company of a local guide. Krakow has some fascinating sites and we visit the Old Town, the old market and Jewish quarter and the Mariacki church. Every hour the Hejnal mariacki is trumpeted from one of the towers. The tune however breaks off in mid flow in commemoration of the 13th century trumpeter who was shot whilst sounding the alarm as the Mongols attacked the city. In the afternoon we visit the Wielizcka Salt Mines just outside Krakow. This unique site has been producing salt since the 13th century and boasts impressive salt sculptures and even an entire chapel carved out of rock salt.

Day 3
We transfer to Zakopane. This 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 4
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 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 '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 incredible Dobsinska Ice Cave. Set at 970m altitude, this is a natural phenomenon. The ambient temperature never climbs above 0, leading to the creation of ice formations, stalagmites and stalactites. Known locally for centuries as the 'Cold Hole' the cave opened to the public in 1870 and has been enthralling visitors ever since. We head on to the mediaeval town of Levoca where we can have lunch before heading to the ruins of 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. Following our visit we head to Stary Smokovec.

Day 8
One of the natural highlights of the area is the Pieniny National Park, on the border with Poland. An excellent way to see this area is to 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 whitewater rafting but a relaxing jaunt so no need to be an expert rafter, although children should be able to swim. On our return to Stary Smokovec we have the afternoon free for optional activities. Stary Smokovec is a great base from which to explore the mountains and there's a great deal on offer such as boat trips on Strbske Pleso, horse riding or a visit to the Belianska Caves.

Day 9
First stop is the funicular railway which will take us steadily up the mountain to Hrebienok, a popular start point for walkers. We will take a leisurely walk to the beautiful waterfalls. We then have free time in the afternoon to relax and further explore the wealth of trails and scenery in this area.

Day 10
Transfer to Krakow, fly to London