Poland & Slovakia: Krakow, Tatras & Bears

Poland & Slovakia: Krakow, Tatras & Bears

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Poland & Slovakia: Krakow, Tatras & Bears

9 Days Starting and ending in KRAKÓW (POLAND)

Visiting: Kraków, Wieliczka, Ždiar, Belianske Tatras, Pieniński Park Narodowy, Liptovský Hrádok, Tatra Mountains, Poprad, Spišská Sobota, Spiš Castle, Levoča

Tour operator:

Wild Frontiers

Tour code:

TAT

Recommended For:

Couples, Singles

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 12

Physical rating:

High, Moderate / High

Age range:

1-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact Wild Frontiers with any specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:
English
Activities:

Sightseeing, Trekking, Walking

Private Available:

Request A Private Tour

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

The mountains and forests of central and eastern Slovakia are refuge to a collection of wildlife that evokes in the imagination a Europe of wild and ancient lore. Its ragged peaks and spectacular national parks are home to wolf and lynx, wild boar and rare chamois. And amongst these Carpathian highlands we can find one of the last bastions of Europe’s wild bears.Benefiting from the pioneering work of David Guthrie, Peter Lapsansky and the ‘Project Bear’ team, this remarkable journey takes us deep into the heart of the Tatras Mountains, one of the last regions in mainland Europe where we can still see bears in their natural environment in significant numbers. In the company of experienced guides, we will trek through some of the finest alpine scenery on the continent, enjoying a rare opportunity to view magnificent mega fauna against the stirring backdrop of the towering Tatras ranges.With a chance to also enjoy the abundant treasures that lie within the historic embraces of Kraków, Levoca and the towns of the Spiš region, this is a rare opportunity to enjoy the cultural and natural bounty of a Europe that is fast disappearing into folklore.

Highlights

  • Hike the mountain strongholds of some of Europe’s last wild bears

  • Discover the rich beauty of Slovakia’s national parks

  • Explore the World Heritage sites of Kraków and the Wieliczka Salt Mines

  • Raft the waters of the Dunajec River

  • Uncover the Medieval charms of Levoca and the Spiš region

  • Indulge in traditional Polish and Slovakian cuisine

Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1 : Tour Starts In Kraków (Poland)
Location: Kraków
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: M29 or similar
Meals Included: No Meals

This extraordinary journey begins in the historic Polish city of Kraków, one of the country’s oldest and most beautiful cities. We will be staying in the heart of the city’s historic Jewish Quarter. This afternoon we’ll enjoy an organised tour of the old city, along with the medieval setting of Kazimierz and its ancient synagogues.

Day 2 : Morning Tour Of Wielickza Salt Mines
Location: Wieliczka
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: M29 or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast

Architecturally stunning, with a historical pedigree that can trace its origins back to the 13th century, Kraków’s historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that can lay claim to Europe’s largest market square. This morning we will visit the extraordinary salt mine at Wielickza. Worked since the 13th century, the mine today is an official Polish Historic Monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, whose labyrinthine tunnels and passageways are filled with chapels, chandeliers and statues that offer up a fascinating insight into the creativity and cultural traditions of the miners that once worked these subterranean chambers. The afternoon is then free to continue exploring Poland’s former royal capital at your leisure, enjoying its abundant culinary charms and captivating Renaissance style.

Day 3 : Kraków - Ždiar (Slovakia)
Location: Kraków, Ždiar
Accommodation: Aja Pension or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

Departing Kraków after breakfast this morning we drive south, towards the Slovakian border and the mountain strongholds of the Goral people. Staunchly traditional, these mountain people have lived in the shadow of the High Tatras for generations and their villages and architecture still retain a uniquely distinctive style. Taking to the forested trails that run through the mountains, we have some good chances of spotting wild boar and red deer this afternoon, before finishing our 10-kilometre walk in the famous Goral village of Osturna.Approx. 3-4 hrs walking, 10kms, maximum altitude 1190m / minimum altitude 690m

Day 4 : Walking In The Belianske Tatras Mountains
Location: Belianske Tatras
Accommodation: Aja Pension or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

An early start sees us travelling the short distance to Javorina (1050m), from where we commence a 20-kilometre hike through the beautiful Belianske Tatras Mountains. Part of the Tatras National Park, these trails offer spectacular mountain scenery and some excellent opportunities for seeing some of Slovakia’s fabulous mountain wildlife. Home to endangered Tatra chamois, black woodpeckers and majestic brown bears, we head across the Kopske saddle (1750m) and down to the Plesnivec Mountain Refuge before descending to Kotlina (765m), from where we return to Ždiar.Approx 5-6 hrs walking, 20kms, maximum altitude 1750m / minimum altitude 765m

Day 5 : Ždiar - Pieniny National Park - Liptovský Hrádok
Location: Ždiar, Pieniński Park Narodowy, Liptovský Hrádok
Accommodation: Chateau Grand Castle or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch,

Nominated for inclusion on UNESCO’s World Heritage listing, the Dunajec River and its spectacular 18 kilometre gorge lie within the captivating confines of the Pieniny National Park. This morning affords an opportunity to take to its waters aboard rafts, to enjoy a couple of hours leisurely floating through its serene backdrop. A gentle afternoon drive then takes in the resort towns that lie amongst the High and Western Tatras ranges, ending at Liptovský Hrádok and the beautiful Grand Castle Hotel.

Day 6 : Searching For Bears Amongst The Valleys And Forests Of The Tatras Mountains
Location: Tatra Mountains
Accommodation: Tri Studnicky or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

A pre-dawn start sees us heading off into hidden valley landscapes in the company of specialist rangers. Walking up through the pine forests and along animal trails that lead out above the tree-line, we enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks as we emerge into a landscape that is amongst the finest anywhere in Europe in which to see bears in their natural environment. After a day of walking we spend this evening overnighting at the stunningly located Tri Studnicky Ranger Pension.The walking distance today will depend on local information about bear sightings, approximately we will be walking for 5 - 7 hrs covering an altitude between 1,200m - 2,000m

Day 7 : Morning Hike Then On To Poprad And Spišská Sobota
Location: Poprad, Spišská Sobota
Accommodation: Sv Juraj or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

Continuing this morning much as we ended yesterday, we again set off in the company of an expert ranger to search out the bears and other wildlife that make these mountains their home. Venturing far from more established trails we make a number of stops along the route, in the hope of spotting some of the regions more exotic fauna. Following lunch we then drive the short distance to the historic town of Spišská Sobota, whose beautifully preserved medieval square provides the setting for a leisurely afternoon.The walking distance today will depend on local information about bear sightings, approximately we will be walking for 3 - 4 hrs

Day 8 : Spišská Sobota - Spiš - Levoca - Spišská Sobota
Location: Spišská Sobota, Spiš Castle, Levoča, Spišská Sobota
Accommodation: Sv Juraj or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch,

Slovakia’s Spiš region grew rich on the trade that once plied the routes through the High Tatras during the 14th and 15th centuries. Our day will include visits to the magnificent setting of Spiš Castle, as well as the UNESCO listed town of Levoca, whose historic heart is considered a Renaissance jewel among the Slovak towns of the region. Home to the world’s highest Gothic wooden altar, the town can also boast the patronage of one of the medieval world’s finest woodcarvers, Master Pavol of Levoca.

Day 9 : Spišská Sobota - Kraków (Poland)
Location: Spišská Sobota, Kraków
Meals Included: Breakfast

Early this morning we will head back to Kraków airport, where our trip ends.

What's Included

  • MEALS

    8 x Breakfasts, 6 x Lunches, 4 x Dinners

  • TRANSPORT

    On this tour we will use minibuses and a raft.

  • GROUP SIZE

    Maximum: 12

  • CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS

    Contributions to carbon offset & tree planting projects for all bookings

  • EXPERT TEAM

    The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate

  • ACCOMMODATION

    4 nights x Premium4 nights x Superior

  • ENTRANCE FEES

    All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary

  • FITNESS RATING

    Moderate / High

What's Not Included

We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational .Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UKAirport .Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights.Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs

Visas

Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact our recommended visa agency, Travcour www.travcour.com  For this tour UK passport holders currently do not require a visa for Poland or Slovakia.  Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements. Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.

Key Aspects to Consider

Anyone in a decent state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour. However, please note there are planned walks on most days, some of which are longish and which do take in some steep gradients. Therefore all participants should be sufficiently fit and both used to and comfortable with hill-walking.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 2002

  • Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?

    In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.

Reviews from Travellers on this Tour

Catherine Wilkinson  

Catherine Wilkinson

My first Wild Frontiers trip blew my expectations away - I'm not sure I'll be able to cope travelling with other companies now!

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Wild Frontiers allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 90 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wild frontiers charges.

    Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 51 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

  • Wild Frontiers' COVID Promise

    You will have the right to transfer without any transfer fee, from any of our trips at ANY time if your trip is not Covid Viable (see below).*
    We will not ask you to pay your final balance if your trip is not yet Covid Viable.
    If your trip is not Covid Viable, by 30 days prior to departure at the latest, we will cancel your holiday and you can either transfer your funds to another departure or have a refund.**


    We will only consider a trip Covid Viable*** if pre-departure it meets all of the following criteria:

    There is no national lockdown or ban on foreign travel for the period when your trip is due to depart.
    Destinations on the tour must not be on the UK’s Red List. ****
    No destinations visited on the tour have in place any significant COVID-19 restrictions for travellers.
    Tourist visas (if required) are available.
    There is reliable airline access to/from the start/end of the trip.
    Following an assessment by both Wild Frontiers and our local partners we are confident that your trip is able to run in both a safe and enjoyable manner.*****




    ** If you were originally booked to travel before 30 April 2020 and transferred to a later date, or if you have a tailor-made booking, there may be some irrecoverable costs which we cannot refund. Please speak to us and we will be able to advise you if this is the case for your booking.
    ***Since our HQ is in London, Covid Viable status for our Group Tours will be assessed on UK-based travellers. However we are fully aware that many of our clients live in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. As such, when we deem a trip to now be Covid Viable, everyone booked will have a chance to review their own personal situation before deciding whether or not to remain booked on the trip. Anyone wishing to, will have the option to transfer without fees to another trip at this time. For tailor made bookings, we may also able to consider additional countries’ travel advice when deciding if a trip is Viable. Please discuss this with us at the time of booking.
    **** This relates to bookings from UK clients only. We may operate trips to destinations which the British FCDO advise against travel for Covid reasons. If this is the case, anyone wishing to will have the option to cancel with a refund or transfer to another trip. In some cases we may choose to offer a tour to a Red destination but these will be at both clients’ and Wild Frontiers’ discretion and will be subject to alternative conditions to be discussed on an ad hoc basis.
    *****If a destination, that we have deemed to be Covid Viable, subsequently fails any aspect of the criteria for two consecutive weeks, you will have the right under our Covid Promise to transfer without any fees.

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