If you like hiking then you’re going to love this Poland & Slovakia itinerary, which is bookended with visits to the beautiful cities of Krakow and Bratislava. Click for Luxury, Mid-range or Budget.
Here’s your Poland & Slovakia itinerary:
| Luxury |  |
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| 1 | โTo Krakow(Book >) | Dep: 08:40 | Arr: 12:05 | ๐จQueen Boutique Hotel (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Explore the Old Town and massive Market Square, donโt miss the Church of the Virgin Mary and Wawel Cathedral. | Book a transfer to your hotel. | ||||
| 2 | Two choices today: experience the fascinating salt mines or visit Auschwitz. Back in Krakow get to know the lively streets of the Jewish District (Kazimierz). | A trumpeter plays every hour on the hour from the highest tower of the Church of the Virgin Mary. | |||
| 3 | ๐Krakow to Zakopane bus (Book >) | Dep: 15:00 | Arr: 17:15 | ๐จAries Hotel (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Spend a couple of hours in Krakow’s Royal Castle. In Zakopane soak up the buzz along Krupowki Street and the more sedate Cmentarz Zasluzonych na Peksowym Brzyzku. | The small patterned blocks of smoked sheeps cheese (oscypek) on sale at stalls in Zakopane are perfect for taking on a hike. | ||||
| 4 | ๐Zakopane to Morskie Oko bus (Times >) | Dep from: 07:40 | ๐จMorskie Oko Hut (Book >) | ||
| Take the bus to ลysa Polana and hike the 10km (uphill!) to Morskie Oko where you can leave your bags at the hut and explore the lakes. | This map gives you an idea of walk times and effort, but buy a 1:150000 map too. | ||||
| 5 | ๐ถMorskie Oko to Murowaniec hike | Dep: 08:00 | Arr: 16:00 | ๐จHala Gฤ siennicowa Hut (Book >) | |
| A stupendous hike in the mountains today, through forests, over streams and with magnificent views throughout | Accommodation in mountain huts isn’t luxurious but is popular – book ahead early. | ||||
| 6 | ๐ถMurowaniec to Zakopane hike ๐Zakopane ul. Balzera Nosal to Tatranskรก Lomnica bus (Times >) ๐Tatranskรก Lomnica to Stary Smokovec train ๐Stary Smokovec to ล trbskรฉ Pleso train (Book >) |
Dep: 15:12 Dep: 16:34 Dep: 17:01 |
Arr: 16:27 Arr: 16:48 Arr: 17:42 |
๐จKempinski Grand Tatras (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Start the day with a lovely hike back to Zakopane. Enjoy a well-earned spa in your hotel. | One of the best hotel spas I’ve seen so spend plenty of time here! | ||||
| 7 | Easy walk along a wide track to Popradske Pleso lake. | You can get lunch at the hotel beside the lake. | |||
| 8 | ๐ถล trbskรฉ Pleso to Zamkovskรฉho chata hike | Hike takes about 7hrs | ๐จZamkovskรฉho chata (Book >) | ||
| Long day hike. Take the train to Vyลกnรฉ Hรกgy and walk up to Sliezsky dom where you can pick up the trail to Zamkovskรฉho chata. | Mountain huts offer good value, plentiful meals saving you the effort of carrying too much food. | ||||
| 9 | ๐ถZamkovskรฉho chata to Tatranskรก Lomnica hike ๐Tatranskรก Lomnica to Poprad train ๐Poprad to Spiลกskรฉ Tomรกลกovce train (Book >) |
Dep: 15:35 | Arr: 15:54 | ๐จKempinski Grand Tatras (Book >) | All hotels > |
| You’ll end this morning’s walk at Stanica lanovky ล tart cable car station from where you can get a ride up to Lomnickรฝ ลกtรญt. | |||||
| 10 | Embark on an adventure along the gorges, up the ladders and through the woods and meadows of Slovak Paradise National Park. | It’s a 40 min drive to the national park. | |||
| 11 | ๐Spiลกskรฉ Tomรกลกovce to Poprad train ๐Poprad to Bratislava train (Book >) |
Dep: 11:04 Dep: 11:33 |
Arr: 11:26 Arr: 16:07 |
๐จGrand River Park (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Acquaint yourself with the winding streets of the Old Town where you’ll find former palaces and photogenic architecture. | Book ahead to see the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra at the National Theatre. | ||||
| 12 | Take part in a free walking tour which will take in the Blue Church, St Michael’s Tower, Hlavne Namestie, the old town hall and St. Martin’s Cathedral. | Although free walking tours are free, don’t forget to tip at the end if you enjoyed your experience. | |||
| 13 | โBratislava to Home (Book >) | Dep: 21:10 | Arr: 22:25 | Connect this Poland and Slovakia itinerary with the Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria itinerary | |
| Visit Bratislava castle for top views and pretty gardens. If time, take the bus to Hrad castle. Book a transfer to the airport. | |||||
| Mid-range |  |
||||
| 1 | โTo Krakow(Book >) | Dep: 08:40 | Arr: 12:05 | ๐จHotel Amadeus (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Explore the Old Town and massive Market Square, donโt miss the Church of the Virgin Mary and Wawel Cathedral. | Trains depart every 30 mins from the airport, arriving at the city train station 20 mins later. | ||||
| 2 | Two choices today: experience the fascinating salt mines or visit Auschwitz. Back in Krakow get to know the lively streets of the Jewish District (Kazimierz). | A trumpeter plays every hour on the hour from the highest tower of the Church of the Virgin Mary. | |||
| 3 | ๐Krakow to Zakopane bus (Book >) | Dep: 15:00 | Arr: 17:15 | ๐จAparthotel Bellamonte (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Spend a couple of hours in Krakow’s Royal Castle. In Zakopane soak up the buzz along Krupowki Street and the more sedate Cmentarz Zasluzonych na Peksowym Brzyzku. | The small patterned blocks of smoked sheeps cheese (oscypek) on sale at stalls in Zakopane are perfect for taking on a hike. | ||||
| 4 | ๐Zakopane to Morskie Oko bus (Times >) | Dep from: 07:40 | ๐จMorskie Oko Hut (Book >) | ||
| Take the bus to ลysa Polana and hike the 10km (uphill!) to Morskie Oko where you can leave your bags at the hut and explore the lakes. | This map gives you an idea of walk times and effort, but buy a 1:150000 map too. | ||||
| 5 | ๐ถMorskie Oko to Murowaniec hike | Dep: 08:00 | Arr: 16:00 | ๐จHala Gฤ siennicowa Hut (Book >) | |
| A stupendous hike in the mountains today, through forests, over streams and with magnificent views throughout. | Accommodation in mountain huts isn’t luxurious but is popular – book ahead early. | ||||
| 6 | ๐ถMurowaniec to Zakopane hike ๐Zakopane ul. Balzera Nosal to Tatranskรก Lomnica bus (Times >) ๐Tatranskรก Lomnica to Stary Smokovec train ๐Stary Smokovec to ล trbskรฉ Pleso train (Book >) |
Dep: 15:12 Dep: 16:34 Dep: 17:01 |
Arr: 16:27 Arr: 16:48 Arr: 17:42 |
๐จHotel Solisko (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Start the day with a lovely hike back to Zakopane. Enjoy a well-earned spa in your hotel. | The hotel is a short walk from the train station. | ||||
| 7 | ๐ถล trbskรฉ Pleso to Popradske Pleso hike | Hike takes about 1hr 30 | ๐จHotel Horsky (Book >) | ||
| Easy walk along a wide track to this basic but well-located lakeside hotel. | Shop for food and drink for the hike in Strbske Pleso. | ||||
| 8 | ๐ถPopradske Pleso to Zamkovskรฉho chata hike | Hike takes about 7hrs | ๐จZamkovskรฉho chata (Book >) | ||
| Long hike. The direct route is fairly precipitous and so you may wish to take the train to Vyลกnรฉ Hรกgy and walk up to Sliezsky dom where you can pick up the trail again to Zamkovskรฉho chata. | Mountain huts offer good value, plentiful meals saving you the effort of carrying too much food. | ||||
| 9 | ๐ถZamkovskรฉho chata to Tatranskรก Lomnica hike ๐Tatranskรก Lomnica to Poprad train ๐Poprad to Spiลกskรฉ Tomรกลกovce train (Book >) |
Dep: 15:35 | Arr: 15:54 |
๐จSoludus-Spiลกskรฝ ฤพudovรฝ dom (Book >) | |
| You’ll end this morning’s walk at Stanica lanovky ล tart cable car station from where you can get a ride up to Lomnickรฝ ลกtรญt. | It’s a 30 min walk along quiet roads to ฤingov. | ||||
| 10 | Embark on an adventure along the gorges, up the ladders and through the woods and meadows of Slovak Paradise National Park. | Get a map of the park from the ฤingov tourist office before you depart. | |||
| 11 | ๐Spiลกskรฉ Tomรกลกovce to Poprad train ๐Poprad to Bratislava train (Book >) |
Dep: 11:04 Dep: 11:33 |
Arr: 11:26 Arr: 16:07 |
๐จMarrol’s Boutique Hotel (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Acquaint yourself with the winding streets of the Old Town where you’ll find former palaces and photogenic architecture. | Before leaving on this Poland & Slovakia itinerary book ahead to see the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra at the National Theatre. | ||||
| 12 | Take part in a free walking tour which will take in the Blue Church, St Michael’s Tower, Hlavne Namestie, the old town hall and St. Martin’s Cathedral. | Although free walking tours are free, don’t forget to tip at the end if you enjoyed your experience. | |||
| 13 | โBratislava to Home (Book >) | Dep: 21:10 | Arr: 22:25 | Connect this Poland and Slovakia itinerary with the Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria itinerary | |
| Visit Bratislava castle for top views and pretty gardens. If time, take the bus to Hrad castle. | |||||
| Budget |  |
||||
| 1 | โTo Krakow (Book >) | Dep: 08:40 | Arr: 12:05 | ๐จSecret Garden Hostel (Book >) | All hostels > |
| Explore the Old Town and massive Market Square, donโt miss the Church of the Virgin Mary and Wawel Cathedral. | Trains depart every 30 mins from the airport, arriving at the city train station 20 mins later. | ||||
| 2 | Two choices today: experience the fascinating salt mines or visit Auschwitz. Back in Krakow get to know the lively streets of the Jewish District (Kazimierz). | A trumpeter plays every hour on the hour from the highest tower of the Church of the Virgin Mary. | |||
| 3 | ๐Krakow to Zakopane bus (Book >) | Dep: 15:00 | Arr: 17:15 | ๐จGood Bye Lenin Hostel (Book >) | All hostels > |
| Spend a couple of hours in Krakow’s Royal Castle. In Zakopane soak up the buzz along Krupowki Street and the more sedate Cmentarz Zasluzonych na Peksowym Brzyzku. | The small patterned blocks of smoked sheeps cheese (oscypek) on sale at stalls in Zakopane are perfect for taking on a hike. | ||||
| 4 | ๐Zakopane to Morskie Oko bus (Times >) | Dep from: 07:40 | ๐จMorskie Oko Hut (Book >) | ||
| Take the bus to ลysa Polana and hike the 10km (uphill!) to Morskie Oko where you can leave your bags at the hut and explore the lakes. | This map gives you an idea of walk times and effort, but buy a 1:150000 map too. | ||||
| 5 | ๐ถMorskie Oko to Murowaniec hike | Dep: 08:00 | Arr: 16:00 | ๐จHala Gฤ siennicowa Hut (Book >) | |
| A stupendous hike in the mountains today, through forests, over streams and with magnificent views throughout | Accommodation in mountain huts isn’t luxurious but is popular – book ahead early. | ||||
| 6 | ๐ถMurowaniec to Zakopane hike ๐Zakopane ul. Balzera Nosal to Tatranskรก Lomnica bus (Times >) ๐Tatranskรก Lomnica to Stary Smokovec train ๐Stary Smokovec to ล trbskรฉ Pleso train (Book >) |
Dep: 15:12 Dep: 16:34 Dep: 17:01 |
Arr: 16:27 Arr: 16:48 Arr: 17:42 |
๐จล trbskรฉ Pleso rental (Book >) | All properties > |
| Start the day with a lovely hike back to Zakopane. Enjoy a well-earned spa in your hotel. | The hotel is a short walk from the train station. | ||||
| 7 | ๐ถล trbskรฉ Pleso to Popradske Pleso hike | Hike takes about 1hr 30 | ๐จHotel Horsky (Book >) | ||
| Easy walk along a wide track to this basic but well-located lakeside hotel. | Shop for food and drink for the hike in Strbske Pleso. | ||||
| 8 | ๐ถPopradske Pleso to Zamkovskรฉho chata hike | Hike takes about 7hrs | ๐จZamkovskรฉho chata (Book >) | ||
| Long hike. The direct route is fairly precipitous and so you may wish to take the train to Vyลกnรฉ Hรกgy and walk up to Sliezsky dom where you can pick up the trail again to Zamkovskรฉho chata. | Mountain huts offer good value, plentiful meals saving you the effort of carrying too much food. | ||||
| 9 | ๐ถZamkovskรฉho chata to Tatranskรก Lomnica hike ๐Tatranskรก Lomnica to Poprad train ๐Poprad to Spiลกskรฉ Tomรกลกovce train (Book>) |
Dep: 15:35 | Arr: 15:54 |
๐จSoludus-Spiลกskรฝ ฤพudovรฝ dom (Book >) | |
| You’ll end this morning’s walk at Stanica lanovky ล tart cable car station from where you can get a ride up to Lomnickรฝ ลกtรญt. | It’s a 30 min walk along quiet roads to ฤingov. | ||||
| 10 | Embark on an adventure along the gorges, up the ladders and through the woods and meadows of Slovak Paradise National Park. | Get a map of the park from the ฤingov tourist office before you depart. | |||
| 11 | ๐Spiลกskรฉ Tomรกลกovce to Poprad train ๐Poprad to Bratislava train (Book >) |
Dep: 11:04 Dep: 11:33 |
Arr: 11:26 Arr: 16:07 |
๐จCHORS Like a hotel (Book >) | All hostels > |
| Acquaint yourself with the winding streets of the Old Town where you’ll find former palaces and photogenic architecture. | Book ahead to see the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra at the National Theatre. | ||||
| 12 | Take part in a free walking tour which will take in the Blue Church, St Michael’s Tower, Hlavne Namestie, the old town hall and St. Martin’s Cathedral. | Although free walking tours are free, don’t forget to tip at the end if you enjoyed your experience. | |||
| 13 | โBratislava to Home (Book >) | Dep: 21:10 | Arr: 22:25 | Connect this Poland and Slovakia itinerary with the Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria itinerary | |
| Visit Bratislava castle for top views and pretty gardens. If time, take the bus to Hrad castle. | |||||