The Christmas season in Poland is characterized by various religious and traditional customs. This trip gives you the opportunity to experience the festive Christmas rituals in the enchanting winter scenery of the High Tatras. Our journey begins in Krakow, where you will visit one of Poland's largest Christmas markets and experience the exhibition of Christmas nativity scenes in a museum. Next, enjoy a diverse program in Zakopane, the most famous resort of the Tatras. As part of the trip, we also take a day excursion to the southern part of the Tatras, and visit the town of Levoča in Slovakia, a jewel of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. In addition to the ride on Poland's highest cable car to Kasprowy Wierch, from where an impressive panorama of the High Tatras opens up, the program also includes a sleigh ride through one of the most picturesque valleys of the Tatras.
As the ideal time for this trip, we recommend 22 to 28 December. You are also welcome to extend your stay individually, spend New Year's Eve in Zakopane, and welcome the new year in the enchanting setting of the High Tatras.
Itinerary: Krakow — Zakopane — Kościeliska Valley — Levoča — Spišská Sobota — Kežmarok — Zakopane — Kasprowy Wierch — Dębno — Niedzica — Zakopane — Krakow
Duration: 7 days
Morning: Arrival in Krakow followed by a meeting with the experienced tour guide. Check-in at the hotel. Lunch.
Afternoon: Discover "Quintessentially Polish Krakow" on a guided city tour through the historic Old Town. Highlights include the Market Square, the impressive St. Mary’s Basilica, the oldest buildings of the Jagiellonian University, winding Old Town lanes, and the majestic Wawel Castle. Afterwards, a visit to Poland’s largest Christmas market on Krakow’s Market Square where you can enjoy a festive atmosphere. Free time.
Evening: Dinner.
Morning: A visit to the Historical Museum of Kraków in Krzysztofory Palace, where the famous exhibition of Christmas nativity scenes can be admired.
A journey by bus to Dębno, with lunch in a typical regional restaurant.
Afternoon: Arrival in Zakopane and check-in at the hotel. A walk along the lively Krupówki promenade offers an impression of the town of Zakopane.
Evening: Dinner.
Morning: A half-day hike, which leads through the picturesque Kościeliska Valley, one of the most beautiful valleys in the Tatra Mountains. The route takes about 2.5 hours and is accompanied by an experienced mountain guide.
Lunch at the Ornak mountain hut. Return to the hotel.
Afternoon: Preparation for the festive Christmas Eve dinner. An informative talk about Polish Christmas traditions offers fascinating insights and sets the mood for the festive evening. At 5:00 p.m., the festive Christmas Eve dinner begins in the hotel restaurant with an exquisite 12-course menu showcasing the diversity of Polish cuisine.
Evening: Dinner.
Optional:
- An atmospheric concert featuring traditional Christmas carols
- At midnight, there is the opportunity to attend a well-known Midnight Mass, the so-called "Pasterka", in a local wooden church. There, guests have the chance to experience traditional Goral costumes, songs and customs up close
Morning: A full-day excursion to the picturesque Spiš region of Slovakia, starting in Levoča. A walk through the medieval old town, including a visit to St. James's Church. Afterwards, the route continues to Spišská Sobota, where a tour of the historic town centre is on the program.
Lunch in a local restaurant in Spišská Sobota, which offers the opportunity to enjoy the regional cuisine.
Afternoon: On the return journey, a stop in Kežmarok. The historic old town and the important Articular Church provide insights into the cultural heritage of the region.
Return to Zakopane.
Evening: Dinner.
Morning: A city walk through Zakopane, with a visit to the cemetery and the historic Pęksowy Brzyzek Church. This is followed by a cable car ride up Kasprowy Wierch, from where a panoramic view of the majestic peaks of the High Tatras stretches out.
Lunch in an authentic local restaurant showcasing the culinary specialties of the region.
Afternoon: A horse-drawn sleigh ride, which leads through the surroundings of Zakopane, accompanied by warming mulled wine by an open campfire – an experience full of tradition.
Evening: Dinner.
Morning: A journey from Zakopane to Dębno, which is known to be home to the oldest wooden church in Poland. This 15th-century building is renowned for its Gothic wall paintings. Afterwards, a visit to Niedzica Castle in the Polish historical region of Spiš. Lunch in a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Return to Zakopane. Time at leisure.
Evening: Dinner.
Transfer from Zakopane to Krakow Airport, which takes approximately 2.5 hours.
Departure.
Services included in the price:
The trip is designed for groups with at least 8 participants.
Price on request. Please complete the non-binding enquiry form below to receive your personalised offer.
Favourites
ENQUIRY FORM
A visit to Gdańsk offers fascinating insights into the history of this Hanseatic city, shaped by a diversity of peoples...
