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Christmas trip to Krakow and the Tatra Mountains

Experience Poland’s Christmas traditions and the magical winter scenery of the Tatra Mountains. The journey begins in Kraków, with a visit to its famous Christmas market and an exhibition of traditional nativity scenes, before continuing to Zakopane, the best-known resort in the Tatras. Highlights include a day trip to Slovakia to discover the historic town of Levoča, a cable car ride to Kasprowy Wierch for spectacular mountain views, and a sleigh ride through one of the Tatras’ most picturesque valleys.
The recommended travel dates are 22–28 December. For a longer stay, you can also celebrate New Year’s Eve in Zakopane and welcome the New Year surrounded by the beautiful Tatra Mountains.
Itinerary: Krakow – Zakopane – Kościeliska Valley – Levoča – Spišská Sobota – Kežmarok – Zakopane – Kasprowy Wierch – Dębno – Niedzica – Zakopane – Krakow
Duration: 7 days

Trip highlights:

The unique flair of the Christmas market in Krakow
The enchanting beauty of the nativity scene exhibition at the Historical Museum of Krakow
Traditional Christmas customs in the Tatra Mountains – a festive Christmas dinner and a sleigh ride in one of the valleys
Winter setting – impressive panorama of the High Tatra Mountains from the summit of Kasprowy Wierch

The Main Square in Kraków at Christmas

Christmas Market, Main Square, Kraków

Giewont, the Tatra Mountains

The Basilica of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary, Levoča

The cable car to Kasprowy Wierch, Tatra Mountains

Itinerary

Day 1: Krakow

Morning: Arrival in Krakow followed by a meeting with our tour guide. Check-in at the hotel. Lunch.
Afternoon: 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.

Day 2: Krakow – Zakopane

Morning: A visit to the Historical Museum of Kraków in Krzysztofory Palace, where the famous exhibition of Christmas nativity scenes can be admired.
Transfer 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.
Evening: Dinner.

Day 3: Zakopane – Koscieliska Valley – Christmas Eve

Morning: A guided hike through the picturesque Kościeliska Valley, one of the most beautiful areas of the Tatras. The walk takes approximately 2.5 hours and is led by an experienced mountain guide, with lunch at the Ornak mountain hut before returning to the hotel.
Afternoon: Time to prepare for Christmas Eve, including an introduction to Polish Christmas traditions and customs.
Evening: A festive Christmas Eve dinner at the hotel, beginning at 5:00 p.m., featuring a special 12-course menu inspired by Polish cuisine.
Optional:
- 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

Day 4: Zakopane – Levoča – Spišská Sobota – Kežmarok – Zakopane

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. Tour of the historic old town and the important Articular Church.
Return to Zakopane.
Evening: Dinner.

Day 5: Zakopane – Kasprowy Wierch

Morning: A 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 through the scenic surroundings of Zakopane, followed by a campfire and warming mulled wine.
Evening: Dinner.

Day 6: Zakopane – Debno – Niedzica – Zakopane

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.

Day 7: Zakopane – Krakow

Transfer from Zakopane to Krakow Airport / approximately 2.5 hours /.
Departure.

Included Services

Services included in the price:

6 nights in a 4-star hotel in Krakow and Zakopane (double room with bath/WC/breakfast included)
Comfortable, modern coach or minibus with air conditioning and WC for all transfers from/to Krakow Airport – according to the program
6 times full board in the hotel restaurant or in selected local restaurants – according to the program / 3-course menu /
Qualified English-speaking tour guide
All guided tours and admission fees according to the program
Tickets for the cable car ride in Zakopane
1-hour horse-drawn sleigh ride in Zakopane
Mountain guide for the excursions in the Tatras

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.

FAQ

Are the flight tickets included in the price?
No, the flight tickets are not included in the price, as this depends on individual factors such as the city of departure and the travel dates. However, upon request, we are happy to assist you with planning your arrival and departure.
Can the programme content and the services provided be amended?
Yes, the programme content can be amended and tailored to your needs. An extension of your stay is also possible.
Is a Christmas trip to Krakow and the High Tatra Mountains suitable for families with children?
A Christmas trip to Krakow and the High Tatra Mountains is a perfect opportunity to create beautiful and unique family memories. Children will definitely enjoy the preparations and the festive Christmas Eve dinner, as well as a sleigh-ride in the snow. The walk through the Kościeliska Valley is not very demanding physically. However, the programme can be adapted or modified if the client considers any of the attractions to be unsuitable for the children’s age.

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