Active School Trip:
Krakow and the Tatra Mountains

This active school trip combines the natural beauty of Poland’s Tatra Mountains with the rich cultural heritage of Krakow. Based in Zakopane, the programme includes excursions through the mountain landscape and an introduction to the region’s distinctive highland traditions. The itinerary also includes a visit to Krakow, the former capital of Poland, renowned for its medieval Old Town and historic architecture.
Itinerary: Krakow – Zakopane
Duration: 6 days

Trip highlights:

Discovering Kraków’s royal heritage through the medieval Old Town, Main Market Square, St Mary’s Basilica, and Wawel Hill, the historic seat of Polish kings.
Experiencing the unique culture of Zakopane and the Podhale region, with its traditional highland architecture, local crafts, and mountain traditions.
Exploring the spectacular landscapes of the Tatra Mountains through scenic bike routes, alpine valleys, and panoramic viewpoints including Gubałówka and Kasprowy Wierch.
Hiking among some of Poland’s most iconic natural landscapes, including Chochołowska Valley, Hala Gąsienicowa, and the breathtaking Morskie Oko Lake.

Main Market Square, Kraków

Wawel Royal Castle, Kraków

The Tatra Mountains

Itinerary

Day 1: Krakow – Old Town

Morning: Arrival in Krakow. Check-in at the accomodation.
Afternoon: A guided tour of Krakow, the former capital of Poland. The programme begins at the Main Market Square, one of the largest medieval squares in Europe, featuring the 16th-century Cloth Hall and St Mary’s Basilica, home to the celebrated altarpiece by Veit Stoss. The tour continues along the Royal Route to Wawel Hill, the former seat of the Kings of Poland from the 11^th to the 17^th centuries.
Evening: Dinner.

Day 2: Krakow – Zakopane

Morning: Departure for Zakopane, Poland’s best-known mountain resort, situated beneath the Tatra Mountains. Renowned for its distinctive highland traditions and alpine scenery, the town offers an ideal introduction to the culture of the Podhale region. Upon arrival, a walking tour of the town centre includes Krupówki Street, lined with traditional craft shops, followed by a funicular ride to the summit of Gubałówka for panoramic views of the Tatra Mountains. The programme continues with a visit to Butorowy Wierch before returning to Zakopane.
Evening: Dinner. Overnight stay at the accommodation in Zakopane.

Day 3: Zakopane

Morning & Afternoon: Bike trip from Siwa Valley to the mountain hut in Chochołowska Valley, the largest valley in the Polish Tatra Mountains, renowned for its forested slopes, mountain meadows, and sweeping alpine scenery.
Evening: Campfire with a tasting of regional specialities. Overnight stay in Zakopane.

Day 4: Zakopane

Morning & Afternoon: Cable car ascent to Kasprowy Wierch (1,985 m), followed by a trek to Hala Gąsienicowa (1,520 m), one of the most picturesque alpine meadows in the Polish Tatra Mountains, set amidst the lakes and granite peaks of the Gąsienicowa Valley. The route to Kuźnice.
Evening: Dinner.

Day 5: Zakopane

Morning & Afternoon: A full-day hike to Morskie Oko, the largest and one of the deepest lakes in the Tatra Mountains, set beneath towering granite peaks that rise almost 1,000 metres above its surface. The trail continues through the Psia Trawka and Polana Waksmundzka clearings, with views towards Rysy (2,499 m), the highest peak in the Polish Tatra Mountains. The hike follows the red-marked trail and takes approximately 5½ hours.
Evening: Dinner.

Day 6: Departure

After check-out the return journey begins.

Included Services

Services included in the price:

5 nights' accommodation, including breakfast buffet
5 x dinner (3-course menu with water)
All transfers as per above-mentioned itinerary
Private English-speaking guides, including mountain guides
Entrance fees for all sightseeing
Bike rental

Price on request. Please complete the non-binding enquiry form below to receive your personalised offer.

FAQ

What outdoor activities are included during a school trip to Krakow and Zakopane?
The programme features a range of mountain activities, including a bike trip through Chochołowska Valley, a cable car ascent to Kasprowy Wierch, alpine trekking, and a full-day hike to Morskie Oko Lake.
When is the best time of year to book this Krakow and Zakopane mountain active itinerary?
This outdoor and hiking-focused tour is best experienced during the warmer months—specifically from late spring through summer and into early autumn. During this period, snow clears from high-altitude routes in the Tatra National Park, making iconic alpine trails like Morskie Oko, Kasprowy Wierch, and Chochołowska Valley fully accessible for trekking, cycling, and sightseeing.
What to do in Krakow during a school trip before heading to the mountains?
The stay in Krakow includes the most important highlights of the city: the massive medieval Main Market Square, the St. Mary's Basilica, the Renaissance Cloth Hall and the Wawel Castle Hill.
Is the programme flexible?
Yes. Depending on your group's interests and requirements, the itinerary can be adapted or extended. Please contact us to discuss the available options.

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