At a Glance
Experience the harmony of Poland’s lush valleys and Slovakia’s rugged peaks on this 6 day luxury walking adventure. Discover hidden gems along the trails of Pieniny National Park, the Tatra Mountains, and explore the enchanting World Heritage city of Kraków. Each day’s journey is balanced by nights in lavish 5-star retreats, blending adventure with indulgence in Eastern Europe's stunning landscapes.
Your unforgettable trip begins in Kraków after which you journey into the breathtaking Tatra National Park. Get on a bus and travel across the border in Slovakia. Discover a panorama of craggy massifs, pristine lakes, and wildflower-strewn meadows. Prepared for a challenge, hike to Vel'ke Hincovo Pleso, the area's largest and deepest glacial lake. Witness why UNESCO recognizes the Tatra National Park as a Biosphere Reserve. Get to know Szczawnica, a ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 5 nights accommodation in luxury hotels on a twin share basis
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Luggage and airport transfer
- Professional guiding: two support vans, 6:1 guest-to-leader ratio
- Park and other entry fees
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Itinerary
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THREE HIKING OPTIONS: On the first day of the trip, meet your tour leaders at 9:15 a.m. at the Radisson Blu Kraków. Please ensure you arrive dressed in your hiking gear and bring your luggage and a daypack containing your rain gear and anything else you may want for the day's hike (your luggage will be transported to our first night's accommodations.) Witamy to Poland! Following our meeting in Kraków, we join a shuttle to Toporowa Cyrhla, a small mountainside village, where we get more familiar before heading into Tatra National Park. This picturesque region of jagged peaks, limestone caves, alpine lakes, and endemic flora and fauna has been designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve. The protected area includes the Tatra Mountains, which, as part of the larger Carpathian Range, form an impressive natural border between Poland and Slovakia. Hike through verdant forests and open meadows, taking breaks to relish panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys before arriving in the lively resort town of Zakopane. Despite being a popular tourist destination in summer and winter, Zakopane is also the centre of Góral (highland) culture and offers a fascinating glimpse into local traditions and architecture. |
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Get comfortable in your home for the night at the Nosalowy Park Hotel. This hotel is a lovely retreat that opened its doors to guests in the 1920s as the Villa Marilor, the valley's first grande dame. Nosalowy Park Hotel still stands as a stylish spot to unwind—if you fancy a spa treatment, try the one-of-a-kind wooden bead massage (spa treatments are at own expense) or simply refresh with a dip in the pool. We convene for a welcome reception tonight, followed by a wonderful dinner featuring tasty flavours of Zakopane. |
Nosalowy Park Hotel, Zakopane (5*)
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
FOUR HIKING OPTIONS: Aboard a multi-modal shuttle, we journey across the Slovakian border, beginning our hike in the small village of Tatranska Lesnica—this bucolic idyll is nestled in the middle of the forest and is truly only ever visited by hikers! Follow a gentle incline through the verdant pines of Studena Dolina (the Cold Valley) along the Dlhy River. We eventually arrive at the scenic Dlhy Waterfalls, an expansive terrace of rock escarpments laced by the frothy white of cascading water. From here, we head to lunch at Bilikova Chata hut, a mountain refuge where we're served hearty traditional Slovak mountain cuisine. Choose to head there on the most direct trail or to loop further up the valley to Reinerova Chata, a small historic stone hut showcasing the mountain culture of the local people called "the last European Sherpas." A further extension takes you high into the Velka Studena Dolina (Great Cold Valley) before heading to lunch. After eating to your fill, one last choice on the menu: get on a scenic cogwheel train down to our final destination, Starý Smokovec, or hike there. Starý Smokovec is an architecture-rich resort town going back to the 19th-century Romantics: if you want to take some time to tour its streets, boutiques, and decadent cafes, one of the shorter options may be a good selection. |
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Regardless of how you arrive in town, a shuttle takes us this afternoon into the surrounding wilderness to the stately Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras, our home for the next two nights on the shore of Strbské Lake. Traverse the grounds or take advantage of the hotel's amenities, such as an indulgent spa treatment. This evening, savour dinner at your leisure while enjoying breathtaking mountain vistas and the alpine hospitality of our hotel. Dobrú chuť (bon appetit)! |
Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras, Strba Strbske Pleso (5*)Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
THREE HIKING OPTIONS: Today, we are dedicating ourselves to discovering the gorgeous alpine landscape of the High Tatras. Take the well-marked trails from the hotel through rustic meadows and past the snow melted streams of Mengusovska Valley to Popradské Lake. As you hike, the stunted high-elevation vegetation thins, allowing for clear and far-reaching mountain views. For those not taking the long route today, pause for a look at the plaques and hand-carved wooden crosses immortalising mountaineers and guides who lost their lives in the mountains of the world. Savour a delicious lunch and a cold drink on the trail at a bucolic mountain hut before continuing to the Velké Hincovo Pleso, the High Tatras' largest and deepest glacial lake. Nestled between towering peaks at around 1,950 metres (6,400 feet) above sea level, the lake's surface generally stays frozen for three-quarters of the year. Tonight, we gather for an elegant dinner of Slovakian and continental specialties. |
Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras, Strba Strbske Pleso (5*)Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
THREE HIKING OPTIONS: We begin our journey back towards Poland with a scenic shuttle ride that offers ever-changing views of the Tatras and Pieniny mountains. Our day on the trails begins with a steady uphill that challenges us to hike like the locals! It's a challenging route up to the border, which is seated on a ridge with gorgeous views stretching over the peak line. |
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Get your energy back with a hearty lunch at Durbaszka Mountain Hut before splitting off on several options if you want to cover more miles. Keep hiking over the top of the massif, a spectacular route with expansive views down the Polish side of the mountain, before descending through herds of grazing sheep into the town of Szczawnica. You may also begin the descent from the hut, following the Dunajec River Gorge. Stand in awe of the flotilla of rafts and traditional wooden flisak boats plying the waters as you follow the river to our home for the next two nights, the serene Pieniny Grand Hotel. Later this afternoon, you can explore this sleek property and its inviting wellness centre. The gorgeous centre of Szczawnica, with its shops and restaurants, is just a stroll away—and it's your venue for dinner on your own tonight. Your tour leaders are happy to recommend some of their favourites. |
Pieniny Grand Hotel, Szczawnica (5*)Breakfast, Lunch |
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: Savour a delightful breakfast and join the shuttle for a quick journey to Jaworki, where today's hike begins. We tie up our laces and venture into Pieniny National Park. Primarily made up of limestone and dolomite, this area features a combination of open valleys, striking rock formations, and forested foothills and is considered the crossroads of Hungarian, Polish, and Slovak cultures. Our hike is the perfect opportunity to gain insight into the region's diverse terrains and the traditional highland culture. Visit a bacówka—a mountain hut used by shepherds, and taste typical sheep's milk products such as oscypek. Soak in the scenery as we navigate grassy meadows along an impressive ridgeline. Imposing rock outcroppings, grazing sheep, and hillsides strewn with wildflowers are all part of the pastoral landscape. Our route takes us back to the mountain village of Jaworki, with its rustic setting and landmark whitewashed church. After lunch, enjoy some R&R at the hotel or explore town. Later, we meet for a toast to this week's adventures in the depths of the Central European mountains, followed by an elegant dinner. |
Pieniny Grand Hotel, Szczawnica (5*)Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Level 2, Approx. 5 km (3 miles), Elevation gain: 244 m (800 ft) This morning, you can linger over a late breakfast or join your leaders for one last hike. Our morning trip takes us up above Szczawnica to a rural guesthouse where we'll try a mid-morning snack of (so they say) the best homemade szarlotka, or Polish apple pie, in town! Enjoy a last glance at the Pieniny Mountains on the horizon as you journey down the trail. Late in the morning, we check out of our hotel rooms and board the shuttle to Kraków, where we say our goodbyes. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
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Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Kraków
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Kraków. The closest airport to Kraków is John Paul II Kraków-Balice International Airport (KRK), located about 11 kilometers (7 miles) west of the city center.
Central Europe enjoys a moderate climate with summertime temperatures in the lower elevations that are usually quite comfortable. During our time in the High Tatras, you're likely to experience more extreme conditions. Everything from sunshine to rain, wind, hail, sleet, snow—or all of the above—is possible. Mountain weather is very unpredictable and can change drastically with little warning, with temperatures dipping to freezing as weather conditions change. It's essential that you bring appropriate clothing! High-quality breathable layers and rain gear are essential to ensure an enjoyable trip.
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 1-4.
Level 1, 2-5 hours, 3-8km (2-5 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 244m (800 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 6-11km (4-7 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 396m (1300 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 8-14km (5-9 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 610m (2000 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 10-18km(6-11 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 914m (3000 ft)
Level 5, 5-7 hours, 11-21+ km (7-13+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1219m (4000+ ft)
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
In the genuine spirit of expedition travel, we encourage exploration and adventure offering flexibility in challenging environments. This itinerary is only a guide and is subject to change due to weather, sea and other conditions beyond our control.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
