•  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •
Home    About Us    Contact Us    Getting There    F.A.Q.'s    Community
Local dress
Rafting on Dunajec river

Mountains & Dragons - a Family Holiday in Poland & Slovakia - 2010/11 Itinerary

8 days - from $990

• Twin-centre, eight-day escape in southern Poland
• Enjoy unspoilt rural landscapes, hospitable locals & hearty fare
• Discover the charming medieval jewel of Krakow

Read more...

Mountains & Gorges
The historic spa town of Szczawnica provides our base in the mountains on the edge of Pieniny National Park, where the fresh air and famed mineral waters are sure to invigorate us. We focus on the outdoors; gentle rafting down the spectacular Dunajec gorge, ascending the higher ridges by chairlift for views and hikes, and cycling along the river valleys. At an evening campfire we plan to enjoy traditional hearty Polish fare in the company of local folk musicians.


Salt Mine & the “Dragon's Lair”!
According to legend, the celebrated medieval city of Krakow was named for Krak, who killed the dragon living in a cave beneath the Wawel castle. We discover the atmospheric streets of the Old Quarter, visit the imposing cathedral and castle and then descend 135 steps into the lair of the very dragon himself. Today a sculpture of him still spits fire on the banks of the Vistula! A very unusual and not-to-be-missed attraction is the salt mine at Wieliczka. On the UNESCO world heritage list, we explore the fascinating labyrinth of tunnels, home to a multitude of sparkling salt chambers and carvings, hewn over hundreds of years by miners turned artists.

close

Itinerary:

Day 1 Join Krakow; drive Szczawnica in Pieniny mountains. Day 2 River rafting We enjoy some gentle rafting past the towering limestone cliffs of the spectacular Dunajec Gorge. Day 3 Cable car to Palenica An unusual form of transport takes us to the summit of Palenica and the chance to walk or cycle among the alpine scenery with views to the Slovak Tatras or even enjoy an optional toboggan run. This evening we enjoy a locally cooked dinner and traditional music around a campfire. Day 4 Pieniny Way Don't forget your passport as we cycle from Poland to Slovakia with an optional hike to Sokolica viewpoint. Day 5 Return to Krakow Travelling via Wieliczka salt mine we reach Poland's capital city on the banks of the Vistula river. Day 6 Medieval marvels Today we tour Krakow's highlights including the medieval market square, Old Town and Wawel Castle. Day 7 Vistula river Today is left free - you may like to cycle the banks of the Vistula river or take an excursion to the emotive site of Auschwitz. Day 8 End Krakow.

Accommodations: 7nts hotel - our mountain base in Szczawnica is simple yet cosy, family-run hotel; 7 breakfasts & 1 dinner included.
Transport: Bus/Rafts/Cycle.
Comment: All activities are suitable for the whole family but any can be opted out of.
Group: Approx. 13 to 18.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s), raftmen.
Trip Reference: FBP2010

Dates & Prices
Start End Prices in US$ Child Price in US$ Local Payment Availability
24 Jul 1131 Jul 11$990$940 0
07 Aug 1114 Aug 11$990$940 0
21 Aug 1128 Aug 11$990$940 0

Prices and itineraries shown for tours departing from January 2011 onwards are subject to change and confirmation with the publication of our 2011/12 brochure, due to be published in October 2010.