Embark on an 11-hour adventure to Szczawnica, a hidden gem in southern Poland. Explore medieval castles, enjoy scenic rafting, breathtaking mountain views, and immerse yourself in the local culture and healing waters.
Embark on a journey to the heart of southern Poland, where the beautiful town of Szczawnica awaits. Nestled within the Pieniny Mountains, this hidden gem offers the perfect mix of nature, history, and culture. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a lover of history, or simply looking to unwind in a tranquil setting, Szczawnica offers something for everyone. This 11-hour tour takes you to the most spectacular spots, offering a comprehensive experience of this picturesque region. From historic castles to exhilarating rafting trips, scenic chairlift rides to traditional mountain cheese tasting, every moment promises to leave you with unforgettable memories.
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Kraków to the village of Szczawnica, located 2.5 hours away. The journey offers stunning views of the Polish countryside, setting the tone for what’s to come. Once you arrive, your first stop will be Czorsztyn Castle, a medieval fortress located on the shores of Czorsztyn Lake. With its dramatic location and panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains, it’s the perfect place to start your journey. Here, you can take a moment to explore the rich history of the castle, which dates back to the 14th century. As you wander through its grounds, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.
Next, you’ll head to a traditional Bacówka, or mountain shepherd’s cabin, where you’ll get a glimpse into the local way of life. Meet the friendly highlanders who make a living by grazing sheep and cattle, and experience their culture firsthand. You’ll also have the chance to taste oscypek, the famous smoked cheese of the region, along with some local spirits. The oscypek cheese tasting is a delicious way to learn about the flavors that have been passed down for generations. Take time to enjoy the natural beauty of the area before moving on to the next part of your tour.
Afterward, it’s time for one of the highlights of the day—rafting on the Dunajec River. This traditional rafting experience is a must-do for anyone visiting Szczawnica. As you board the wooden rafts with experienced raftsmen, you’ll embark on a scenic ride through the Pieniny National Park. The journey along the river offers spectacular views of the towering cliffs and the iconic Three Crowns and Sokolica peaks. Your guide will share fascinating tales and legends of the region as you float peacefully down the river. The cool breeze and stunning landscapes make this a truly unforgettable experience.
Once you’ve dried off from the rafting, you’ll head to the spa water drinking hall, where you can relax and rejuvenate. Szczawnica is renowned for its healing mineral waters, which are rich in calcium, magnesium, and iron. These waters are celebrated for their health benefits, and you’ll have the opportunity to sample them and experience their therapeutic effects. This stop is a perfect moment to unwind and feel the rejuvenating power of nature.
Following the spa experience, the tour will take you up the Palenica Mountain chairlift, offering breathtaking views of the entire region. The panoramic views from the top are truly spectacular, with sweeping vistas of the Pieniny Mountains, Beskid Sądecki, and the Dunajec Valley. At the summit, there’s a restaurant where you can take in the scenery while enjoying a refreshing drink. Whether you choose to relax or capture stunning photos of the landscape, the mountain top is a place to be savored.
Your final stop on this unforgettable adventure is the main square in Szczawnica, the bustling heart of the town. Here, you’ll have some free time to explore the charming streets, where you can visit local restaurants, pastry shops, and souvenir stalls. Indulge in regional delicacies, buy handmade souvenirs, and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this charming spa town. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your day in Szczawnica, taking with you a piece of the town’s unique culture and heritage.
Throughout the day, your expert guide will ensure that you get the most out of each experience. Whether you’re learning about the history of the castles, tasting regional specialties, or floating down the river, you’ll receive insightful commentary and tips. And with hotel pickup and drop-off included, this tour offers a seamless and hassle-free experience.
In summary, this day trip to Szczawnica offers a unique opportunity to discover one of Poland’s most beautiful and diverse regions. With a mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion, it’s a perfect choice for those looking to experience the natural beauty and rich history of southern Poland. Don’t miss the chance to explore the wonders of Szczawnica, from its medieval castles to its rejuvenating waters, and leave with memories that will last a lifetime.
Begin your journey with a comfortable ride from Kraków to Szczawnica. Your guide will provide insights as you travel through the scenic Polish countryside.
Explore the beautiful Czorsztyn Castle by the lake, capturing stunning photos of the surrounding landscape. Learn about its historical significance and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Visit Pieniny National Park, where you’ll take in the majestic views of the Three Crowns. Stop for a photo opportunity and experience the natural beauty of the area.
Take a short visit to the Medicinal Waters Pump Room, where you’ll have the chance to taste the healing waters famous for their health benefits. Relax and rejuvenate in this peaceful location.
Embark on a thrilling raft ride along the Dunajec River, drifting through the picturesque valley. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains and learn about the local history from your guide.
Kolej Linowa is a chairlift to Palenica Mountain, offering stunning views of the Pieniny Mountains and Dunajec River. At the top, enjoy the beautiful landscapes and relax in the mountain restaurant.
Spend some time strolling through the charming main square of Szczawnica. Discover local shops, restaurants, and souvenir stands, while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of this picturesque town.
After an eventful day, relax during the ride back to Kraków. Your guide will ensure your comfortable return to the city.
For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.
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Hildegund Graf - Austria
01 July
This trip was absolutely fantastic, with impeccable organization from start to finish. Our guide, Fabian, was both friendly and extremely accommodating throughout the trip. I was extremely pleased and satisfied with the entire experience.
Gloria Schulz - Austria
02 July
The day we spent with Niko was truly extraordinary. His attentiveness, enthusiasm, and knowledge made the experience unforgettable. Thanks to his wonderful company, the time flew by. This trip is perfect for those who love castles, breathtaking mountain scenery, and exploring Poland's hidden treasur...
Read MoreAll reviews are from verified customers who purchased the activity. Reviews can only be submitted after the activity takes place.
Overall Rating
4.9/5
Based on 39 Reviews
4.9/5
4.9/5
4.9/5
This trip was absolutely fantastic, with impeccable organization from start to finish. Our guide, Fabian, was both friendly and extremely accommodating throughout the trip. I was extremely pleased and satisfied with the entire experience.
Helpful? Yes
The day we spent with Niko was truly extraordinary. His attentiveness, enthusiasm, and knowledge made the experience unforgettable. Thanks to his wonderful company, the time flew by. This trip is perfect for those who love castles, breathtaking mountain scenery, and exploring Poland's hidden treasures away from the tourist crowds. Of all my trips here, it stood out as the most authentic way to experience the beauty of the country. Traditional cheesemaking by the shepherd's fire, peaceful rafting with stunning views, and especially Niko's companionship created memories I will always cherish.
Helpful? Yes
Nico handled all tour arrangements with impressive efficiency. I would happily choose him as my guide on future trips if the opportunity arose. His organizational skills and professionalism made the experience extremely enjoyable.
Helpful? Yes
Our trip, with Simon serving as both guide and driver, was extremely enjoyable. His expert driving ensured a smooth and comfortable experience from start to finish. Simon demonstrated exceptional thoughtfulness, attentively addressing each participant's needs. The tour offered a wealth of engaging activities and sights, making it an excellent value. I highly recommend this experience to others. Many thanks to Simon for his exceptional service.
Helpful? Yes
The trip was perfectly coordinated and timed flawlessly. The itinerary was well-planned, offering stunning scenery along the way. Our guide, Simon, provided exceptional service, making us feel like valued guests throughout the trip. This tour receives my highest recommendation for its exceptional quality and attention to detail.
Helpful? Yes
This trip was absolutely amazing. I especially loved the rafting adventure. Each activity offered its own unique experience, ensuring a perfectly balanced day.
Helpful? Yes
Our guide was exceptionally talented and took us to many beautiful places, making it an absolutely delightful trip. Their expertise and careful planning ensured the entire day was filled with unforgettable experiences.
Helpful? Yes
Today's trip with Peter, our driver and guide, was absolutely fantastic. We had many enjoyable conversations, and he shared fascinating insights into Poland's rich history and cultural traditions. The breathtaking mountain views and stunning scenery along the Dunajec River were as unforgettable as the authentic cultural experiences. It truly was the perfect day trip. Thank you, Peter, for making it so special.
Helpful? Yes
This was, without a doubt, the most extraordinary tour we experienced during our time in Krakow. Peter's exceptional guidance truly enriched the entire trip. His warm personality and wonderful sense of humor, combined with his extensive knowledge of each place we explored, created an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting the region.
Helpful? Yes
Peter proved to be an excellent driver and knowledgeable guide throughout our trip. This outdoor adventure offers a truly wonderful way to connect with nature. The breathtaking landscapes we encountered were truly captivating, and the perspective from the raft provided a remarkable and unique way to view the scenery. From start to finish, this trip was incredibly enjoyable and unforgettable.
Helpful? Yes
This trip was truly magnificent. The breathtaking landscapes provided a breathtaking backdrop, and the rafting adventure offered a unique experience. Szczawnica captivated us with its charming, small town atmosphere. Our guide, Paweł, exceeded all expectations. He picked us up promptly from our meeting point and provided clear English explanations throughout the trip. His friendly demeanor and thoughtful preparations provided exceptional service. Every aspect of this day trip was exceptional, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to other travelers.
Helpful? Yes
This trip provided a comprehensive day filled with a variety of activities, providing a truly fulfilling experience. Our guide, Olaf, was particularly welcoming and provided comprehensive information that significantly enhanced our understanding throughout the day. Potential participants should note that a reasonable level of English is required to fully appreciate all aspects of this excellent tour.
Helpful? Yes
This full-day excursion offers an exceptional variety of engaging activities that I highly recommend to others. Our guide, Peter G., demonstrated exceptional professionalism and expertise throughout the experience, significantly enhancing our enjoyment of the tour.
Helpful? Yes
Peter G. was both our knowledgeable guide and skilled driver. His consistently pleasant demeanor and attentive attention to our needs throughout the day significantly enhanced our overall experience. Peter's professionalism and attentiveness made all the difference.
Helpful? Yes
This trip exceeded all our expectations, with countless carefully planned stops, each offering unforgettable experiences. The rafting adventure was truly amazing. Our driver was friendly, flexible with our schedule, and provided insightful commentary throughout the trip. We were truly amazed at how enjoyable every moment of the trip was. Thank you so much for such a wonderful experience.
Helpful? Yes
This trip was truly extraordinary, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to any traveler. The flawless organization and seamless communication with the tour company made everything so easy. Our guide, Tomek, was incredibly pleasant and knowledgeable. The breathtaking mountain scenery we explored created an unforgettable day trip that was worth every moment.
Helpful? Yes
We sincerely thank you for the excellent organization of this trip. Our group leader, Michał, demonstrated exceptional professionalism. His consistently cheerful demeanor and willingness to help were remarkable. He patiently answered all our questions and proved to be extremely approachable, effortlessly establishing a rapport with all participants.
Helpful? Yes
Piotr provided exceptional guidance throughout our trip, making the experience both informative and enjoyable. His clear instructions and willingness to answer all our questions made us feel truly cared for. The itinerary perfectly combined a variety of activities with some of the most stunning scenery I've ever encountered. Many thanks to Piotr for such an unforgettable experience.
Helpful? Yes
The trip was exceptionally well-planned, maximizing our time throughout the day. The meticulously planned itinerary kept us engaged, and our guide, Kamil, was exceptionally dedicated at every stage of the trip. The enjoyable group dynamic continued throughout. Both the logistical arrangements and the selection of activities perfectly aligned with what we hoped to experience.
Helpful? Yes
This was an absolutely extraordinary and unforgettable experience, starting with our incredible guide, Maciek. His kindness, willingness to help, and attentiveness to our needs were exceptional. He meticulously took photos throughout our trip and later shared them with our group. We were fortunate to be with four wonderful people who made the day even more enjoyable. Every aspect of this trip exceeded our expectations, and I highly recommend it to others.
Helpful? Yes
This trip stands out as the highlight of our visit to Krakow. Our guide, Michael, was incredibly responsive and kind, always ready to help no matter the circumstances. The transportation provided was flawless and offered supreme comfort. Each family member discovered activities that perfectly matched their interests. I wholeheartedly endorse this experience.
Helpful? Yes
We sincerely appreciate Piotrek's excellent coordination of our trip and his skilled driving throughout. His attention to detail and professionalism ensured a smooth and enjoyable experience from start to finish.
Helpful? Yes
This trip was extremely enjoyable and highly recommended. Mr. Piotr G. demonstrated complete professionalism in his interactions with our group and other travelers, providing clear explanations of every aspect of the trip. We extend our sincere gratitude for such an enjoyable experience.
Helpful? Yes
The rafting portion was undoubtedly the most memorable and exciting part of our day trip. This activity alone made the entire trip worthwhile and offered a thrilling experience far beyond anything else on the itinerary.
Helpful? Yes
Our guide, Peter G., demonstrated both warmth and expertise throughout the trip. He explained every step of our activities in detail. The tour followed the itinerary precisely and was perfectly timed. The highlight for me was the rafting experience on the Dunajec River, a truly immersive way to connect with nature.
Helpful? Yes
This trip was truly extraordinary. Peter G. provided excellent communication throughout the entire process and treated our group with exceptional care. His guidance was excellent, constantly attentive to our comfort and needs. The entire day was extremely enjoyable, and we would recommend this experience without hesitation.
Helpful? Yes
The tour followed the planned schedule exactly. Our guide's informative commentary and additional details significantly enhanced our understanding and enjoyment of each location. Their expert insights provided valuable context that brought the itinerary to life in meaningful ways.
Helpful? Yes
Every aspect of this trip was flawless, from the meticulous planning to the comfortable transportation and carefully selected locations. It stands out as one of the best day trips from Krakow, offering an ideal blend of natural beauty, culinary experiences, and historical insights. A special thank you to Michal, our guide and driver. His exceptional service and expertise enriched the entire experience. It's undoubtedly the best tour option from Krakow. I highly recommend contacting Michal for your tour needs.
Helpful? Yes
Our journey through the Polish countryside was truly enjoyable. Our guide, Tomek, demonstrated both warmth and enthusiasm throughout the tour. While the itinerary was overly ambitious for the allotted time, it was overall excellent value. My sister and I nearly encountered difficulties with our subsequent travel arrangements, but Tomek expertly adjusted the itinerary so we could complete the tour without missing our connection.
Helpful? Yes
This trip was truly extraordinary and offered much more than just a rafting experience. We explored stunning sites, including the magnificent Czorsztyn Castle and an authentic Bacówka shepherd's hut. Here, we sampled traditional oscypek cheese made by local artisans. Our guide offered us tastings of premium vodka and mineral water in Szczawnica Zdrój, renowned for its healing springs and spa facilities. The professional English speaking crew enriched the journey with entertaining stories and humor. Our guide, Marek, was attentive and provided friendly assistance every step of the way.
Helpful? Yes
This excursion comes highly recommended. The entire experience proved thoroughly enjoyable and met all our expectations for a quality tour.
Helpful? Yes
This attraction offers a captivating experience with countless beautiful sites to explore. Our driver and guide, Olaf, demonstrated exceptional professionalism in every respect. His engaging conversation and attentive attention significantly enhanced our experience. I highly recommend Olaf-led tours to anyone visiting the area.
Helpful? Yes
Our guide was truly exceptional, sharing fascinating insights about each location, which greatly enriched our experience. Our itinerary included exploring a historic castle, tasting authentic oscypek cheese, and an unforgettable rafting trip along the stunningly scenic Dunajec River. This is among the most beautiful and unspoiled places I've encountered in Poland.
Helpful? Yes
This trip was truly exceptional from start to finish. The well-organized itinerary ran smoothly, and our guide shared fascinating information about Szczawnica and the surrounding area throughout the journey. There was a convenient stop halfway through. I was grateful that I was advised to bring a snack, as it would be useful for a long time. The castle visit was magnificent, and skipping the long lines was a significant advantage. The shepherd's hut in the National Park offered an authentic experience, complete with freshly prepared cheeses and local drinks. Rafting on the Dunajec River was a highlight, with our guide's informative narration and breathtaking views. Every moment of this day was thoroughly enjoyable. I highly recommend this experience.
Helpful? Yes
This trip was truly extraordinary, filled with unforgettable moments and a variety of activities throughout the day. Our guide was wonderfully personable and expertly answered all our questions. His attentive attention to each participant's enjoyment demonstrated his exceptional dedication to the group's experience.
Helpful? Yes
The scenery even outshone Zakopane. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our trip, especially the river rafting, which was complemented by countless fascinating activities throughout the day. A special thank you goes to Piotr G., whose exceptional guidance and engaging conversation significantly enriched our adventure.
Helpful? Yes
This meticulously planned adventure exceeded all expectations, thanks in large part to our exceptional guide, Piotr. His expertise and professionalism transformed an ordinary trip into a truly unforgettable journey that will stay with me for years to come.
Helpful? Yes
The wooden church, cheese-making experience, and rafting were wonderful. However, the chairlift was a complete disappointment. An hour seemed too long, and the cafe at the top had long since stopped serving food and hot drinks. This was probably due to the time of year.
Helpful? Yes
Overall, the activities were enjoyable, but our experience was let down by the fact that our guide was essentially a driver who wanted to make the day go by quickly. We didn't get much information about the various stops, and our visit to the cheese shack didn't seem very appealing. The rafting itself was a highlight. If the guides had shown more care and attention, this could have been a fantastic trip, especially since you're completely dependent on them for the duration of the tour.
Helpful? Yes
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