Skiing, sightseeing and thermal pools in Poland - Winter Adventure
Details
https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSNS1-vBLODjLYADM8-VWqClIzISV3xLbzj_wtHxawR89-Xh_78This is a winter adventure packed trip to the heart of Polish culture and tradition. We will be visiting two UNESCO heritage sites, a castle, and a world famous ski resort. And after the tough day of skiing/taking skiing classes we will relax in the thermal pools. We will also also have a chance to let our hair down and learn how to mix some Polish cocktails. Accommodation is a friendly and comfortable B&B with its http://www.gaweda.pl/test/duze/pokoje8.jpg?PHPSESSID=99867d5036469f1c6ae61f9f77dc320aown and separate party space and a dance floor. Mostly single rooms with a couple of twin and tripple ones on first come first served basis. En suite showers. To see the details: http://www.gaweda.pl/
We will be visiting the former capital of Poland - Krakow. It is one of the oldest cities and the most beautiful one. The Old Town, together with the Wawel Hill and the Kazimierz district, are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Medieval urban layout of the Old Town has not changed for centuries. We will have guided tour of the old town as well as an evening expedition and we will soak the magical atmosphere https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQeAofY5qiaEmN246GCR_gadPBg8GVI98S-2S-nLQ8OkKs8os2Yof the old Jewish quarter over a traditional glass of beer.
We will aslo see The “Wieliczka” Salt Mine, which is one of the most valuable monuments of material and spiritual culture in Poland. Each year it is visited by more than one million tourists from all over the world. It is also a world class monument, featuring among twelve objects on the UNESCO’s World Cultural and Natural Heritage List.
We will be skiing in the most famous Polish resort: https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR83gafaRV95wYGtc4vcvjmOnZAinIK0uUg8l-xEbxPViuUm-hgZakopane. This picturesquely seated town is an excellent place to visit any time of the year. History has it that visitors have enjoyed its beauty for over 100 years. And there is a lot to enjoy.
Occupying a valley between the fearsome Tatra mountains and the hillside settlement of Gubałówka, with the best ski-runs in the country that can be viewed from main town street - this place often finds itself labeled ‘Poland’s winter capital’.
It is vibrant, romantic and still traditional, despite the millions of visitors flocking here every year. Bearing the brunt of this tourist assault squad is Krupówki, the principal thoroughfare that cuts through town. At times you can almost feel the cobbles wobbling under their, and the break-dancing teams, jugglers, puppet masters andhttps://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTMXs0Zh1XUIRwXGthC__x7eQoFZTl8AxFw-pbF5j0Ac1ebSIjC bongo drum players burden. Stray off Krupówki and the casual tourist is rewarded with postcard wooden architecture, a handful of great museums and superb cooking that will leave you needing an airlift back to bed.
After skiing we will relax in the thermal pools of Bukowina Tatrzanska. The thermal complex comprises 12 swimming pools. Water temperature in the pools is maintained within the range of 28-36°C. At the facility, there are also 8 saunas, namely Roman, Finnish, highlanders’, flower and infrared sauna, among others. Complex is located in a sheltered area surrounded by forests, with beautiful views of majestic Tatra Mountains.
The flights are not included and at the moment cost about £67.
In terms of spending money you should be ok with £50. £100 will buy you plenty!
Please see the detailed trip plan of the trip at the end of the description to see what is included.
More info about the sights
Krakow:
One of Poland’s oldest cities, it was already extant at the nation’s birth in 966. It was the capital from 1038 until 1596, when that honour was wrested away by the upstart Warsaw (http://www.mydestination.com/warsaw) (although Krakow’s Royal Castle (http://www.mydestination.com/krakow/things-to-do/117155/krakow-wawel-castle) remained the burial place of kings, military heroes, poets and even presidents). Nowadays, erudite, softly-spoken Cracovian https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSM_33gLqHOFLq2hNPQeTLv1p7c5Npnsr3eSmmj1VDxmAdDbK-LOAintellectuals rather look down their elegant noses at the fast-paced, noisy, money-fixated Varsovians.
Every visitor should see Europe’s largest medieval market square with its Cloth Hall, St Mary's Church with its Gothic pentaptych altarpiece carved from limewood, Wawel Hill and its royal castle and the Wawel cathedral with its outstanding Renaissance chapel.
The medieval buildings of the Collegium Maius university with its unique collection of astronomical instruments, the Barbican, and St Florian's Gate is another gem worth visiting.
The Jewish quarter of Kazimierz features a wealth of Jewish heritage sites, including a 16th century cemetery and seven synagogues of which one is now the Jewish museum. Each summer the Jewish Culture Festival is held there, attracting followers of the Jewish culture from the whole world.
Wieliczka:
https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQGSBA7uNsJDK5kJ1kTTiSY7XiMzCHCKjMil3hVNAv_kR1E7GuZThe “Wieliczka” Salt Mine is one of the most valuable monuments of material and spiritual culture in Poland. Each year it is visited by more than one million tourists from all over the world.
It is also a world class monument, featuring among twelve objects on the UNESCO’s World Cultural and Natural Heritage List.
Today, the “Wieliczka” Salt Mine combines many centuries of tradition and modernity, the history of several hundred years and an underground metropolis with extensive infrastructure.
The mine is a product of work of tens of generations of miners, a monument to the history of Poland and to the Polish nation – a brand, present in Polish consciousness for centuries.
Zakopane:
https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSNY4GHBXW6-A20CEAr1MvPwqpNsAGrvF3hDVwud2dL6xX_G5sLXwZakopane is a lovely town situated at the foothills of the majestic Tatra mountains. It has a population of 30,000 inhabitants. The unusual location of the town, hidden between a gentle range of Gubałówka and the rocky Tatra summits was a decisive factor in its career as a tourism centre. As early as at the end of the 18th century Zakopane, a small and remote village located at the southern end of Poland, started to attract the first summer holidaymakers. The visitors arrived mainly from Cracow in horse carts, often carrying various domestic equipment, which they couldn't find in the modest highland peasant cottage. It soon becomes clear why so many people choose Zakopane as their holiday destination – do the booze and dance moves by night, of course, but don’t forget to get adventurous. Take to https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSrerDnST4fWDfhybcBIw4OjTMM-WMRFhWRtRC0l3seJGn1tEwwthe hills in the company of eagles, chamois and marmots, take to the year round ski slope, take to museums and take to the forgotten timber-clad streets. Within a flash you’ll be taking to Zakopane, and planning your next trip before you’ve even left. Bukowina Tatrzanska: Thermal water drawn from the borehole in Bukowina Tatrzańska is characterized by the following type of mineralization: sulfate-chlorine-calcium-sodium, amounting to 1,5g/dm3. Due to the specific mineralization, unique composition of microelements and elements, low alkaline character as well as curative water hardness, it is an excellent medicinal and rehabilitative remedy. Important elements contained in the water include:: sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), chlorine (Cl), potassium (K), sulfur (S), magnesium (Mg) as well as chromium (Cr).
Bathing in thermal water mineralized like this, influenceshttps://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTOdDSod9d1o7XdIEL8PAxVuaV-c2K3uVkpJOyzSVH8THVbpIAl organism in a very beneficial manner. It improves especially mental comfort, decreases stress, stabilizes nervous system thanks to which it restores peace of mind and improves overall psychophysical condition as well as protects against Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases among others. Also, it eliminates heart diseases, stabilizes pulse, cures the cardiovascular system diseases, reduces obesity and even eliminates sleeplessness.
Additionally, this type of water regenerates body’s hormone management, substantially enhancing metabolism, helps with head and joint aches as well as definitely accelerates recovery after underwent medical procedures and diseases.
In a word, taking baths regularly in the thermal swimming pools in Bukowina Tatrzańska will improve our psychophysical condition and as a result it will influence our lifestyle and longevity
DETAILED PLAN
Day one (Friday):
8:20am – 11:45am EasyJet Flight from London Gatwick to Krakow. Not included, currently at £37.99
11:45pm – 1:30pm Immigration, luggage pick up and transport from the airport to the hotel (included)
1:30am – 3pm Unpacking, refreshing and late lunch (included)
https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRp7NFnbxxT-07LRjSLJ0YunEsy8R6Y8VSUXB0509OA55ueUKK23pm – 3:30pm Transfer to Wieliczka (included)
3:30pm – 5:30pm Visiting Wieliczka (included)
5:30pm - 6:30pm Transfer from Wieliczka to Krakow (included)
6:30pm – 7pm A walk around Krakow – lead, but not guided (included)
7pm – 8pm Krakow, Kazimierz – hanging out in one of the bars (drinks not included)
8pm – 9pm Transfer from Krakow to the hotel (included)
9pm - 10pm late Dinner (included)
10pm - 10:30pm Basic cocktail making session - you wilhttps://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRtc_MwRBRNxzmoue0xC2OiyuN1OUyLKt-LpPnJuTBq-yZG0BTzl be shown how to prepare 3 signature coctails and a typical polish shot, which you will have a chance to taste (included)
11pm onwards Party (included)
Day 2 (Saturday)
7am – 8am Breakfast (included)
8am – 10:00am Transfer to Zakopane (included)
10am – 11am Ski rental and transfer around Zakopane (included)
11am – 5:30pm skiing
3 hours of ski lessons included for the beginners
A say ski pass for Kasprowy Wierch included for the advanced skiers
Lunch/dinner not includedhttps://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQSoo10Ag-TdWUkqLVl4bFic2FJdSevCYCwNQlExb9TGo3tkVeG
5:30 – 6:30 Transfer to Bukowina Tatrzanska Thermal Baths (included)
6:30 – 9pm Thermal Baths (entry ticket included)
9pm – 10pm Dinner in Bukowina (not included)
10pm – 12am transfer from Bukowina Tatrzanska to the hotel (included)
12am - late Those who still have energy can join a party at the hotel restaurant. Dance floor and a DJ provided.
Day 3 (Sunday)
8:30 – 9:30 Breakfast (included)
9:30 – 10:30 Transfer from hotel to Krakow (included)
10:30 - 12:30 Krakow – Wawel and guided city tour , (included)
12:30 – 1:30 lunch (not included)
1:45 – 2:45 free time in Krakow
2:45 – 3:45 drinks (not included)
3:45 – 4:45 Transfer back to the hotel (included)
4:45 – 5pm Packing and check out
5pm – 6pm Dinner (included)
6pm – 7pm transfer to the airport (included)
20:50 – 22:20 Ryanair flight from Krakow to London Stansted, not included, currently about £30.
No drinks are included.
For more information about skiing in Zakopane and weather conditions: http://www.stok-narciarski.pl/
IMPORTANT: By signing up for this trip you acknowledge that you will be getting your own travel insurance as the organiser only facilitates the group, but doesn't take responsibility for your safety during the trip. Skiing can be a dangerous activity and you will have to make sure that you take any necessary precautions.
Skiing, sightseeing and thermal pools in Poland - Winter Adventure