5 days in Krakow and Zakopane: transfers, tours and accomodation

Exploring Southern Poland in just five days might sound ambitious, but this carefully curated package makes it manageable and memorable. This experience offers a well-balanced mix of iconic sights, cultural insights, and stunning scenery, all wrapped up with comfortable transfers and knowledgeable guides. From the lively streets of Krakow’s Old Town to the majestic peaks of Zakopane, this tour promises a taste of Poland’s diverse charm without the stress of planning every detail yourself.

What I really appreciate about this experience is how it combines key visits with leisure. The city tour in Krakow by electric car is a clever way to cover major attractions like Wawel Castle and the Jewish District without wearing out your feet. Plus, the inclusion of profound historical sites like Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine ensures you get a deep, contemplative understanding of Poland’s past. The trip to Zakopane, with its mountain vistas and lively street scene, adds a refreshing change of pace.

One consideration to keep in mind is the long day dedicated to Auschwitz and Birkenau, which can be emotionally heavy. The timing is well-organized with pickup and drop-off included, but it’s a full-day commitment. Also, some optional activities like Kasprowy Wierch or rafting aren’t included, offering flexibility but requiring extra planning if you want to extend your experience. The tour balances value and depth beautifully, making it a strong choice for travelers seeking an authentic taste of Poland in a short window.

Key points / Takeaways

Comfortable transfers make getting between Krakow, Zakopane, and the airport smooth and stress-free.
Guided city tours by electric car in Krakow offer a quick but thorough overview of its top sights.
Deep historical visits to Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine provide meaningful, guided insights—both are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Scenic mountain excursions in Zakopane, including Krupowki Street and Gubalowka, showcase Poland’s stunning natural beauty and lively local culture.
Flexibility with optional activities like Kasprowy Wierch, rafting, or thermal pools allows for personalized days in Zakopane.
Authentic local experiences like visiting the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima and exploring a traditional cemetery lend depth to your trip.

If you’re looking to explore Poland’s southern highlights in a way that’s organized yet flexible, this 5-day experience could be just what you need. From the moment your transfer picks you up at Balice Airport until your final ride back from Zakopane, the journey is thoughtfully designed to maximize your time and immerse you in local culture and history.

Day 1: Ease into Krakow’s Charm
Your adventure begins with a smooth transfer from Balice Airport or the main train station to your centrally located apartment. That first afternoon, a one-hour electric car tour takes you through Krakow’s Old Town and Jewish District, hitting highlights like the Main Market Square, Mary’s Church, Grodzka Street, and the majestic Wawel Castle. This method of sightseeing is excellent for those who want to get a quick yet rundown without exhausting themselves. The electric car’s quiet, eco-friendly ride makes it easier to listen to your guide and take in the sights.

Day 2: A Day of Reflection and Wonder
The emotional weight of visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau is undeniable, but it’s a profoundly important experience. The tour, arranged with guides from the museum, takes about 11-12 hours including transportation. You’ll visit Auschwitz I for around 2.5 hours and then Birkenau for about an hour. The guides are well-versed and provide context that helps you process what you’re seeing.

Post Auschwitz, the trip continues to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO site and one of Europe’s oldest working salt mines. The guided underground tour takes about 2.5 hours, descending to 140 meters where you’ll walk through salt chambers, chapels, and sculptures—all made of salt. The entire day, though long, is packed with historic significance, and most reviews emphasize how organized and worthwhile the visits are.

Day 3: Mountain Air and Local Life in Zakopane
From Krakow, a scenic drive takes you to Zakopane, Poland’s mountain town in the Tatras. Your guide will show you around the center of Zakopane, including the bustling Krupowki Street and the Peksowy Buryzek cemetery, where local heroes and resistance fighters rest. Walking along Krupowki, you’ll find a lively mix of street performers, local crafts, and plenty of local eateries—at your own expense.

A ride by funicular up to Gubalowka Hill offers panoramic mountain views. It’s a quick but rewarding trip, especially if you’re craving stunning scenery and fresh mountain air. The guides bring stories and local lore, making the street and hilltop feel more alive and meaningful.

Day 4: Flexible Mountain Adventures
Zakopane’s true appeal lies in its natural landscapes, and if you want to extend your stay, several optional activities are available. You could take a cable car ride to Kasprowy Wierch, one of Poland’s tallest peaks, offering spectacular vistas—perfect for photography or just soaking in the scenery. Alternatively, rafting down the Dunajec River Gorge provides a laid-back, picturesque experience, or you might enjoy relaxing in thermal pools at Chochołów. These extras aren’t included in the base price but can turn your trip into a personalized mountain retreat.

Day 5: Return with Memories
Your adventure ends with a transfer back to Krakow or directly to the airport. The two-hour ride from Zakopane is a good chance to reflect on your trip and plan your next Polish destination.

Why this experience offers great value

For just over $1,000 per person, this package covers a lot of ground—transfers, guided tours, and accommodations in central locations—without the hassle of booking each part separately. The inclusion of major sites like Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, ensures you get a meaningful, well-guided experience. On top of that, the guided city tour in Krakow by electric vehicle is a clever way to see the key attractions efficiently, especially if you’re short on time but want to soak in a lot of sights.

The guides, as many reviews note, are knowledgeable and passionate, which transforms what could be a “tourist checklist” into an engaging narrative of Poland’s past and present. The stunning views from Gubalowka or the salt carvings underground are memorable highlights, and you’ll appreciate the well-organized logistics that keep your days smooth and enjoyable.

However, keep in mind that the Auschwitz visit is a long, emotional day, which may not suit everyone. Also, some optional activities like Kasprowy Wierch or rafting require additional booking and expense, so consider whether you want to tailor your days further.

Who is this tour best suited for?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want to see a broad swath of southern Poland without the hassle of planning each detail. It’s especially good for those interested in history, culture, and nature, offering a mix of profound memorial visits and scenic mountain views. The organized transfers and guided tours make it accessible for first-timers or those who prefer a structured approach, but it also leaves room for personal exploration on free days.

If you cherish authentic experiences combined with comfort and convenience, this tour provides solid value. It’s perfect for a first-time visitor eager to get a comprehensive feel of Krakow and Zakopane, or for anyone seeking a meaningful yet manageable Polish adventure.

FAQs

How do transfers work during the tour?
You’ll be picked up from Balice Airport or the main station and transported between Krakow, Zakopane, and the airport as part of the package. The transfers are included in the price and generally smooth, saving you from logistical worries.

What is included in the city tour in Krakow?
The city tour by electric car lasts about an hour and covers the Old Town and Jewish District, including attractions like Wawel Castle, Mary’s Church, and Planty Park, offering a quick but rundown.

How long is the Auschwitz-Birkenau visit?
The guided tour at Auschwitz I lasts around 2.5 hours, with an additional hour at Birkenau, making for a full, impactful day. Expect to spend around 11-12 hours overall, including transfers.

Are accommodations included?
Yes, the package provides 2 nights in centrally located apartments in both Krakow and Zakopane, giving you a comfortable base close to all sights.

Can I add optional activities?
Absolutely. You can choose to include tours to Kasprowy Wierch, rafting at Dunajec River Gorge, or relaxing in thermal pools. These are paid extras not included in the base price.

Is this experience suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but be prepared for the emotional weight of Auschwitz and the physical aspect of some activities. Check with your guides if you have specific concerns.

What is the approximate cost for this package?
At around $1,026.79 per person, it offers good value considering the inclusions, especially given the significant sites visited and the convenience of organized logistics.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and perhaps a camera for the stunning mountain views or salt carvings. Remember, some sites require modest dress—bring a scarf or shawl if visiting religious sites.

To sum it up, this 5-day tour strikes a balance between guided expertise, authentic experiences, and the freedom to explore at your pace. It’s best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive introduction to southern Poland without the stress of planning every detail. The inclusion of powerful historical sites, scenic mountain moments, and well-organized logistics make it a compelling choice for those seeking depth and comfort in their Polish adventure.