From Krakow: Zakopane Tour with Thermal Spa & Hotel Pickup

Traveling from Krakow to Zakopane offers a wonderful chance to see Poland’s stunning mountain scenery, enjoy local tastes, and unwind in thermal pools. This particular tour, offered by Level Tours Krakow, promises a comprehensive day packed with scenic drives, cultural stops, and relaxing moments—all conveniently organized with hotel pickup and small group numbers. We’ve gathered lots of insights from travelers who have experienced it firsthand, so you can decide if this trip is a good fit for your Polish adventure.

Two things stand out about this experience. First, the expert guides consistently receive praise for their friendliness, knowledge, and ability to make the day flow smoothly. Second, the thermal baths and mountain views are repeatedly highlighted as truly memorable highlights. That said, the overall pace can be quite full, especially with all the activities packed into one day, so it’s best for those who enjoy a bit of a schedule and are comfortable with a busy itinerary.

A possible consideration is the transportation size and duration—some reviews mention the bus can feel a little tight, and the full 11-hour schedule might be a lot for travelers who prefer a more relaxed pace. Still, for those eager to see as much as possible in one day, this tour offers a lot of value and variety.

In short, this Zakopane trip is well-suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, guided experience that combines scenic mountain views, cultural stops, and relaxing thermal pools without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. It’s a good pick for those who enjoy guided group tours and want to maximize their time in this beautiful region.

Key Points

• All-inclusive experience with hotel pickup, guided sightseeing, and entry tickets
• Expert guides praised for their friendliness and knowledge
• A well-balanced itinerary with scenic drives, cultural stops, and relaxing thermal baths
• Small group size enhances comfort and personalized attention
• Value for money considering all the activities, transportation, and entry fees included
• Busy schedule may be tiring for some, so prepare for a full day

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Zakopane Day Trip

This tour is designed to give you a full taste of what Zakopane and the surrounding Tatra Mountains have to offer. It’s not just a quick peek—the itinerary is packed with diverse activities that showcase natural beauty, local culture, and pure relaxation. You’ll start early with hotel pickup in Krakow, and from there, the journey begins.

Convenient Pickup & Transportation

The tour begins with a hotel pickup, which is one of the biggest perks. Having this arranged means you avoid the hassle of finding your way to a meeting point. The driver, who is also the guide, contacts you beforehand via WhatsApp around 8 PM the night before, to confirm the exact pick-up time, ensuring a smooth start. The transportation is a comfortable van, but some reviews note it’s a bit snug, especially for a full day with multiple stops.

Scenic Drive & First Stops

The ride out of Krakow takes about two hours, giving you a chance to relax and enjoy the countryside. Early on, you’ll stop at Chocholow, a charming traditional village famous for its beautiful wooden houses. This is a great spot for photos and to appreciate Poland’s architectural heritage. Visitors rave about the local producers making fresh smoked cheese right in front of them, which makes for a delicious and authentic tasting experience. Reviews highlight how much people enjoy sampling the local cheese and vodka, describing it as a fun and tasty part of the day.

Next, you’ll make a quick stop at Witów for a break—another scenic spot ideal for photos and possibly some more tasty treats. The landscape here is stunning, with mountain views serving as a perfect backdrop.

The Mountain Adventure Begins

The highlight for many is the trip up Gubałówka Mountain via funicular ride—a short but exhilarating journey. Once atop, you’ll have ample time to soak in the panoramic views of the Tatras, explore the area, shop for arts & crafts, and take photos. Travelers consistently mention how breathtaking the scenery is and how much they appreciate the relaxed time at this stop. One reviewer, Lydia, notes that their guide was very friendly and approachable, enhancing the experience.

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Zakopane Town & Cultural Immersion

After descending, you’ll enjoy about 1.5 hours of free time in Zakopane itself. This allows for a leisurely stroll among famous architectural buildings, browsing local shops, or grabbing a traditional meal. Zakopane’s unique blend of old and new gives it a distinctive charm, often described as a picturesque ski resort town. Some travelers mention that the town is busy but charming, perfect for those wanting to soak in local culture and pick up souvenirs.

Thermal Baths & Relaxation

The pinnacle for many is the visit to the Bania Thermal Baths, where you can unwind in hot pools and saunas. According to reviews, this is a fun and relaxing way to cap off the day, especially with the thermal pools offering stunning mountain views. Visitors often mention how this part of the trip is both rejuvenating and scenic. The baths include an open-air hot pool bar, a feature that many say adds a special touch. It’s a great opportunity to relax tired muscles after a day of sightseeing.

Final Stop & Return to Krakow

Later, the group heads back toward Krakow—this portion of the trip includes scenic drives and a visit to Chocholow for more sightseeing, with some travelers mentioning they could have stayed longer at each stop but appreciated the overall pace. The full day wraps up with a drop-off at your hotel, giving you the convenience of not needing to organize your own transport back.

The Value of the Experience

For $102 per person, the tour offers quite a bit: transportation, guided sightseeing, entry to Gubałówka, the thermal pools, and tasting experiences. Travelers say that the guides make a big difference, with reviews praising guides like Mido, Ivan, Dawid, and Muk for their friendliness, knowledge, and helpful attitude. As one reviewer put it, “Mido was an excellent guide,” emphasizing how a good guide can elevate the entire experience.

Many reviews highlight that the day is well-organized and offers a good balance of activities. The inclusion of local food and drink tastings adds a cultural dimension that makes the trip feel authentic. If you’re someone who enjoys a full schedule and a variety of experiences—scenic views, cultural insights, relaxation—this tour hits the mark.

However, as some reviews mention, the bus can feel tight, and the long day might be tiring if you prefer a more leisurely pace. It’s best suited for active travelers with a sense of adventure who enjoy a tightly packed itinerary.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you love combining culture, scenery, and relaxation, this trip is perfect. It’s especially good for those who want an all-in-one experience without the hassle of organizing transport and tickets themselves. The small group size makes it personal enough to ask questions and get tailored attention, which travelers really appreciate.

Since the tour includes thermal baths and scenic views—it’s great for those who want to relax at the end of a busy sightseeing day. The cultural stops and local tastings also appeal to travelers interested in authentic Polish experiences.

This tour may be less ideal for travelers who prefer a very slow pace or who have mobility issues, as there’s quite a bit of walking, some uphill at Gubałówka, and a full schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Krakow, making it very convenient. The driver contacts you beforehand to confirm the timing.

How long is the travel time from Krakow to Zakopane?
The journey takes about two hours each way, giving you some time to relax and enjoy the countryside.

What should I bring for the day?
Comfortable shoes and warm clothing are recommended, especially since you’ll be in mountain areas. Also, pack swimwear and a towel for the thermal baths.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the activities—like the scenic funicular ride and thermal pools—can be enjoyable for older children, but consider the full schedule’s length and walking involved.

What does the tour include?
It includes hotel pickup and drop-off, entry to Gubałówka via funicular, thermal pools entry, cheese and drink tastings, support staff, and transportation.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, giving you flexibility.

Final Thoughts

This Zakopane tour offers a rich blend of natural beauty, cultural charm, and relaxation—delivered with the convenience of hotel pickup and a guided experience. Travelers who appreciate a well-organized day with plenty of highlights, from mountain vistas to local foods and thermal baths, will find this trip particularly appealing. The glowing reviews about guides like Mido and Ivan highlight that with the right guide, this day can be both informative and fun.

However, prepare yourself for a full schedule, and keep in mind that the bus might be a little snug for some. If you’re up for a busy but rewarding day exploring Poland’s mountainous heart, this tour will deliver memorable moments and some fantastic photos to take home.

Final Recommendation

This experience shines brightest for travelers who want a comprehensive, guided journey that includes scenic views, cultural insights, and relaxing thermal pools—all packed into a single day. It’s best suited for those who enjoy a structured itinerary and are comfortable with a bit of a busy schedule. If that sounds like your kind of adventure, you’re likely to come away with a lot of great memories—and some beautiful photos of Zakopane’s mountain scenery.

You can check availability for your dates here: