Krakow: Zakopane Tour, Hot Springs, Cable Car & Hotel Pickup

Planning a day trip from Krakow to Zakopane? This experience offers a chance to explore a charming mountain town, sample regional delicacies, and unwind in thermal waters—all comfortably, with expert guides. With a high rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 88 reviews and a price of just $37 per person, it’s a compelling option for anyone looking to experience Poland’s stunning landscapes and local culture without breaking the bank.

What really stands out about this tour is the combination of authentic food tastings, breathtaking mountain views, and convenient transportation. Plus, the flexibility of free time in Zakopane means you can explore at your own pace. That said, keep in mind that the tour is quite packed, and the day runs for around 11 hours, which might be a long one for some travelers. It’s best suited for those eager to see the mountains, enjoy some local flavors, and relax in thermal waters—especially if you’re short on time but craving a well-rounded experience.

Key Points

• Authentic regional tastes: Cheese and vodka sampling at a traditional Bacówka.
• Spectacular views: Cable car ride from Gubaówka with panoramic Tatra mountain scenery.
• Vibrant town atmosphere: Exploring Krupówki Street’s shops and cafes.
• Relaxation: Soaking in Chocholow Thermal Pools.
• Comfort & convenience: Air-conditioned coach and hotel pickup/drop-off.
• Value for money: A full-day experience packed with variety for just $37.

An In-Depth Look at the Zakopane Day Trip

This tour offers a well-balanced day of sightseeing, tasting, and relaxing, all rolled into roughly 11 hours. From the moment you’re picked up at your Krakow accommodation (or designated spot), the journey itself is a smooth 1.5-hour ride through the picturesque Polish countryside. Traveling in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach makes a long day much easier—especially when paired with a friendly, knowledgeable guide.

The Traditional Bacówka & Cheese Tasting

The tour kicks off with a visit to a Bacówka, a highlander farm where they produce the legendary smoked sheeps cheese, known as oscypek. This is a genuine local experience—expect to taste a few varieties and learn how highlanders craft their distinctive cheese. Many reviewers mention how much they enjoyed sampling the regional delicacy, with some even buying cheese to take home and trying to recreate it themselves. The vodka tasting also adds a fun, traditional touch, giving travelers a taste of Polish spirits and the stories behind them.

Reviewer Rhian from the UK notes, “We enjoyed the cheese and vodka so much we bought some to cook with later.” This stop helps you connect with the local culture through authentic flavors, enriching the overall experience.

Scenic Ride to Gubaówka & the Cable Car

After the cheese tasting, the journey continues to Gubaówka, located at 1123 meters above sea level. Here, a guided tour provides insight into the area’s geography and highland traditions. The real highlight is the cable car ride, which whisks you up the mountain for some truly memorable views. Expect to see the peaks of the Tatra Mountains, which, on a clear day, stretch out into a sweeping panorama.

Travelers like Shane from the UK praise the cable car experience, describing it as “really enjoyable,” and many mention how the views from the top are worth the short ride. At the summit, there’s ample time to soak up the sunshine, snap photos, and simply breathe in the mountain air.

Exploring Zakopane’s Main Street, Krupówki

Next is a visit to Krupówki, the bustling heart of Zakopane. This lively street is packed with shops selling traditional highlander clothing, souvenirs, and regional foods. It’s a great place to wander, browse, and pick up unique items like handmade woolens or wooden crafts.

Many reviewers comment on how they appreciated having free time here—enough to explore at their own pace, enjoy a coffee, or do some shopping. Xanthe from the UK remarks, “It was a pleasure to chat with our guide Szymon, who gave us excellent recommendations and took some lovely photos.”

Relaxation in Chocholow Thermal Pools

The final major stop is the Chocholow Thermal Pools, where you can unwind after a busy day of sightseeing. The thermal waters are not only soothing but are also believed to have health benefits. The pools are spacious, and many travelers find this a perfect way to cap off their day.

Olga from Poland describes the pools as “definitely worth spending a whole day in,” though for this tour, three hours is enough to relax and enjoy the water. Remember to bring swimwear, a towel, and your camera to capture the scenic mountain backdrop.

Return Journey & Drop-Off

The comfortable coach then whisks you back to Krakow, allowing you to reflect on what’s been a truly immersive day. Many reviews emphasize how smooth and enjoyable the transportation is, praising the professionalism of drivers like Adam and guides like Natalia and Mirek. The tour concludes with drop-offs at either the original pick-up point or a central location, making logistics straightforward.

Practical Details & Value

At just $37, this tour offers excellent value considering the variety of experiences packed into a single day. The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off is a real plus for convenience. Plus, the guided explanations at each stop add depth that makes the sights more meaningful.

Transport is in a modern, air-conditioned coach with a friendly, English-speaking guide who keeps the atmosphere lively and informative. With a small to medium group size, as many reviews indicate, this tour feels personal and well-organized.

The itinerary is tightly scheduled but flexible enough to allow free exploration, especially in Zakopane. The 11-hour duration means you’ll want to start the day early, but the activities are spaced out enough to avoid feeling rushed. Tour guides like Szymon, Natalia, and Mirek receive high praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to make the experience enjoyable.

What’s Not Included

• Meals are not included, so bring cash for lunch or snacks along Krupówki Street.
• Personal expenses, souvenirs, or additional drinks are on you.

Things to Consider

• The tour is not wheelchair accessible, so plan accordingly.
• Weather can impact the experience—mountain views are best on clear days, and the high Tatras may still be snowy until May.
• Dress for comfort and variable weather—layers are recommended.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive day trip without the hassle of planning multiple stops themselves. It’s perfect if you’re curious about highlander culture, love scenic mountain vistas, and enjoy local food tastings—all within a manageable schedule. The tour’s flexibility makes it suitable for those who like to explore independently but appreciate guided insights.

If you’re short on time but eager to see Zakopane’s highlights and unwind in thermal waters, this trip packs a punch. It’s especially well-suited for first-time visitors to Poland or those who prefer a guided experience that balances sightseeing with relaxation.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making it convenient to start your day without stress.

How long is the bus ride from Krakow to Zakopane? The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach.

What is included in the tour? The tour includes transportation, cheese and vodka tasting at a traditional Bacówka, a cable car ride from Gubaówka, an exploration of Krupówki Street, and entry to the Chocholow Thermal Pools.

Can I buy souvenirs during the tour? Yes, Krupówki Street is lined with shops selling regional products, perfect for picking up unique souvenirs.

How much free time do I get in Zakopane? You have about 2.5 hours to explore Krupówki and surrounding areas at your leisure.

Is there any age restriction? The tour is suitable for most ages, but it’s not wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, a camera, swimwear, a towel, and your passport or ID are recommended.

Are meals included? No, meals are not included, so plan to buy lunch or snacks in Zakopane.

Can I customize this tour? Private groups are available, which could offer more flexibility for customization.

What if I want to cancel? Full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

Final Thoughts

This Krakow to Zakopane day trip offers a well-rounded experience blending mountain scenery, delicious local flavors, and relaxing thermal pools—all at a very reasonable price. The guided elements, especially the cheese and vodka tasting and scenic cable car ride, add depth and authenticity that elevate the experience beyond just sightseeing.

It’s a particularly good fit for those with limited time in Poland but eager to see some of its most beautiful landscapes and enjoy highlander culture. The tour’s thoughtful organization, friendly guides, and variety of activities make it a memorable and value-packed choice.

If you’re after a day of scenic vistas, authentic tastes, and gentle relaxation, this trip delivers on all fronts—making it a highlight of any Krakow itinerary.