Krakow: Zakopane & Hot Springs Tour with Cable Car & Pickup

Taking a day trip from Krakow to Zakopane offers a fantastic blend of mountain scenery, traditional architecture, local flavors, and relaxing thermal baths. While many tours promise a lot in a short time, this experience stands out for its well-balanced itinerary, enthusiastic guides, and excellent value for money. We’re here to share what makes this tour a great choice—and what you might want to consider before booking.

First, we love the rich variety of experiences packed into just over 11 hours—mountain vistas, cultural insights, tasty snacks, and a long soak in thermal pools. Second, the guides—Joanna and Adam—are clearly passionate and knowledgeable, making the journey both educational and fun. Finally, the cost, around $51 per person, delivers more than enough value given the included activities and scenery. The only potential snag? The tour involves a fair amount of time on a bus, which might be tiring for some travelers.

This tour is best suited for those who want an authentic taste of the Tatra region without the hassle of planning multiple activities themselves. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy guided experiences, scenic views, and the chance to unwind comfortably afterwards. If you’re after a full day of sights, cultural flavor, and relaxation, this trip checks all those boxes.

Good To Know

• Authentic Experience: Combines cultural insights, scenic views, and relaxation.
• Professional Guides: Joanna and Adam bring energy, knowledge, and helpful tips.
• Value for Money: Includes transportation, cable car, food tasting, and thermal baths.
• Flexible Schedule: Free time to explore Zakopane and Krupówki street at your own pace.
• Comfortable Transport: Modern bus with a group of like-minded travelers.
• Photo Opportunities: Stunning views from Gubałówka and Chocholowskie Baths.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Itinerary in Detail

Start with Convenience and Comfort

The tour begins with pickup from Krakow, at one of six convenient locations between 8:00 and 9:00 AM. The bus ride, roughly 1.5 hours, is a good chance to settle in and chat with fellow travelers. The vehicle is modern, and many reviews mention the friendly driver—Patrick and Adam—who make the journey smooth and enjoyable, even if some found the legroom tight.

Visiting Chocholów: A Wooden Treasure

Your first stop is the charming village of Chocholów, a living museum of traditional Goral wooden architecture. We loved the way our guide, Joanna, pointed out the distinctive details of the houses—wide eaves, intricate carvings, and the cozy atmosphere of this mountain village. The brief photo stop allows you to soak in the rustic charm and snap some pictures of the traditional buildings.

Cheese and Vodka Tasting at Bacówka

Next up is the highlight for many—tasting regional cheese made from salted sheep’s milk, oscypek, and local homemade alcohol in a traditional shepherd’s hut called Bacówka. Reviewers like Sharron and Emma mention how friendly and informative Joanna was during this part, sharing stories about Polish traditions and the significance of these foods. Expect to sample and learn about the local cheese and spirits, which are integral parts of Goral culture.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Ascend Gubałówka by Cable Car

The real thrill comes with the Gubałówka funicular ride, soaring to 1122 meters above sea level in just 3.5 minutes. The panoramic views of Zakopane and the High Tatras are breathtaking—you’ll understand why this is a favorite among travelers. Even if the weather isn’t perfect, Joanna’s tips for local food and drink keep the experience lively. Several reviews describe this as a highlight, with one traveler noting, “the views are just stunning, and it’s a quick ride that packs a punch.”

Free Time in Zakopane

With about 2.5 hours to explore Zakopane, your options extend beyond shopping. Krupówki street buzzes with local shops—jewelry with the iconic heart-shaped parzenica pattern, woolly clothing, hand-carved wooden souvenirs, and more. Reviewers like James and Nicola appreciated this free time, emphasizing how relaxed and unpressured the experience felt. Joanna’s suggestions for places to eat or visit add a personal touch, making this part of the trip more than just a quick browse.

Relaxing in the Thermal Baths

The final major stop is at Chocholowskie thermal baths, where over 300 meters of water slides, saline pools, geysers, and jacuzzis await. After a full day of sightseeing, reviewers like Emma and Barbara praise the baths as the perfect way to unwind, especially with a view of the High Tatras as a backdrop. The 2.5-hour window allows enough time to soak, splash, and relax—whether you prefer the steam rooms or water cannons.

Return Journey

The trip concludes with a comfortable, roughly 1.5-hour drive back to Krakow, with drop-offs at your original pickup location or nearby. Many travelers comment that the entire day, although long, feels well-paced and full of variety.

The Value of This Tour

At $51 per person, this experience offers an impressive lineup of activities—transport, guided commentary, cable car tickets, cheese tasting, and access to thermal pools. When you break down the cost, it’s clear that you’re paying for convenience, expert insights, and a curated itinerary rather than just transport. Compared to organizing each stop independently, this all-in-one package saves you time, effort, and money.

The reviews repeatedly highlight the professionalism and enthusiasm of guides like Joanna and Adam. Their local knowledge and friendly demeanor turn what could be a standard tour into an engaging, memorable experience. The inclusion of a guidebook in 18 languages ensures everyone feels informed, even if they don’t speak Polish or English fluently.

The Scenic and Cultural Highlights

This tour gives you a well-rounded taste of the Goral culture through architecture, food, and local traditions. The visit to Chocholów is a rare chance to see authentic wooden houses and learn about regional craftsmanship. The cheese and vodka tasting connects you directly with local shepherds and artisans, offering more depth than just a quick snack stop.

The Top-Notch Views

The cable car ride to Gubałówka is a major draw—your camera will thank you, and you’ll get a sense of the scale and majesty of the High Tatras. Even in cloudier weather, many reviews suggest that the experience remains worthwhile thanks to the lively guides and the overall atmosphere.

The All-Important Relaxation

Ending the day in thermal baths is a smart choice, especially after a day of walking, sightseeing, and mountain air. The pools, slides, and geysers are high quality and attract visitors from all ages, according to numerous positive reviews.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is perfect for those seeking an accessible, well-organized day trip from Krakow that balances cultural sights, scenic views, and relaxation. It’s ideal if you want a guided experience with local insights without the hassle of planning transport or tickets yourself.

Travelers who enjoy authentic local foods, scenic vistas, and a relaxed pace will find this tour rewarding. However, if mobility or tight spaces on the bus are an issue, that’s worth considering, as some reviews mention that the bus cabin can be a bit cramped.

If you’re interested in learning about Goral traditions, taking stunning photos, and unwinding in thermal pools, this experience covers all those bases. It also offers excellent value—getting more than just a scenic trip, but a full culture and a relaxing end to the day.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is included from designated locations in Krakow, scheduled between 8:00 and 9:00 AM. You’ll receive the exact time the evening before.

How long is the bus ride?
The journey from Krakow to Chocholów takes approximately 1.5 hours.

What should I bring for the thermal baths?
Bring swimwear, a towel, and flip-flops for comfort and convenience.

Are the guides bilingual?
Yes, guides speak English and Polish; written informational brochures are also available in 18 languages.

Can I buy souvenirs during the free time in Zakopane?
Absolutely. Krupówki street offers many shops selling jewelry, woolen clothes, and wooden souvenirs.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While it’s generally family-friendly, the bus seating might be tight for some, and the tour involves walking and water activities.

How long is the free time in Zakopane?
You will have about 2.5 hours to explore, shop, or relax on your own.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, guide, guidebook, cheese and alcohol tasting, funicular ticket, and thermal bath entry.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Guides will adapt the experience as best they can, but some sightseeing depends on clear views. Indoor options like the thermal baths are unaffected.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Final Thoughts

This Zakopane and thermal baths tour from Krakow offers a well-rounded day for travelers eager to experience the Polish mountains and local culture with ease. With knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and a fantastic value, it’s a smart choice for anyone looking to get a taste of the High Tatras without the stress of planning every detail.

Whether you’re craving mountain vistas, authentic food, or a relaxing soak, this trip delivers plenty of memorable moments. Just remember to pack your swimwear, enjoy the scenic cable car ride, and get ready for a day full of variety and genuine Polish charm.

You can check if your dates are available here: