Hiking through the Beskids

In the morning, we depart southwards, disembarking at a mountain pass at 650 meters. The first hike leads to Lubon Wielki, a wild mountain island rising amidst inhabited stream valleys. At its 1022-meter summit stands perhaps Poland's prettiest mountain hut, resembling a witch's cottage. We then descend to Rabka, a popular children's resort with extensive parks.

Overnight stay: Rabka

Today you'll embark on a longer day hike through the wooded Gorce massif. The route is long, but not difficult or strenuous, as there aren't too many ascents and descents. The hike also passes several mountain huts where you can stop for refreshments. You'll reach your next accommodation fairly early, passing through Bukowina Obidowska. However, we recommend climbing the highest Gorce peak, Turbacz (1310 m). On the descent, you'll be treated to stunning views of the Nowy Targ valley and the High Tatras. You'll spend the night in a beautifully situated hotel in a suburb of Nowy Targ.

Overnight stay: Nowy Targ

This leg of the journey is quite relaxing. You'll take a bus from Nowy Targ to Kluszkowce. Your destination is the not-so-high but prominently situated Wdzar mountain (767 m), which you can reach on foot or by chairlift. The mountain is a geological curiosity and offers magnificent views of the Pieniny Mountains, the Dunajec Valley, and two old border fortresses in Czorsztyn and Niedzica, which rise above the reservoir. You'll have plenty of time to visit both castles – ferries regularly shuttle between them. Overnight stay in Niedzica, in the Žipš region, the land that once belonged to the Hungarian Empire.

Overnight stay: Niedzica

A bus we've arranged will take you to Sromowce Nizne, just before the point where the Dunajec River begins its wild gorge. Here, the river forms the border with Slovakia, where a new pedestrian bridge makes visiting the former Carthusian monastery easy. Above it rises the majestic limestone massif of the "Three Crowns" (982 m, 500 m above the river valley!). Climbing this mountain and visiting the viewing platform on top is a must. Then it's on to Szczawnica. You can hike – along the ridges or along the Dunajec on the "Pienin Trail," carved into the rock. The most interesting option, however, is a raft trip on the mountain river. Towering rock faces, up to 300 m high, with jagged peaks, line the two-hour journey. You will spend the night in Szczawnica, an old, tranquil spa town with stylish villas, where you can visit nice park cafes in the evening.

Overnight stay: Szczawnica

After the very popular Pieniny Mountains, you'll now hike through the tranquil Sandez Beskids, covered in pristine mixed forests. One option leads through the village of Javorki with its old village inn and Orthodox church; once inhabited by Ruthenians, this area is known for its numerous flocks of sheep, herded according to ancient tradition. Your destination for the day is the small resort village of Rytro, nestled in the deep, green valley of the Poprad River. In the distance, you can see the ruins of a small 12th-century castle. "Conquering" it will be your final challenge today. At the hotel on the riverbank, fried trout awaits you as a reward.

Accommodation location: Rytro

The bus we've arranged will first take you to Stary Sącz, one of the most beautiful small towns in Poland, boasting an impressive monastery complex, a charming market square, narrow streets, and small, colorful houses. After sightseeing, you'll continue on to Kraków, or you can extend your stay in Zakopane. Arrival in Kraków is no later than 5:00 PM, allowing you to catch an evening train or flight. Otherwise, we recommend booking an extra night in Kraków.