Adventourus Active Vacations

8 day Independent or Guided tour

Many of the most beautiful cycle paths in Europe run along river valleys flanked by mountains and hills. They follow ancient trade routes, through little towns full of beautiful historic buildings. The routes take us along the old towpaths, just above the water level, where for centuries horses pulled boats and rafts upstream. Although these routes lead into the mountains, the cycle path along the river is gentle and pleasant. A well known attraction on the Dunajec are the countless wooden rafts moving up and down the river. A few years ago the opening of new border crossings made the paths through the Pieniny hills on the Slovakian side along the famous gorge accessible to visitors. You will also come across the authentic folk traditions of the Goral and Spisz people. As you follow the cycle trails through the villages of Podhale you feel almost like a pioneer of the last century.

Individual arrival. Stroll through the old town this evening during your free time.

You start with a cycle tour through Krakow, the former capital of Poland and residence of the Polish kings. Experience the wonderful atmosphere of this city. Afterwards bus transfer to the village of Zab (approx. 2,5 hours), where you start another bike tour to Gobalowka. Enjoy the gorgeous panorama of the High Tatra. On the confluence of the rivers Poroniec and Zakopiankath, the White Dunajec emerges.

Day 3: Zakopane - Lopuszna (60 km)

You start with a cable car ride to the top of the Gubalowka. In the winter this area is Polands best ski area. You then cycle to Chocholow, a village famous for it´s "living open air museum" . Via the moor of "Puscizna" you reach the valley of Cichy Potok ("the quiet stream") and the village of Nowy Targ, the center of the Gorale people. Soon after you reach the historic villages of Waksmund and Lopuszna.

You follow the river Bialka till the impressive gorge at Nowa Biala. You are now in the region of Spisz, which has a rich history and unique culture. Until 1918 this area was part of Hungary and home of several ethnic groups: Gorale and Ruthenians lived in the villages, Germans in the towns and Hungarian nobility in the castles.

You cross the border to Slovakia and ride to the village of Cerveny Klasto (Red Monastery). Admire the highest point of the Pieniny mountain range, the imposing three peaks of Trzy Krony (Three Crowns). You will feel like you are in a different world once you enter the Dunajec gorge - as breathtaking scenery awaits you. Next you cycle through another gorge, Lessnicky Potek, before you return to Poland and reach the small spa town of Szczawnica.

Between two ranges of the Beskid mountains lies the "green Dunajec Gorge". You ride over a suspension bridge to the right river bank, on small paths through farming hamlets, beautifully decorated with flowers, until Lacko (known for Slivovitz production) and on to Rytro, an old feudal village.

You start with a beautiful downhill ride through the Porad Valley to Stary Sacz, one of the most interesting towns in Southern Poland. From here you return by bus (approx. 2,5 hrs.) to Krakow, where you spend the night in the quiet Kazimieerz district, once the Jewish quarter. Enjoy your last evening of the tour with Klezmer Music.

After breakfast your cycling tour comes to an end and you may begin your journey home. We would also be more than happy to extend your stay in Europe.

PRICE & DETAILS

Price & Schedule

INDEPENDENT TOUR

DEPARTURE DATES:

Independent tours depart every Saturday from May 19th to September 8th.

- 7 nights accommodation in a mix of 2 and 3 star inns and country hotels. All rooms with private facilities

- breakfast AND dinner each day.

- 21 speed trekking bicycle with pannier.

- maps & road guide book

- luggage transportation from hotel to hotel.

- 7 day phone service hotline

- Klezmer concert

- 2 x bus transfers (Krakow-Zab, Stary Sacz - Krakow)

Price & Schedule

ESCORTED TOUR

DEPARTURE DATES:

Independent tours depart every Saturday from May 19th to September 8th.

A minimum of 5 persons are required for the escorted tour to commence

Included:

- 7 nights accommodation in a mix of 3 and 4 star inns and country hotels. All rooms with private facilities

- breakfast AND dinner each day.

- 21 speed trekking bicycle with pannier.

- maps & road guide book

- luggage transportation from hotel to hotel.

- 7 day phone service hotline

- Klezmer concert

- 2 x bus transfers (Krakow-Zab, Stary Sacz - Krakow)

- 1 x mountain railway ride Zakopane-Gubalowka

EASY: The cycling routes are flat to slightly hilly, short uphill stretches and gradual downhill stretches, on quiet side roads and forest trails.

International flights go in/out of Krakow. There is a regular public bus shuttle into the central city.