Zakopane Day Tour from Krakow with Tasting and Funicular ride

Explore Zakopane with Convenient Hotel Pickup and a Full-Day Schedule

This Zakopane Day Tour from Krakow offers an engaging way to experience Poland’s mountain town in just one day. Priced at $98.84 per person, the tour spans approximately 11 to 12 hours, making it ideal for those with limited time who want to see the highlights of Zakopane. The experience includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Krakow, removing any worries about transportation logistics.

A standout feature is the tour’s well-rounded itinerary, which combines scenic rides, cultural tastings, and free time for personal exploration. The tour is designed to be accessible, with most travelers able to participate, and is highly rated, averaging a 5.0/5 from 158 reviews. While lunch is not included, the rich activities and scenic views promise plenty of memorable moments.

Key Points

• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Krakow for seamless travel
• Two-hour transfer from Krakow to Zakopane, with a scenic drive through Poland’s mountains
• Visit Chocholow’s wooden mountain huts for cheese tasting and learning how “oscypek” is made
• Ride the Gubalowka funicular for panoramic views of the Tatra Mountains
• Explore Krupówki Street, Zakopane’s bustling heart with shops, restaurants, and local souvenirs
• Traditional cheese and regional alcohol tasting at a historic mountain hut

From Krakow to Zakopane: Comfortable Transport and Scenic Drive

The tour starts with a hotel pickup in Krakow at 9:00 am, where a driver from Thousand Miles Krakow arrives punctually at your chosen location. After a brief introduction, the group embarks on a two-hour drive toward Zakopane, enjoying comfortable transportation suited for small groups, with a maximum of 22 travelers.

The scenic transfer through Poland’s mountains offers a preview of the stunning landscapes ahead. This smooth start sets the tone for a relaxed day focused on sightseeing and local culture, avoiding the hassle of arranging your own transport.

Visiting Chocholow: Traditional Highland Cheese Making

On the way to Zakopane, the tour makes a 30-minute stop at Chocholow, famous for “oscypek”, a smoked cheese made from sheep’s milk. Here, visitors can observe traditional cheese production in wooden “Bacówki”—small mountain huts—where local Highlanders craft cheese by hand.

At this stop, you can taste different types of smoked cheeses with varying degrees of smoking. The experience also includes learning how this unique regional cheese is produced, offering insight into Highlander customs and rural life. The stop provides a genuine taste of local traditions in a picturesque setting.

Discovering Zakopane’s Charm for Three Hours

Arriving in Zakopane around noon, the tour allocates about three hours for sightseeing, shopping, and relaxing. You’re free to explore the town’s main attractions at your own pace. The local Krupówki Street acts as Zakopane’s bustling center, lined with traditional shops, regional restaurants, and stalls selling highlander souvenirs.

This free time offers the chance to stroll, do some shopping, or grab a quick bite. Many visitors enjoy walking around to soak in the mountain town’s lively atmosphere and admire the wooden architecture typical of the region.

Gubalowka Funicular Ride for Panoramic Mountain Views

A key highlight is the Gubalowka funicular ride, included in the tour. The cable car climbs up to 1123 meters above sea level, with a modern cabin featuring a glass roof that provides excellent views during the ascent.

At the top, the panoramic vistas of the Tatra Mountains are breathtaking, especially on clear days. Visitors can relax, take photos, and admire the sweeping mountain valleys and peaks. This scenic ride is regarded as a must-do experience at Zakopane, providing a memorable perspective of Poland’s mountain landscape.

Visiting a Historic Mountain Hut with Cheese and Alcohol Tasting

Back in Zakopane, the tour visits the oldest traditional mountain hut, a wooden house where Highlanders have prepared oscypek cheese and regional alcohol for generations. Here, tasting smoked cheese and regional spirits forms a core part of the experience, giving insight into local culinary traditions.

The guide explains how the cheese is made while guests sample different types of highlander cheese with varying smoking levels. The tasting session is complemented by regional alcohol, offering an authentic flavor of the Tatra Highlander culture.

Free Time on Krupówki Street and Local Shopping

Following the tastings, travelers have about 30 minutes to explore Krupówki Street on their own. As Zakopane’s main pedestrian zone, it’s filled with shops selling traditional highlander clothing, souvenirs, and regional delicacies.

This vibrant street serves as both a marketplace and a social hub. Visitors often find unique wooden crafts, embroidered textiles, and local products to take home. The free time allows for personal exploration, photo opportunities, and sampling local cuisine at various cafes and restaurants.

Return Journey with Scenic Transfer Back to Krakow

The tour concludes with a two-hour drive back to Krakow, leaving Zakopane in the early afternoon. The return transfer ensures a relaxed end to a full day of sightseeing. You’re dropped off at your original Krakow hotel, making it easy to continue exploring the city or head to dinner.

This round trip’s smooth logistics mean minimal hassle, letting you focus on the memorable experiences during the day.

Tour Highlights: Authentic Cultural and Scenic Experiences

This tour stands out for its combination of scenic rides, cultural tastings, and sightseeing stops. The funicular ride offers stunning views, while the cheese tasting highlights regional craftsmanship. Visiting the wooden mountain huts immerses visitors in Highlander traditions, and the free time on Krupówki Street allows for personal discovery.

The English-speaking driver and knowledgeable guides enhance the experience, sharing insights about Zakopane’s history and culture. The small group size and punctual logistics contribute to a comfortable, personalized tour environment.

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour departs at 9:00 am with hotel pickup, which is included in the $98.84 price. The day is well-paced but involves about four hours of transport in total, so travelers should be comfortable with a full schedule.

While lunch is not included, the stops at local eateries or markets offer opportunities to enjoy regional dishes independently. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with accessibility options likely available, but it’s advisable to wear comfortable shoes for walking and sightseeing.

Final Thoughts: A Well-Rounded Day Trip to Zakopane

This Zakopane day tour from Krakow offers a balanced mix of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and free time. The inclusion of hotel pickup and return, funicular ride, cheese and alcohol tasting, and visits to iconic sites make it a worthwhile option for those looking to explore Poland’s mountains without the hassle of planning transportation and logistics.

While some reviews mention minor organizational hiccups or weather-related view limitations, the overall experience consistently receives high praise, especially for guides like Marco and Tomek who bring local stories and lively energy.

This tour is particularly well-suited for first-time visitors to Zakopane, culture enthusiasts, and nature lovers eager for panoramic mountain views. Overall, it combines convenience, culture, and scenic beauty at a compelling price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the $98.84 price, making logistics easy.

How long is the transfer from Krakow to Zakopane?
The drive lasts approximately two hours, offering scenic views of Poland’s mountains.

What activities are included at Zakopane?
The tour includes a funicular ride to Gubalowka, cheese and regional alcohol tasting, and free time on Krupówki Street.

Can I explore Zakopane on my own?
Yes, you have about three hours of free time to walk, shop, and enjoy the town at your own pace.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but there are plenty of options available during free time.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour is designed for groups of up to 22 travelers for a personalized experience.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, especially for walking and the funicular ride.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate; specific age restrictions are not stated but consider physical comfort for walking and outdoor activities.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather, and if canceled due to poor conditions, a full refund or alternative date is offered.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 29 days in advance, ensuring availability and planning ahead.

This Zakopane Day Tour from Krakow offers a rich, well-organized opportunity to enjoy Poland’s scenic mountains, local culture, and lively town atmosphere—all in one memorable day.