Krakow to Budapest Hiking & Walking Tour
From Storybook Poland to Slovakia's Rugged Tatra Mountains
A dramatic natural border that separates Slovakia and Poland. Pristine passes and lakes nestled between 8,000-foot peaks. In the Tatra Mountains, take going off the beaten path to new heights.
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
From $5,199 - $5,399/person
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Snapshots from the Trip
Trip at a Glance
Highlights
- Experience Lesser Poland, a dynamic region steeped in history but in the throes of cultural change
- Soak up a unique strain of mountain-town culture in the historic resort town of Zakopane
- Wander the untouristed Pieniny Mountains and follow a soaring ridgeline along the Polish-Slovak border
- Admire mountain lakes, waterfalls and flocks of sheep hidden among rocky crests as you hike Slovakia’s High Tatras
- Begin your journey in enchanting Kraków, a World Heritage city, and end in elegant Budapest, famous for grand architecture
Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.
Start Kraków, Poland Airport & Travel Details
- Hike between hillside villages in Poland’s forested foothills
- Grab your first lunch at a cozy converted barn run by a local artist—the specialty is the pierogi!
- Settle into our 1920s abode in Zakopane, Poland’s premier mountain resort town
- Ascend into World Heritage Tatra National Park
- Hike through forest clearings inhabited by shepherds and their flocks
- Opt to bag a peak for 360-degree views
- Refreshments await at a humble mountain hut
- Join a local for a guided stroll through Zakopane.
Nights 1-2
Luxury Hotel
A stylish resort in Zakopane's center, housed in the iconic Dom Turysty (Tourist House), which opened its doors to guests in the 1950s. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Trek along a ridgeline which forms the natural border between Poland and Slovakia
- Stop at a shepherd's hut trailside for a glimpse of how oscypek, the region's famous smoky cheese, is made—not to mention a taste
- Stroll the old town of Kežmarok with a local guide who offers insights on daily Slovak life
- Savor a hearty dinner in tavern-like surroundings with live folk music
- Ascend by cable car to a high alpine ridge near Chopok for sweeping views
- Explore glacial valleys and lofty lakes hidden among the peaks of the Slovak High Tatras
- Contemplate humankind’s daredevil ambitions in the peaceful Mountaineer’s Cemetery, a hidden wilderness memorial to those who have lost their lives on the world’s mountains
- Toast to our week together in our hotel's elegant dining room
- Stroll the streets of Stara Lubovna before hopping in the shuttle to Budapest, our fascinating gateway city.
Nights 3-5
Luxury Hotel
Consisting of three buildings constructed during various eras, this stately property sits on the shore of Štrbské Lake and beneath the craggy peaks of the Slovakian High Tatras. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
End Budapest, Hungary or Košíce, Slovakia Airport & Travel Details
This trip has an activity level range of 2-4
All breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners (note: one group dinner on this trip is unable to accommodate vegan diets; an alternate dinner will be provided at a separate venue)
All accommodations on your Backroads trip
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Expertise and services of Backroads Trip Leaders
Lightweight carbon hiking poles
Backroads On Trip App with route maps, elevation profiles, daily snapshots and more
Additional local guides and experts, plus equipment for included activities as detailed in your itinerary
Exclusive activities, tours and cultural experiences, as detailed in your itinerary
All luggage transfers and porterage during your trip
Snacks and beverages between meals
Private cocktail and wine receptions on the first and last nights of your trip
Choice of Backroads t-shirt or hat, plus water bottle and luggage tag
Detailed Travel Planner with destination tips and pre-trip information
