Zakopane day tour from Krakow: Quad ride & thermal springs

Ride quads through the Tatras, then soak in hot springs while the mountains frame the view.

A full-day tour from Krakow to Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains combines quad riding, a visit to the preserved wooden village of Chochołów, a tasting of smoked sheep cheese and regional vodka, a ride up Gubałówka funicular, free time on Krupówki Street, and 3 hours in a thermal complex with indoor and outdoor pools, jacuzzis and water slides. Hotel pickup in Krakow is included. The driver speaks English and handles all navigation so the day stays on track.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Chocholow20m
2. Zakopane2h 30m

Zakopane day tour from Krakow

• Pickup from Krakow accommodation
• Drive to Chochołów village
• Walk and explore Chochołów
• Visit shepherd's hut and taste Oscypek cheese
• Taste regional Polish vodka
• Arrive in Zakopane and ride Gubałówka Funicular
• Free time to explore Zakopane and lunch
• Relax in thermal springs complex
• Return to Krakow in the evening

The experience

Your day starts with pickup from your Krakow hotel or apartment, then a 90- to 120-minute drive through Lesser Poland countryside toward the Tatra Mountains. The first stop is Chochołów, a village of centuries-old wooden houses built in traditional Highlander style. You walk the streets at your own pace and photograph the timber architecture that has survived centuries. Next is a shepherd's hut where you taste Oscypek, the smoked sheep cheese protected under EU designation of origin, paired with a tasting of regional Polish vodka and a look at how these traditions have been made the same way for generations.

Zakopane itself is the mountain resort most Poles think of first. You ride the historic Gubałówka funicular to the summit for views across the range, then have two and a half hours free on Krupówki Street: the pedestrian heart of town, lined with restaurants serving grilled oscypek and mountain soups, plus shops selling wool products and handcrafted Highlander goods. Lunch is on you here, but the time is yours to spend as you want.

The thermal complex comes next: you get an electronic wristband, changing rooms, a locker, and 3 hours of admission to indoor and outdoor pools filled with naturally heated mineral water, jacuzzis, water slides and recreational zones. The complex has views of the mountains from the pools themselves. A pool bar sells drinks and snacks if you want them. Bring your own towel or rent one for a fee. After soaking, your driver takes you back to Krakow in the evening.

What’s included

• Round-trip transportation from your Krakow hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional English-speaking driver.
• entry to Gubałówka funicular railway and viewpoint.
• a visit to the traditional wooden village of Chochołów with time to walk and photograph.
• a tasting of Oscypek smoked sheep cheese and regional Polish vodka at a shepherd's hut.
• 3 hours of admission to the thermal complex with access to indoor and outdoor pools, jacuzzis and water slides.
• two and a half hours of free time to explore Zakopane's Krupówki Street and local restaurants.

Options for this experience

2 options

Transfer only, entry ticket not includedGuide in English or Polish · Available from 21 Dec · 08:15Pickup is included

Full-day tour in a regular groupGuide in English or Polish · 08:00, 08:30 and 09:00Pickup is included

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 08:15, 08:30 and 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Child (3 to 17 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Polish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Cracow Top Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're arriving in Krakow and want a full day in the mountains without arranging your own transport or planning stops. The driver handles the route and timing, so you move from quad riding to village walks to thermal pools without building the day yourself. The 11-hour span works for travelers with a free day and the stamina for a long drive. It's not suited for anyone with spinal injuries, cardiovascular concerns, or pregnancy.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Polish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 17 years); Infant (under 3).

What is the quad ride like in Zakopane on this tour?

The tour description lists quad riding as part of the Zakopane experience, but the specific route, duration and terrain details are not provided in the itinerary. You must be at least 18 years old with a valid driving license to ride. Two-person quads are available with one driver and one passenger, and passengers do not need a license or pay extra.

How long is the drive from Krakow to Zakopane?

The drive typically takes 90 to 120 minutes depending on traffic, starting from your hotel or apartment pickup in Krakow and heading through the countryside of Lesser Poland toward the mountains.

What is Chochołów and why is it included?

Chochołów is a village in the Podhale region famous for its remarkably preserved wooden houses and traditional Highlander architecture. You take a leisurely walk through the streets to see the centuries-old timber houses and capture photographs of this charming location at the foot of the mountains.

What can I do during the free time in Zakopane?

You have two and a half hours to explore Zakopane at your own pace. Krupówki Street, the town's main pedestrian promenade, is lined with traditional restaurants, local boutiques, artisan shops and market stalls selling handcrafted souvenirs, wool products and regional delicacies. Lunch is not included, so you can choose where and what to eat.

What's included in the thermal complex admission?

Your 3-hour admission ticket grants access to indoor and outdoor thermal pools filled with naturally heated mineral-rich water, jacuzzis, water slides and recreational zones. You receive an electronic wristband for access to changing rooms and personal lockers. Food and beverages are not included, though a pool bar sells drinks and snacks throughout your visit.

What should I bring for the thermal complex?

Bring your own swimsuit, flip-flops and towel to dry off after the pools. If you don't bring a towel and want to rent one at the complex, you'll pay a rental fee.