Cycling is recognised as one of the greenest forms of travel producing zero carbon emissions and noise pollution. On this trip the majority of the cycle paths we use follow old towpaths and ancient trade routes through small towns, rather than new routes carved out across the countryside. By choosing this vacation you therefore ensure that your visit to southern Poland has only the smallest of impacts on this rural environment. We also travel in small groups of 12 to 16 participants, to help minimise the disturbance our visit may cause.
Much of this vacation is spent in what has traditionally been an economically disadvantaged part of Poland where small-scale agriculture is the main form of income and many young people find themselves forced to move to urban areas to look for work. The additional income generated from our visit is thus particularly welcome and where possible we stay in family owned and operated small hotels and pensions and eat out in different local restaurants in the towns and villages along our route. One symptom of rural stagnation is when ancient traditions, such as craft and folk music start to die out. Partly through the interest and enjoyment of visitors such as us, these traditions are kept alive and are passed on to future generations. The market at Zakopane is a great place to find locally made hand produced crafts. Back In Krakow we can enjoy an evening of the traditional Jewish Klezmer music.
Our knowledgeable Polish tour leaders have a strong love for their own country and its traditions and also a love of nature, which they will share along the way. In fact, aall of our suppliers in Poland are local, from our ground agents to transport providers, hotels and tour crew.
Our ground agent is the sponsor of several nature protection projects in Poland, including the conservation of Bee-eater colonies and Aquatic Warbler sites and they are a founder member of "The Wild Meadows" – a foundation for the protection of wetlands supported by Polish tour operators.
As well as the above, we support a variety of charities and projects worldwide which support vulnerable communities and habitats including Friends of Conservation, Hope Worldwide and Send A Cow. We are also actively engaged with UK travel industry bodies which promote best practice in responsible tourism, such as Tourism Concern, The Travel Foundation and AITO. Our commitment to responsible tourism is not limited to our overseas operation and we have measures to ensure our UK office operates according to our responsible tourism policy. Carbon offsets for all flights booked with us are included in the tour cost.
This small group operator is just celebrating its 30th year and its activity vacations are very popular. Arriving at a village by bike or on foot immediately fascinates the locals and offers you an opportunity to interact as well as being great exercise and allowing you to reach far flung areas. Activity vacations are a great way to escape, get some fresh air and take life at a slower pace, allowing time for thought and reflection. In completing an active vacation, there is an element of personal development and improvement which can really help travelers focus on doing things differently or better.
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