Krakow and the High Tatras in winter vacation
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In the Tatras we only follow official tourist trails to avoid any disturbance of the local fauna. We ask guests to bring their own water bottles to reduce the use of plastic, and we encourage them to refill their water bottles with the hotel´s tap water rather than buying water in plastic bottles from local shops. In the Tatras, we use mountain electrical trains, and walking also forms a key part of the itinerary. Lastly, this tour offers the opportunity to relax in naturally heated thermal waters.Our activity guides are fully versed in the principles of traveling responsibly in order not to do any damage to the local environment. During the trip, we will visit the Tatra National Park (TANAP). Their undertaking is to protect the park’s nature, flora and fauna, and by being here, we are helping in this mission. We will make sure we adhere to the rules of the park, walk only on trails, and leave wildlife and plants undisturbed.
We recommend restaurants that use mainly locally produced or grown food. We support customers who require vegetarian and low dairy foods, which reduce CO2 emissions.
The Impacts of this Trip
Hotels used on this tour are locally owned, providing fair and friendly working conditions for their employees. In both destinations, Krakow and the High Tatras, we eat in locally owned traditional restaurants providing Slovak and Polish specialities. Between November 29 and January 07 guests can buy traditional products at the Christmas market, from honey produced by local beekeepers, to wine from local wine dressers. This tour includes a walk to the oldest hut in the High Tatras, which is run by Mr Petras. By buying refreshments or locally made souvenirs at the hut we support Mr Petras in his amazing job to maintain this unique hut for future generations.
Our company ethos is to organise tours for small groups and individuals so people can experience adventure responsibly. We have built-up fantastic relationships with communities throughout Slovakia, and can provide the opportunity to connect with, and experience, local customs, culture and way of life first-hand.
In the Tatras we only follow official tourist trails to avoid any disturbance of the local fauna. We ask guests to bring their own water bottles to reduce the use of plastic, and we encourage them to refill their water bottles with the hotel´s tap water rather than buying water in plastic bottles from local shops. In the Tatras, we use mountain electrical trains, and walking also forms a key part of the itinerary. Lastly, this tour offers the opportunity to relax in naturally heated thermal waters.Our activity guides are fully versed in the principles of traveling responsibly in order not to do any damage to the local environment. During the trip, we will visit the Tatra National Park (TANAP). Their undertaking is to protect the park’s nature, flora and fauna, and by being here, we are helping in this mission. We will make sure we adhere to the rules of the park, walk only on trails, and leave wildlife and plants undisturbed.
We recommend restaurants that use mainly locally produced or grown food. We support customers who require vegetarian and low dairy foods, which reduce CO2 emissions.
The Impacts of this Trip
Hotels used on this tour are locally owned, providing fair and friendly working conditions for their employees. In both destinations, Krakow and the High Tatras, we eat in locally owned traditional restaurants providing Slovak and Polish specialities. Between November 29 and January 07 guests can buy traditional products at the Christmas market, from honey produced by local beekeepers, to wine from local wine dressers. This tour includes a walk to the oldest hut in the High Tatras, which is run by Mr Petras. By buying refreshments or locally made souvenirs at the hut we support Mr Petras in his amazing job to maintain this unique hut for future generations.
Our company ethos is to organise tours for small groups and individuals so people can experience adventure responsibly. We have built-up fantastic relationships with communities throughout Slovakia, and can provide the opportunity to connect with, and experience, local customs, culture and way of life first-hand.
1 Reviews of Krakow and the High Tatras in winter vacation
Reviewed on 15 Feb 2020 by Coralia Garcia
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Riding a horse-drawn cart on the snow, eating a meal cooked in a campfire, riding the cable car to the top of the mountain, and learning about the history and culture of Poland and Slovakia.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Bring warm clothes and waterproof shoes as it can get very cold in the mountains and sometimes it rains/snows a lot. Plan what you would like to do as there is a lot of flexibility regarding activities but sometimes the weather is tricky and tickets to some attractions may be quickly sold out.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. We ate at local restaurants and stayed at a family-owned accommodation in the mountains. The place was out of the beaten path, so the local communities could benefit from people visiting without the negative effects of excess tourism.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I had a great time, even though this was a solo vacation. Jan was a fantastic guide, very informative and easygoing, there was not a boring moment. I liked the combination of cultural visits and winter activities. I had the chance to see the major tourist sites in Krakow and then went to the mountains for some winter fun cross country skiing and hiking in the snow, we also went to a cave with lots of interesting geological formations. Riding the horse cart on the snow and eating the bbq'd sausages outdoors was a great experience, it felt like being in a Christmas postcard. The grand finale was riding the cable car to the top of the mountain on a sunny winter day. The scenery was lovely, and we also had the chance to interact with the locals. Everyone was friendly and welcoming. There was a lot of flexibility regarding the activities, so participants could try other winter sports or relaxing in a spa if they wish. For me, this was the perfect combination of winter fun and cultural sites, and can recommend anyone to join this tour as only a moderate level of fitness is required.
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