Krakow to Warsaw
Poland Bike Tours
Along the Vistula Cycle Path through the best of Poland
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Tour Type
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Skill Level
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Length8 days
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Prices from€1625 Rates
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Overview
This self-guided bike tour in Poland features a portion of the Vistula Cycle Route and links two important and historical cities, Krakow and Warsaw.
The Vistula Cycle Route is one of the most popular in Poland. Its development was a huge project and reflects the wonderful bike-friendly attitude that has grown and developed here. The trail covers a distance of over 1,000 km, starting from the Vistula source in the Beskid Mountains and ending at its very mouth in the Baltic Sea.
You will visit the most important towns between Krakow and Warsaw, dating back to the reign of Kazimierz the Great. Your route also includes the very beautiful and atmospheric, Kazimierz Dolny, perched high above the Vistula river and populated for centuries by artists and artisans.
Ten years after Poland entered the EU, there is still this relatively unknown treasure waiting for cyclists to discover it!
Highlights
- Mystical Krakow & guided city tour
- Vistula Cycle Path
- Auschwitz Birkenau
- Guided tour of Wieliczka salt mine
- Kazimierz Dolny
- Warsaw & guided city tour
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Itinerary
Day 1. Arrival to Kraków
Day 2. Kraków – Oświęcim/Auschwitz-birkenau, 87 mi. by bus (140 km)
Day 3. Kraków – Wieliczka – Niepołomice – Niepołomice Forest – Baranów Sandomierski, 12 mi. (20 km) + 87 mi by bus (140 km)
Day 4. Baranów Sandomierski - Gągolin - Sandomierz, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 5: Sandomierz – Kazimierz Dolny, 33 mi. (53 km)
Day 6: Kazimierz Dolny, 6 mi., 21 mi., or more (10 km, 35 km, or more)
Day 7. Kazimierz Dolny - Puławy - train to Warsaw - guided tour of the Old Town, 13 mi. (21 km) + 99 mi. by bus (160 km)
Day 8. Individual departureAll distances are approximate. Due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the route, you may find temporary deviations/detours necessary due to roadwork that will not be reflected on your maps or route descriptions.
Day 1: Arrival in Kraków
Kraków needs no introduction. The capital of Lesser Poland, is one of the oldest cities in Poland and the national cultural treasure. The Old Town, as well as Kazimierz district, was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1978. All the most important landmarks will be introduced to you during a scheduled city tour (included), such as the main market, St. Mary’s Basilica, the Cloth Halls, St. Florian’s Gate, and Wawel.In the evening, a stroll in the Kazimierz district is recommended.
Day 2: Kraków – Oświęcim/Auschwitz-birkenau, 87 mi. by bus (140 km)
After breakfast, board a bus for a transfer to Auschwitz-Birkenau, the former German Nazi concentration and extermination camp, now a solemn memorial and UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the guided tour, you will gain deep insight into the camp’s harrowing history and learn about the experiences of those who suffered there. After the tour, you will return to Kraków.Day 3: Kraków – Wieliczka – Niepołomice – Niepołomice Forest – Baranów Sandomierski, 12 mi. (20 km) + 87 mi by bus (140 km)
After breakfast, board a bus to the Wieliczka Salt Mine for a guided tour lasting approximately two hours. Explore the underground labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, and stunning salt-carved sculptures, including chapels and chandeliers made entirely of salt.Following the tour, embark on your first cycling adventure, traveling through the scenic Niepołomice Forest. Enjoy the serene nature as you make your way to Niepołomice, home to a remarkable 14th-century castle. Here, your driver will be waiting to transfer you to your accommodation in Baranów Sandomierski.
After settling into your hotel, we recommend taking a relaxing stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens and exploring the historic castle, often referred to as the "Little Wawel" for its architectural elegance.
Day 4: Baranów Sandomierski - Gągolin - Sandomierz, 22 mi. (35 km) | Elevation: 23-56 m
Today’s route is a short one. Cycling along the Vistula, you will reach beautiful, medieval Sandomierz, with its picturesque old town on the hill. Once a royal residence, it was once an important trading center. Its atmosphere and architecture may remind you of Kraków, although definitely a less crowded one. Sandomierz is located on the border of the Swietokrzyskie Mountains, the Sandomierska Dales, and the Lubelska Upland. The area where the town stands is cut through by a rich network of gorges that can be explored on foot. After checking in to your hotel, you can enjoy a guided city tour which is included in your tour price.Day 5: Sandomierz – Kazimierz Dolny, 33 mi. (53 km)
After breakfast, take a bus transfer to Józegów and Wisła, where your cycling journey towards Kazimierz Dolny begins. Enjoy a scenic ride through picturesque landscapes, passing through lush countryside and historic sites.
As you approach Kazimierz Dolny, once a thriving river port, admire the town’s well-preserved granaries—many of which have been transformed into charming inns and hotels. Before reaching your final destination, cycle through the breathtaking Kazimierz Landscape Park, home to diverse flora and fauna, where you may spot rare plant species and wildlife in their natural habitat.
Optional: Book a wine tasting at a local winery near Kazimierz Dolny, where you can savor regional flavors and learn about the winemaking traditions of the area.
Day 6: Kazimierz Dolny, 6 mi., 21 mi., or more (10 km, 35 km, or more)
Enjoy a leisurely day in Kazimierz Dolny, a charming town where you can explore at your own pace. Take a leisurely walk through the town’s charming streets, admiring its Renaissance-style architecture and artistic atmosphere. If you enjoy cycling, consider a short 10 km bike trip to Janowiec Castle, crossing the Vistula River by ferry. For a longer ride, continue to Puławy to visit the elegant Czartoryski Palace, then cycle back along the other side of the river, covering a total of 40 km. Nature lovers can explore the scenic gorges surrounding Kazimierz, just 5 km away by bike or on foot. Another great option is a boat cruise on the Vistula River, offering beautiful views of the old quarries and the surrounding landscape.Day 7. Kazimierz Dolny - Puławy - train to Warsaw - guided tour of the Old Town, 13 mi. (21 km) + 99 mi. by bus (160 km) | Elevation 118-164 m
Today's journey takes us to Nałęczów, a charming town known for its unique microclimate and healing mineral waters, making it a popular destination for relaxation and medical treatments. We recommend taking a leisurely walk through the beautiful park, where you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and scenic surroundings.At the scheduled time, you will meet your representative at the railway station, receive your luggage and turn over your bikes. You will then take the bus or train to Warsaw. After check-in to your hotel, you will be offered a guided tour of the Old Town in Warsaw. Your tour price includes both the train ticket to Warsaw and the guided tour there.
Day 8: Departure
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Map
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Hotels & Bikes
You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels and guesthouses. On each day’s details you will find the name of the preferred hotel. Please note that your final hotel list will be based on availability
Bicycles
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Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for 7 nights in 3 and 4 hotels
- Breakfast & dinners
- Bike rental
- Detailed route descriptions
- GPS tracks (if you prefer to use your own smart device)
- Luggage transfer
- Bus transfers as described in the tour
- Guided tours in Krakow, Oświęcim/Auschwitz, Wieliczka saltmine, Sandomierz, & Warsaw
- Driver and bus accompanying the group
- Drinking water
- Local tourist taxes
What’s Not Included
- Lunches
- Sightseeing in Zalipie
- Bike Protection
- Travel Insurance
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Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Questions about dates or pricing? We’re here to help! Call 800-951-4384 to talk to a Tour Specialist now.
May 16May 16 € 1625 Book May 16May 16 € 1889 Book Jun 6Jun 6 € 1625 Book Jun 6Jun 6 € 1889 Book Jun 27Jun 27 € 1625 Book Jun 27Jun 27 € 1889 Book Jul 2Jul 2 € 1625 Book Jul 2Jul 2 € 1889 Book Jul 11Jul 11 € 1625 Book Jul 11Jul 11 € 1889 Book Jul 25Jul 25 € 1625 Book Jul 25Jul 25 € 1889 Book Jul 27Jul 27 € 1625 Book Jul 27Jul 27 € 1889 Book Aug 8Aug 8 € 1625 Book Aug 8Aug 8 € 1889 Book Aug 22Aug 22 € 1625 Book Aug 22Aug 22 € 1889 Book Show pricing details and extra options →
Pricing details and extra options
May 16, Jun 6, 27; Jul 2, 11, 25; 27 (*Slight change in itinerary), Aug 8, 22
- Tour Package 2025 May 16, Jun 6, 27; Jul 2, 11, 25, 27; Aug 8, 22 from € 16252025 departures: May 16, Jun 6, 27; Jul 2, 11, 25; 27 (*Slight change in itinerary), Aug 8, 22
2025 May Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 July Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour Package 2-3 Travelers Double occupancy € 2425 Single occupancy € 2689 4-5 Travelers Double occupancy € 2025 Single occupancy € 2289 6+ travelers Double occupancy € 1625 Single occupancy € 1889 Bike Rental Price Trekking bike Included Electric bike € 180 *July 27 departure: Slight change in itinerary - overnight stays are now in Józefów and Wisła on day 5 and in Lublin on day 6. - Extra Options
One day walking tour to Ojcow National Park A 4-5 hour guided walking tour covering 5 km, exploring the park’s main natural and historical sites.Day trip from Krakow (before tour start) € 400 With extra night and dinner in Krakow € 490
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
- Tour Package 2025 May 16, Jun 6, 27; Jul 2, 11, 25, 27; Aug 8, 22 from € 1625
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Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
This self-guided tour is rated easy to moderate. On each day’s details, you will find the daily distances and elevation gains. The terrain is mostly flat however you will occasionally have hills to contend with.
Airport Info
Because Kraków, your starting destination, and Warsaw, your last destination both have international airports, it is quite practical to fly into John Paul II Internal Airport Kraków-Balice (KRK) and out of Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW). However, there is good train travel options between both cities so if you do prefer to fly into and out of the same airport, that is possible as well.
Local Travel
John Paul II International Airport in Krakow is served by three regular Agglomeration Bus Lines; 208, 209, and 252. To get from Warsaw city center to the Warsaw Chopin Airport, you can utilize the air link between the railway station in the city and Warsaw Chopin Airport. If you decide to fly into and out of the same airport, train travel between Krakow and Warsaw on the EIP (Express InterCity Premium) train is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. This is a direct train. There are also IC (InterCity) trains which take much longer (close to 5 hours) and require transfers en route.
Climate
Poland has a moderate climate with both maritime and continental elements. Please see below for average temperatures and rainfall!
Important to know
Documents
Before you travel, please check the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. For US citizens, the US Department of State website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab in the International Travel section provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc. For our other international clients, please be sure that you research your own country's travel requirements. It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure proper documentation.
*Important note: Please check on the status of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Nature Travel Poland.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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