THE NATIONAL PARKS OF SOUTH POLAND

A two weeks tour in which we explore the spectacular scenery of the Babia Gora, Tatra, Pieniny, Gorce and Ojcow National Parks, amongst high mountains and in close contact with nature. We will also visit Cracow, one of Europe's great historic cities. The full day walks in the high mountain areas follow routes which are well within the capabilities of any reasonably fit person who enjoys walking.

ITINERARY

DAY ONE
Arrival in Cracow. Transfer to hotel for a welcome supper followed by a short introductory talk about nature protection in South Poland.

DAY TWO
Guided introduction to Cracow, a city of so rich a cultural and architectural heritage that it was placed on UNESCO's first list of twelve World Heritage Sites in 1978. Overnight stay in Cracow.

DAY THREE
A short coach journey for a day in Ojcow National Park, a wonderful area of dramatic limestone scenery and historical interest, famous for its extraordinary biodiversity. Overnigt stay in Cracow.

DAY FOUR
We travel by coach south from Krakow on a two-hour journey to the Krowiarki Pass (986m), the gateway to Babia Gora National Park. We ascend to the sub-alpine high point in the Park (1725m) then walk down through ancient forests for an overnight stay in the village of Zawoja.

DAY FIVE
On the short drive to Zakopane we visit fine examples of Highlander culture, including the open-air museum at Zubrzyca and the superb wooden buildings of Chocholow. We are then introduced to the Tatra National Park, where more than 1300 vascular plants have been recorded, breeding birds include Golden Eagle, Eagle Owl, Alpine Accentor and Wallcreeper, and we can expect to see animals such as Chamois and Marmot. Ascend Gubalowka by cable car, a mountain known for its splendid views of the whole Tatra, then walk back down to Zakopane through the trees and meadows. Overnight stay in Zakopane.

DAY SIX
A full day walk among soaring limestone cliffs and deep gorges in the Western Tatra. Overnight stay in Zakopane.

DAY SEVEN
A free morning amongst the attractions of Zakopane followed by an afternoon walk in some of the delightful small valleys close to the town. Overnight stay in Zakopane.

DAY EIGHT
Excursion to Lake Morskie Oko in the most beautiful part of the High Tatra. We walk through 'Alpine' scenery, including the Five Polish Lakes Valley, and this exhilarating day will end with 'posiad goralski', an opportunity to experience ethnic food and drink with 'The Highlanders'. Overnight stay in Zakopane.

DAY NINE
Ascend by cable car from Zakopane to the peak of Kasprowy Wierch ( 1955m) for a magnificent day's walk in the High Tatra, traversing a dramatic ridge to Swinica (2301m) and the Pass of Zawrat (2159m) then descending to a refreshing break at a mountain hut. Continue on foot down to Zakopane. Overnight stay in Zakopane.

DAY TEN
Transfer to Szczawnica health resort on the edge of Pieniny National Park. The Pieniny is a beautiful scenic area with immensely rich flora and fauna. We take a raft trip on the River Dunajec, which flows through Pieniny via a spectacular gorge. Dinner and free time in Szczawnica.

DAY ELEVEN
Full day walking tour in the most beautiful parts of Pieniny, including an ascent of Trzy Korony (Three Crowns, 982m) a limestone pinnacle with an exhilarating view. In the evening we will enjoy a lamb roast round a campfire in Jaworki. Return for overnight stay.

DAY TWELVE
Short drive to Lopuszna village to begin a full day walk in Gorce National Park. The Park was established in 1980 to conserve the typical flower-rich natural forests of the region. Ascend on foot to Turbacz, the highest peak in Gorce (1310m), then after lunch we walk down the northern slopes of the Park, through forests, glades and meadows. Early evening coach journey to Krakow (about two hours). Overnight stay in Cracow.

DAY THIRTEEN
A morning visit to the ancient, but still working, Wieliczka Salt Mines. This vast maze of underground passages and chambers is unique, leading to its inclusion in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. In the afternoon, free time in Cracow. Overnight stay in Cracow.

DAY FOURTEEN
Departure for home.