Have only one day to see both Krakow and the Tatra Mountains but still want a taste of local life? Combining a short 2-hour walk around Podgórze (Rynek Podgórski and nearby streets) with a trip to Zakopane is a great idea. Podgórze has a different history and atmosphere from the Old Town — an intimate market square, cozy cafés and important memorial sites worth seeing before you head to the mountains. This gives participants a touch of local Krakow and then an energetic day in Zakopane — an ideal mix of culture and nature.
A short walk through Podgórze fits perfectly for groups of 7-20 people: it’s intimate enough to avoid logistical complications yet interesting enough to serve as an excellent introduction to the rest of the trip. After this introduction, it’s easier to talk about contrasts between Krakow and the Polish mountains and to integrate the group before a longer drive.
This format works well for families, school groups and corporate groups — with good organization and appropriate transport it’s easy to run. In the sections below you’ll find a sample itinerary, practical logistics tips and suggestions to help your trip run smoothly.
A group of 7-20 people is a good “sweet spot” for flexibility: large enough to justify renting a small coach or minibus, but small enough to move comfortably on foot around Podgórze and to keep quick communication with a guide.
For these groups we recommend a minibus or small coach — it provides travel comfort, luggage space and flexibility for stops. If your group is on the smaller side (7-9 people), a minivan is convenient; closer to 20 people, choose a 20-seat bus or small coach.
From an organizational perspective, agree in advance on: meeting point and start time in Krakow, whether the Podgórze walk is before or after the Zakopane leg, how much time you want to spend on specific Zakopane attractions, and any special needs of participants (mobility, children, allergies). This simplifies logistics and helps you make the most of the day.
06:30-07:00 - meeting in Krakow and quick briefing (remind the group of the day plan and toilet stops).
07:00-09:00 - 2-hour guided walk around Podgórze: Rynek Podgórski, characteristic townhouses, stories about the district’s history and short photo stops. Plan the walk for about 90-120 minutes so you don’t rush before departure.
09:15 - departure from Krakow toward Zakopane. Driving usually takes about 1.5-2 hours one way depending on traffic and road conditions.
11:00-16:00 - time in Zakopane (example schedule): Krupówki and a stroll through the center - 60-90 min; ride on the funicular to Gubałówka or a scenic walk - 45-60 min; visit to a highlander hut for oscypek tasting or time at thermal pools (if chosen) - 60-120 min; lunch break.
16:00 - departure back to Krakow.
18:00-19:00 - expected return to Krakow (depends on traffic).
This outline is a skeleton — you can shorten or extend it, add a visit to Kościeliska Valley or Chochołowskie Baths, or skip some activities if the group prefers a more relaxed walk along Krupówki.
The distance between Krakow and Zakopane is roughly 100 km by road; practical travel time is usually 1.5-2 hours one way. In summer and winter expect heavier traffic and possible route changes.
For a group of 7-20 people a minibus or small coach is recommended — it’s comfortable and gives space for luggage. Remember short breaks en route — restrooms, coffee and leg stretches are very helpful on long days.
If you value time, start early (for example around 07:00). That helps avoid the worst traffic and gives you more time in Zakopane. It’s also worth having a backup plan in case of jams: a list of priority attractions you absolutely want to see and those you can skip.
Krupówki - Zakopane’s main promenade, full of shops, restaurants and tourist life. A good place for a stroll, souvenirs and lunch.
Gubałówka - easily reached by funicular or on foot, offers a panorama of the Tatras and Zakopane; a short visit guarantees great views and photos.
Highlander hut and oscypek tasting - a traditional culinary stop often enjoyed by visitors; a great way to try local flavors.
Thermal pools - if you want relaxation, thermal baths (for example Chochołowskie Baths) are a worthwhile alternative to part of the walking program; plan 2-3 hours for a full visit.
Kościeliska Valley / Morskie Oko - options for those seeking deeper contact with nature; they require more time and planning (suitable for a longer program).
For attractions such as the Gubałówka funicular, thermal pools or some museums it’s worth buying tickets in advance, especially in high season. Reserving the vehicle (minibus/coach) and agreeing the program ahead of time simplifies logistics and often secures a better price.
If you plan to enter areas of the Tatra National Park (TPN) or use certain trails, check current fees and rules. Small fees in TPN (for parking or specific sites) are best carried in cash or booked online when possible.
Prices for ready-made day trips on the market often start from a few dozen to several hundred zloty per person depending on the program contents (transport, guide, entries, thermal pools, tastings). When budgeting include meals, potential entrance fees and small souvenir purchases.
Gather health information from participants before departure — it’s better to know about allergies, mobility limitations or medications. That allows you to adapt pace and plan breaks.
Mountain weather can change fast — take layered clothing, comfortable shoes and a small daypack for drinks and snacks. Even if you only plan to walk Krupówki and take a short funicular ride, bring rain protection.
For age-mixed groups plan easier routes and alternatives (for example thermal pools instead of a long hike). For groups of 7-20 it’s useful to appoint one contact person from the organizer side — this simplifies communication with the driver and the guide.
If part of the program includes hiking, remember basic rules: don’t leave the group, stick to marked trails and choose routes appropriate for participants’ fitness. For longer hikes carry a charged phone and have rescue numbers handy.
In winter ensure proper footwear and check snow conditions — some trails may be closed or require special equipment.
Early start - gives you an advantage over traffic and allows you to make the most of the day.
Plan A and B - have an alternative program in case of bad weather (for example thermal pools instead of a long hike).
Clear communication - inform participants about the day’s schedule and meeting points; clear instructions minimize delays.
Local flavors - if you want to include a tasting of regional products, schedule it as a program item — it’s a pleasant group experience and a great way to connect.
If you’d like, I can help plan the details of a trip for your group of 7-20: suggest an optimal day schedule, arrange transport, prepare weather alternatives and advise which attractions are worth pre-booking.
On the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com site you’ll find information about available dates and service details — I’m happy to tailor the program to your group so you return from the trip full of memories and without organizational stress.
