There’s something about discovering a destination through its food, people, and hidden traditions. This isn’t just a generic list of sights; it is a tested Poland travel guide born from our firsthand experiences on the ground. At Travel Deliciously, we don’t just visit a place—we live it.
Every year, we venture overseas on small group tours to seek authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences. If you are looking for a comprehensive Poland travel itinerary, look no further than Europe’s best-kept secret: Lesser Poland (Malopolska)—a region bursting with flavor, history, and soul.
Krakow and the Pierogi Festival: The Journey Begins
Touching down in Krakow, Poland’s cultural crown jewel, the city instantly feels like an old friend. Our escorted tour kicked off with the annual Pierogi Festival. We roamed through rows of vendors, savoring classic and inventive fillings, from hearty potato and cheese to a surprisingly decadent banana and Nutella pierogi.
This is what Travel Deliciously is all about—sharing in the joy of local traditions with fellow adventurers.
Day 1 & 2: Arrival and the Heart of Krakow
Our Poland travel itinerary begins in the heart of the city. We checked in at The Grand Hotel on the main square. This is a great time to visit the Auschwitz Museum or explore the Pierogi Festival, where you can eat, shop at outdoor vendors, and soak in the local music.
Day 3: History and the Drive to Highlander Country
We continued our tour by attending Mass in one of Krakow’s many Gothic churches and touring the Jewish district (Kazimierz). Afterward, we drove north toward Zakopane.
Poland travel guide tip: stop in Chocholowska to sample oscypek cheese and Highlander tea made with raspberry vodka. We then checked into the Hotel Art & Spa for the next 4 days.
Exploring the Podhale Region and Zakopane
Day 4: Cooking with the Gorale
From Krakow, our travel tour headed south to Zakopane, nestled in the Tatra Mountains. This is where Poland’s highlander culture—the gorale—thrives. We attended our first cooking class in a Podhale village, making beet soup and blueberry pierogis, stuffed cabbage rolls (gołąbki), and homemade cheese and plum cake.
In the afternoon, we rode a cable car up Gubalowka Hill to see Sleeping Knight Mountain and ended the day at the Zakopane Festival.
Day 5: Rafting the Dunajec River Gorge
A highlight of any Poland travel itinerary is a trip on a wooden raft through the Dunajec River Gorge. After the relaxing ride and lunch, we visited the UNESCO-listed timber churches in Debno Podhalanskie, which house precious 15th-century sculptures.
Day 6: Masterclass in Polish Cuisine
Today featured a private cooking class where we prepared crepes with chicken goulash and sauerkraut soup. We also visited a local woodmaker’s cabin. To celebrate, we dined at Gazdowka u Zajaca, a family-owned restaurant with traditional folk entertainment.
Returning to Krakow
Day 7: Wawel Castle and the Old Town
We said goodbye to Zakopane, stopping at a traditional shepherd’s hut (bacowka) to see how smoked sheep cheese is made. Back in Krakow, we took a guided tour of the 14th-century Wawel Castle and Cathedral and the Old Town Market Square—the largest medieval town square in Europe.
Day 8: A Final Culinary Finale
Our tested Poland travel guide concludes with a final cooking class led by the famous Chef Marek Widomski. We prepared a “lighter” version of city pierogis, beef tartar with quail eggs, and apple compote with raspberry sorbet. We finished the journey at the Wieliczka Salt Mine, an underground city carved entirely from salt.
Why Use This Poland Travel Guide?
- Small Group Focus: We prioritize deeper connections and richer experiences.
- Beyond the Tourist Spots: We find the village kitchens and hidden huts.
- Expertly Planned: This is an escorted tour for seniors, families, and solo travelers alike.
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Traveling isn’t just about where you go—it’s about who you go with. Are you ready to follow this Poland travel itinerary for yourself?
Book your next culinary vacation today—and let’s travel deliciously together. We hope you join us on our next trip to Poland to experience the many festive Christmas Markets in Poland’s major cities