The Vistula and Nida, comfort & wellness

The Małopolska section of the cycling route on the Vistula is a unique construction. Over 100 km of modern bicycle routes were built on the riverside embankments in 2016-17. Nowhere in Poland is long-distance cycling along the river so comfortable and cheerful.  Four daily phases are just enough to cover this route, Oświęcim to Szczucin, in a calm pace. We offer outings from Saturday to Thursday every week throughout spring and summer.

People who arrive from afar may wish to extend their bicycle holiday until the next weekend. Here is the perfect suggestion: The first five days of the trip are identical to what was described in the program “The Vistula comfort”. On Thursday, instead of returning to Krakow, we cycle to the nearby Nida river valley. A sunny region for tourists and connoisseurs that is also known for its subtle charm with a variety of idyllic landscapes and a network of asphalt lanes with negligible traffic. In Solec and Busko, we are facing attractions typical throughout fashionable spas.

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival to Krakow and Oświęcim
Participants wait  in Krakow until it is 3 o’clock. Those who come by car can leave it (free of charge) by our bicycle warehouse. Then we travel by bus to a hotel in Oświęcim. Oświęcim (Auschwitz) is associated with the dark history of the war years, due to the concentration camps, nevertheless it is also a nice old city offering us a beautiful market square, green boulevards and a bicycle route that travels along the Soła river.

Day 2 (Sunday): Oświęcim - Tyniec   65 km cycling
Orange signposts announce the beginning of an incredible route right after crossing the bridge on the Vistula River. Its first half can be covered quickly and efficiently through the tops of the anti-flood embankments. After we reach the village of Przewóz, we are taken by a small river ferry to the Vistula’s right bank where we then sneak through narrow paths that snakes through orchards and gardens. The Tyniec Benedictine monastery built on limestone rock signals the finish line of this stage. We will then stay in a hotel right next to an artificial canoeing trail.

Day 3 (Monday): Tyniec - Kraków - Hebdów/Niepołomice   40-50 km cycling
We then enter the city of Krakow in a manner that would be fit for royalty. First we will visit the monastery in Bielany and then the towers oft he seat of Polish kings – Wawel, which look stunning from the riverside. It is possible to stay on the bank of the Vistula, for those who are not fans of  city noise, as there is a bicycle road throughout the entire urban area.  Of course, you can visit the Old Town and the former Jewish district of Kazimierz.  If you are more ambitious, you can cycle up the Kościuszko or Piłsudski mound, the hill-monuments of Polish heroes, and admire the extensive views.
We then pass the town of Niepołomice, and, in the silence of the Renaissance castle and the Niepołomicki Forest, we drive by former royal hunting grounds.We arrange accommodation in the atmospheric location of Saint Norbert's Hotel that is located in a former monastery in Hebdów. (Alternative accommodaton is a three-star hotel in Niepołomice)

Day 4 (Tuesday): Hebdów/Niepołomice - Zabawa   50-60 km cycling
The next stage is  exceptionally beautiful and almost the entire journey takes place on the brand-new asphalt that goes along  the tops of the flood embankments. We move along a flat right bank enabling us to look at the undulating hills that is comprised of  a mosaic of narrow fields and balks across the Vistula River. The river creates a few picturesque loops under the village of Morsko. The route turns south at the mouth of the Dunajec. Today’s accommodation awaits you in a cozy, little hotel in the village of Zabawa near Tarnow.

Day 5 (Wednesday): Zabawa - Solec Zdrój   45-65 km cycling
The main attraction of this stage is the village of Zalipie. It is famous all over Poland, despite the fact of being located far from the beaten track. All cottages, barns and other buildings are painted in fanciful floral patterns.
The ferry in Nowy Korczyn and avenues of impressive willows lead to the small, but popular, spa of Solec Zdroj. There are plenty of opportunities this day for those who want to go a bit crazier and go a few more kilometers on the smooth bicycle routes. The finished section of the "Velo Dunajec" bike path leads all the way to Tarnów, a medium-sized city with a historic old town, and the Vistula river route goes to the town of Szczucin.

Day 6 (Thursday): Solec Zdrój - Busko Zdrój   35 km cycling
We follow the dikes through a large complex of ponds towards the gothic buildings of Wiślica, a town where time has stopped in the Middle Ages,  it’s medieval touch clearly to be felt as you cycle towards the said town. By passing through several other flowered villages, we enter Busko, a resort with a large spa park and an impressive 19-century water pump room designed by the Italian architect Marconi.

Day 7 (Thursday): Nida valley loop   50 km cycling
We tour around the heart of Ponidzie visiting Skorocice:  a nature reserve with a deep canyon carved by a stream in the plaster rocks. Next we cycle to Chroberz: a palace in the park and a nicely furnished beach on the Nida River. Last on you today’s list is The Krzyżanowice Reserve: a hill covered with steppe vegetation an, offering us yet another breathtaking panorama.
We then return to Busko on the edge of the hills, with the recently founded vineyards.

Day 8 (Saturday): End of journey
We offer a return by bus in the morning, again with transport for your bikes, to Krakow, that again arrives at approximately 12 o’clock. Whoever wants to spend more days cycling can visit Krakow and the surrounding area, such as the Ojców National Park, or go on another of our trips that start from Krakow every Sunday.

See more photos: Vistula valley  Nida valley

Tour dates in 2024:

CWB-1   27.04 - 04.05
CWB-2   04.05 - 11.05
CWB-3   11.05 - 18.05
CWB-4   18.05 - 25.05
CWB-5   25.05 - 01.06
CWB-6   01.06 - 08.06
CWB-7   08.06 - 15.06
CWB-8   15.06 - 22.06
CWB-9   22.06 - 29.06
CWB-10  29.06 - 06.07
CWB-11  06.07 - 13.07
CWB-12  13.07 - 20.07
CWB-13  20.07 - 27.07
CWB-14  27.07 - 03.08
CWB-15  03.08 - 10.08
CWB-16  10.08 - 17.08
CWB-17  17.08 - 24.08
CWB-18  24.08 - 31.08
CWB-19  31.08 - 07.09
CWB-20  07.09 - 14.09
CWB-21  14.09 - 21.09
CWB-22  21.09 - 28.09
CWB-23  28.09 - 05.10
CWB-24  05.10 - 12.10

Prices*:

Included in the basic price:

• Transport Krakow - Oświęcim and Busko Zdrój - Krakow
• 7 nights accommodation in twin bedded rooms with shower / WC,
• 7 x half board (breakfast and dinner)
• Transfer of luggage from hotel to hotel
• Route description, detailed cycling map, GPS data

Not included in the price: Travel to Krakow, entry fees, private payments such as other meals, drinks and tips.

Extra night B&B in Krakow:

Bicycle rental (per Week): EUR 70
E-bike rental: EUR 180

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