Warsaw or Krakow? Now you don’t have to choose, as there is a relatively unknown treasure linking these two cities, just waiting for cycle tourists to discover it.
A dense network of what was previously sandy or stony small country roads has now been newly paved, and the smooth asphalt roads with minimal traffic are perfect for a beautiful cycling holiday. That’s why we recommend Poland as a premier cycling destination, and the Pilica Cycle Path is a leisurely and simple week-long bike tour that starts in Krakow and ends in Warka near Warsaw.
Along the route, if you fancy something a bit different, there are sections of the river where you can rent a canoe & be driven a few miles upstream, so you can paddle back and enjoy the river from a different perspective!
Day 1: Arrival in Krakow
Saturday arrival in Krakow, and your first overnight stay is in a centrally located hotel. After checking in, take time to stroll through Krakow and explore its historic city centre, or get a taste of its famous nightlife.
Day 2: Pilica-Source – Zawada (30-40 km)
After the bus ride to Smolec, which takes approximately one hour, we get on our bikes at the top of a hill surrounded by medieval castle ruins.
The first kilometres are downhill through towards the source of the river. Continue past fish ponds, through a pretty town, with the same name as the river – Pilica – to your hotel in Zawada.
Day 3: Zawada – Przedborz (65 km)
Today, flat and quiet roads run through shady forests for the most part, and you will hardly notice the kilometres flying by, on the longest leg of your tour.
The day ends in the small town of Przedborz, on the edge of Przedborz Landscape Park, a protected area with no fewer than 5 nature reserves.
Day 4: Przedborz – Sulejow (40 km)
Today, your route passes through tree-lined avenues, narrow fields, fragrant meadows, and gardens in full bloom.
Your hotel tonight is exceptional; it was once a Cistercian abbey, and was built on the extensive grounds of a castle that dates back to the Middle Ages.
Day 5: Sulejow – Spala (45 km)
Today starts along the shores of the reservoir, and there are many spots where you might be tempted to get off your bike, and go for a dip. Later on the route, the open air museum at Piliza is well worth a visit.
You'll also pass the largest city on your route, Tomaszow, with 30,000 inhabitants. Despite its size, a network of car-free cycle paths takes allows you to easily and safely navigate the city, before continuing to Spala, a popular forest health resort.
Day 6: Spala – Nowe Miasto (45 km)
Spala lies within a forested area that has been a popular hunting and recreational area since the 19th century, firstly with the Russian Czars, and later with Polish presidents. This area also has remnants of recent history – the colossal railway bunker at Konewki was the command post ‘Anlage Mitte’ of the German military during World War II.
Tonight you will stay in the small town of Nowe Miasto, at a guesthouse located on the bank of the river.
Day 7: Nowe Miasto – Warka (55 km)
Your final day on the bike goes past Wysmierzyce which, with just 858 inhabitants, is considered to be the smallest town in Poland. This picturesque town has traditional wooden houses. Next, you will cycle through fields and orchards, before reaching Warka, close to Warsaw.
Your final night will be spent in the four-star hotel and horse breeding farm “Sielanka”, which translates as “idyllic land”.
Day 8: End of tour, or optional extra night
Warsaw is only 60 km from Warka and is easy to reach with the hourly regional train. The journey takes about 1 hour 20 minutes.
If you wish to extend your stay, the 30-40 km round-trip from Warka to Weichseltal and the Pilica estuary is highly recommended.
Alternatively, if you fancy a change of pace and scenery, why not spend your extra day exploring the Polish capital city of Warsaw.
A very easy tour: About 70% is on asphalt and the rest on dirt roads. The landscape is flat or gently undulating.
Total distance cycled: 290 km
Route Map (for guidance only)
Our Krakow and Poland holidays routes may be subject to change or alteration. All route notes, maps and day-by-day information will be given to you upon arrival at the first hotel or at the welcome meeting. GPS/GPX files are available for most of the cycling tours in Poland we offer. Please ask us for route details of our other cycling holidays in Poland.
Starting point of the cycling holiday: Krakow
We recommend flying to Krakow airport to reach the starting point of this cycling holiday to Warsaw.
The hotel is located in the centre next to the old town and not far away from the city’s main railway station ‘Krakow Glowny’ please see enclosed map.
Getting there from the main railway station (Krakow Glowny) If your luggage is not too heavy you can get there on foot (10-15 minutes’ walk). Otherwise a taxi is a good option (cost approximately 10zl = 2.5 GBP). If you do not have any zlotys you can find both currency exchanges and cash machines near the railway station.
Getting there from the Airport Travelling by train is the fastest way to get from the airport to the city center. The new Kraków Airport train station is located near the passenger terminal, at the rear of the multi-storey car park. Trains depart every half hour and bring you to the main railway station in just 17 minutes for only 8 zl (1,50 GBP). The usual cost of the taxi will be approximately 70 zl (14 GBP) but please set the price with the driver at the beginning. Please do not exchange all of your money at the airport because of unfavorable exchange rates.
Getting there by car Driving in the centre is really complicated so if you decide to come by car, use GPS-navigation. The best way is to take the following route: Pasternik - Opolska - al. 29 Listopada - Warszawska (do not miss it the turn after the bridge over the railway!) - Basztowa - Westerplatte - left to Kopernika st. where you will find the gateway to the hotel parking. It is a secured parking where you can leave your car for the whole week for approximately 50zl/day (12 EUR, 10 GBP). Cheaper parkings are near the Airport, prices starts from 90 zl = 19 GBP per week.
Flights are available with a number of airlines to your required airport, or you can travel to the start using alternative methods such as rail or road.
We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best flight prices by date or Rail Europe for European rail travel. There is customer car parking available at most hotels for a supplement. Please contact us for more details.
Please use local transport to arrive at the starting point or call us on 0161 703 8161 for more specific travel advice.
You do not need to go back to the starting point of the cycling holiday as all hire bikes are left at the final hotel.
Important: Please book your flights only after the cycling holiday to Warsaw has been confirmed by invoice or email. Flights and transfers are not included in the advertised holiday price.
The Krakow to Warsaw cycling holiday includes the daily transfer of luggage to the next hotel and local support if required.
Included Services (subject to confirmation):
Not Included:
About the Rental Bikes
This cycling holiday uses quality crossbar and unisex hybrid bikes. Each bike is equipped with a comfortable, gel saddle, Shimano components and puncture-proof Schwalbe tyres to ensure that you have an enjoyable cycle tour. The bikes feature modern V-brakes, bottle holders, computer meters, adjustable seats, aluminium frames with mudguards and a rack for a supplied waterproof pannier.
Bike are maintained systematically in the workshop on a regular basis. You will receive an accessories package including a bicycle pannier bag repair kit, lock, key, and air pump when you collect your bike.
When you make a booking with us, we take your height(s) and the appropriate bike size is matched up accordingly. Helmets are not provided and you will need to bring your own to use. We always recommend wearing a helmet when on your cycling holiday.
Prices advertised on the website include standard bike hire (unless stated). Colour and specification may vary from the image shown.
When you make a booking with us, we take your height(s) and the appropriate bike frame size is matched up accordingly.
Unisex Bike (Colour may vary):
Men's Bike (Colour may vary):
E-Bike (Electric Bike) Upgrades:
Why not upgrade your cycling experience to an E-Bike (Electric Bike)? Using a power assisted bike is a great way to go on a cycling holiday and will help you smooth out inclines or longer days in the saddle. Each electric bike features a detailed LCD display, removable batteries for easy charging and assistance up to 25 km/h with a range of around 80 km for each full charge depending on usage.
Electric Bike (Colour and specification may vary):
E-Bike upgrade prices vary per tour, but if you require any more information about bike hire and electric bikes, please get in-touch with us on 0161 703 8161.
This cycling holiday stays in good quality hotels with private facilities carefully selected for their proximity to your cycle route and comfort. If you wish to know specific information about the hotel facilities, Wi-Fi and upgrades used on the holidays, please contact us on 0161 703 8161 for more information.
You will receive your final hotel list approximately 4 weeks prior to your arrival date detailing the hotels used on your cycling holiday. If you wish to know more about the hotels prior to completing a booking form, please contact our Customer Services team via email or by phone.
You can find out more about this cycling holiday by completing a Contact Form or call 0161 703 8161 to speak to one of the team.
You can now book this cycling holiday online using our secure booking engine. Book online here >> ;
Season | Date Band | Arrival Day |
Season 1: | 08.05-09.10.2021 | Saturdays |
Room Type | Price per person |
Twin Room: | £575 |
Single Room: | £670 |
Extra | Price per person |
Bike Hire | £55 |
Electric Bike Hire: | £125 |
Extra night in Krakow (twin room): | £40 |
Extra night in Krakow (single room): | £65 |
Extra night in Warka (twin room): | £40 |
Extra night in Warka (single room): | £65 |
Extra night in Warsaw (twin room): | £40 |
Extra night in Warsaw (single room): | £65 |
Date From | Date To |
---|---|
08 May 2021 | 16 October 2021 |