Explore the region of Podlasie in north east Poland, a well-known destination for nature lovers. This woodland and wetland area that is unique in Central Europe, is created by the pristine Narew River and primeval Bialowieza Forest. As you enjoy this relaxed cycling tour, take in the enchanting villages, rich in culture, with their colourful wooden houses and historical monuments. New cycle paths have been laid in the city of Bialystok meaning it is now possible to cycle the round trip of the "Green Velo" cycling trail, which attracts many recreational cyclists, comfortably and safely.
Day 1: Arrival in Białystok
Your tour begins on a Saturday with your arrival in Warsaw (by flight or train), followed by a 2-hour onward journey by train to Białystok. Here you will spend your first night in a city centre hotel which will allow you to take in the magnificent Branicki Palace, beautifully renovated houses and fine cafés and restaurants that surround the triangular market place.
The whole city is covered with a network of cycle paths.
Day 2: Białystok - Tykocin - Waniewo approx. 30-50km
Leaving Bialystok you travel west along the Green Velo route stopping for lunch at Tykocin, a pretty town with a large synagogue which dates back to 1642 and is now a museum for Jewish culture. Continuing on to Waniewo Village where you can go for a swim in the river, walk along the marshes, go on to the wooden jetty with hand-operated ferries or investigate the river labyrinth by punting through it. Your accommodation for the night is a guest house right next to Narew National Park, also known as the "Polish Amazon".
Day 3: Waniewo - Ploski approx. 50km
Your tour continues as you spend the day cycling upstream along the Narew Valley. Travelling east you pass many picturesque villages with colourfully decorated wooden houses which seem to get more delightful the further you go.
Day 4: Ploski - Białowieża approx. 50-65km
Today you will cycle through the land of the Orthodox Christians through villages with charming wooden churches and chapels until you reach the city of Hajnówka with its imposing Holy Trinity Church. Re-joining the Green Velo route once again you’ll ride into the primeval forest of eastern Poland. You’ll spend tonight in a luxury hotel with a swimming pool and a wellness area in Białowieża.
Day 5: Bialowieza - Narewka 25km or more
Continue your journey in Puszcza Białowieska - Europe's last real primeval forest. Home to wolves, lynxes and the European bison, you will experience nature at its most pristine today. This short stage to your hotel in Narewka means you can take the time to explore the area further by cycling other tracks and even make a short, visa-free visit to Belarus, should you wish.
Day 6: Narewka – Supraśl approx. 65km
On your way to Supraśl, where you’ll be spending the night in a forest health resort, you’ll pass the large Siemianówka Reservoir, or stop for a swim! Continuing on you’ll find yourself cycling in the shadow of the virgin Knyszyn Forest, a region which overflows with picturesque river valleys. Take a detour to the Polish Orient - Kruszyniany, a village of the Tartars where you’ll find an old mosque within a unique green wooden building.
Day 7: Supraśl – Bialystok approx. 25km
Before leaving Supraśl to head back to Bialystok, on the newly laid Green Velo cycle trail, visit the 550-year-old Eastern Orthodox monastery for men situated at the Suprasl River.
Day 8: Train journey to Warsaw and departure
The "very green" option from/to Waniewo
For those who prefer to be surrounded by greenery for the entire trip our suggestion would be to book the first and last nights in Waniewo Village (instead of Białystok).
You can then take a round trip to Tykocin on Day 2 (ca. 40-45 km) and on Day 7 you cycle via Bialystok back to Waniewo (approx. 60 km).
It is most convenient if taking this option to come with your own car (you can park in Waniewo free of charge), however, it is also possible to arrive by train where additional transfers from Bialystok or from Lapy train station can be organised.
This easy circular route around the Green Velo cycle trail is over entirely flat land, along predominantly paved roads with some rides along forest trails making this a very comfortable and safe tour.
Total distance cycled: 245-315 km
Starting point of the cycling holiday: Białystok / Waniewo
Route Map (For guidance only):
Routes maybe 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 holidays we offer. Please ask us for details.
We recommend flying to Warsaw airport to reach the starting point of this cycling holiday.
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 has been confirmed by invoice or email. Flights and transfers are not included in the advertised holiday price.
Included in the basic price:
Not included in the price: Travel to Warsaw, entry fees, private payments such as other meals, drinks and tips, optional boat trip.
About the Rental Bikes
This cycling holiday uses quality crossbar and unisex hybrid bikes. Quality Shimano components and puncture-proof tyres are among the components that will ensure you have an enjoyable cycle tour.
You will also receive a handlebar bag and map holder for easy navigation while. Prices advertised on the website include standard bike hire (unless stated). Colour and specification may vary from the image shown.
Unisex Bike (Colour may vary)
Rental Bike PLUS
E - Bike (Colour may vary)
Accessories
If you would like GPX files for a suitable device, please request them at the time of booking. Devices are not provided. Please ensure you bring any fittings required to attach the Garmin (or similar) to the handlebars. You might want to download maps onto your phone to avoid data charges when roaming.
All bikes are provided with standard flat pedals. You can bring your own cycling pedals but ensure that you have the correct tools to remove the pedals if the tour does not have a welcome meeting. You may also not be able to travel through airports with the tools if you are carrying hand luggage only.
You can rent a men's bike with a crossbar, unisex/female bike with a sloping tube or an electric bike for a supplement.
Gearing information available on request.
Frame Sizing
When you make a booking with us, we take your height(s) and the appropriate bike size is matched up accordingly. Unisex frame 21-gears with freewheel. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 / 43 cm. Unisex 7-gears-bikes with back pedalling brake. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 cm. Men’s speed bikes 21-gears with free wheel and crossbar. Sizes: 64 / 60 / 56 "sloping" cm. 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!
Bike Hire Insurance
This cycle tour benefits from bike insurance against rental bike theft and damage in the holiday price. Please make sure you lock up the bike, leave it where told by the hotel, and treat your hire bicycle as if the bike was your own. Any negligent treatment of the bike will exempt you from cover. We advise you to ensure that you have adequate travel insurance for your cycling holiday prior to arrival.
Electric Bike Hire
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 E-Bike features an LCD display, removable batteries for easy charging, and assistance up to 25 km/h. They have a range of around 120 km for each full charge.
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.
We will confirm the exact hotels prior to arrival.
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.
Season | Date | Prices per person | Arrival Day |
Season 1 | 30.04 – 15.10 | £510 | Saturday |
Single Room Supplement | All | £90 |
Bike Type | Price |
Rental Bike: | £55 |
Electric Bike Upgrade: | £135 |
Location | Price DBL/BB | Single Supplement Price SGL/BB |
Warsaw | £40 | £65 |
Date From | Date To | Price |
30 April 2022 | 15 October 2022 | £0 |