Search

PTG Tours · Escorted tour

Poland and the Tatra Mountains

Rail journey through Poland from Krakow to Poznań via Tatra Mountains

Illustration of Poland and the Tatra Mountains

PTG Tours operates this 11-day escorted rail journey through southern and western Poland, led by local tour manager Petras. The tour runs from Krakow to Poznań, emphasizing authentic train experiences, mountain routes and smaller heritage towns. Departing Krakow on Day 1, the itinerary moves through Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains, then westward via Opole, the Sudetes mountain towns of Kłodzko and Jelenia Góra, the cog railway to Kořenov in Czech Republic, and into Wrocław and Wolsztyn before finishing in Poznań. Almost all travel is by regional trains supplemented by a heritage steam service. The pace is relaxed, with guided city walks, a Krakow vintage tram ride, a funicular to mountain views, and visits to heritage railway depots and museums. Accommodation spans 3-star en-suite hotels; meals and entrance fees are included. This suits repeat rail travellers familiar with Petras from earlier tours, history lovers drawn to Polish castles and railway heritage, and photographers seeking mountain and railway scenery.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only one departure listed for 2026 (July); confirm availability and dates with PTG Tours before booking.
  • Day 3 allows remaining in Krakow instead of the Zakopane excursion; confirm the itinerary flexibility when booking.
  • Day 5 is the only early start; all other days are leisurely.
  • Deposits vary by travel method: £400 for own travel arrangements, £700 for flights, £1,000 for overland rail.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Krakow

    Krakow

    Various flight options from the UK to Krakow with direct flights from Heathrow (15:20), Gatwick (15:00), Stansted (16:00), Birmingham (19:45), Manchester (18:15), Bristol (09:05), Belfast (08:15) and Edinburgh (18:40). Dinner and overnight in Krakow.

  2. Day 2overnight: Krakow

    Krakow

    Morning Krakow city tour visiting Wawel Castle, the cathedral, main square, St. Mary's Basilica, the old University district and Florian's Gate. Lunch. Afternoon visit to the Museum of Engineering & Technology and a ride on the trams (public transport card provided).

  3. Day 3railovernight: Krakow

    Krakow - Zakopane - Krakow

    Morning regional train to Zakopane (4 hours), a resort town in the Tatra Mountains near the Slovak border. Free afternoon then a funicular trip to Gubałówka for a panoramic view. Return by rail to Krakow (approx. 6 hours of rail travel today; possible to remain in Krakow instead).

  4. Day 4railovernight: Opole

    Zakopane to Opole

    Morning train to Opole (departing Krakow). Guided tour of Opole Old Town, Piast Tower, and the Odra River promenade with its historic railway bridge.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Kłodzko

    Opole - Wałbrzych - Kłodzko

    Only early start of the tour: scenic rail journey through Lower Silesia via Wrocław to Wałbrzych, then the mountain line from Wałbrzych to Kłodzko (approx. 1.5h of viaducts and tunnels). Guided tour of Kłodzko Fortress, sometimes called 'Little Prague'.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Jelenia Góra

    Kłodzko to Jelenia Góra

    Morning regional train crossing the Sudetes to the Karkonosze region, arriving in time for lunch in Jelenia Góra. Afternoon city walk and visit to the Cieplice spa area.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Szklarska Poręba

    Jelenia Góra - Szklarska Poręba - Kořenov (CZ) - Szklarska Poręba

    Ride the Kolej Izerska to Szklarska Poręba, continue to Kořenov in the Czech Republic and return (3-4 hour loop with stops and mountain scenery). Visit the local cog-railway museum in Kořenov.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Wrocław

    Szklarska Poręba to Wrocław

    Train to Wrocław (approx. 3 hours), where the first railway line on Polish territory was opened. Afternoon city tour taking in the Rynek central square and the city's bridges.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Wolsztyn

    Wrocław to Wolsztyn

    Morning free, or optional visit to Kolejkowo, Poland's largest railway model exhibition. Afternoon train to Wolsztyn (via Leszno), a county town with an open-air museum and operational steam locomotive depot.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Poznań

    Wolsztyn - Poznań

    Early guided visit to the Parowozownia Wolsztyn locomotive shed, then depart on the 10:39 steam train to Poznań. Afternoon Poznań city tour including the Market Square, town hall and Cathedral Island.

  11. Day 11rail

    Poznań to UK

    Direct flights to Stansted (13:55) and Luton (11:25). Most of the group travel by rail at 10:30 to Berlin for late afternoon/evening direct flights to Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol and Edinburgh. Overland return by rail also possible.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Day 3: Regional train to Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains followed by funicular ride to Gubałówka for panoramic views.
  • Day 5Day 5: Scenic rail journey through Lower Silesia via Wrocław to Wałbrzych, then the mountain line with viaducts and tunnels to Kłodzko.
  • Day 7Day 7: Ride the Kolej Izerska cog railway from Jelenia Góra through Szklarska Poręba to Kořenov in Czech Republic and return.
  • Day 10Day 10: Early visit to Parowozownia Wolsztyn locomotive shed, then depart on the heritage steam train to Poznań.

Included

  • All travel and excursions as outlined in the itinerary
  • En-suite accommodation
  • Meals as shown in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees as per program

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes, almost all travel is by rail, including regional trains, the Kolej Izerska cog railway, and a heritage steam train. The from-price of £1,750 covers the rail package starting from Krakow to Poznań. Flight-inclusive options are available from £1,975.
Is this tour escorted?
Yes. PTG Tours provides a local tour manager, Petras, who leads the group throughout the 11 days.
What trains are featured?
Regional trains connect most cities; the Kolej Izerska cog railway runs from Jelenia Góra through Szklarska Poręba to Kořenov in Czech Republic; a heritage steam train operates between Wolsztyn and Poznań.
What standard are the hotels?
Hotels are 3-star en-suite properties in each town. The Poznań hotel (De Silva Premium) is 4-star. Specific properties are named in the itinerary.
What does the price include?
All rail travel, accommodation, meals as shown, entrance fees, guided city tours, and the tram ride in Krakow. City tours are guided; some afternoons offer free time or optional visits.
When does the tour run?
A departure is scheduled for July 2026. Check with PTG Tours for other dates.

Similar journeys