Discover Lush River Valleys, Historic Castles & Scenic Country Roads from Krakow to Warsaw
Imagine glides through Poland’s pristine green heart along quiet, freshly paved rural roads where cars are a rare sight. Following the winding path of the untamed Pilica River, this easy week-long cycle tour connects two of the country’s most vibrant cultural capitals: Krakow and Warsaw. From medieval ruins and historic abbeys to lush pine forests, local orchards, and scenic canoeing spots, it is an undiscovered treasure of European cycle touring—offering flat, relaxing rides far from busy cities.
Idyllic Cycling Freedom with Unspoiled Nature & Canoeing Options
Designed for leisure cyclists and nature lovers, this self-guided and flexible journey combines effortless riding through gently undulating countryside with rich Polish history. With smooth asphalt roads, minimal traffic, and flat terrain, the kilometers fly by naturally as you ride from one charming river village to the next. After a day in the saddle, you can even switch perspectives and explore the Pilica’s clear waters on an optional canoeing excursion directly from your hotel.
ROUTE
Starting in the historic city of Krakow, the route begins near the source of the river in Smolen beneath ancient castle ruins. Heading north towards the Vistula valley, you’ll cycle past tranquil fish ponds, shaded forests, and tree-lined avenues to historic sites like the Cistercian abbey in Sulejów and the former royal hunting grounds of Spała. Passing fruit orchards and Poland’s smallest town, Wyśmierzyce, the ride finishes in Warka, just a short regional train ride away from the heart of Warsaw.
Your detailed route descriptions, cycle maps, and GPS tracks will guide you effortlessly each day. You can follow the recommended schedule at your own rhythm, taking ample time to swim in river reservoirs, visit open-air museums, or relax at local cafés along the way.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Krakow
Arrival in Krakow and first overnight stay at a centrally located hotel. After finding your room there is time to stroll through Krakow for a first impression of its historic city center and famous nightlife.
Day 2: Pilica-Source – Zawada
19-25 miles / 30-40 km
After the bus ride to Smolen, which takes barely an hour, we get on the cycles on a hill with medieval castle ruins. The first kilometers are downhill through Jura landscapes towards the source of the river. We ride further past fish ponds, through a pretty town, with the same name as the river – Pilica – to our accommodation at Zawada.
Day 3: Zawada – Przedborz
40 miles / 65 km
The flat and quiet roads run through shady forests for the most part and you will scarcely notice the kilometers flying by. This leg is the longest and ends in the small town of Przedbórz which is next to Przedbórz Landscape Park.
Day 4: Przedborz – Sulejow
25 miles / 40 km
Once more we pass through tree-lined avenues, narrow fields and fragrant meadows and even gardens in full bloom until we come to a very special accommodation. Our hotel was once a Cistercian abbey built on the extensive grounds of a castle from the Middle Ages.
Day 5: Sulejów – Spala
28 miles / 45 km
For this leg of our journey we first go past the reservoir with many places to go for a dip. After that the open air museum at Piliza is well worth a visit. The largest city on our route is Tomaszów, with 30,000 inhabitants. A network of car-free cycle paths takes one to Spała, a popular forest health resort.
Day 6: Spala – Nowe Miasto
28 miles / 45 km
Spala lies within a forested area that has been a popular hunting and recreational area since the 19th century: first for the Russian Czars and then Polish presidents. This area also has remnants of recent history – the huge railway bunker at Konewki was the command post “Anlage Mitte” of the German military during World War II. Our overnight stay is at the small town of Nowe Miasto at a guesthouse located directly at the river.
Day 7: Nowe Miasto – Warka
34 miles / 55 km
This last leg goes past Wyśmierzyce which with its 858 inhabitants and old wooden houses is considered to be the smallest town in Poland. Next we cycle through vegetable fields and orchards. The final destination is the city of Warka, the center of the Polish fruit-growing area.
Day 8: Departure or Extension
Your tour ends after breakfast. Warsaw is only 60 km from Warka and is easy to reach with the hourly regional train. Those who wish to stay a day longer can go on an optional 19-25 miles / 30-40 km round-trip to Vistula valley and the Pilica mouth.
However, we are also happy to extend your vacation.
Extend Your Stay
Additional nights can be organized on request. Those who wish to stay a day longer can go on an optional 19-25 miles / 30-40 km round-trip to Vistula valley and the Pilica mouth.
Getting to Krakow (Departure Point)
By Plane: John Paul II International Airport Kraków–Balice (KRK) is located just 11 km from the city center. Direct trains run frequently from the airport to Krakow Main Station (Kraków Główny) in about 18 minutes.
By Train: Krakow Main Station offers excellent national and international rail connections from major European hubs.
Departure to Warka
By Train: Frequent regional trains run hourly between Warka and Warsaw Central Station (Warszawa Centralna), taking roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes.
By Plane: Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) is only 60 km from Warka.
How to book this tour
We require a deposit of 25% of the tour price per person upon reservation, final payment 6 weeks before tour departure.
Included
- Accommodation: 7 nights in en-suite rooms (shower/WC)
- Meals: 7x daily buffet breakfasts.
- Luggage Transport: Hotel-to-hotel daily luggage transfers.
- Transfers: Bus transfer from Krakow to the Pilica River springs (Smolen) on Day 2.
- Navigation & Info: Detailed route description, set of cycling maps, and GPS data for the entire route.
NOT Included
- Travel to and from the tour start/finish.
- Private transfers.
- Bicycle or E-bike rental
- Meals & Drinks: Dinners (unless half-board supplement is booked), lunches, daily drinks, and personal expenses.
- Sightseeing & Extras: Entrance fees to museums, castles, and historic sites.
- Activities: Optional canoe rentals and excursions along the Pilica River.
- Travel insurance
- Anything not specifically mentioned under “Included”
Choose the option that best fits your schedule and start planning your cycling journey.
Check available options
Departures & Prices
Prices are per person in a double room 2026. 2027 available on request.
Weekly departures every Saturday from 25 April to 3 October.
2026
Apr – Oct
from
740€
Options & Supplements
✓
910€ Single Room
✓
Canoe trips (on request)
Alternative start dates are available on request, subject to availability and an additional surcharge
Accomodation
Carefully selected to ensure comfort, quality, and a relaxing and unforgettable journey.
Hotels and guesthouses (1x pension, 5x 3-star hotel, 1x 4-star hotel).
Additional nights
Prices per person, including breakfast
Cracovia, Warka o Varsovia
Double Room 58€
Single room 89€
BIKES
You can choose to rent a bicycle. Below you’ll find the essential information for rent options.
Trekking Bike
80 €
E-Bike
190 €