Foothills of the Tatras Mountains
From Krakow we drive south to the mountain town of Zakopane. Ascending Mt. Gubalowka by funicular, we enjoy a beautiful ride down to the timber-framed village of Chocholow in time for lunch in the village inn. Following a disused railway line, quiet country lanes and a riverside path, we then pedal past the confluence of the White and Black Dunajec rivers to arrive in the historic village of Lopuszna.

Cycling the Dunajec Gorge
There's time to visit an old wooden manor house before we cycle the winding course of the Bialka River to its gorge near Nowa Bialka. We arrive in Spisz; a region rich in history, folk culture and castles. Reaching one of these castles at Niedzica, we spend the night in a nearby hotel. The next day we cross into Slovakia and cycle along the 'Pieniny Way; a path for walkers and cyclists only, part is actually carved out of the cliff which runs the length of the Dunajec Gorge.

From Feudal Villages to Krakow
We cross back into Poland to the little spa town of Szczawnica then cycle a lovely route between the beech wood slopes of the Beskid Mountains and the Dunajec River. Our last night in the south is spent at Rytro; an old feudal village at the foot of castle ruins, on the shady banks of the Poprad. A final short ride takes us through the Poprad Valley to Stary Sacz before we drive to Krakow, Poland's most celebrated city. Our final day is spent enjoying a cycle tour of Krakow's famous market square, medieval old town and historic Kazimierz district.

Comment
Grade B - 230km/ 6 days (average of 38km). Cycling is mostly on the flat or downhill though there are several short uphill sections, generally when ascending out of river valleys. 80% asphalt, 15% well-maintained gravel lanes, 5% rougher tracks.