#3 - Discover Poland and the bisons from Białowieża National Park
Suggested duration
15 days / 14 nights
(from Sunday to Sunday)
Main steps:
Warsaw
Białowieża National Park
Biebrza natural park
A regatta on the masurian lakes
A farm stay in Warmia
Discovering the Polish North-East is a real journey through time. Some areas have remained suspended in time. Calm reigns there, forests and fields are as far as the eye can see.
Unsurprisingly, this region is full of natural parks that will transport you to an unknown universe where nature reigns supreme. So, follow the guide, explore new horizons and maybe we will have the chance to share a moment together.
Highlights
Be surprised by the modernism and dynamism of the capital Warsaw
Head east and encounter bison in the wild
Get drunk on the summer atmosphere around Polish lakes and forests
Share the daily life of a family on the farm, discover the local gastronomy in the Warmia region
Suggested time of the year
May, June, July, August
Estimated budget
from 2500€ for 2 people (flights not included) including accommodations, car rental, gas, restaurants and museum tickets.
Means of locomotion
Car
Day 1 : Warsaw
Warsaw, the vibrant capital of Poland, offers a rich mix of historical heritage and modernity. Its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a veritable open-air museum with iconic monuments such as the Royal Castle and the Market Square. Łazienki Park, with its Palace on the Water and its green spaces, invites you to relax. Warsaw is also a city of culture, with many museums such as the Museum of the History of Polish Jews and the Chopin Museum. Modern architecture, trendy restaurants and a lively nightlife also attract visitors.
A few hours and an evening in the capital to get a taste of a capital that lives at 200 miles an hour and evolves at breakneck speed.
Our suggestion:
Day 1: Arrival at Chopin Airport. Drop off your luggage at the hotel and stroll through the old town or around the Palace of Science and Culture.
In Warsaw, one will find a diversified hotel offer. For a luxurious and historical touch, we recommend the Polonia Palac Hotel in the city center.
Day 2: Departure by car to eastern Poland after breakfast. Suggested lunch, for example, in the charming town of Drohiczyn, located on the banks of the Bug River.
The Nad Bugiem restaurant, for example, offers delicious Polish dishes by the river.
Distance to the next stop: 250km / approx. 3 hours drive
Days 2 and 3: Bialowieza National Park
The Białowieża Natural Park, located on the Polish-Belarusian border, is one of the last primeval forests in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to exceptional biodiversity, including the European bison, the symbol of the region. The park offers visitors a unique insight into a preserved ecosystem, with its dense forests, meadows and marshy areas.
The north-eastern region of Poland, including Białowieża, is a land of traditions and wild nature. It includes diverse landscapes ranging from the picturesque lakes of Masuria to the forests and hills of Podlaskie. This sparsely urbanized territory is ideal for hiking, birdwatching and rural tourism. The region is also home to a rich cultural diversity, with Polish, Belarusian, Russian and Lithuanian influences, offering a unique experience combining nature and heritage.
Our suggestion:
Day 2: Arrival in the afternoon at your hotel. The hotel Żubrówka Spa is an interesting option to relax during your visit. Strolling around the city of Białowieża.
Day 3: Visit the natural park with an English-speaking guide in the morning. In the afternoon, possibility of renting a bike to discover at your own pace and gently the natural riches of the region.
Day 4: After breakfast, departure to the next step: Biebrza Natural Park and more specifically the village of Sztabin. On the way, possibility to stop for lunch in the city of Białystok
Distance: 150km / approx. 2h
Days 4 and 5 : rafting in the Biebrza National Park
Sailing by raft in the Biebrza Natural Park in Poland is an unforgettable experience in the heart of one of the largest wetlands in Europe. Along the water, tranquility reigns, and nature reveals itself in all its splendor: marshes, tall grass, winding streams and fascinating wildlife. You can see herons, ducks and, with a bit of luck, beavers or otters. The silence is broken only by the songs of birds and the sound of water. A total immersion in a preserved environment, ideal for nature lovers.
Our suggestion:
Day 4: Arrival in the afternoon in Sztabin. Unusual night in a raft on the edge of the marshes.
Day 5: 6-hour raft ride. Surprising proposition to sail lazily in this natural screen. Small barbecue on the water but also the possibility of browsing a book on the raft terrace.
Overnight stay on the raft.
Day 6: After breakfast, departure to the Mazury region and more specifically Giżycko
Distance: 120 km / approx. 1h45
Day 6 : Night in Giżycko
Giżycko, located in the heart of Masuria, is a true paradise for nature lovers and adventurers. Surrounded by beautiful lakes, dense forests and unspoiled landscapes, this region offers an ideal setting for hiking, kayaking or sailing.
The nearby Niegocin Lake invites you to relax and try water sports. The town itself is charming and welcoming, home to historical monuments such as the Teutonic Castle.
A visit to Giżycko will reveal a peaceful and authentic place, perfect for a getaway to nature, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Our suggestion:
Day 6: Arrival late morning. Possibility to stay at the hotel St Bruno; installed in the remains of an ancient Teutonic castle.
In the afternoon, we suggest you to go on an excursion on the lake, a small regatta to feel the spirit of Masuria.
Days 7 to 13 : A farm stay at Siedlisko Letnia Kuchnia
During the second week of your stay in Poland, we suggest the immersive discovery of life in the Polish countryside. Placed under the signs of relaxation and greenery, this week will make you discover summer life in the Polish northeast. You will continue to discover the local gastronomy by enjoying fresh products from the garden and the land. You can also take advantage of the bikes on site to go to the lake, go kayaking or discover the few architectural gems of the region around Olsztyn. This former region of East Prussia has left beautiful vestiges there.
The formula for the second week is half-board. Breakfasts and dinners are served at a common table with all the guests of the guesthouse; an additional opportunity to meet locals living in different regions of Poland.
Our suggestion:
From day 7 to day 13: overnight stays, breakfasts and dinners at Siedlisko Letnia Kuchnia. Possibility to stay on site and walk around in the nearby region.
Day 14 : Back to Warsaw
After breakfast, you will drive back to Warsaw.
Distance: 200km / approx. 3h
You have the option to fly in the afternoon or the next day. In this case, this last evening is the perfect opportunity to continue your discovery of the capital.
The other routes
Crédits photo : Josh Hild, Mat Kedzia, Julia Volk, Dominik Kazmierczak, Konpasu.de blog, Marek Piwnicki, Krzysiek, Mateusz_foto
