From Warsaw through wild Podlasie to Masuria – Individual Trip
Individual tour
Category: bike tour, kayaking, ship
Duration: 9 days
Offer: 2024
Meals: breakfasts and 2 dinners
Accommodation: 8 nights in hotels and pensions, rooms with bathrooms
Difficulty: easy
Distance by bike: from 220 km to 275 km
Price from: 1000 EUR
Northeast Poland is a travel destination that gains recognition every year. Numerous national parks, multiculturalism, a wealth of architectural monuments, continually improving transportation connections, traditional local hospitality, and delicious cuisine are just some of the obvious reasons to visit.
Masuria is a true paradise for sailors, fishermen, and cyclists. The region is often referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Lakes,” but that’s not an accurate description – in reality, you can find over 2,500 lakes here. The breathtaking landscapes are diverse, featuring fortresses hidden in forests, as well as castles of the Teutonic Order and 19th-century palaces.
The program includes, among other things, the oldest Polish national park: Bialowieza, the historic Jewish town of Tykocin, the charming spa town of Supraśl with its modern Orthodox icon museum, Biebrza National Park, and Masuria: Giżycko, Mikołajki, and Krutyń. The cycling infrastructure includes bike paths, dedicated rest areas, shops, and technical service points.
Thanks to the option to choose routes, the tour is suitable for both those who prefer longer cycling sections and those who opt for a shorter route.
Warsaw
The capital of Poland is located right in the center of Europe, where the paths from West/East and North/South intersect. Here, the cultural influences of Western and Eastern Europe intertwine. It is also the largest city in Poland with its 1.7 million inhabitants (metropolitan area: 3 million).
The city entices with its contrasts and diversities. Tradition confronts the present day here. During World War II, Warsaw was 80 percent destroyed, and the Old Town was almost completely leveled. Between 1949 and 1955, the Old Town and the splendid palaces were faithfully reconstructed based on old city views.
The Old Town was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980 and is now a lively place with numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants. The Royal Castle has also been restored to its full, original glory. As a legend goes, Warsaw is ultimately indestructible. Since the end of communism, the city has experienced a real boom. Glass office skyscrapers, hotels, and shopping centers are shooting up everywhere. The formerly colorless city has transformed into a modern, dynamic, and charming metropolis .
Białowieża forest
In 1979, the Polish part of the Białowieża Forest was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The forest, the heart of the primeval forest, is one of the last places where you can witness the ecosystem of lowland primeval forest with your own eyes. In the Białowieża Forest, European bison live, and in addition, there are 50 species of mammals, about 200 species of birds, and 1,000 species of insects. The oldest oaks growing in the Białowieża Forest date back to the times of King Władysław Jagiełło. The oaks in Białowieża have record-breaking trunks in terms of height and width, which made them a sought-after export commodity in past centuries, used for things like ship masts on the world’s seas.
Kruszyniany
Kruszyniany is the most famous Tatar village in Poland. It is renowned for its beautiful nature, delicious cuisine, and unique monuments. A stay here provides an opportunity to sample the extraordinary Tatar culture. The very friendly Dżemil will show us the city’s major attractions, including the mosque and the historic cemetery.
Supraśl
A spa town with over a 500-year history, Supraśl boasts a scientifically proven microclimate, healthy air saturated with essential oils from the pine trees of the Knyszyń Forest, and peat bogs near the village of Sokołda. We recommend taking a stroll through the town, along the reservoir on the Supraśl River, and visiting the Icon Museum in Supraśl, located in the Orthodox Archimandrite’s Palace.
Białystok
Białystok, the capital of the voivodeship, is a city at the crossroads of cultures, the heart of Podlachia. It is an important cultural, academic, and tourist center in northeastern Poland. The founder of Esperanto, Ludwik Zamenhof, was born here, as well as Albert Sabin, the creator of the polio vaccine, and the Oscar-winning filmmaker Tomasz Bagiński. In the city, you will visit, among other things, the perfectly preserved Baroque palace and garden complex from the 18th century, known as the “Northern Versailles.” You will also explore buildings in the Late Renaissance style, the old Farny Church, the Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas, the Church of St. Roch, and the expansive town square with the centrally located late Baroque Town Hall.
Tykocin
Tykocin is not only a city with a long and interesting history, one of the most important centers of Jewish culture during the time of the First Polish Republic, but also a unique natural area. Its location on the left bank of the Narew River points to an area rich in flora and fauna. Situated near three major natural complexes – the Narew National Park, the Biebrza National Park, and the Knyszyńska Forest, it is a town traversed by many hiking and biking trails. Notable landmarks in Tykocin include the Holy Trinity Church, the Great Synagogue, the Small Synagogue, the adjacent marketplace, the Alumnat, and Tykocin Castle. You will see all of these during the planned city tour.
Biebrzański Nationalpark
Biebrza National Park is the largest, longest, and wildest national park in Poland. It was established relatively recently in 1993. The heart of the park is the 160-kilometer-long Biebrza River, which flows through vast areas of the reserve. As a result, the backwaters, marshes, and swamps of Biebrza are extremely challenging areas to traverse, often impossible to cross with dry feet. These marshy conditions provide a natural habitat for approximately 270 species of wetland birds and 50 species of mammals. It is also home to the largest moose sanctuary in Poland. During a bike tour, there is a high probability of encountering this mammal crossing the road unannounced.
Giżycko
The “Masurian capital” is located on Lake Niegocin, the third-largest lake in the Land of the Great Masurian Lakes. Here, you will find one of the most important harbors in the region as well as a train station. Notable attractions include the water tower with an observation platform, the Crusader Castle located directly on the Łuczański Canal, and Fort Boyen. The harbor area offers many places for a cozy evening out.
Krutyń
Krutyń is a village located along the picturesque Krutynia River, one of the most beautiful canoe routes in Poland. Along the river, on both sides, stand majestic trees under whose shade canoeists paddle. The average depth of the river is 65 cm, the bottom is covered with algae and water lilies, and the banks are accessible and sandy.
Short summary:
Day 1: Arrival in Warsaw, guided tour of Warsaw’s Old Town.
Day 2: Warsaw – Białowieża Forest.
Day 3: Guided bike ride through the Białowieska Forest.
Day 4: Białowieża – Visit to the Mosque and Tartar Cemetery in Kruszyniany – Supraśl – Białystok.
Day 5: Białystok – Guided tour of Tykocin – Biebrza National Park – Osowiec Fortress – Ełk
Day 6. Ełk – Giżycko
Day 7. Giżycko – Boat trip to Mikołajki – Krutyń
Day 8. Canoe trip in Kruyń
Day 9. Krutyń end of the trip or bike trip to Pisz and end of the trip at the train station
Day 1. Warsaw
Arrival in Warsaw on your own. At around 4:00 PM, you will meet with a representative from Nature Travel who will provide you with the necessary information. Later, there will be a meeting with the guide at the hotel reception. You will explore the history of the city and be guided through the Old Town with the guide. Overnight stay at the hotel in Warsaw.
Included in the price: Guided tour of Warsaw
Day 2. Warsaw – Białowieża Forest
Distance: by Bus ca. 230 km, by bike ca. 23 or 40 km
After breakfast, you will take a bus ride (approximately 3 hours) to the Białowieża Primeval Forest. In the afternoon, you will embark on your first cycling tour, which is an easy route to warm up, leading through the primeval forest. You can choose a longer or shorter route to cycle to the hotel. Overnight stay at the Hotel Białowieski*** SPA & Wellness.
Day 3. The unique Białowieża. Guided tour of Białowieża
Distance: ca. 27 km, duration ca. 7 hours
For those who want to thoroughly explore Białowieża and its surroundings, we offer an optional tour with a local guide who will show you the most interesting places and tell you the history of the village. The entire trip takes about 7 hours. After breakfast at the specified time, a guide will be waiting for you at the hotel reception. You will travel with the guide to Polana Białowieska and then to the Castle Park. You will learn about the history of this place and visit the interactive Nature Museum of the Białowieża National Park, where you can see the animals living in the forest. After the theory part, you can see the wild nature of the Białowieża Forest with your own eyes. You will enter the strict protection area where you will leave your bikes and visit the strict reserve of the Białowieża National Park on foot. Entrance is only possible with a licensed guide. The next stage of the journey is a visit to the Bison Reserve, where you can see the aforementioned bison, as well as deer, roe deer, Polish ponies, and with a little luck, even wolves. On the way back to the hotel, you will also visit an interesting and magical place in the heart of the forest – the Place of Power. There are many theories about this place, which you will learn from the accompanying guide. It is certain that there is a circle of boulders and trees that grow unnaturally. After returning to the hotel, dinner will be waiting for you.
Included in the price: Guided tour of Białowieża
Day 4. Białowieża – Kruszyniany – Kopna Góra -Supraśl –Białystok
Distance: by bus ca. 110 km, by bike ca. 41 km or 52 km
After breakfast, you will take a bus to Kruszyniany (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes). This village is popular among tourists because of its local Tatar minority. Here, you can try traditional Tatar dishes. In Kruszyniany, you will visit the mosque with an English-speaking guide. You can then choose to continue your journey on the Green Velo Trail to reach Supraśl, which is approximately a 52 km bike ride. Alternatively, you can opt for a shorter and easier route through Krynki, where you can see the largest roundabout in Poland, the ruins of the grand synagogue, and the preserved building of the Caucasian Synagogue. You will depart in Poczopek, where you can make another stop to visit the Silvarium, a forest park.
In the next town, Kopna Góra, there is an arboretum, a botanical garden combined with a forest park. Your destination, the charming town of Supraśl, is reached by riding through the Knyszyn Forest, where you may encounter various wildlife, including bison. Supraśl holds the status of a spa town due to the essential oils from the coniferous trees in the Knyszyner Forest. It is also a popular tourist destination because of its picturesque location and the noteworthy interactive Icon Museum.
At the appointed time in Supraśl, a driver will be waiting to take you to Białystok (approximately 20 km). You will stay overnight at a hotel in Białystok.
Day 5. Białystok – Tykocin – Kiermusy – Biebrza National park – Elk
Distance: by bus ca. 130 km, by bike ca. 45 km
After breakfast, you will take a bus to Tykocin (approximately 30 km), where a guide will be waiting to lead you through the town and share its interesting history with you. You will begin your cycling journey today with a visit to the village of Kiermusy near Tykocin, situated between the Narwiański National Park and Biebrza. It is worth stopping here for a moment to see the first private bison reserve in Poland. You will then proceed to the former Tsar’s Road. Along the route, there are numerous viewpoints and pedestrian bridges. Take a moment to admire the Biebrza Valley, and while cycling, you must remain attentive as an elk could jump out of the bushes at any time, indicated by numerous signs along the route.
Continuing, you will encounter a low peat bog and the characteristic vegetation that grows there. After the cycling journey, you will take a bus to Ełk (approximately 60 km). You will stay overnight at a hotel or guesthouse in Ełk or the surrounding area.
The price includes a guided tour of Tykocin.
Day 6. Ełk– Stare Juchy – Wigryny – Giżycko
Distance: by bike ca. 55 km
After breakfast, you will check your luggage at the reception and start your bike tour towards Masuria. The afternoon is free for you to explore, and we recommend visiting Boyen Fortress and taking a walk along the promenade. You will stay overnight at a hotel in Giżycko.
Day 7. Giżycko– boat trip to Mikołajki – Krutyń
Distance: by bike ca. 32 km, boat trip ca. 3 hours
After breakfast, we embark on a boat trip through the most beautiful Masurian lakes connected by canals to Mikołajki/Nikolaiken, often referred to as the “Venice of the North.” After exploring the town and taking a short stroll, we will cycle through the Mazurski Park Krajobrazowy/Masurian Landscape Park to Krutyń. The destination is Krutyń, a village along the Krutynia River known for its canoeing opportunities. Before reaching the town, you will be delighted by dense deciduous forests, and right at the entrance, you will see numerous signs advertising the possibility of renting kayaks. You will stay overnight at a guesthouse in Krutyn.
Day 8. Canoe trip in Krutyń
Distance: by bike ca. 26 km (optional), canoe trip about 3 hours
Today can be a rest day from cycling, or, on the contrary, an opportunity for a short excursion through the reserve. Upon return, kayaks and a route along the beautiful Krutynia River await you. To conclude the day, we invite you to a farewell bonfire and dinner.
Kayak rental is included in the price.
Day 9. End of the trip
Distance: by bike ca. 30 km
After breakfast, the tour concludes. You can proceed with your individual return journey, continue cycling to Pisz, or take a train to Warsaw. Additionally, extension options are available.
Price includes:
- Half-guided tour: Nature Travel’s accompanying vehicle along the route (luggage transport, breakdown service, assistance in emergencies) is present throughout. The Nature Travel representative (constantly reachable by phone) speaks English or German and is your on-site contact
- 8 nights in good, country-specific hotels and guesthouses in double/single rooms with private shower and toilet
- Breakfast is included, and vegetarian meals are available upon prior request (please specify with or without fish).
- 2 dinners in Białowieża are also included.
- The first meal included is breakfast on the 2nd day of the trip.
- The last meal included is breakfast on the departure day.
- Local taxes are covered.
- Mineral water is provided on cycling days.
- All transfers according to the program are conducted in an air-conditioned minibus/bus.
- Guided tours of Warsaw, Białowieża Forest, and Tykocin (including entrance fees) are included.
- A visit to the mosque and Tatar cemetery in Kruszyniany with an English-speaking guide is part of the itinerary.
- A boat trip from Lötzen to Nikolaiken is included.
- A paddling tour on the Krutynia River is part of the package.
- Luggage transfer, a support bus, and roadside assistance for breakdowns are provided.
- You will be provided with 28-inch unisex bicycles with a low step and equipped with a 7-speed Shimano hub.
- An assistance hotline is available.
- Maps of the area and detailed route descriptions with GPS tracks are included
- Minimum group size: 6 people
Price does not include:
- Travel to the tour starting point.
- Extension nights.
- Travel luggage, accident, health, liability, and trip cancellation insurance.
- Private travel expenses
- Extra nights
Price per person:
1000 EUR/person in a double room
Single room surcharge: 200 EUR
Additional discounts:
- Children 0-5 years (without a separate bed) – free
- Children 5-10 years – 50%, additional bed (assuming 2 fully paying adults)
- Children 10-16 years on additional bed – 80% of the price (assuming 2 fully paying adults)
- Children 17 lat and more and adults sleeping on separate beds in 3-4 person rooms – 10% discount
Cost of bike rental during the trip:
Electric bike – 90 EUR/160 EUR/person
Dates:
| Code | Start on | End on |
| WPMI-01 | 11. May | 19. May |
| WPMI-02 | 1. June | 9 June |
| WPMI-03 | 22. June | 30. June |
| WPMI-04 | 13. July | 21. July |
| WPMI-05 | 27. July | 4. August |
| WPMI-06 | 17. August | 25. August |
| WPMI-07 | 31. August | 8. September |
Since Poland lies in the Schengen zone, EU citizens may enter it’s boarders with valid ID. Non-EU citizens are submitted to the same rules of entry as when entering any other EU country.
Arrival:
By plane – we recommend a flight to Warsaw
Reservation form
Hotel Białowieski
Our ***Hotel "Białowieski" Conference, Wellness & SPA offers You wide variety of spending free time in Białowieża Forest. From active bike and hiking tourism to relaxing in our swimming pool and spa complex.
Nature Travel
M. Czarny, J. Sorko-Czarny
Sp. z o.o. Sp. k.
ul. Wyszyńskiego 2/1, lok. 204
15-888 Białystok
Polska
