Hungary and Poland Tours and Trips

Although the weather was challenging (very hot) our leader and our mountain guide made the most of the available alternatives. Our leader Gabi was sociable, extremely knowledgeable and always ready with a suggestion for activities or restaurants. The Penny Grand spa hotel was truly superb and I took the opportunity to have a foot and leg massage - heavenly!

Poland is a lovely country to visit great food, transport, views, accommodation, very reasonable prices for taxis, museum tickets etc. The coutryside is not very busy with other visitors or hikers until you come to the mountain hsuts were the service is generally very efficient.

Hiking the Polish Carpathians was a very good experience. The only downside was the extreme temperatures (36 degrees) and humidity, both of which were outside the control of Explore. Gabi the tour leader was very good and gave great insight into Polish culture and history. The leader had to make a judgement call on the first hiking day when it was clear that some of the group would struggle to make the summit of the first hike, due to high temperatures and exposed approach to the summit, the leader opted for a lower elevation and shaded route. Some of the group were not happy with decision, but it was the right call and showed good leadership skills. I would recommend either arriving a few days early or staying on at the end of the tour to experience more of what Krakow have to offer. E.g excursions to Auschwitz, Schindler's Factory and Salt Mines.

Krakow is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture to explore. The Carpathian Mountains are just as good for walking as The Alps but not yet as visited.

It is very rushed with many one night stops. Road Conditions, Traffic, and many border crossings make the days in the bus very long.

All sites visited were historical, impressive, memorable. Our tour guide’s knowledge of these sites was extensive and he relayed all history in a manner we could easily understand. We also visited an Ossuary near Prague, catacombs under St. Stephen’s Chapel in Vienna, The Shoes on the Danube in Budapest, along with the Hospital In The Rock, The House of Houdini. Saw the Vienna Boys Choir after a mass delivered in German and Latin, that we understood not a word of, in Vienna. The entire experience was wonderful, very worthwhile!!!