Polish castles day trip from krakow

Visit three impressive Polish castles on a route known as the Trail of the Eagles’ Nest – a stretch of forested countryside in the Krakow-Czestochowa Upland lined by fortresses. After leaving Krakow, travel along the trail and stop to explore three of the area’s must-visit castles with a guide. Hear tales of Casimir III the Great at Ojcow Castle, admire Renaissance architecture at Pieskowa Skala Castle and explore the vast ruins of Ogrodzieniec Castle.

Start your day with a pickup from your Krakow hotel, and then travel north to Krakow-Czestochowa Upland – a region of forested countryside lined with some impressive Polish castles. The most picturesque route to explore in the upland is the Trail of the Eagles’ Nest (Szlak Orlich Gniazd): a 102-mile (164-kilometer) stretch that takes in all the castles between Krakow in the south and Czestochowa in the north. Travel along it with your guide, stopping at three intriguing castles on the way.

Make your first stop in the heart of Ocjow National Park, where you'll visit Ojcow Castle – the ruins of a Gothic fortress built by Casimir III the Great, the last Polish king of the Piast dynasty. Hear tales of the king and the legends that surrounded his father, Ociec, after whom the castle was named. After exploring the ruins, take a look at the pretty wooden houses lining the slopes around the castle, and then return to your coach.

Travel the short distance north to Pieskowa Skala Castle, and then head inside to explore this magnificent Renaissance castle -- often said to be the jewel of the Trail of the Eagles’ Nest. Built as a royal castle in the 16th century, Pieskowa Skala was restored to its full former glory after WWII, and the castle as you see it is one of the best preserved in Poland. Explore with your guide, posing for pictures in the elegant courtyard and admiring a vast collection of artifacts from the Royal Collection at Wawel.

After a break for lunch (own expense), continue to your third and final castle of the day -- Ogrodzieniec Castle. The ruined medieval fortress sprawls along the highest hill of the upland, looking like something out of a fairy tale. The ruins are said to be haunted, and your guide will keep you entertained with stories of the mysterious Black Dog of Ogrodzieniec (who is said to prowl the grounds) as you walk around.

Return to your coach and travel south to Krakow. Your tour finishes back at your central Krakow hotel.