HOUSEBOAT TRIP - a cruise on the trail of Polish rivers
- Duration: 9 days
- Suggested means of transport: plane, self drive
- Getting to destinations: self drive, private transfers with driver, car rental
An
unforgettable adventure - getting to know the beauty of Polish nature
and visiting the attractions and monuments that are the hallmark of
the northern part of the country. The journey begins with chartering
a boat for a seven-day-cruise along several rivers. You do not need a
patent to drive the boat, so you will be the "captain of the
ship" and you will travel around 192 km along the waterways of
the Żuławy Loop, mooring in such cities as: Gdańsk, Malbork and
Elbląg.
The
boat can accommodate up to 8 people, the daily cruise time is about 4
- 5 hours, which will allow additional sightseeing and relaxation.
Accommodation can be arranged in hotels near the marina or on the
boat.
Day
1: Arrival in Gdańsk. A driver will be waiting for you at the
airport to take you to your chosen hotel.
Day
2:
In the early morning a driver will be waiting for you at the
reception to take you to Rybina, where you will start your cruise.
Once you have completed a training session, you will set off on your
first crossing on the river Szkarpawa and after 9 kilometres you will
find yourself at the marina in Osłonka.
Day
3:
The next day a 19-kilometer-drive on the Nogat river awaits you -
the final destination is Elbląg. We will enter the city through the
Elbląg Canal, the oldest one in Poland! In Elbląg we can visit many
medieval architectural monuments, including the Old Town and St.
Nicholas Cathedral.
Day
4: Leaving Elbląg harbour, we head for the biggest attraction of our
cruise - Malbork castle. We have a 32-kilometer-route among
picturesque landscapes and a passage through two locks. Reaching the
city, we have the possibility to moor in 4 places.
The
construction of the castle was initiated by the Teutonic Order in
1280 and it used to be the largest brick fortress in Europe. Over the
years, it has served many important functions, like the seat of the
Grand Masters of the Teutonic Order and the residence of Polish
kings. A guided tour of the castle takes about 3 - 4 hours.
Day
5: The next stage of the cruise covers 42 kilometers along charming
trails. Reaching the town of Biała Góra, it is worth stopping at
the local harbour and visiting the historic sluice gate. A moment
later, leaving Nogat, we will enter the longest Polish river -
Vistula. Our destination is Tczew, where we can go sightseeing in the
old town.
Day
6: Our next destination will be the capital of Tricity, on this day
the longest route of the cruise awaits us. After travelling 48
kilometres along the bed of the Dead Vistula (the former mouth of the
Vistula River), we will enter the marina in the centre of Gdańsk.
Gdańsk is a city full of attractions and monuments – you should
certainly go to the Old Town and visit Długi Targ, considered to be
the local market. The beach in Jelitkowo is a perfect place to relax.
Day
7: The next 30 kilometers of the Żuławy Loop lies before us. We
will visit Błotnik marina - one of the largest marinas on the route,
then entering the Gdañsk Head lock we will leave the Vistula
riverbed and return to the Szkarpawa river. Upon reaching Drewnica
village, you must visit the local restaurant – Szkarpawianka,
famous for its regional dishes.
Day
8: The last day of the cruise and return to Rybina, from where you
will travel by private transfer to your hotel in the heart of
Gdansk's Old Town, situated on the Motława River.
Day
9: Private transfer to Gdańsk airport for your return flight home.