Tui adds Zakopane to Lakes & Mountains programme and lays out new flights plus alcohol rules travellers must know
tui has added Zakopane in southern Poland to its Lakes & Mountains programme for 2026, opening up an affordable Alpine-style option that combines lakes, wooden chalets, markets and thermal baths. The move matters because it offers UK holidaymakers shorter flight times, budget-friendly local prices and a range of package lengths, while practical travel rules – including differing airline policies on carrying and consuming alcohol – are highlighted for anyone booking.
Tui expands Lakes & Mountains for 2026 with Zakopane
The operator has positioned Zakopane as a fresh Lakes & Mountains destination for summer 2026. The town is described as one of Europe’s most spectacular yet little-known mountain towns and as a "fairytale lake town" surrounded by the Tatra Mountains in southern Poland. Flight time from the UK is around two-and-a-half hours, making it an accessible mountain escape.
What to expect in Zakopane: lakes, peaks, culture and prices
Zakopane’s offering, as outlined in the programme, includes emerald lakes, wooden chalets, wildflower meadows, bustling markets, beer halls and thermal baths. Key natural and visitor highlights called out for the area include:
- Morskie Oko, a crystal-clear turquoise lake regularly listed among Europe’s most beautiful lakes.
- Giewont peak, a local landmark described as resembling a sleeping knight.
- Five Lakes Valley for gentler walks and scenic strolls.
- Kasprowy Wierch cable car and the Gubałówka funicular for panoramic views without strenuous climbs.
- Wildlife such as marmots, chamois, golden eagles and the possibility of brown bear sightings in mountain areas.
- Town life on Krupówki Street with markets, beer halls and craft shops, horse-drawn carriages and thermal baths fed by naturally heated, mineral-rich water.
Local affordability is emphasised: a pint and a pizza can cost less than £10, underscoring the lower price tag compared with Alpine destinations.
Practical travel details: flights, package windows and pricing
Packages are available from May to September and will operate from 16 airports across the UK using partner airlines easyJet and Ryanair. Kraków is less than two hours away by train, providing an easy add-on day trip option for visitors based in Zakopane.
| Package type | Example price | Basis | Example departure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seven-night stay | From £616 per person | Room-only at 3T Apartamenty ApartArt Zakopane, two adults sharing one-bedroom apartment | Departing Luton on May 26 with hand luggage only |
Packages are offered with flexibility in length, from short four-night breaks to stays up to 10 nights.
Airline alcohol rules UK travellers should note
Rules on carrying and consuming alcohol differ between carriers and are an important practical consideration for travellers. The law prohibits entering an aircraft while drunk or being drunk on an aircraft; beyond that, each airline sets its own particulars.
- TUI: Drinks with under 24% alcohol by volume (ABV) are not restricted. Drinks above 70% ABV are not permitted. For alcoholic beverages with between 24% and 70% ABV, the requirement is that they are in retail packaging in receptacles not exceeding 5 litres, with a maximum total net quantity per person of 5 litres for such beverages.
- Jet2: Alcohol brought on board may not be consumed during the flight. The carrier reserves the right to restrict consumption on board, and drinks with an ABV over 70% are not permitted in checked or hand luggage. Only alcoholic drinks purchased on board may be consumed during the flight, and being drunk on board is an offence.
- British Airways: There is no limit on the number of alcoholic beverages carried if they are under 24% ABV. Alcohol between 24% and 70% ABV is limited to five litres per person. Drinks above 70% ABV are not permitted in either checked or hand baggage.
- EasyJet and Ryanair: rules vary by airline; travellers are advised to check the specific policy for their carrier before travel to avoid issues at the gate.
Why travel planners are pitching Zakopane now
Chris Logan, Tui UK & Ireland commercial director, frames Zakopane as a fresh alternative to the Alps that offers dramatic scenery at a lower cost while bringing local Goral culture into the programme. The addition is presented as a genuine expansion of the Lakes & Mountains offering, providing flexibility through partnerships that enable short breaks or longer stays and a mix of independent and packaged options for travellers.
Recent announcements position Zakopane as an accessible, budget-friendly mountain destination for UK travellers in summer 2026, paired with clear reminders about airline-specific rules on alcohol that can affect packing and in-flight behaviour. Details such as package dates, the example price and the cited departure date are all part of the booking information presented for prospective holidaymakers.
