In Bloom Zalipie Folk Excursion

Folka is proud to invite you to this dreamy In Bloom Zalipie Folk Excursion. We’ll visit Zalipie - the most magical and prettiest folk village in Poland, Kraków and Nowy Sącz. During this trip you will discover Polish folk art, learn unique crafts from local artists and experience beautiful rural countryside and have a memorable summer. 

Zalipie is a small village in the southern Poland. It became famous thanks to its unique cottages painted in bright flowers by local women.

Felicja Curyłowa (1904-1974) from Zalipie, started decorating her family cottage since she was a young girl. She quickly developed her unique, recognisable style and became a well known artist. She taught and inspired other woman to decorate their houses too. With time, their decorations became more colourful and decorative.

Poppies, bluebells, sunflowers, roses, peonies - varieties of flowers is incredible. Decorative floral garlands cover not only walls. You can see them on the ceiling, kitchen stove, plates, everyday household items as well as on exterior of the house, trees,

Local people still continue this tradition and when spring arrives they start painting flowers on their houses, wells, barns, sheds, beehives, trees. Since 1948, Malowana Chata (Painted Cottage) competition takes place in June. We’ll visit Zalipie in July, a month after the competition to see winning cottages and enjoy freshly handpainted decorations.

 

When: 13th July - 17th July 2023

 

Travel Plan:

 

 Thursday 13th July

We’ll meet in Kraków at the Ethnographic Museum. 

Museum has an incredible collection of Polish folk art. You will discover a traditional hand painted wooden interior hand painted by women from Zalipie, early examples of unique Krakow Nativity Scenes , embroidered costumes, straw pajaki chandeliers, hand painted pisanki (Easter eggs), wycinanki (papercuts), sculptures and many more.

After visiting museum, we’ll have a walk around Kazimierz - Jewish district.

In the evening we’ll travel towards Tarnów.

 

Friday 14th July

 In the morning we’ll travel to Zalipie. We’ll look for traditional shrines and storks on the way.

On this day we’ll experience this magical village. We’ll visit Felicja Curyłowa’s incredible house which has been turned into a museum. All paintings inside the cottage are original. Even her first floral decoration, which she painted at the age of 10 in 1914, survived on the ceiling by the entrance. You will also see her beautiful pajaki attached to a ceiling, papercuts, embroidered costumes. 

Stefania Łączyńska (1914-2005) was another well known local painter. Her cottage has been recently dismantled and reconstructed near Felicja’s house. You will see how different her style was from Felicja’s.

Inspired by Felicja and Stefania’s art, you will create your own garland decorated with paper flowers. Local artists will share their secrets on how to make famous paper flowers in Zalipie style. It will be such a memorable experience. This workshop is especially designed for our excursion.

In the late afternoon, we’ll wander around the village to look for more handpainted houses. Hopefully we’ll meet local people and they will tell us a little bit more about their paintings.

Saturday 15th July

We’ll continue to discover Zalipie and learn local craft. In the morning, we’ll meet a local artist who will show us how to make a traditional unique painted papercut.

After the workshop we’ll visit a local St Joseph’s church, which is also beautifully decorated in floral motifs.

It will be our last day in Zalipie and I would like you to embrace this lovely village. You will have some time for yourself, to have a walk, to sit down and contemplate the handpainted cottages and beautiful nature. The village is so magical that it’s difficult to leave.

 

Sunday 16th July

 In the morning we’ll travel to Nowy Sącz to visit a beautiful Open Air Museum. It’s not so far from Zalipie and it will be a shame to miss it! Museum presents traditional folk culture, architecture, objects of everyday life and decorations characteristic for ethnic groups from this region - Lachy, Highlanders, Lemkos.

 

Monday 17th July

 We’ll drive to Kraków in the early morning.

Transport to the airport can be arranged.

 

Cost: £900

 

Price includes:

Accommodation

Workshops

Museum tickets

Transport

Price does not include:

Flights to/from Kraków

Lunch and dinners

Travel Insurance

Space is offered on a "first come" basis for this magical expedition. Please book early to avoid disappointment.

 

Payment in 2 instalments is available. Please get in touch info@folka.co

Accommodation:

We’ll be staying in two lovely hotels - near Tarnów and in Nowy Sącz. Each room is single. Breakfast will be served and it’s included in the price.

Transport:

We’ll be travelling in a comfortable minibus with a private driver Łukasz. Our group consists of max. 8 people.

PLEASE NOTE:

 There might be some changes in an itinerary. Detailed itinerary will be emailed closer to the excursion.

You need to arrive in Kraków by 1pm on Thursday 13th July at the latest to be able to join us at the Ethnographic Museum.

There’s one airport in Kraków in Balice. If you travel with Wizzair, make sure not to choose Katowice airport (unless you arrive the day before). 

We’ll help you to arrange a pick up from the airport if needed.

Kraków is such a beautiful and historical city. Our excursion is focused on Folk Art and Zalipie but you are welcome to arrive in Kraków earlier so you can visit the unique Old Town, Wawel Castle and other monuments. You can also stay longer in Kraków after our excursion. We’ll send you our suggestions on what to see and help you find a hotel. Please write to info@folka.co

 

Cancellation Policy:

 As In Bloom Zalipie Folk Excursion is happening soon we are unable to offer a refund once you confirmed and paid for the trip. We’ll do our best to help you to find a replacement.

Your guide:

 Karolina Merska, originally from Poland lives and works in London. She studied History of Art at the Jagiellonian University in Kraków.

She loves folk art and her dream is to revive some of the forgotten crafts and traditions. Over the years she travelled across Poland to find and meet amazing artists and promote their craft. Karolina runs her shop Folka, where she sells unique folk art. She also makes pajaki - traditional rye straw and paper chandeliers.

In Bloom Zalipie Folk Excursion is her second folk expedition after successful, sold out Kurpie debut. She is planning Łowicz and Podlasie excursions in the future as well!

Each excursion is prepared in details personally by Karolina. She works close with local artists to offer you unique workshops, tours. Her idea is to give you an unforgettable experience.