An expedition to the world of bees

“Poland - the land of milk and honey”

Human’s interest in bees seems to be even 10 000 years old and the temporary apiculture has lasted for about 100 years. The first fossil data confirming that the bees existed come from over 71 000 000 back.

The tradition of producing honey is very old on Polish lands. Bee keepers used to have their own guilds that were taking care of their customs and play roles of judges in all kinds of conflicts. Beehives were usually located on oaks and pine trees, more rarely on hornbeams, beeches or limes. Natural hollows were used but more often they were artificially hollowed. The main reasons why the bee keeping fell down was a dynamic development of farming (extending acreage, new villages, grain expansion), tree trade, fires of forests (which brought to extinction of some species of small forester bees called - borówki). In XIV and XV centuries hives in the area of the house start to appear. Since XIX modern forms of beekeeping economy have been developed.

In the heritage park of apiculture we can see both equipment directly connected with the world of bees and a collection that is a documentary of how life in sądeckie villages used to look like. Besides in the museum there is a great collection of more than 100 hives. We may also admire outdoor exposition of hives and House of Exhibition presenting pieces connected with beekeeping, smith’s workshop and a statue dedicated to the bee.

Our tour includes:

• visiting the Museum of Apiculture with a guide

• participation in the apiculture workshops: direct observation of a family of bees (you’ll be dressed in proper uniform and accompanied by an experienced beekeeper), a show of honey harvest connected with tasting cakes based on honey, tasting honey and forming candles of natural bee wax.

You will also have an opportunity to buy some bee products such as waxes, honeys and propolis.

Departure from Cracow: 2:00 p.m.

Return to Cracow: about 11:00 p.m.

Price: 400 PLN

Additional information: the price includes a cost of the journey, entrance charge, tasting fee, casts of the workshops, insurance and a guide.

Bringing customers from and back to the hotel. (Refers to the hotels in Cracow)