12 days Discovering Poland
Embark on an in-depth journey through Poland. Tour the thriving capital city of Warsaw. Reborn after World War II, it is again one of Europe’s great cultural centers. Walk the meandering lanes of historical Krakow during your Poland travels, where you will see Wawel Castle; once home to the kings of Imperial Poland. The somber history and tragic reality of Auschwitz is unveiled during a moving visit. Behold the Black Madonna while visiting the Jasna Gora Monastery. Discover Polish culture at a folklore dinner and show in Krakow. Make tasty gingerbread in Torun. Stand on the dock where union workers formed the Solidarity Anti-Communist movement in 1980 in Gdansk. The choice is yours in Gdansk: venture to the resort town of Sopot or enjoy a shopping excursion to learn about Polish amber. Explore the ancient city squares and UNESCO World Heritage sites of Torun, Wroclaw, Warsaw, Gdansk, and Krakow.
| Day | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Overnight Flight. ( Not Included ) | Your journey through Poland, a land of amazing castles, poignant history and welcoming culture, begins with an overnight flight. |
| 2 | Warsaw, Poland - Tour Begins | Welcome to Warsaw! The city has a blend of old-world charm and a modern energy. Tonight, join your fellow passengers for a welcome dinner. Dinner High 54° Low 37° 1" Mercure Grand Warszawa Hotel |
| 3 | Warsaw | Embrace the moving history of Warsaw, a city reborn after WWII, as you embark on a locally guided tour. Your journey through this capital city includes a stop at what remains of the Warsaw Ghetto. The afternoon is at leisure to take in the alleyways, visit a quaint café in Warsaw’s Old Town, explore a museum or simply relax. Breakfast High 54° Low 37° 1" Mercure Grand Warszawa Hotel |
| 4 | Warsaw - Czestochowa - Krakow | Travel south to Krakow, an enchanting city famous for its well-preserved town center. En route, stop in Czestochowa, the spiritual capital of Poland, where each year over 5 million pilgrims journey to pay their respects to the famous Black Madonna. Housed in the Jasna Góra monastery, journey inside for an up-close look at this miraculous image. Arriving in Krakow, enjoy some free time to get acquainted with the city. This evening you are introduced to traditional Polish culture during a folklore show and dinner, complete with wine and beer. Breakfast & Dinner High 54° Low 38° 1" Holiday Inn City Center Krakow |
| 5 | Krakow | Join a local expert as we explore the city on a panoramic tour that includes Market Square, St. Mary’s Church and the university. You will also see the famous Wawel Castle, the former residence of Polish kings. The rest of your day is at leisure. Perhaps you’ll stroll the quaint side streets of Krakow’s famous Old Town, have coffee in one of the largest squares in Europe, or walk along the river for views of the new sections of the city. You may also visit the Schindler Museum or join your fellow travelers on an optional excursion. Breakfast High 54° Low 38° 1" Holiday Inn City Center Krakow |
| 6 | Krakow - Auschwitz - Wroclaw | Today you embark on a poignant journey through history as you travel to Auschwitz. A local expert guides you through the former concentration camp where you will learn firsthand about the terrors as well as the resilience of the human spirit that occurred within those walls. Later this afternoon, arrive in the ancient city of Wroclaw. Tonight, join your traveling companions for some locally-brewed beer and a traditional “home-style” dinner at a local restaurant. Breakfast & Dinner Art Hotel |
| 7 | Wroclaw | A morning tour of Wroclaw brings you up close and personal to this large and ethnically diverse city. It could be the only location where you can find a Stare Miasto (Old Town) with a Synagogue, a Lutheran church, a Roman Catholic church and an Eastern Orthodox church standing near each other. The remainder of the day is at leisure to savor Wroclaw’s idyllic parks and captivating culture. Breakfast Art Hotel |
| 8 | Wroclaw - Torun | Today you travel to the town of Torun, a UNESCO World Heritage site and birthplace of Nicolaus Copernicus, the famous astronomer. Torun remains one of the best-preserved medieval towns in all of Europe and is one of the “Seven Wonders of Poland.” On arrival, walk past Copernicus’s house before stepping back into history while baking and sampling your very own gingerbread according to a 500-year-old recipe. Breakfast High 64° Low 46° 1" Hotel Bulwar |
| 9 | Torun - Gdansk | This morning, join a local expert for a walking tour of this unspoiled town. Next, travel to the port city of Gdansk. Make a stop at the Gdansk Shipyards, site of the creation of the anti-Communist Solidarity movement in 1980 that helped liberate Poland from Soviet rule. Breakfast & Dinner High 62° Low 43° 1" Radisson Hotel Gdansk |
| 10 | Gdansk - Choice on Tour | This morning, join a local expert for an introduction to this strategic and remarkable city; get to know its deep history during your tour which highlights City Hall and St. Mary’s Church. Later, the choice is yours. Join your Tour Manager on an excursion to the seaside resort town of Sopot. Or, remain in Gdansk and join a local guide on an educational shopping excursion during which you’ll learn about Polish amber at a demonstration, followed by the opportunity to purchase the stone. The evening is at leisure. Perhaps you will take a stroll through a beautiful square, shop for local handicrafts, or soak in the seaside atmosphere. Breakfast High 62° Low 43° 1" Radisson Hotel Gdansk |
| 11 | Gdansk - Malbork Castle - Warsaw | Your journey through Poland comes full circle with your return to Warsaw. En route, stop in the town of Malbork, home to Malbork Castle, the largest castle in the world. A guided tour of this 700-year-old structure introduces you to the world of the Knights of the Teutonic Order. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating a fantastic journey. Breakfast & Dinner High 65° Low 47° 2" Mercure Grand Warszawa Hotel |
| 12 | Warsaw - Tour Ends | Your tour comes to a close today. |