10 days Highlights of Poland
Poland today is probably Europe's best kept secret. Appreciate the wealth of medieval fairy-tale cities and scenic wonders on this enthralling journey, and enjoy the warm-hearted hospitality of the Polish people themselves.
| Day | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Welcome to Kraków. | Transfers to your hotel depart Kraków airport at 10:30, 12:30 and 15:00. Meet your Travel Director at 16:30 for a walk around the Rynek Główny, Europe's largest and most beautiful town square. See the famous Sukiennice Cloth Hall, St. Mary's Church and the many historic townhouses, palaces and churches. Be sure to listen for the trumpeter's call! Later, enjoy getting to know your fellow guests over a fabulous Welcome Dinner. Hotel: Mercure Kraków Stare Miasto. Meals: Dinner with Wine |
| 2 | Relaxed Start The Damsels and Dragons of Kraków. | In the morning, why not discover the Wieliczka Salt Mine? Alternatively, relax until your ascent of Wawel Hill to see the Renaissance castle with a Local Expert. Then visit the cathedral, the final resting place of the Kings of Poland and the former seat of Archbishop Karol Wojtyła, later known to the world as Pope John Paul II. Head across the former Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz to Podgórze to see Ghetto Square. Visit Oskar Schindler's Factory Museum and gain a fascinating insight into his factory and the fate of its Jewish workforce in Nazi-occupied Poland. The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps spend time browsing the shops for traditional folklore products? By night, don’t miss the chance of enjoying a Polka Party with dinner and wine. Hotel: Mercure Kraków Stare Miasto. Meals: Buffet Breakfast |
| 3 | Across the High Tatras Mountains to Zakopane. | Journey into the Tatras, the highest range of the Carpathian Mountains. Stay in the resort town of Zakopane, famous for its wooden houses and winter sports. Spend free time shopping for local specialties in the markets of Krupówki Street or ascend a nearby mountain for panoramic views across the Tatras into Slovakia. In the evening, enjoy a rousing Highlight Dinner accompanied by local Goral Highlander folklore entertainment. Hotel: Grand Nosalowy Dwór, Zakopane. Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with Wine |
| 4 | Reflect on Auschwitz then on to Wrocław, the Venice of Poland. | Travelling past the birthplace of Pope John Paul II, your first stop will be the city of Oświęcim, better known throughout the world by its German name, Auschwitz. With a Local Expert, experience a moving visit to the memorial and museum of Auschwitz and a stop at Birkenau. Travel along the Oder River to the city of Wrocław, known in Polish as Miasto Spotkań or the meeting place. During its long history, Wrocław has belonged to Poland, Bohemia, Austria, Prussia and Germany. See the brightly coloured facades of the noble mansions and the flower markets on the Plac Solny. Take in the Baroque splendour of the Rynek, and be introduced to Wrocław's cheeky gnomes. In the evening, perhaps take the opportunity to dine at one of Europe's oldest restaurants? Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Wrocław. Meals: Buffet Breakfast |
| 5 | Relaxed Start Poznań, Cradle of the Polish nation. | With a relaxed start to the day, perhaps join a Local Expert to explore Wrocław's Old Town and ride a historic 1900s Breslauer tram? Journey to the region of Wielkopolska to meet a local resident of Poznań who knows every nook and cranny of the Old Town. After a pleasant walking tour, drive out to Ostrów Tumski, known as Cathedral Island. It's considered as the birthplace of Poland in the 10th century and is a fascinating place of legend, often overlooked by other visitors. Hotel: Sheraton Poznań Hotel. Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with Wine |
| 6 | Toruń, the Gothic Glory on the Vistula and Gdańsk. | Stop at Gniezno to visit the cathedral and see the famous winged bronze doors. Then continue to Toruń, founded by the Teutonic Knights in 1233 and birthplace of astronomer, Nicolaus Copernicus. Join a Local Expert to discover this outstanding example of medieval architecture, now a living museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Follow the Vistula River north to the Baltic Sea and Gdańsk a beautiful seaside town, with a lovingly restored Old Town. As evening descends, a dinner of Baltic specialities is highly recommended, followed by a walk through Gdańsk's illuminated Old City. Hotel: Radisson Blu Hotel, Gdańsk. Meals: Buffet Breakfast |
| 7 | Relaxed Start The Baltic Belles of Gdańsk. | Spend the morning with a Local Expert. See the Westerplatte, scene of the first fighting between Polish and German troops in 1939, and the Gdańsk Shipyards where Lech Wałęsa formed the anti-Soviet Solidarność in 1980. Continue through the medieval city, where buildings date back to the time of the Hanseatic League. Enjoy a free afternoon and perhaps choose to visit the elegant seaside town of Sopot? Hotel: Radisson Blu Hotel, Gdansk. Meals: Buffet Breakfast |
| 8 | Malbork Castle and Warsaw. | With a Local Expert, visit the Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork, founded in 1274 by the Teutonic Knights on the banks of the Nogat River. The castle is a stunning example of a medieval fortress and the largest brick Gothic castle in the world. Next, travel south across the beautiful Masuria Lake District, passing Iława and on to the capital of Warsaw. With the rest of the day at your leisure, perhaps attend an evening concert of Poland’s best-loved composer, Frédéric Chopin? Hotel: Sheraton Warsaw Hotel. Meals: Buffet Breakfast |
| 9 | Relaxed Start Exploring the Proud Polish Capital of Warsaw. | See the Palace of Culture and the Chopin Monument in Łazienki Park with a Local Expert. Visit the Ghetto Heroes Monument and the Historical Museum, followed by a walk through Warsaw’s Old Town, entirely rebuilt since World War II. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Perhaps visit Wilanów Palace, once the home to Poland's most famous King Jan Sobieski III? At your Celebration Dinner, enjoy a fine selection of local dishes with wine at a cosy Warsaw restaurant. Hotel: Sheraton Warsaw Hotel. Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with Wine |
| 10 | Depart Warsaw. | Your journey comes to an end with your departure transfer arriving at Warsaw airport at 07:30 or 10:00. Meals: Buffet Breakfast |