Day 01: Arrive Kraków
Arrive Krakow meet and assist at the airport and Transfers to hotel.
Evening 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.
Overnight in hotel.Vienna House Andel’s Cracow, Krakow.

Day 02: The Damsels And Dragons Of Kraków
In the morning after breakfast why not join an Optional Experience to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine? Alternatively, relax until your ascent of Wawel Hill to see the Renaissance castle with a Local Expert. 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, and then to Podgórze to see Ghetto Square. 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.
Overnight in hotel. Vienna House Andel’s Cracow, Krakow.

Day 03: Across The High Tatras Mountains To Zakopane
After breakfast drive 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. On arrival, join your Travel Director for an orientation of the city. 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 Goral Highlander folklore entertainment at a local restaurant.
Overnight in hotel. Radisson Blu hotel & Residences, Zakopane.

Day 04: Reflect On Auschwitz, Then On To Wrocław, The Venice Of Poland
After beakfast drive to Worclaw ,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 historian, 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. With your Local Expert, 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.
Overnight in hotel. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Wrocław.

Day 05: Wroclaw – Poznań, Cradle Of The Polish Nation
After breakfast With a relaxed start to the day, perhaps join a Local Expert on an Optional Experience to ride a historic 1900s Breslauer tram? 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. Explore Poznan with Insight Choice. Choose between immersing yourself in the history of the city and enjoy a walking tour or alternatively, learn the secrets behind the St Martin’s croissant, a local delicacy, and enjoy a tasting.
Overnight in hotel. Sheraton Poznań Hotel.

Day 06: Poznan-Toruń, The Gothic Glory On The Vistula – Gdańsk
After breakfast drive to Gdansk , 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. Spend time exploring at your own pace. Why not shop for traditional gingerbread? 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 historic district.
Overnight in hotel Radisson Blu Hotel, Gdańsk.

Day 07: The Baltic Belles Of Gdańsk
After breakfast and little rest Spend the morning with a passionate Local Expert. Learn captivating and fun facts about the city and see the Westerplatte, the 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?
Overnight in hotel Radisson Blu Hotel, Gdańsk.

Day 08: Gdansk – Malbork Castle – Warsaw
After breakfast drive to 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 on the way 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?
Overnight in hotel The Westin Warsaw.

Day 09: Relaxed Start – Exploring The Proud Polish Capital Of Warsaw
After breakfast and little rest See the Palace of Culture and the Chopin Monument in Łazienki Park with a Local Expert. Visit the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes, followed by a walk through Warsaw’s Old Town, entirely rebuilt since World War II. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at 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.
Overnight in hotel The Westin Warsaw.

Day 10: Depart Warsaw
After breakfast departure transfer to the airport to catch the flight for onward journey.

Day 01: Arrive Warsaw                         B
Arrive Warsaw meet and assist at the airport and transfer to hotel.
Poland’s capital is a wonderfully dynamic and modern city, but reminders of its turbulent history are easy to uncover. After World War ll around 85% of its buildings were left in ruins; however, the city has been impressively rebuilt and restored to its former glory with the Old Town ‘Stare Miasto’ as its centrepiece. Buskers, street artists and open-air cafes give the area a unique energy and atmosphere, making a visit that little bit more special.
Overnight in Hotel.

Day 02: Warsaw Old Town; chance to visit Wilanow Palace                         B
After breakfast head out on foot to explore the Old Town district. With cobblestone streets, historic squares and Gothic churches, it’s easy to understand why the Old Town is top of every visitor’s ‘must see’ list. We take in all the main sites including the 17th century rust red Royal Castle and the Lazienki Palace or ‘palace on the water’ with its attractive architecture and lush gardens. There are several options for your free afternoon.

Warsaw has plenty to keep you occupied if you wish to continue exploring the city centre independently. Alternatively, you can visit the splendid 17th century Wilanow Palace, often referred to as the ‘Polish Versailles’, or the fascinating Museum of the History of Polish Jews, which was voted as the European Museum of the Year in 2016. Another popular choice is the Warsaw 1944 Rising Museum, which is a tribute to the local residents who fought for their independence against German occupation. One of the exhibits here features a replica of a Liberator B-24J bomber aircraft.
Overnight in Hotel.

Day 03: Warsaw – Wroclaw afternoon city tour and gnome spotting                  B
After breakfast transfer to Station to catch train to Wroclaw.The morning train takes us to the ‘Venice of Poland’ Wroclaw, a charming old city built on 12 islands surrounded by canals and rivers. More than 120 bridges link the islands which are adorned with delightful buildings reflecting the city’s past. You’ll see Bohemian, Hungarian, Austrian, Prussian and German influences as the city has been coveted by all of these empires throughout its long history. Keep your eyes peeled and after a while you’ll start to notice something popping up in doorways, alleyways and on street corners; perhaps Wroclaw’s most famous inhabitants, Gnomes! An important part of Polish folk law they also became associated with the protest movements of the 1980’s and a symbol of resistance to communist control.
Overnight in Wroclaw

Day 04: Free time in Wroclaw; option to visit the Panorama of Raclawice                      B
Today you’ll have free time in Wroclaw or you may choose to visit the Panorama of Raclawice an enormous circular painting (more than 100 metre long) depicting the battle of Raclawice. Wroclaw is home to many small and quirky bars and micro-breweries so there are plenty of options available to quench your thirst after a day spent exploring.

Further afield you might like to join an excursion to the historic city of Zagan, which was formerly the German city of Sagan and home to the prisoner of war camp for captured allied airmen, which is famous as the location of ‘The Great Escape’. It will take either 2 hours by minibus or 2.5 hours by train per way to get there. Whilst here you might like to visit the 13th century Augustine monastery and library which houses many old books and globes and is known for its whispering gallery and unusual acoustics.

Alternatively you could visit the castle which was previously owned by the wealth Bohemian Lobkowitz family or spend time discovering the charming Old Town and climb to the top of the Post-Evangelical Church Tower to get the best views over the streets below. Instead you might like to visit Ksiaz Castle and Landscape Park, which is best known for its stunning Rococo architecture. It will take either 1 hour by minibus or by train per way to reach here. If we travel by train then we will pass near to the location of the reputed ‘gold train’ site where many people believe a train packed with Nazi gold from World War II was hidden in a secret tunnel that has yet to be found. At the castle you can either visit just the main fort or also the World War II tunnels which formed part of the Nazi ‘Riese’ complex.

This 13th century castle was home to the powerful Hochbergs family, but in 1941 it was confiscated by the Nazi’s and received significant damage during this time, but they also created a network of mysterious tunnel under the castle. The castle was fully restored in the 1950’s to its former grandeur and today you can explore many of the rooms, terraces and gardens.
Overnight in Wroclaw

Day 05: Train to Krakow; explore the beautiful Old Town square                          B
This morning’s train journey sees us arriving in Krakow, Poland’s capital until 1596 and still its most charming city. Dating from the 13th century, Krakow is a picture-postcard city of narrow streets, grand buildings and al-fresco cafes just begging to be explored. In the afternoon we begin to uncover the city’s delights with a visit to the fabulous Rynek Glowny, Europe’s largest medieval square.

The square is still now very much at the heart of Krakow local life. Quirky town houses and historic buildings adorn the square with the most famous being the Sukiennice, a vast cloth hall where goods would have been sold in Medieval times, which is still in use now as a covered market. Inside you’ll find vendors peddling a multitude of local wares from wooden toys to beautiful amber jewellery.
Overnight in Hotel.

Day 06: Discover the Wieliczka Salt Mines and Krakow Old Town                      B
In and around WieliczkaWe start today by visiting the Wieliczka Salt Mines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, by local train (the journey takes us around 20 minutes each way). At up to 300 metres underground we’ll see a 400 year old chapel, a subterranean salt lake and chambers large enough to take the Eiffel Tower! The Chapel of Saint Kinga is the mines most spectacular feature and we will no doubt be amazed by what can be sculpted from salt. Please note that there are 350 steps down into the mine at the beginning of the tour and then a further 450 on the route through the various corridors and 20 chambers visited. The temperature underground can be much cooler than on the surface, so be sure to bring a jumper.

Back in Krakow later this afternoon we head out on foot with a local guide to explore the delightful Old Town; another UNESCO World Heritage Site! and the only major Polish city to escape the war unscathed. Many of the streets are still very much as they were hundreds of years ago with historic buildings and elegant frontages.

Overlooking all this is the fairy-tale Wawel Castle and Wawel Cathedral, where past kings and queens rest in peace. We will go inside the castle which houses exquisite treasures collected by the monarchy of Poland over the years. This evening you will have the opportunity to join a cooking class at a local restaurant where the chef will show you how to create a tantilising polish speciality.
Overnight in Hotel.

Day 07: Chance to go to Auschwitz; visit the Kazimierz District and try traditional Jewish food                      B
This morning is free for you to discover more of Krakow or you may choose to join an optional excursion to Oswiecim, the site of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp; an eerie and haunting place that drives home the terrible atrocities which took place here during World War II.

This afternoon we visit the UNESCO listed Jewish Podgorze District, the location of the Jewish Ghetto in World War II and the setting for the film ‘Schindler’s List’. Along the way we will grab a ‘zapiekanka’, an open faced toasted baguette sandwich, which is a popular local fast food option. Whilst in this area you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Old Synagogue, Schindler’s Factory and the Museum of Jewish Life, which provide fascinating insights into the life of Krakow Jews and the war years. In the evening we commiserate the end of a great tour with a traditional Jewish dinner accompanied by Klezmer music with its expressive melodies, said to be reminiscent of the human voice. Following dinner, if you wish to join them, your Leader will take you to a few local bars and pubs to give you the chance to try the typical Polish beers and the extensive local vodka varieties.
Overnight in Hotel.

Day 08: Depart Krakow                                                           B
After breakfast departure transfer to airport to catch the flight for onward jourey.

Day 01: Arrive Warsaw Get Settled
A private airport transfer to your hotel with vehicle and driver is provided. Your driver will be waiting for you in front of the Europcar located in the public area of the Arrivals Hall level, in between the Old and the New terminal. For your added comfort, an English speaking assistant will help you to check in and walk you through the welcome package documents, your itinerary and answer your questions.
A welcome package with a city map, train tickets (if relevant), and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

Day 02: Warsaw prevnext
A Walk Through the Past
Tour Warsaw, Poland’s capital and largest city, seat of the president, government and parliament, the country’s commercial centre. A city with a stormy history, including the march of Napoleon’s army, national uprisings and tsarist repressions, and the Second World War, all had their imprints yet didn’t stop its development. Learn about life during the Warsaw Uprising and under communism, about business centres and issues that absorb the attention of Warsaw’s citizens today. Listen to legends from the old times, learn about elections of Polish kings and the secrets of enclosed courtyards of Varsovian houses, uncover the former location of a mausoleum of a Russian tsar, learn what is original housing and what was rebuilt 70 years ago, and find where the Warsaw Pact was signed. The sightseeing route includes a visit to the Royal castle that was the seat of the Mazovian Princes, residence of the Polish kings, seat of the Senate, and the place where the Polish Constitution was signed. The site is a symbol of Polish statehood, where many historic events took place, including the passing of the first Polish constitution on 1791. The castle dates back to the 13th century, though it owes its current shape to the early Baroque period. Sigismund Tower, 60m tall and crowned with a high cupola, dominates over the façade. Entrance fees to the Royal castle included.

Day 03: Warsaw To Gdansk
Get a Lay of the Land
Meet your driver for a private train station transfer. Board a train for a transfer from Warsaw to Gdansk. The approximate transfer duration is four hours.
Meet your driver for a private train station transfer in Gdansk today.
Meet your private guide at your hotel for a half day walking tour of Gdansk. The tour includes the very best of old Gdansk including a pleasant walk around the Old Town area. One of the most characteristic features of Gdansk is the Crane Gate, situated in the old harbour. This is a short step from the Long Market Square with its wonderful Neptune Fountain and Artus Court – the meeting hall of merchants in the times of the Hanseatic League. The walk allows you to admire the Renaissance-style burgher houses and the Main Town Hall with its carillon of 37 bells. You will also see the Green Gate, the Golden Gate, the High Gate, the Prison Tower, and possibly the most stunning Gdansk attraction and arguably the biggest red brick church in Europe, St. Mary’s Church, with its famous astronomical clock made by Hans Düringer in 1464. On the way you will also learn about Polish amber extracted from the Baltic Sea – and Gdansk is the perfect place to buy beautiful jewellery. Return to hotel.

Day 04: Gdansk
A Town Frozen in Time
Malbork Castle is one of the most impressive sights in Poland. The small town of Malbork is some 60 kilometers to the south-west of Gdansk. In the period 1274-1457, Malbork was the residence of the Grand Master of the Cross – and of the Teutonic Knights. This is the biggest medieval fortress in Europe and it has been included by UNESCO on the World Cultural and Natural Heritage List. The amalgamation of three castle buildings is encircled by strong defensive walls with huge gates and mighty towers. The guided tour of the interiors will lead you to the large refectory, kitchen, chapel, dormitory, stately halls, and the sentinel points on the battlements. Apart from its fine Gothic interiors and design details, the castle contains a collection of amber jewelry, artistic handcrafts, porcelain, Gothic sculptures and historic weapons. After the tour you’ll be returned to your hotel.
Includes entrance to Malbork Castle and lunch.

Day 05: Gdansk To Poznan
En Route
Meet your driver for a private train station transfer in Gdansk today.
Enjoy a transfer by train from Gdansk to Poznan.
Meet your private driver and transportation for a train station transfer.
Enjoy a panoramic tour of Poznan, the capital of the Wielkopolska region, in the past the, the capital town ruled by Mieszko During the tour you have the chance to walk along the main boulevards and get acquainted with the most important sightseeings. Explore the center of Poznan’s old part with the famous Town Hall, the National Museum with varied collections of European and Polish painting, the so-called Okrglak Round Building – one of the city’s most characteristic edifices, it is necessary to take a walk along St Marcin Street, featuring a complex of elegant buildings erected at the beginning of the 20th century. Entrance fees are included.

Day 06: Poznan To Wroclaw
A Healthy Dose of History
Meet your private driver and transportation for a train station transfer.
Enjoy your train ride from Poznan to Wroclaw. The journey is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Enjoy a train station transfer with private vehicle and driver.
Jump onboard a private cruise for an unforgettable dining experience while cruising Odra River. A private driver and vehicle will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to your private boat. Build on 12 islands, the city of Wroclaw is known as the Venice of Poland and boasts more than 100 bridges that cross numerous streams, canals, and inlets. During your river cruise, you will admire the city’s Old Town and take in the Bohemian, Austrian and Prussian architectural and cultural makeup of this beautiful city, and even catch glimpses of some of the city’s more than three hundred dwarf statues! Included in your cruise today is dinner consisting of a main dish, dessert, and a bottle of wine. Your tour concludes with a transfer back to your hotel.

Day 07: Wroclaw
Hit the Streets
Enjoy a half day city tour with private vehicle and guide. The tour starts at the oldest part of the city – Ostrów Tumski where we visit the Cathedral, which is the main landmark of Wroclaw. You’ll then continue to the University with its magnificent baroque Aula Leopoldina. The tour ends with a stroll around the Market Square where we are bound to be amazed at the beauty of the late Gothic City Hall. Entrance fees are included.

Day 8 Wroclaw To Krakow
A Change of Scenery
Meet your guide for a private transfer to Krakow with touring stops along the way at Guido Coal Mine and Tyskie Brewery in Tychy. At the first stop, you will visit the Guido Coal Mine in Zabrze, founded in 1855, boasting a list of historical artifacts dating back to 1987. Here you will transform into miners; being provided with a helmet, miner’s lamp, and an aspirator. After this unique mine tour you will be reasonably parched, so what better way to quench your thrust than with a cold beer! In the town of Tychy, you will stop at Tyskie Brewery, a unique place steeped with a history of beer-brewing dating back almost four hundred years. The visit includes an enjoyable and humorous tour around the Duke’s Brewery and the museum, with a chance to get familiar with production secrets as well as early and more recent history before continuing the transfer on to Krakow. Entrance fees to Guido Coal Mine and Tyskie Brewery are included.

Day 09: Krakow
Hidden Gems
Krakow, a beautiful medieval city, draws its identity from its diverse multicultural heritage. Associated with the late Pope John Paul II, the city also notably hosts a Jewish music festival, and boasts a large student population, making it a vibrant city all year round. With your private guide and driver, start your visit at the Market Square, one of the biggest in Europe and a reminder of the power and wealth of medieval Krakow. Explore the 13th-century Cloth Hall, rebuilt in Renaissance style, home to an impressive collection of Polish paintings and handicrafts. Next, visit Saint Mary’s Basilica, dating to 1221 and boasting a 15th-century precious altar. Continue to Collegium Maius with its well-preserved Gothic arcades, expanded in Renaissance style, and was home to Jagiellonian University, the second oldest university in Central Europe. Visit the National Museum, home to a collection of Da Vinci paintings and other notable European artists. Continue to Wawel Hill to visit Wawel Castle (entrance fee included), a Gothic Royal Castle built on the remains of a 10th-century settlement. The magnificent Renaissance interiors contain numerous paintings, furniture, and national memorabilia. The collection of famous “Wawel Tapestries” designed and made in Flandre, especially for Wawel interiors, is truly unique. The famous Sigismund Chapel with its gold-plated dome is one of them. Inside the cathedral, there is also a necropolis of Polish Kings, Dukes and noble citizens buried in numerous crypts, sarcophaguses, tombs, and chapels. Conclude the tour with a relaxing walk down along the river to a limestone cave. The cave is reputed to be the home of a legendary dragon.

A walk down the river concludes the tour, and leads to a limestone cave, shelter of a legendary dragon. Entrance fee for Wawel Castle is included.

Day 10 : Krakow
Hidden Gems
Wieliczka Salt Mine is a unique attraction and is included in the UNESCO “Human Heritage” List. Dating back to the 13th century, the Mines are a fascinating monument of engineering. The subterranean universe is comprised of over 300 km of galleries hewn in rock and salt deposits. The tour of the Mine includes visits to the beautiful chapels sculpted in salt, spacious chambers, crystal grottoes, and underground ponds, all at the average depth of 250 m below ground level. A considerable level of physical fitness is required as this tour will cover approximately 3.5 kilometers of walking distance and 800 steps along the whole route. The journey begins with a descent down the Danilowicz Shaft to Level I of the mine, situated 64 m underground. The next levels lead even deeper. After a short respite, you will go up to the surface in a mining elevator. Entrance fees are included. (Your private guide will take you to the mine and provide explanations, the actual tour of the mine is a shared experience led by a Wieliczka guide.)

Day 11: Krakow To Warsaw
In Remembrance
Enjoy a private transfer from Krakow to Warsaw with a stop at Auschwitz and the Museum, the largest Nazi extermination camp. The area is well preserved and currently houses the Holocaust Museum, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tour will include a 15-minute documentary movie serving as an introduction, then a visit to the brick-mortar barracks in Auschwitz I, and the extensive area of the large wooden extermination camp at Auschwitz II – Birkenau. Entrance fees are included.

Day 12: Depart Warsaw
Until Next Time…
A private transfer from your accommodation in Warsaw to the airport is provided.