Day 1 : Welcome to Kraków
Your journey through Poland begins in picturesque Krakow. Meet your Travel Director at 17:00 for a walk around the Rynek Glówny, 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 dinner.
Accommodation : Vienna House Andel's Cracow, Kraków
Day 2 : The Damsels and Dragons of Kraków Relaxed Start
This morning, you can join an Optional Experience to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine. In the afternoon, ascend 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 Wojtyla, 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.
Accommodation : Vienna House Andel's Cracow, Kraków
Day 3 : Across the High Tatra 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. 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 dinner, accompanied by Goral Highlander folklore entertainment at a local restaurant.
Accommodation : Radisson Blu Hotel & Residences, Zakopane
Day 4 : Reflect on Auschwitz, then on to Wroclaw, the Venice of Poland
Travelling past the birthplace of Pope John Paul II, your first stop will be the city of Oswiecim, 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 Wroclaw, known in Polish as Miasto Spotkan or the meeting place. During its long history, Wroclaw 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 Wroclaw's cheeky gnomes. This evening join your Travel Director for a Craft Beer at the Piwnica Swidnicka, the oldest restaurant/cellar in Poland, founded in 1273.
Accommodation : Radisson Blu Hotel, Wroclaw
Day 5 : Poznan, Cradle of the Polish nation Relaxed Start
Continue on to Poznan where you will 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 to immerse yourself in the history of the city and enjoy a walking tour. Alternatively, learn the secrets behind the St. Martin’s croissant, a local delicacy, and enjoy a tasting.
Accommodation : Sheraton Poznan
Day 6 : Torun, the Gothic Glory on the Vistula and Gdansk
Stop at Gniezno to visit the cathedral and see the famous two-winged bronze doors. Then continue to Torun, 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, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, meet an artisan baker for a taste of gingerbread, baked following a traditional recipe and using only locally sourced ingredients. Spend time exploring at your own pace. Follow the Vistula River north to magnificent Gdansk, Poland’s Baltic trading port with more than 1000 years of history. As evening descends, a dinner of Baltic specialities is highly recommended, followed by a walk through Gdansk's illuminated historic district.
Accommodation : Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk
Day 7 : The Baltic Belles of Gdansk Relaxed Start
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 Gdansk Shipyards where Lech Walesa formed the anti-Soviet Solidarnosc 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?
Accommodation : Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk
Day 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 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?
Accommodation : The Westin Warsaw
Day 9 : Exploring the Proud Polish Capital of Warsaw Relaxed Start
See the Palace of Culture and the Chopin Monument in Lazienki 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. At your dinner, enjoy a fine selection of local dishes with wine at a cosy Warsaw restaurant.
Accommodation : The Westin Warsaw
Day 10 : Depart Warsaw
Time to say goodbye to your new friends as your journey through Poland comes to an end.
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