Your journey through Poland begins in picturesque Krakow. Meet your Travel Director at 17:00 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 dinner.
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 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.
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 town. 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.
Traveling past the birthplace of Pope John Paul II to your first stop, the city of Oświęcim, better known throughout the world by its German name, Auschwitz. With a Memorial Guide-Educator, experience a moving visit to the Auschwitz Memorial and Museum. Continue along the Oder River to the city of Wrocław, known in Polish as Miasto Spotkań, or the meeting place. Throughout its long history, Wrocław has belonged to Poland, Bohemia, Austria, Prussia and Germany. With your Local Expert, see the brightly colored facades of the noble mansions and the flower markets at Plac Solny. Take in the Baroque splendor of the Rynek, and be introduced to Wrocław's cheeky gnomes. This evening, join your Travel Director for a craft beer at the Piwnica Świdnicka, the oldest restaurant/cellar in Poland, founded in 1273.
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.
Stop at Gniezno to visit the cathedral and see the famous two-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, 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 specialties is highly recommended, followed by a walk through Gdańsk's illuminated historic district.
Spend the morning with a passionate Local Expert and learn captivating and fun facts about the city. From across the harbor see Westerplatte, the scene of the first fighting between Polish and German troops in 1939, and stop at 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.
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?
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. At your dinner, enjoy a fine selection of local dishes at a cozy Warsaw restaurant.
Time to say goodbye to your new friends as your journey through Poland comes to an end.
