The Treasures of Poland – 11-day tour to join

Day 1 – Warsaw

(Welcome dinner)

Arrival at Warsaw Chopin Airport. Taxi transfer to your hotel.

At 6:00 PM, gather with your guide and fellow travelers in the hotel lobby. You'll embark on a drive along the beautifully restored Royal Route, lined with historical monuments and elegant residences. We will stop at Castle Square for a brief stroll through the charming Old Town. Following the walk, join us for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where you'll enjoy traditional Polish cuisine and the renowned Polish vodka, “Żubrówka.”

Overnight in Warsaw.

 

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Day 2 – Warsaw

(Breakfast)

This morning, you'll embark on a half-day tour showcasing the highlights of Warsaw. The tour begins with a visit to the Old Town, which was beautifully rebuilt after World War II. Here, you'll see the impressive Royal Castle, once the residence of Polish kings and the site where the May 3rd Constitution—the world's second-oldest constitution, after the U.S. Constitution—was proclaimed in 1791. Stroll through the Market Square, filled with some of the finest restaurants, gift shops, and galleries. As you explore, you'll pass by the late-Gothic Barbican, designed by John Baptist of Venice.

At Krasinski Square, take a moment to visit the Monument of Warsaw’s Uprising before continuing by car to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, as well as the Grand Opera House and National Theatre, both designed by Antonio Corazzi. You’ll also visit the Ghetto Memorial. A lunch at a local restaurant will follow.

Later in the afternoon, immerse yourself in an unforgettable musical experience as you enjoy a two-part piano recital featuring the world-renowned compositions of Poland's greatest composer, Frederic Chopin.

Overnight in Warsaw.

Day 3 – Warsaw – Czestochowa – Zakopane

(Breakfast, Lunch)

After breakfast, we'll set off for Zakopane, one of the most beloved vacation destinations in the Tatra Mountains. Along the way, we'll stop in Czestochowa to visit the Jasna Gora Monastery, home to the Black Madonna Shrine, renowned for its miraculous icon. Lunch will be enjoyed at a local restaurant before we continue our journey.

In the evening, we'll arrive in Zakopane, a town beautifully nestled at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, between Gubalowka and Giewont. Zakopane is not only Poland's most popular resort but also one of its most stunning locations, thanks to its breathtaking scenery. Originally a small mountain village, Zakopane became a trendy retreat for artists at the beginning of the 20th century.

Overnight in Zakopane.

Day 4 – Zakopane – Krakow

(Breakfast, Dinner)

In the morning, you'll embark on a sightseeing tour of Zakopane, renowned for its wooden architecture that harmonizes with the natural surroundings—a style known as Zakopianski. You'll visit the Jaszczurowka Chapel, a prime example of Zakopane's wooden architecture, and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima at Krzeptówki, built by the locals to thank the Lady of Fatima for protecting the Pope after an assassination attempt.

Enjoy the stunning views of the Tatra Mountains from the top of Gubałówka* Mountain and explore local shops for unique Highlander (Górale) arts and crafts.

After lunch on your own, we'll proceed to Krakow. Along the way, experience a thrilling rafting trip on the Dunajec River** in Pieniny National Park. Dinner will be served at the hotel upon our arrival in Krakow.

Important notes: *The funicular to Gubałówka Mountain is subject to confirmation on site, depending on weather and technical conditions. **The Dunajec River rafting trip is also subject to confirmation on site, depending on weather conditions and the river's water level.

Overnight in Krakow.

Day 5 – Krakow – Auschwitz – Krakow

(Breakfast)

In the morning, we will travel to Auschwitz-Birkenau to visit the Martyrdom Museum, located at the former Nazi concentration camp, infamous for its role as a "factory of death." After the visit, we will return to Krakow for a light lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we'll explore Kazimierz, the Jewish Quarter of Krakow, which was established in 1335 by the great Polish King Casimir the Great, who valued the contributions of the Jewish community to the country's development. Once surrounded by defensive walls and boasting its own Town Hall, Kazimierz became a major center for Jewish religion, learning, and culture in Europe. Today, its narrow streets, historic buildings, and sacred sites provide a unique insight into the historical coexistence of Jewish and Polish communities.

The evening and dinner are at your leisure.

Important notes regarding Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum:

• Entry requires a passport or other ID document along with a ticket featuring a barcode. Discrepancies between the ID and ticket will prevent entry.
• The Museum is not recommended for children under 14 years of age.
• Visitors must adhere to the instructions of the Guide-Educator and Museum staff, and are only allowed in designated areas and structures.
• Visitors and their belongings may be subject to inspection with electronic devices for detecting dangerous substances. Those who refuse inspection will not be admitted. The maximum size for handbags allowed on the Museum grounds is 30 x 20 x 10 cm. Larger bags must be left in luggage storage or on the bus.

Overnight in Krakow.

Day 6 – Krakow - Wieliczka

(Breakfast, Dinner)

In the morning, we will embark on a sightseeing tour of Wawel Hill, where you'll explore the impressive Royal Castle and the Wawel Royal Cathedral, a revered site dedicated to St. Stanislaw and St. Jadwiga, Queen of Poland. The cathedral features 18 stunning chapels, each a masterpiece of architecture. The giant Zygmunt bell from 1520 is one of the largest in the world. This historic site was where Polish kings were crowned and laid to rest.

Following this, we'll walk to the Old Town, where you can admire the restored Main Square, surrounded by magnificent houses and palaces. You'll visit St. Mary’s Basilica to view the renowned wooden altar created by Wit Stwosz. In the center of the square stands the Cloth Hall, originally constructed before 1349 and renovated in the 16th century, now housing numerous shopping stalls.

After lunch on your own, we will drive to Wieliczka to tour the Salt Mine***, a fascinating underground world with saline lakes, impressive timber structures, vast chambers, galleries, and unique Salt Works developed by generations of Polish miners since the 13th century. The tour covers nearly 3 kilometers of winding corridors at a depth of 135 meters, showcasing sections worked from the 17th to the 19th century.

Dinner with a folkloric show will be served at a local restaurant in Wieliczka before we return to Krakow.

Important notes regarding the Wieliczka Salt Mine:

• The tour involves a total of 800 steps, including 350 steps at the beginning to descend into the mine. These steps may be replaced by a lift service, depending on technical conditions.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
• The visit will be conducted under the supervision of a local guide (the Miner) as required.
• The temperature underground is consistently 17-18°C, so dress appropriately for the cooler conditions.
• Only small carry-on luggage with a maximum size of 20 x 20 x 35 cm is allowed on the tour. Larger items should be left in the available luggage lockers, but availability and size of lockers are limited, and the museum cannot guarantee a suitable locker.

Overnight in Kraków.

Day 7 – Krakow – Lowicz – Torun

(Breakfast, Lunch)

After breakfast, we will set off for Torun. Along the way, we'll make a stop in Lowicz, a quintessential Mazovian town renowned for its folk art, including vibrant costumes and exquisite paper cut-outs. You'll be treated to a home-cooked lunch by a local family in their charming cottage, situated near the remnants of the old Lowicz Castle. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted in the traditional Polish manner with bread and salt. The meal will be served by a young couple in their cozy home, where you'll have the opportunity to chat about their daily lives and enjoy dessert in their beautiful garden. Afterward, we'll continue our journey to Torun, where you'll have the rest of the day to explore at your leisure.

Overnight in Torun.

Day 8 – Torun – Gdansk

(Breakfast)

In the morning, we will explore the highlights of Torun, the birthplace of Nicolaus Copernicus and one of Poland's most remarkable historic cities. Torun's Old Town, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts an impressive 13th-century Town Hall, magnificent churches, and historic streets that reflect the city's rich past. After lunch on your own, we will drive to Gdansk. Upon arrival, we'll take a short stroll through the charming streets of Gdansk's Old Town.

Overnight in Gdansk.

Day 9 – Gdansk – Gdynia – Sopot – Oliwa – Gdansk

(Breakfast)

After breakfast, we will head to Gdynia, the youngest city in the tri-city complex, and Sopot, a renowned and stylish seaside resort. In Sopot, you'll have the chance to see the oldest and longest wooden pier in Europe. We will also visit the Oliwa Cathedral, famous for its unique pipe organs. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure, giving you ample time to shop for Baltic arts and crafts, including distinctive amber jewelry and souvenirs.

Overnight in Gdansk.

Day 10 – Gdansk – Warsaw

(Breakfast, Lunch)

Today, we will explore Gdansk in depth. Our tour begins at the Upland Gate, a remnant of the city's old fortifications and one of its main entrances. Just beyond, we'll pass by a red-brick structure that includes the Prison Tower and the Torture House, remnants of the 15th-century Gothic defensive walls. Next, we'll see the Golden Gate, which leads to Long Market, a stunning street lined with grand mansions featuring late Renaissance and Baroque facades—a true visual delight! This area was once home to the wealthiest burghers of Gdansk.

Continuing on, we'll visit the Main Town and the Artus Court, a former meeting place for the Hanseatic League and considered the most beautiful court among all the Hanseatic cities of Europe. Nearby, you'll see the towering St. Mary's Basilica, one of the most significant and largest red-brick Gothic churches in Gdansk. On our way back, we'll stroll down Mariacka Street, known for its charming gabled houses and elegant boutiques.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we'll set off for Warsaw in the afternoon.

Overnight in Warsaw.

Day 11 – Warsaw

(Breakfast)

Breakfast at a hotel and end of the tour.