Discover Poland

DAY 1 Fly to Warsaw; transfer to city centre.

The group flight arrives into Warsaw late morning. There is free time to explore the Polish capital. We recommend the Warsaw Uprising Museum, as there is no time to visit the following day.

It is considered one of the best museums in the city. Meet the group in the early evening for our briefing.

 

DAY 2 Walking tour of Warsaw, transfer to Gdansk.

Warsaw is the sprawling capital of Poland and the country's largest city. Its widely varied architecture reflects the city's long, turbulent history, from Gothic churches and neoclassical palaces to Soviet-era blocks and modern skyscrapers.

Our guided walking tour starts in the UNESCO listed Old Town, lovingly restored after World War II, and Wilanów Palace, dating back to 1805 and once home to John II Sobieski, one of Poland’s most famous kings. 

After an early lunch, we take the 4hr transfer to Gdansk, Poland’s great maritime city. There may be some free time for a stroll along the quayside before dinner.

Meals included: breakfast

 

DAY 3 Sightseeing in Gdansk, transfer to Torun via Malbork Castle.

Gdansk is surely one of Europe’s most famous port cities, and was a leading centre of commerce during the times of the Hanseatic League, in the 14th and 15th century.

In the 20th century, it vast docks saw the founding of the Solidarity Movement, which played a major role in bringing an end to Communist rule in Poland and helped precipitate the collapse of the Eastern Bloc, the fall of the Berlin Wall and the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Our tour will take in the Old Town and the wonderfully restored docks, before free time to enjoy the city. You may choose to visit the award-winning Solidarity Museum or maybe just relax with a coffee in one of the many cafes.

We then transfer to Torun, stopping at the UNESCO listed Malbork Castle, the largest castle compound in the world, dating back to the 13th century.

Meals included: breakfast

 

DAY 4 Walking tour of Torun; transfer to Wroclaw.

This morning we have a walking tour of Torun. This is amongst Poland's oldest cities and the birthplace of Nicolaus Copernicus, one of history’s most famous astronomers.

The city is known for having preserved, almost intact, its mediaeval spatial layout with many Gothic buildings, including monumental churches, the town hall and many burgher houses.

After lunch we transfer to Wroclaw, approximately a four-hour drive through the Polish countryside. We will arrive in time to check in and head out for dinner on the old town square.

Meals included: breakfast

 

DAY 5 Transfer to Krakow, stopover at Auschwitz.

Wroclaw (vrots-wahf), is one of Poland's finest cities, with a unique mix of Bohemian, Austrian and Prussian traditions, culture and architecture. We will have a walking tour of the Market Square, old town and the city's Gothic cathedral, dating back to 1272. 

After a late lunch, we leave for Krakow, stopping at the Auschwitz concentration camp on the way. We will have a guided tour of both camps and the museum buildings.

Reflecting on our visit we transfer to Krakow, Poland’s cultural capital. Our journey time to Krakow is approximately 4 hours in total. 

Meals included: breakfast  lunch

 

DAY 6 Morning walking tour of Krakow, free afternoon. 

Krakow may be Poland's second largest city, but for many centuries it has been the academic, cultural and artistic capital of the nation. The mediaeval Old Town is UNESCO listed and dates back to the 13th century. It is now home to the largest market square in Europe as well as numerous merchant houses, St Mary's Basilica and Wawel Castle complex. All sites are within easy walk distance of the main square.

After an orientation tour in the morning, the day is free for you to enjoy this beautiful city. Alternatively, you may choose to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a 30-minute drive from the centre of the city. Established in the 13th century, salt was mined here until 2007. The mine's attractions include dozens of statues and four chapels carved out of the rock salt by the miners.

The older sculptures have been supplemented with new carvings made by contemporary artists. Those who chose to visit the mine will return to Krakow in time for dinner with the group. 

Please note: this excursion must be booked in advance. 

Meals included: breakfast

 

DAY 7 Day trip to Zakopane.

Today we take an excursion to Zakopane situated in the foothills of the Tatra Mountains. This pretty resort town is famed for its wooden chalets and is popular in summer with hikers.

We will take the cable car up Kasprowy Wierch and take a short walk on the mountain. There will be time for a relaxing lunch and souvenir shopping, the region is particularly well known for wood carvings and oscypk - a tasty smoked cheese. 

We will return to Krakow in time for dinner. You may also want to check out one of the world-famous jazz bars in one of the city's many cellar pubs.

Meals included: breakfast

 

DAY 8​ Transfer to airport, fly to London

Free day in Krakow before our evening flight back to London

Meals included: breakfast