Discovering Poland
| Resort: | Discovering Poland |
| Operator: | |
| Destination: | Poland |
| Price From: | £1199.00 |
OverviewEmbark on an in-depth journey through Poland. Tour the thriving capital city of Warsaw. Reborn after World War II, it is again one of Europes great cultural centers. Walk the meandering lanes of historical Krakow, where you will see Wawel Castle; once home to the kings of Imperial Poland. The somber history and tragic reality of Auschwitz is unveiled during a moving visit. Behold the Black Madonna on a tour of Jasna Gora Monastery. Come to know the culture at a folklore dinner and show in Krakow. Make tasty gingerbread in Torun. Stand on the dock where union workers formed the Solidarity Anti-Communist movement in 1980 in Gdansk. The choice is yours in Gdansk: venture to the resort town of Sopot or enjoy a shopping excursion to learn about Polish amber. Explore the ancient city squares and UNESCO World Heritage sites of Torun, Wroclaw, Warsaw, Gdansk, and Krakow. ItineraryDay 1: Overnight FlightYour journey through Poland, a land of amazing castles, poignant history and welcoming culture, begins with an overnight flight. Day 2: Warsaw, Poland – Tour BeginsWelcome to Warsaw! The city has a blend of old-word charm and a modern energy. Tonight, join your fellow passengers for a welcome dinner. Day 3: WarsawEmbrace the moving history of Warsaw, a city reborn after WWII, as you embark on a locally guided tour. Your journey through this capital city includes a stop at what remains of the Warsaw Ghetto. The afternoon is at leisure to take in the alleyways, the quaint cafs in Warsaws Old Town, explore a museum or simply relax. Day 4: Warsaw – Czestochowa – KrakowTravel south to Krakow, an enchanting city famous for its well-preserved town center. En route, stop in Czestochowa, the spiritual capital of Poland, where each year over 5 million pilgrims journey to pay their respects to the famous Black Madonna. Housed in the Jasna Gra monastery, journey inside for an up-close look at this miraculous image. Arriving in Krakow, enjoy some free time to get acquainted with the city. This evening you are introduced to traditional Polish culture during a folklore show and dinner, complete with wine and beer. Day 5: KrakowThis morning we explore the city on a tour with a local expert that includes visits to Market Square, St. Marys Church and the university. You will also see the famous Wawel Castle, the former residence of Polish kings. The rest of your day is at leisure. Perhaps youll stroll the quaint side streets of Krakows famous Old Town, have coffee in one of the largest squares in Europe or walk along the river for views of the new sections of the city. You may also visit the Schindler Museum or join your fellow travelers on an optional excursion. Day 6: Krakow – Auschwitz – WroclawToday you embark on a poignant journey through history as you travel to Auschwitz. A local expert guides you through the former concentration camp where you will learn firsthand about the terrors as well as the resilience of the human spirit that occurred within those walls. Later this afternoon, arrive in the ancient city of Wroclaw. Tonight, join your traveling companions for some locally-brewed beer and a traditional home-style dinner at a local restaurant. Day 7: WroclawA morning tour of Wroclaw brings you up close and personal to this large and ethnically diverse city. It could be the only location where you can find a Stare Miasto (Old Town) with a Synagogue, a Lutheran church, a Roman Catholic church and an Eastern Orthodox church standing near each other. The remainder of the day is at leisure to savor Wroclaws idyllic parks and captivating culture. Day 8: Wroclaw – TorunToday you travel to the town of Torun, a UNESCO World Heritage site and birthplace of Nicolaus Copernicus, the famous astronomer. Torun remains one of the best-preserved medieval towns in all of Europe and is one of the Seven Wonders of Poland. On arrival, walk past Copernicuss house before stepping back into history while baking and sampling your very own gingerbread according to a 500-year-old recipe. Day 9: Torun – GdanskThis morning, join a local expert for a walking tour of this unspoiled town. Next, travel to the port city of Gdansk. Make a stop at the Gdansk Shipyards, site of the creation of the anti-Communist Solidarity movement in 1980 that helped liberate Poland from Soviet rule. Day 10: Gdansk – Choice of ActivityThis morning, join a local expert for an introduction to this strategic and remarkable city. Get to know its deep history on your tour which highlights City Hall and St. Marys Church. Later, the choice is yours. Perhaps you will choose to join your Tour Manager on an excursion to the seaside resort town of Sopot. Or, perhaps youll choose to remain in Gdansk and join a local guide on an educational shopping excursion during which youll learn about Polish amber at a demonstration, followed by the opportunity to purchase the stone. The evening is at leisure. Perhaps you will take a stroll through a beautiful square, shop for local handicrafts or soak in the seaside atmosphere. Day 11: Gdansk – Marienburg Fortress – WarsawYour journey through Poland comes full circle with your return to Warsaw. En route, stop in the town of Malbork, home to Marienburg Fortress, the largest castle in the world. A guided tour of this 700-year-old structure introduces you to the world of the Knights of the Teutonic Order. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating a fantastic journey. Day 12: Warsaw – Tour EndsYour tour comes to a close today. |
