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POLAND

 

 

Rich cultural heritage, fascinating history, and beautiful landscapes make Poland an interesting place to discover. This brilliant getaway begins in the Polish capital of Warsaw. Explore the port city of Gdansk, capital of Amber, and visit nearby Torun, where Copernicus was born and which boasts an impressive Teutonic Knights’ castle. Spend a night in romantic Poznan, then stop at the historic Jasna Góra monastery with its Black Madonna. Spend one/two nights in Kraków, featuring the Market Square, St. Mary’s Church, and more. Visit the Auschwitz concentration camp, a chilling reminder of the Holocaust and end this fascinating vacation.

 

Day 1: arrive in Warsaw (L,D)

The 700-year old capital is the symbol of the Polish nationhood and the will to survive against great odds. A sightseeing tour includes a drive along the famous Royal Route from magnificent Castle Square to Lazienki Park and Palace, the summer residence of the last King of Poland. Pass by the Palace of Science and Culture (known as a "wedding cake"), the Saxon Gardens, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Monument to the Heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto and the Barbican. Continue with the walking tour of the Old Town, the Old Market Square and St. John's Cathedral. The rest of the day is free for relaxing, shopping, a stroll through the city or an optional late afternoon Chopin concert. Overnight in Warsaw.

 

Day 2: Warsaw – Gdansk/Sopot (B,L,D)

After breakfast we depart north, to the Baltic Sea. Towards one of the most important shipping ports in Northern Europe, Gdansk, formerly known by its German name, Danzig, where on the so-called Westerplatte, one of the first scenes of fighting between Polish and German troops in 1939 took place. It is also the birthplace of Solidarity, where Lech Wałęsa formed the anti-Soviet ‘Solidarnosc’ in 1980. This Solidarity movement was monumental in the fall of Communism in Poland and Eastern Europe. Sightseeing this day will introduce you to the city’s past and present and the magnificent route of Amber. Afterwards we’ll jump to the close fashionable seaside resort of Sopot, former playground for Europe’s ruling classes. See the higgledy-piggledy ‘Crooked House’ before enjoying time at leisure to stroll the elegant beachside promenades or enjoy the sea air on Europe’s longest wooden pier. Overnight in Gdansk.

 

Day 3: Gdansk – Malbork – Torun – Poznan (B,L,D)

After breakfast the first stop today is the visit to the Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork, founded in 1274 on the banks of the Nogat river by the Teutonic Knights. The castle is a stunning example of a medieval fortress, and the largest brick Gothic castle in the world. Since 1997 both the castle and its museum have been UNESCO World Heritage sites. We continue southwards to the medieval town of Torun on the Vistula River, the birthplace of renaissance astronomer Copernicus and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will be introduced to the many captivating highlights, including the Old Town (Starowka) with the ruins of a 13th-century Teutonic Knights’ castle as well as many gothic churches and houses. We will finish with the day in Poznan, one of the country’s oldest cities and a part of Polish history for the past 1,000 years. Overnight in Poznan.

 

Day 4: Poznan - Czestochowa – Oswiecim - Krakow (B,L,D)

First to Jasna Góra near Czestochowa, the monastery that withstood the repeated onslaughts of overwhelming Swedish forces during the religious wars of the 17th century. Since then, its Black Madonna has been venerated as the “Queen of Poland” and has become the country’s most important pilgrimage site in this catholic country. The Byzantine figure dates from the 13th century and in 1434 it was painted virtually anew due to extensive damage caused by vandalism. Many legends abound as to the origin of the figure and its miraculous properties. Before we head out to Krakow, just one last but immensely important stop in the city of Oświęcim, better known throughout the world by its German name, “Auschwitz”. Here a moving visit to the memorials and museums of Auschwitz and Birkenhau bear witness to the terrible atrocities of The Final Solution – the Holocaust. Arrival in Krakow in the afternoon, possible short sightseeing tour if time allows. This evening you will join a polka party with dinner. Overnight in Krakow.

 

Day 5: Krakow (B,L,D)

Dating back to the 7th century, Krakow is held up by many as Poland’s most beautiful city. It was the country’s capital for over 500 years and the seat of the Polish Kings. Today, it is its cultural capital and a walk around is the best way to see: 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 trumpeters call! In the early afternoon, ascend the Wawel Hill to see the Renaissance Castle and meet the Wawel Dragon. Visit the Cathedral, resting place of the Kings of Poland and former seat of Archbishop Karol Wojtyła, later known to the world as Pope John Paul II. Now across the former Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz to ‘Old Podgórze’, for a visit to the Oscar Schindler Factory Museum, immortalized in the film ‘Schindler’s List’. Later in the afternoon will be an excellent opportunity to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a renowned mine that produced table salt continuously from the 13th century until 2007. Overnight in Krakow.

 

Day 6: Krakow (B,L)

After the breakfast we will drive to the nearby site of the Sanctuary of the Divine Mercy in Lagiewniki. The sanctuary, the world centre of Lord’s Mercy worship is situated on the outskirts of Krakow. Originally, there was a convent, where Sr. Faustyna Kowalska lived and died. Sr. Faustina (1905-1938) was a visionary Polish nun, to whom Jesus revealed His dogma of the Divine Mercy. The cult of the Divine Mercy has spread worldwide thanks to the pope John Paul II, who beatified and canonized Sr. Faustina. On August 17, 2002 John Paul II consecrated the sanctuary's brand-new basilica and entrusted the world to Divine Mercy. The original painting depicting Merciful Jesus with the inscription in Polish “Jesus, I trust in You” can be seen in the convent’s chapel. Nowadays, this miraculous image is well known worldwide and adorns many Catholic churches and chapels around the world. The relics of St. Faustina are also to be found in the chapel. Every year over 2 million pilgrims come to visit the sanctuary. After the visit we will use the time until the departure to the airport for some Outlet shopping. Our destination will be the Krakow Factory Outlet Centre, 10km west of Krakow, just minutes from the airport.
 

Tour inclusions: ·         transfer to and from the airport ·         full size coach services throughout the program in Poland ·         4 x accommodation in double/twin rooms in hotels **** / ***** hotels with breakfast and dinner on HB basis sharing ·         1 x accommodation in double/twin rooms in hotels **** / ***** hotels with breakfast on BB basis sharing ·         6 x lunches as per program ·         1 x traditional Polish dinner with folklore and dancing ·         sightseeing and entrance fees according to the program: Amber museum in Gdansk, Malborg castle, Copernicus’ birth house in Torun, guided tour through Auschwitz concentration camp, Wawel hill – cathedral museum, royal tombs and Sigismund bell, Wielicka salt mine ·         English speaking guide throughout the tour ·         VAT, taxes and fees.   Possible Extras: ·         single supplement   Tour highlights: ·         Warsaw city ·         port city of Gdansk ·         amber ·         the Knights castle of Malbork ·         medieval town of Torun ·         Czestochowa pilgrimage site ·         Auschwitz concentration camp ·         the charme of Krakow ·         fascinating salt mine of Wieliczka