Warsaw has transformed itself from a downtrodden city to a cosmopolitan
capital with a profusion of restaurants and smart shops complemented by the Royal
Castle, housing some of Eastern Europe's finest art, and the imposing Cathedral
of St John.
Krakow is a delight to visit
as it came through World War II virtually unscathed and, as Poland's first royal
capital, has some wonderful centuries-old buildings.
Gdansk
has often found itself at the heart of world-changing events. Its annexation by
Nazi Germany precipitated the outbreak of World War II and its shipyards were
at the heart of the Solidarity movement, which eventually led to the collapse
of the Communist regime in Poland.
The rest
of Poland is still largely unexplored but it is a treasure house of fairytale
castles, baronial manors, intriguing salt mines, quirky orthodox churches and
colourful folk traditions.
