Essential Poland

Fly to Gdansk. On arrival transfer to your hotel for a two night stay. 

Situated in the eastern part of Poland’s Baltic coast, Gdansk’s history is intrinsically linked to its role as Poland’s largest seaport. Many foreign influences including Scottish, Dutch, German and Scandinavian are in evidence and rows of Flemish Mannerism gabled merchants’ houses form the city’s characteristic skyline. Enjoy a free day at leisure, perhaps visiting the Town Hall - remodelled from Gothic to Renaissance style in the 16th century - or taking a stroll along the riverfront where the Polish Maritime Museum adjoins the immense Zuraw medieval crane. (B)

Take a train (approx. 3 ½ hours) to Torun for an overnight stay. One of the oldest cities in Poland, the medieval area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Witheight centuries of history to uncover, a free day to explore this walled Gothic town on the Vistula River provides myriad options; admire St. Mary’s Church, the Cathedral of St. John and the Town Hall, and be sure to try some of the delicious local gingerbread. (B)

Take a train (approx. 2½ hours) to Warsaw, Poland’s vibrant capital in the heart of the country. (B)

Completely destroyed in WWII, this incredible city has risen from the ashes to become an energetic, cultural capital, where development never seems to stop. Discover the painstakingly restored Old Town with its baroque Royal Castle or perhaps visit one of the city’s excellent museums such as the Chopin Museum, housed in stunning Ostrogski Palace. Search for antiques and bric-a-brac at the huge Bazar Na Kole market or pay a moving visit to the site of the WWII ghetto. (B)

Take a train (approx. 3 hours) to Krakow and check in to the hotel for two nights. (B)

Spend a day exploring Krakow’s historical delights. Stroll the maze of medieval streets lined with enchanting Gothic and baroque architecture, explore imposing Wawel Castle where the Royal Chambers house an impressive collection of furniture and art or perhaps visit Schindler’s factory - now a museum documenting life in the city under Nazi occupation. In the evening enjoy a live music performance at an Old Town jazz club or head to the bohemian Kazimierz district where the many emerging bars and cafés have brought this former Jewish suburb back to life. (B)

Take a coach (approx. 2 ½ hours) to Zakopane at the foot of the Tatra Mountains. (B)

Enjoy a free day at leisure to soak up the alpine scenery of Zakopane. Perhaps embark on one of the many well-marked walking trails in Tatra National Park or in the winter months, take to the piste and make use of the plentiful snow in Poland’s winter sports capital. Return by bus to Krakow for the final evening. (B)

Make your way back to the airport for your return flight. (B)