- Staying the the sleek and design-savvy Puro Hotels in both cities
- Visit sites such as the stunning Baroque-style royal residence, Wilanów Palace and the painstakingly rebuilt old town, in Warsaw
- Take the fast train from Warsaw to Krakow
- Book additional excursions such as Auschwitz-Birkenau or the Weiliczka Salt Mines in Krakow
Essential Warsaw & Krakow
Combine Warsaw and Krakow on this twin-centre holiday, with three nights in each city and plenty of time to explore independently. Stay at contemporary PURO hotels in central locations, with transfers and first-class rail travel between the two cities included.
Discover Warsaw’s carefully reconstructed Old Town, follow the Royal Route and visit some of the capital’s excellent museums before travelling by train to Krakow. Here, explore the medieval Market Square, Wawel Castle and the historic Kazimierz district, or add excursions to Wieliczka Salt Mine and Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Our Essential holidays are designed for independent travellers who prefer to explore at their own pace, while we take care of the flights, accommodation, transfers and travel between destinations. This itinerary can also be tailored with alternative hotels and excursions.
Tour Itinerary
Fly to Warsaw and transfer to your centrally located hotel for a three-night stay. Depending on your arrival time, spend the evening getting your bearings with a stroll through the city centre or head into the Old Town for your first look at the Market Square and Royal Castle. There is a good choice of restaurants and bars nearby for an introduction to Polish food and drink.
Spend the day exploring Warsaw at your own pace. Start in the reconstructed Old Town, centred around the colourful Market Square and Royal Castle, before following part of the Royal Route towards Łazienki Park.
Warsaw also has some of Poland’s best museums, including the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, the Warsaw Rising Museum and the Fryderyk Chopin Museum. For a different perspective on the capital, cross the Vistula to the Praga district or explore the cafés, restaurants and shops around the city centre. (B)
Enjoy another free day in the Polish capital. Visit Wilanów Palace, the former royal residence of King Jan III Sobieski, explore the National Museum or take in the views from the Palace of Culture and Science.
Warsaw is also an excellent place to discover contemporary Polish food alongside more traditional dishes. Try one of the city's surviving milk bars for simple Polish favourites, browse Hala Koszyki or Fabryka Norblina, or spend the evening at the opera, ballet or a Chopin recital. (B)
Take the train to Krakow, a journey of approximately 2½ hours. On arrival, make your way to the hotel for a three-night stay. The remainder of the day is free to begin exploring the Old Town. (B)
Spend the day exploring Krakow, beginning with the vast Main Market Square and the Renaissance Cloth Hall. Visit St Mary’s Basilica, hear the famous hourly trumpet call and continue to Wawel Hill to explore the Royal Castle and Cathedral.
Later, head south to Kazimierz, Krakow’s historic Jewish district, with its synagogues, museums, cafés and restaurants. Across the river, Oskar Schindler’s former enamel factory houses an excellent museum examining life in Krakow during the German occupation of the Second World War. (B)
A final day to explore independently or take an optional excursion outside the city. Visit the UNESCO-listed Wieliczka Salt Mine, where chambers, chapels and sculptures have been carved deep underground, or travel to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum.
Alternatively, remain in Krakow to discover more of the Old Town and Kazimierz, visit one of the city’s museums or simply enjoy its cafés and restaurants. We recommend pre-booking the major excursions, particularly during busy periods. (B)
Depending on your flight time, there may be time for a final stroll through Krakow, some last-minute shopping in the Old Town or a relaxed breakfast or coffee before departure. Transfer to Krakow Airport for your return flight to the UK. (B)
Pricing Information
Price Includes
- Return international flights between the UK and Poland
- All taxes and charges
- Accommodation in hotels as specified with breakfast*
- Meals as specified (B= Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
- Private arrival transfer in Warsaw
- Private departure transfer in Krakow
- Train ticket: Warsaw to Krakow in second class
Price Excludes
- Travel insurance
- Optional excursions
Price Includes
Price Excludes
Price Notes
Price based on two people sharing a twin/double room in May 2027; supplements may apply for peak-season dates or flight fare variations. International flights are based on direct services between the UK and Poland, with a choice of London and regional departures available. Airlines and routings vary according to your chosen departure airport and travel dates, and supplements may apply.
City taxes may apply at some hotels in Poland and are typically payable locally. Charges vary by destination and hotel and may change before you travel.
This holiday features a selection of four-star hotels chosen for their location and comfort. If you would prefer three or five-star options, or have a different budget in mind, our travel specialists can tailor the trip to your exact requirements. Please call us on 0207 666 1244 to discuss your preferences.
For single room supplements and solo traveller prices, please contact us.
Tour Route Map
- Poland, Warsaw
- Poland, Krakow
Tour Accommodation
Image Gallery
Reviews
I am very impressed by Ellie from your office. Accessible and competent, she organised a full and detailed itinerary. Her selection of hotels, events and travel was exactly to our requirements. The hotels (Le Regina in Warsaw and Amadeus in Krakow) were 1st class and exactly where we wanted them! Thank you.
This was a superb holiday. Everything was brilliant. Taxis met us at the station, tickets were delivered for the next stage of the journey and trips went as planned. The hotels were all good. The locations in Poland were close to the main sites and public transport. Thank you.