The Polish Dream Tour

Chopin’s music, the quintessence of Polish romanticism

Morning:
Independent arrivals to Warsaw hotel.

Afternoon & Evening:
Approx. at 4.00pm meet and greet with your tour leader and the other travelers at the hotel lobby. Following a short introduction, you will have a walk to the Old Town. Painstakingly rebuilt from scratch after WW II; it enjoys its place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. On the way visit the Church of the Holy Cross. There, inside an urn lies Chopin’s heart, brought home in 1849 by his sister. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”, reads the biblical passage inscribed on a pillar.
Welcome evening with Chopin’s music. Enter the world of Chopin’s brilliant creations, which have earned for him his title of a Poet Of The Piano. Warsaw is where Chopin developed his talent for almost twenty years. Then, taste culinary goodies during welcome dinner.

Visit the capital of Poland

Morning:
Warsaw proudly wears its epic history. The city has been a reference point for many renowned film producers, a notable example being ‘The Pianist’ by Roman Polanski. This WWII Holocaust drama showcases human resilience and the beauty and power of music in overcoming adversity. It tells the true story of Wladyslaw Szpilman, an eminent Polish-Jewish concert pianist and composer, and his unlikely survival under German Nazi occupation in Warsaw. The film, winning three Academy Awards in 2003, is a testament to this history.

A half-day guided city tour will showcase the best of fascinating Warsaw: its vibrant downtown, the historical Jewish Ghetto area, the elegant Royal Route, and the ever-appealing Lazienki Park. The alleys of the city’s lush green heart, a legacy of King Stanisław August, lead to picturesque buildings, ponds, the enchanting Palace on the Island, and the Chopin Statue. This statue captures the composer seated by a willow tree, his hand poised over piano keys, merging art and nature.

Afternoon & Evening:
The remainder of the day is free time to explore on your own. Your tour escort will be happy to offer suggestions.
Overnight in Warsaw.

Mazury - Land of a thousand lakes

Morning:
On this touring day, you will explore the diverse cultural tapestry of Eastern Poland in Bialystok, a city renowned for its multicultural heritage. This vibrant mix of ethnicities and religions inspired Ludwik Zamenhoff to create Esperanto, the universal language of peace. Visit the Ludwik Zamenhof Centre to discover an intriguing exhibition about Bialystok during Zamenhoff’s time, complete with a mini dictionary that introduces a few Esperanto words and phrases. A guided walk through Bialystok will also feature sights like the L.Zamenhoff monument and mural, the splendid Branicki Palace, and the main Orthodox church – the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, all viewed from the outside.

At lunch, indulge in the culinary delights of the eastern province, celebrated for centuries. The cuisine of Podlasie, one of Poland’s most cherished regional foods, offers a unique blend of Polish, Lithuanian, Jewish, Belarusian, and Tatar influences, reflecting the area’s rich cultural mosaic.

Afternoon:
The drive will continue then to the Masurian Lake district, an area of outstanding natural beauty with almost 3,000 lovely lakes.

Upon arrival in Gizycko, an important holiday center in the lakeland, you’ll have free time to explore this natural paradise and its fantastic little town. Not-to-be-missed sights include the Boyen Fortress, the unique swing bridge, a neo-classical Evangelical church, the Teutonic castle, and several other churches. Additionally, there are numerous spots to sit back, relax, and take in the charming views.

Evening
Overnight stay in Gizycko castle converted into an elegant hotel.

Wolf's Lair

Morning:
In the morning, we’ll head to the heart of the Masurian forests to visit the brooding ruins of Hitler’s wartime headquarters. This site, where Hitler commanded German military operations from 1941 to 1944, is steeped in history. It’s notably recognized as the location of the famous 1944 assassination attempt against Hitler, an event depicted in the film ‘Valkyrie’.

Afternoon:
Have a realaxing afternoon.

Evening:
Free time. Second overnight stay in Gizycko.

From engineering marvel to Medieval might

Morning:
We begin the day with a drive to Buczyniec, where a marvel of water engineering awaits you for an unmissable journey! Experience the magic of human invention as you ride a boat that navigates both uphill and downhill, traversing water and dry land. Witness the wonder of 19th-century technology with the Elbląg-Ostróda Canal, where waterways are ingeniously linked with rail tracks, and are still operational today. This unique feature is unparalleled anywhere else! Prepare for an unforgettable adventure through the pristine wetlands.

Afternoon:
Arrive at Malbork, home to the largest medieval castle in Europe! Constructed in the late 13th century, it served as the residence of the Grand Masters of the Teutonic Order. This imposing red-brick fortress, in fact, comprises three castles and is rightly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

For dinner, savor a meal rich in history at ‘The Small Dutchman’. Nestled in a beautifully restored, arcaded Mennonite House in Zelichowo, this restaurant offers a cuisine inspired by the intertwined histories of Slavs, Prussians, Teutonic Knights, and Mennonites.

Evening:
Drive to Gdansk. Check in to a comfortable hotel. Overnight stay.

Gdansk city tour

Morning:

Gdansk, known as the city of freedom and the capital of amber, changed the world twice in the 20th century. This bursting with color, millennium-old city on the Baltic Coast, a gem of the Hanseatic League, is renowned for its rich cultural diversity, iconic harbor fronts, and the Shipyard that gained global attention. Gdansk’s history is a roller coaster of emotions, from the first shots of World War II in Europe to the symbol of European peace revolution: Solidarity.

En route to Oliwa, we’ll make a photo stop at the famous Gdansk Shipyard, originally named Lenin Shipyard, the cradle of the Solidarity movement led by Lech Walesa. In Oliwa, marvel at the grandeur of the organ in the beautiful 13th-century cathedral. Our tour then takes us to the Old Town of Gdansk, brimming with maritime charm and unique Hanseatic-style architecture. Notable sights include St. Mary’s Basilica, the largest Gothic church in Poland, the Neptune Fountain, and the Artus Court.

The day concludes with a delightful opportunity to learn how to prepare pierogi, a beloved Polish national dish. This cooking class, combined with lunch, offers a delicious immersion into Polish culinary traditions.

Afternoon:& Evening:
Free time.
Overnight stay in Gdansk.

Leisure day in Gdansk

 

Enjoy a full day at your leisure in Gdansk. This is a perfect opportunity for personal, independent exploration to see and do what interests you the most.

Your tour escort will be more than happy to provide suggestions for your adventures.

Overnight in Gdansk.

Europe’s longest wooden pier & Torun – Gothic heaven

Morning:
Before bidding farewell to Gdansk and heading south towards Torun, another gem known for its red brick architecture, we will enjoy a leisurely walk along Europe’s longest wooden pier in Sopot. This iconic pier has been a defining feature of Sopot for over 200 years

Afternoon:
Upon your arrival in Torun, lunch at a local restaurant.

Torun is one of Poland’s most interesting and best preserved historic cities. This easily walkable city is filled with delightful architectural surprises: a decorative frieze here, a stained-glass window there. During our visit, we’ll experience the taste of gingerbread, Torun’s most famous culinary delight, and visit the birthplace of Nicolaus Copernicus, the renowned astronomer who revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos. Afterwards, you’ll have free time to explore the lovely streets of Torun at your own pace.

Overnight stay in Torun.

Wroclaw city tour

Morning:
Next up on our adventure is Wroclaw, the historic jewel of Lower Silesia that celebrated a thousand years of history back in 2000. This charming city, with its stunning Gothic architecture and beautiful canals, has earned the nickname ‘Venice of the North.’

Afternoon
We’ll be taking a leisurely guided walk through the enchanting streets of Wroclaw’s Old Town and the magical Ostrow Tumski, a real treat for anyone who loves the grandeur of Gothic style. And keep your eyes peeled for a bit of whimsy – the city is dotted with playful dwarfs hiding in nooks and crannies, just waiting to be discovered by observant visitors like us.

Evening:
Have a relaxing remainder of the day.
Overnight stay in Wroclaw.

The Church of Peace & one-of-a-kind world-class glass art

Morning:
This day will immerse you in local communities, offering opportunities for discovery, learning, and inspiration.

In Tomaszów Bolesławiecki, you will celebrate the myriad talents of Polish artists – the Borowski Family. They masterfully craft glass into fabulous indoor and outdoor objects. Their unique style, passion for color, and superb design have gained international acclaim. Stanislaw Borowski, a prominent figure in the European studio glass movement of the late 1970s, founded the company and has passed this artistic legacy to his three sons. You will gain insights into each step of the glass-crafting process. Subsequently, you will explore the UNESCO-listed Church of Peace in Jawor.

Afternoon:
For lunch, savor flavorful, healthy, locally sourced cuisine at the Villa Greta guesthouse. The enchanting village of Dobków, where it is situated, was honored with the European Award for Rural Development and Village Renewal in 2017. Here, life moves at a leisurely pace, allowing you to truly unwind. Adding to its allure, Dobków lies in the heart of Poland’s astonishing, lesser-known Land of the Dormant Volcanoes.

Evening:
Free time. Overnight stay in Wroclaw hotel.

Auschwitz-Birkenau: a day of reflection

Morning:
Today, we embark on a journey that is profoundly different and deeply moving. Located in eastern Silesia, near Oswiecim, are the somber sites of the former German Nazi death camps: Auschwitz I, now a museum, and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. These places, integral to the Holocaust Memorial, stand preserved as a stark reminder to ensure that one of the darkest chapters in human history is never forgotten. Our visit to these sites will be a moment of solemn reflection on the events that occurred there.

Afternoon:
After lunch, we continue south to Zakopane, the main and picture-perfect resort of the Tatra Mountains.

Evening:
Free time and overnight in Zakopane.

Zakopane & Polish mountains

Morning:
Zakopane is a gateway to one of Poland’s greatest natural treasures, the beautiful High Tatras alpine mountain chain. We will take a walk through this small town. You will have an opportunity to take a ride up a funicular railway to the top of Gubalowka Hill, one of the most beautiful peaks in the Tatras boasting the best view of the whole mountain range.

Afternoon:
Free time for strolling and buying some souvenirs along Krupowki Street.

Evening:
We take a horse carriage ride to one of the best local restaurants. Experience the highlander show with musicians and dancers to get a taste of the lively folk customs, the local dishes and the strong “highlander tea”. Overnight in Zakopane.

Dunajec Raft Trip & Wieliczka Salt Mine

Morning:
We start the day with a very gentle raft ride on the Dunajec River winding through the extremely beautiful Pieniny gorges. The two-hour excursion, which covers about 15 km, beginning in Sromowce and ending in Szczawnica, is an unforgettable experience.
Afternoon:
On the way to Krakow we will visit the amazing Wieliczka Salt Mine – a labyrinth of corridors, splendid halls and a chapel hewn in rock salt more than 100 meters under the ground. Listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage sight, this is Poland’s most unique and fun historic monument.
Evening:
Overnight in Krakow.

Krakow – The royal capital

Morning & afternoon:
Krakow’s vibrant academic atmosphere fosters meaningful conversations. We will take a break from exploring to relax at the atmospheric Cheder Café, opened in a former prayer house. It’s the perfect setting to sit down with Robert Gadek, Deputy Director of the Jewish Culture Festival, one of the city’s premier events. You’ll have the opportunity to discuss the festival’s impact, as well as the ongoing dialogue and shared memories between Poles and Jews. Next, we’ll visit the Remuh Synagogue and its adjoining cemetery. After hearing the famous Hejnal trumpet signal, we’ll enter St. Mary’s Basilica to admire the largest Gothic altar in Europe.

During the day, we’ll also enjoy a leisurely walking tour of the legendary Wawel Castle, including the Cathedral and the Belfry. As the historical seat of Polish monarchs, each authentic brick of the castle exudes royal grandeur, unlike the reconstructed facades of Warsaw.

After the day’s sightseeing, you’ll have free time for personal exploration. Alternatively, you can join your tour leader for a stroll to a local shop renowned for Polish pottery, a perfect opportunity to pick up some unique souvenirs.

Evening:
Free time. Overnight in Krakow.

Leisure day in Krakow

Morning & Afternoon:
Full day at leisure in Krakow. Take this advantage for personal independent exploraton to see and do what interests you most. Your tour escort will be happy to offer suggestions.

Evening:
During our farewell dinner, share your favorite experiences with the friends you’ve made among your fellow tour participants.
Overnight in Krakow.

Black Madonna & return to Warsaw

Morning:
The last highlight of our tour – Czestochowa. This is the most important Catholic shrine in Poland for the veneration of the Virgin Mary. According to St. Pope John Paul II – the heart of the nations beats here.

Pilgrims arrive here throughout the year from around the world. Even for the non-religious, the monastery is an impressive display of Polish piety and patriotism. We will see not only the famous Black Madonna but also the monastery premises in a tour, led by a resident Pauline monk.

Afternoon & evening:
Arrival in Warsaw at approximately 6 pm and drop-off possibility at: the Chopin Airport, Hotel Novotel Airport, Hotel Airport Okecie and Hotel Sofitel Warsaw.

To meet your needs fully, we can arrange an extended stay in Warsaw or other Polish or Central European destinations.