Arrival in Warsaw
Independent arrivals and check-in at the Warsaw hotel.
Afternoon & Evening:
At approximately 4:00 p.m., meet and greet your tour leader and fellow travelers in the hotel lobby. After a short introduction, take a bus transfer to the Old Town, which was painstakingly rebuilt from scratch after WWII and now enjoys its place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. On the way, visit the Church of the Holy Cross, where Chopin’s heart lies inside an urn, brought home in 1849 by his sister. A biblical passage inscribed on a pillar reads, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Warsaw is where Frederic Chopin developed his talent for almost twenty years.
Enjoy an evening of Chopin’s music, described by German composer Robert Schumann as “cannons hidden among blossoms,” capturing the quintessence of Polish romanticism. Then, savor culinary delights during a welcome dinner. Return transfer to the hotel.
Indomitable Warsaw
Warsaw, in many ways, is an allegory of the Polish nation. Its impressive history is second to none. The city endured the trauma of World War II, but the inner strength of the nation led to the reconstruction of its heritage on a scale unique in world history. Without this, Warsaw would not be the city it is today.
Meet with one of the best local guides and explore Warsaw’s highlights: the Royal Route, the Palace of Culture & Science, and the Ghetto Heroes Memorial. Follow in the footsteps of Polish royalty on a tour of Lazienki Park, the city’s fabulous green heart, where you can see one of the symbols of Warsaw—the Frederic Chopin Monument.
Enjoy some free time; your tour escort will be happy to offer suggestions. One of the options is Wilanow Palace, which escaped destruction during WWII. It represents the height of Polish Baroque and tells the great love story of Poland’s King Jan III Sobieski and his French wife, Marysienka.
A day of remembrance at Auschwitz-Birkenau
During a moving visit to Auschwitz & Birkenau, unveil its somber history. As the largest extermination camp, it was where the German Nazis killed about 1,500,000 people, mainly Jews, but also Poles, Romani, and members of other nationalities. Now a memorial and museum included on the UNESCO World Heritage list, Auschwitz stands as a stark reminder of humanity’s capacity for both depravity and heroism. One example of such heroism is Witold Pilecki, an Auschwitz volunteer whose firsthand account of the Holocaust was a principal source of intelligence regarding Auschwitz for the Western Allies. Thousands of other heroes could be named as well.
Arrive in Krakow in the late afternoon and enjoy a relaxing remainder of the day.
A day in Krakow's heart
Krakow, the first European city inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is the heart of Polish culture. It is where time seems to have stood still. Accompanied by the most professional local guide, admire its historical brilliance from the magical Old Town up to the Castle and Cathedral on Wawel Hill, a testament to the golden times in the “City of Kings.”
Following the Royal Route, you will see the ancient areas of Jagiellonian University and walk through the largest medieval square in Europe, whose surroundings have remained unchanged for almost 700 years. While there, stop to visit the oldest shopping mall, Sukiennice, and the Basilica of the Virgin Mary with its magnificent wooden altarpiece by Veit Stoss, one of the world’s greatest Gothic sculptors.
The tour finishes at the fortified city walls next to the Barbican Gate. While strolling on cobblestone streets, you can pick up Krakow’s popular snack, obwarzanek. Traditionally sold from street carts, it is a parboiled dough ring, sprinkled with salt, poppy, or sesame seeds. The obwarzanek has the status of a regional food, with protected geographical indication.
The rest of the day is yours to explore the sights on your own. You can go for a stroll in Krakow’s Jewish quarter, Kazimierz, a bustling, bohemian neighborhood well-known for its associations with Schindler, Spielberg, and Helena Rubinstein, the legendary cosmetics entrepreneur, famous for her phrase, “Beauty is Power.” Your tour escort will be happy to offer suggestions.
Scenic views and tastes of the Tatras
Approximately 100 km south of Krakow lies the country’s capital of winter sports. Upon arrival in Zakopane, you will take a funicular to the top of Gubalowka Hill for stunning views of the Tatra Mountains, the most spectacular and highest mountain range in Poland. Then, the guide will take you through the center of Zakopane along the ‘wooden trail.’ You will also taste the symbol of the Tatras – oscypek – spindle-shaped smoked sheep’s milk cheese, granted Protected Designation of Origin by the EU. A dash of cranberry jam makes the perfect pairing!
During your free time, we recommend a walk along Krupowki Street, lined with hundreds of local craftsmen. This area has numerous restaurants and souvenir shops, which are a delight to explore, with Goral music playing everywhere.
Return to Krakow.
Salt Wonderland
The Wieliczka Salt Mine (UNESCO) is not to be missed. It is a place where the word “unique” truly applies. The original galleries, carved statues, and underground salt lakes make for an interesting pilgrimage into the past. The Chapel of St. Kinga is the crown jewel of the miners’ achievements. Return to Krakow for some leisure time.
In the evening, relish the memories of the past few days over a flavorful farewell dinner. Enjoy an overnight stay in Krakow.
Journey through faith: visiting the world-famous Black Madonna
In the morning, a return bus transfer from Krakow to Warsaw with a stop in Czestochowa. The Monastery of Jasna Gora is home to the miraculous “Black Madonna” icon, which tradition says was painted by St. Luke. This image has made Czestochowa one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the world, alongside Rome, Lourdes, and Fatima. The tour includes visits to the Miraculous Picture Chapel and the Basilica. According to St. Pope John Paul II, the heart of the nation beats here.
Arrival in Warsaw is expected at approximately 18:00. Drop-off is possible at Chopin Airport, Hotel Airport Okecie, and Hotel Novotel Centrum. To fully meet your needs, we can arrange an extended stay in Warsaw.
00-510 Warsaw, Marszałkowska 94/98