Poland off the beaten path

Arrival in Warsaw

Independent arrivals at the Warsaw hotel.

Afternoon & Evening:
At approximately 4:00 p.m., meet and greet with your tour leader and fellow travelers in the hotel lobby. Following a brief introduction, enjoy a walk to the Old Town. Painstakingly rebuilt from scratch after WWII, it holds a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Along the way, visit the Church of the Holy Cross, where Chopin’s heart rests in an urn, brought home by his sister in 1849. The biblical passage inscribed on a pillar reads: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Meet Poles: An Unforgettable Musical Feast
Malgorzata and Jan Muranty, along with their children, will introduce you to the captivating world of Polish music, filled with warmth, emotional depth, and folk influences. The performance includes works by renowned Polish composers, including Henryk Wieniawski and Frédéric Chopin.

Afterward, join in a feast of Polish culinary specialties.

Warsaw sightseeing

Morning:

We begin our day by exploring Warsaw’s rich history, focusing on its resilience during the city’s darkest days in World War II. Known as the city of two monumental uprisings, Warsaw’s identity was profoundly shaped by these events, which left a deep impact on both Polish and Jewish communities. As we move through the city, we will encounter statues commemorating the Ghetto Uprising of 1943 and the Warsaw Uprising of 1944—the largest resistance operation in German Nazi-occupied Europe.

Next, we will take a scenic drive along the Royal Route, experiencing a journey through the layers of Warsaw’s history, culture, and architecture. Our route leads us to Łazienki Park, a beautiful legacy of King Stanisław August, where we’ll find a peaceful setting dedicated to Poland’s most renowned composer, Fryderyk Chopin.

Our final stop in Warsaw takes us into a different era as we step back in time at the Museum of Life under Communism. Here, the communist period in Poland is vividly brought to life, offering insight into everyday life under the People’s Republic of Poland.

Afternoon & Evening:
We will depart for Poznan, the charming capital of the Greater Poland Province. The remainder of the day will be free for your own explorations. We will spend the night in Poznań.

Poznań: Tracing History and Sweetness

Morning:
Poznan, one of Poland’s urban highlights, is rich in historic monuments and captivating sights. We’ll embark on a guided tour through Poznan’s treasures, beginning at the Old Town Square, where we’ll marvel at the spectacular Renaissance Town Hall and distinctive merchants’ houses. We’ll also visit Cathedral Island (Ostrów Tumski), the city’s oldest neighborhood and the cradle of the Polish state.

Afternoon:
FACE-TO-FACE WITH TRADITION: Poznan’s Sweetest Symbol
In this 1,000-year-old city, we’ll encounter Poznan’s signature treat—the St. Martin’s croissant, a specialty recognized by the European Union as a Protected Geographical Indication. At the interactive Poznan Croissant Museum, we’ll dive into the history of this iconic pastry. Expect an entertaining show and a tasting session, which promises to be great fun!

Evening:
Enjoy some free time for private sightseeing. Overnight stay in Poznan.

Discover Lodz: Film, Art, and History

Morning:
Departure for Lodz.

Afternoon:
Today, we explore Lodz, a city renowned for its film, fashion, and street art. Often seen as one of Poland’s artistic hubs, Lodz proudly boasts the legacy of the renowned Lodz Film School, whose famous alumni include Andrzej Wajda, Roman Polanski, and Krzysztof Kieslowski. At the heart of the city lies Piotrkowska Street, a lively thoroughfare adorned with sculptures of local icons and a film star avenue that brings the city’s cinematic heritage to life.

Shaped by Polish, German, Jewish, and Russian influences, Lodz is a blend of extravagantly decorated palaces from its industrial past, striking modern architecture, impressive cathedrals, and a wealth of street art. Over 170 buildings in Lodz are covered with vibrant murals, earning it the title of Poland’s largest urban gallery. These murals, created by Polish and international artists, include the iconic work on Piotrkowska 152, once the world’s largest graffiti piece and a Guinness World Record holder.

In the northern part of Lodz, the Radegast Station stands as a poignant memorial to the German Nazi atrocities that impacted Lodz. It was from here that deportations from the Lodz Ghetto to Auschwitz were organized, preserving a solemn part of the city’s history.

Evening:
Free time. Overnight stay in Lodz.

Historic Sandomierz: The Jewel of Seven Hills

Morning:
Departure to Sandomierz.

Afternoon:
Sandomierz, like Rome, is set on seven hills and boasts numerous impressive historical landmarks. With a history dating back over 1,000 years, Sandomierz is home to a well-preserved Old Town, designed in a distinctive medieval checkerboard layout centered around the Market Square. This area features beautiful restored tenement houses and, at its heart, a Renaissance Town Hall—a true architectural gem. We’ll explore its narrow streets, surrounded by charming historic buildings and remarkable relics of the past.

FACE-TO-FACE WITH TRADITION: Striped Flint in Jewelry
Near the Market Square, you’ll discover an intriguing tribute to striped flint, a rare mineral unique to the Sandomierz region. Conceived by local artist Cezary Lutowicz, this installation features a large flint stone ring and celebrates the unique beauty of striped flint. Lutowicz, who both discovered and popularized striped flint in jewelry, has since become the ambassador of this distinctly Polish stone. Thanks to his efforts, it was adopted as a symbol of Polish diplomacy, and in 2007, Sandomierz was named the World Capital of Striped Flint—known as the stone of optimism.

Evening:
Enjoy free time for personal exploration. Overnight stay in Sandomierz.

Polish Craft and Royal Elegance in One Day

Morning:
Departure for Medynia Glogowska.

FACE-TO-FACE WITH TRADITION: The Ones Who See with Their Hands
Pottery in the villages around Lancut tells a story of inherent talent and deep-rooted tradition. Some artisans learned their craft at their parents’ knees, while others have taken it up more recently, continuing the legacy with equal passion. At the pottery center in Medynia Glogowska, we’ll experience the dedication and care infused into each piece. Local artists will guide us in this mindful, time-honored craft. We’ll then dine at the historic Potter’s Inn, where we’ll try proziaki — traditional bread rolls served with either marmalade or cheese, a true taste of local heritage.

Afternoon:
Our next stop is Lancut Castle, a striking example of Baroque architecture that once hosted illustrious guests such as Louis XIII of France and Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria. Inside, we’ll find furnishings crafted by renowned artisans from France, England, and Austria during the 18th and 19th centuries. Following our visit, we’ll head to Zamosc, where we’ll spend the night.

Evening:
Free time.

Zamosc: A Renaissance Marvel in Poland

Morning:
Zamosc, a UNESCO World Heritage site in southeastern Poland, was established in the 16th century by Chancellor Jan Zamojski. Modeled after the Italian concept of an “ideal city” and designed by Padua-born architect Bernardo Morando, Zamosc is a pinnacle of Renaissance urban planning. Situated on a key trade route connecting Western and Northern Europe to the Black Sea, the town quickly attracted Jewish, Italian, Armenian, Hungarian, and Greek merchants, forming a vibrant, multicultural community of up to twelve nationalities. The Old City of Zamosc today preserves this unique blend of Italian and Central European architectural traditions. We’ll explore these highlights during a guided tour.

Afternoon:
We’ll transfer to Krakow, another UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Poland’s most historically significant cities.

Evening:
In Krakow, we’ll start with a welcome evening in the heart of Kazimierz, the city’s historic Jewish quarter. Dinner will be accompanied by traditional klezmer-style music.
Overnight stay in Krakow.

Poland’s Historic Heart: A Journey through Krakow

Morning:

Why is Poland a unique place in the world? Explore this question with insights from Annamaria Orla-Bukowska, Ph.D., a social anthropologist from the Jagiellonian University. In her lecture, “The Great Personalities of Poland: People Who Changed Poland and the World,” she highlights the impact of these individuals on global history.

Our journey begins in Krakow, a city that flourished as the royal seat of Polish kings. Due to the political significance of the Kingdom of Poland, Krakow’s royal court, its 1364-founded university—one of the oldest in Europe—and the wealth generated by trade all helped this city become a hub of humanistic thought. We’ll explore its centuries-old defensive walls and stroll around the Old Town Market Square, remarkably preserved for nearly 700 years.

A visit to Krakow wouldn’t be complete without discovering Collegium Maius, often known as Copernicus College. This historic center for learning radiates a palpable sense of history; its famous alumni include Nicolaus Copernicus, the revolutionary astronomer, and Pope John Paul II.

Our next stop, the Basilica of St. Francis, may appear austere from the outside, with its Gothic architecture. Inside, however, it reveals stunning Art Nouveau stained-glass windows by Stanislaw Wyspianski, a visionary artist for Krakow, akin to Klimt in Vienna. His masterpiece, Let it Be, depicts God emerging from the cosmos—a vivid and bold image that stands in stark contrast to the medieval world’s rigid artistic traditions.

Afternoon & Evening:

Enjoy a leisurely afternoon and evening. Overnight stay in Krakow.

Meals: breakfast

Bobbin Lace and Lemko Heritage Tour

Morning

FACE-TO-FACE WITH TRADITION: Lacemaking
Lacemaking may seem like a dying art, but in Bobowa, lace has never lost its charm. This town is renowned for its beautiful, handmade bobbin lace, crafted by skilled artisans whose work has brought fame to the area. Every year, Bobowa hosts the International Bobbin Lace Festival, attracting lace-makers from across Europe. In this region, if anyone truly embodies the art of bobbin lace, it’s Ewa Szpila. She’s not only won the festival’s top award multiple times but also holds the title of the fastest lace-maker. Ewa has carved out a unique niche, crafting lace jewelry and breathing new life into traditional lacemaking. Today, she’ll share the secrets and challenges of this intricate craft, helping to preserve its time-honored techniques.

Afternoon:
A deep nostalgia lingers over Lemkovyna, the ancestral homeland of the Lemko minority, nestled in the Carpathian Mountains along the Poland-Slovakia border. Following WWII, the Lemkos were forcibly resettled by the Communist authorities, uprooting them from their native lands. Perhaps the most recognizable Lemko of all time, Andy Warhol, serves as a reminder of this unique heritage, though today, we’ll focus on the legacy of another celebrated Lemko artist, Nikifor Krynicki. We will immerse ourselves in the fascinating paths of this culture as we make our way to Krynica-Zdroj, the jewel of Polish health resorts. Here, we’ll admire the elegant spa architecture and see Krynica through the eyes of its most devoted admirer, Nikifor. This self-taught artist, now celebrated as one of the world’s finest naive painters, immortalized Krynica in his work. His paintings, once underappreciated, have since been exhibited in Paris, Amsterdam, New York, and Israel. We’ll explore the Museum of Nikifor and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

The Mystical Wooden Churches
Just nearby, we’ll visit Powroźnik, home to the UNESCO-protected Church of St. James the Apostle. This “wooden tservka” is a perfect example of the Western Lemko style, with its oldest section dating back to 1600. Afterward, we’ll return to Krakow.

Evening:
Free time in Krakow. Overnight stay in Krakow.

Jurassic Landscapes & The Eagle’s Nest Trail

Morning: Picturesque Jurassic Landscape
The area surrounding Krakow is filled with natural beauty. Ojcow National Park boasts impressive limestone cliffs, tranquil valleys, castle ruins, caves, and vineyards.

FACE-TO-FACE WITH TRADITION: In the Kingdom of Ojcow Trout
Within Ojcow National Park, the famed “Ojcow Trout” is a proud, traditional product of Lesser Poland. The trout ponds, with their clear water and unique microclimate, were first developed in the 1930s. Decades later, Magdalena Wegiel and Agnieszka Sendor revived these forgotten ponds, bringing them back to life. Magdalena Wegiel’s work in sustainable fish farming has earned her recognition as one of Europe’s most innovative female farmers. Today, their family business champions eco-friendly and ethical practices. We’ll enjoy smoked trout from this prestigious, heritage-rich fish farm.

Afternoon: The Eagle’s Nest Trail
King Kazimierz the Great constructed many of the once-formidable fortresses along Poland’s western border to protect the nearby capital, Krakow. The cliff-perched Pieskowa Skala Castle, part of this defense complex, offers breathtaking views over the legendary “Hercules’ Club” rock formation and has a picturesque courtyard. Nearby, the wooden Chapel on the Water is also worth a visit. Afterward, we return to Krakow.

Evening:
Free time in Krakow. Overnight stay in Krakow.

Wadowice and Silesian Soul

Morning:

It’s time to leave majestic Krakow behind.

Today, we’ll explore the early years of Saint Pope John Paul II with a visit to Wadowice, his birthplace and childhood home. Here, you’ll find the Wojtyla apartment, now transformed into a central exhibit in a fine museum. Wadowice is a place Pope John Paul II often recalled with warmth, especially memories of his school days and his favorite café, where he enjoyed cream cake.

Our journey continues with a visit to Nikiszowiec, a historic miners’ settlement that offers a unique perspective on Polish social architecture. This quaint district in Katowice, renowned for its striking design, offers a window into Silesia’s industrial heritage.

For lunch, we’ll savor traditional Silesian cuisine at a local restaurant. This region’s culinary specialties are hard to beat, and the famous Silesian dumplings (with their signature hole), beef roulade, and braised red cabbage are unmissable highlights.

Afternoon: An Enclave of Tranquility

Next, we’ll make our way to Hotel Niemcza Wino & Spa, tucked away at the base of the Owl Mountains in the Sudetes. The hotel, featuring its own vineyard and an impressive nearby botanical garden, is a haven of peace and relaxation. Here, you’ll spend the afternoon enjoying a selection of house wines. Each bottle has its own story, beginning in the vineyard—a truly blissful escape.

Evening:

The evening is yours to relax, with an overnight stay in Niemcza.

Art, Nature, and the Polonaise

Morning: More Nature, More Delight
Start your day immersed in the idyllic landscapes of the University of Wroclaw’s arboretum in Wojslawice. This botanical garden, home to the European Tree of the Year 2024, features a stunning array of flowers, plants, and peaceful ponds, inviting you to stroll and unwind. Embrace a moment of calm amid the beauty of nature.

In nearby Niemcza, visit the Krasnodebski Sisters’ ceramics workshop, known for floral motifs and unique, hand-crafted pottery. Here, each piece is as unique as the leaves and flowers that inspire them—no two cups are alike.

Afternoon:

FACE-TO-FACE WITH TRADITION: Learn the Polonaise, Poland’s Royal Dance

Exploring new places is as enriching as meeting people who bring them to life with their passions and talents. On our way to Warsaw, we’ll stop at the charming, art-filled cottage of Katarzyna and Wojtek Gronecki, nestled near the ruins of an old primate’s castle in Lowicz, which they own. This region is rich with folk traditions that remain vibrantly alive.

Enjoy a home-hosted meal of regional dishes, a display of colorful paper cut-outs, and lively entertainment. You’ll also learn the Polonaise, Poland’s royal national dance. Once cherished by the gentry, it remains an essential part of any high school graduation ball. Before we set off for Warsaw, you’ll receive a handmade keepsake—a special memento crafted by this artistic family.

Evening:

Free time in Warsaw. Overnight stay.

Farewell day

Morning:
Bid farewell to Poland as you depart independently. A complimentary shuttle bus is available from the hotel to Warsaw Airport for your convenience.