Grand Tour of Poland

Welcome day

Chopin’s music, the quintessence of Polish romanticism

Morning:
Independent arrivals to Warsaw hotel.

Afternoon & Evening:
Approximately at 4pm 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 wears its epic history with pride. Many renowned film producers have made it their point of reference. A notable example of this is “The Pianist” by Roman Polanski, a WWII Holocaust drama about human resilience, and the beauty and power of music to overcome sheer adversity. It tells the true story of the eminent Polish-Jewish virtuoso concert pianist and composer Wladyslaw Szpilman, and his unlikely survival under German Nazi control in Warsaw. The film won three Academy Awards in 2003.

A half-day guided city tour will cover the very best of fascinating Warsaw: the vibrant downtown, the historical Jewish Ghetto area, the elegant Royal Route and the Lazienki Park which never loses its appeal. The alleys of the city’s fabulous green heart and legacy of the King Stanisław August, will take you to some picturesque buildings, ponds, the enchanting Palace on the Island and the Statue of Chopin featuring the composer sat by the willow tree form, with his hand reaching for the piano keys.

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.

Boat cruise & Teutonic knights

Morning:
Shortly after an early breakfast, we board our bus and head northwards to the Baltic Sea. We will travel through the Warmia region, stopping in the charming Ilawa Lake District to behold a spectacular marvel of 19th-century German engineering: the Ostroda-Elblag Canal. This extraordinary canal system, seamlessly integrated with a narrow-gauge railway, is not only a feat of historic engineering but also one of Poland’s grandest attractions. Your boat cruise along this impressive waterway will allow you to immerse in the breathtaking convergence of natural beauty and technical prowess.

Afternoon:
A tour of Malbork castle a triumph of architecture and one of the biggest medieval castles in Europe. Between 1309-1459, it was the seat of the mighty Order of Teutonic Knights. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with meticulously restored interiors such as the great halls, magnificent high towers and even a central heating system.

For dinner savour food with a story to tell. “The Small Dutchman”, housed in an old, restored arcaded Mennonite House in Zelichowo, serves the cuisine that has been inspired by the intertwining histories of Slavs, Prussians, Teutonic Knights and Mennonites.

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

Gdansk city tour

Morning:
Gdansk changed the world twice in the 20^th c.  The city of freedom and the capital of amber as it is nicknamed, Gdansk is bursting with color. This millennium-old city on Poland’s Baltic Coast, one of the pearls of the Hanzeatic League, is renowned for its rich cultural diversity, iconic harborfronts and the Shipyard that shook the world.  A roller coaster of emotions. From the first shots of the World War II in Europe, to Soladiryty, the symbol of a European peace revolution.

On the way to Oliwa, a photo stop by the famous Gdansk (formerly Lenin) Shipyard, the birthplace of the Solidarity movement led by Lech Walesa. Then you will enjoy the grandeur of the organ in the beautiful 13th-century cathedral. Our tour ends in the Old Town of Gdansk, full of maritime atmosphere and packed with unique Hanzeatic-style architecture. During the sightseeing, you will see the St. Mary’s Basilica (the largest Gothic church in Poland), the Neptune Fountain and the Artus Court.

Afterwards, you will have a chance to learn how to prepare delicious pierogi, Polish national dish. A cooking class will be combined with lunch.

Afternoon:& Evening:
Free time. Your tour escort will be happy to offer suggestions.

Europe’s longest wooden pier & Torun – the city of Copernicus

Morning:
Before we bid farewell to Gdansk and head south towards Torun, another red brick pearl, we will  take a leisurely walk on Europe’s longest wooden pier in Sopot.
Sopot and its pier have been inseparable for 200 years.

Afternoon:
Lunch break followed by a tour of Torun Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This delightful historical city is rich in original Gothic structures that survived numerous wars and invasions, including a magnificent town hall, medieval fortification walls, the Polish “leaning tower of Pisa”, as well as the superb St. James’ church. The town has always been famous for its gingerbread. Taste it in different shapes and sizes! The town may for many be the surprise hit of the entire trip. Based on what our previous clients have said, it never fails to leave a lasting impression.

Evening:
Free time. Overnight stay in Torun.

Wroclaw city tour

Morning:
We will travel to Wroclaw, the historic capital of Lower Silesia, which celebrated its Millennium in the year 2000. Renowned for its remarkable Gothic architecture, and scenic canals, Wroclaw is often referred to as the “Venice of the North”.

Afternoon
We will have a guided walk through the Old Town of Wroclaw and the Ostrow Tumski, a treat for lovers of Gothic architecture. The city’s  iconic attraction is a legion of  dwarfs dotting doorways, alleyways and street corners; constantly underfoot but only seen by the observant.

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 and will see glass artists at work. 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.

Black Madonna Shrine & Zakopane

Morning:
After breakfast, we’ll visit the Jasna Gora Monastery in Czestochowa, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Christendom, alongside Rome, Fatima in Portugal, and Lourdes in France.

According to St. Pope John Paul II, “the heart of the nation beats here.” On our guided tour, led by a resident Pauline monk, we’ll see not only the famous Black Madonna but also the monastery grounds.

Afternoon & evening:
We continue south to Zakopane, Poland’s premier mountain resort town nestled at the base of the majestic Carpathian Mountains.

In Zakopane, we’ll experience a different side of Polish culture with a horse-drawn carriage ride to one of the finest local restaurants. Here, you’ll enjoy a lively highlander show with traditional music and dance, giving you a glimpse into the folk customs that thrive in this region. Savor local cuisine and a robust “highlander tea.” The day concludes with an overnight stay at a hotel in Zakopane.

Polish mountains

Morning:
Explore the distinctive wooden architecture of Zakopane, a hallmark of the region’s cultural and artistic heritage. Next, enjoy a scenic ride on the funicular railway to Mt. Gubalowka, one of the most stunning peaks in the Tatra Mountains, offering breathtaking panoramic views. The morning concludes with a visit to the iconic “Na Peksowym Brzyzku” Cemetery, where numerous notable figures from Polish culture, science, and art are buried, alongside individuals who played a key role in the history of Zakopane and the Tatra region. The unique tombstones and crosses at the cemetery blend traditional folk artistry with the artistic trends of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Afternoon:
Take some time to stroll along Krupowki Street, Zakopane’s bustling promenade, perfect for picking up souvenirs and enjoying the lively atmosphere. Later, depart from Zakopane and head to Krakow.

Evening:
Arrive in Krakow and settle into your hotel in the Old Town, where you can relax and prepare for the next day’s adventures.

Auschwitz-Birkenau & free time in Krakow

Morning:
Today’s journey brings a profoundly different experience. In eastern Silesia, on the outskirts of Oswiecim, stand two solemn memorials of the former German Nazi death camps: Auschwitz I (now a museum) and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. These sites, now part of the Holocaust Memorial, serve as a powerful reminder of one of history’s darkest chapters. Our visit offers a moment of reflection on these events.

After touring the memorials, we will continue to Krakow.

Afternoon & evening:
Free time. Take this opportunity to explore on your own and see what interests you most in Krakow. Your tour escort will be happy to offer suggestions.
Overnight stay in Krakow.

All flavors of Krakow

Morning:
Krakow, ranking among Europe’s most impressive destinations, captivates with its ancient core. This city tour, a sensory feast, encompasses: the medieval quarter with Europe’s largest main town square; the fascinating churches showcasing diverse architectural styles; and the most picturesque streets exuding old-world charm.

We will witness the unveiling of the world’s largest wooden altar, carved by Veit Stoss between 1477-1489, in the Church of the Virgin Mary. From one of its twin towers, the Hejnał Mariacki, a haunting trumpet call, is played each hour, famously ending mid-note.

Our tour also includes a comfortable walking exploration of the legendary Wawel Castle, covering the Cathedral and the Belfry.

Afternoon:
Take a lunch break and enjoy some free time to independently explore the charming streets of the Old Town.

Evening:
Relish the memories of the past few days over a flavorful farewell dinner. Overnight stay in Krakow.

Wieliczka Salt Mine & return to Warsaw

Morning:
After breakfast, we’ll visit the final highlight of our tour – the renowned Wieliczka Salt Mine. Descend into the underground chambers for an unforgettable tour of medieval galleries, chapels, and halls carved entirely from rock and salt deposits. All you’ve heard about this place is true: there’s truly nothing else like it in the world.

Afternoon & evening:
We’ll arrive back in Warsaw around 6:00 p.m., with drop-offs available at Chopin Airport, Hotel Novotel Airport, Hotel Airport Okecie, and Hotel SOFITEL Victoria.

To meet all your needs, we can arrange an extended stay in Warsaw upon request.

We can provide the best rates for an extended stay or arrange a continuation of the tour. Favourite private extensions include:

• Lublin, once called Poland’s Jerusalem
• Kazimierz Dolny, an untouched renaissance trading town
• Poznan, one of Poland’s most historic and dynamic cities
• Bialowieza forest, the last unspoilt forest in Europe with its renowned bison or a spa hotels break