Itinerary proposal , Pearls of Poland
Day 1 – WARSAW
“Witamy w Polsce!” “Welcome to Poland!” Upon arrival at the Frederic Chopin International Airport in Warsaw your tour escort will be waiting to help you outside of the restricted customs area and will accompany you to your coach. Leave for your sightseeing tour of Warsaw – discover the city that refused to die.
Warsaw, the capital city of Poland since 1596, is beautifully sited on the major Polish river, the Vistula. Founded in the early 14th century, it soon became one of the most important towns of the Mazovia Region. In the course of time, Warsaw gradually gained political and social importance and King Zygmunt III Waza transferred the Polish capital to Warsaw from Krakow. Profiting from its position in the centre of the country, Warsaw became the residential city of the monarchs. Their power and ambition is commemorated by the many palaces and mansions situated mainly on the edge of the Vistula escarpment and along the present Krakowskie Przedmieście Street. Thanks to the last King of Poland, Stanisław August Poniatowski, who was a great patron of culture and science and who left his imprint on many palaces, churches and other buildings, Warsaw became one of the most progressive cultural centres in Europe.
Because of its capital status Warsaw needed to defend itself many times, most of all during the two World Wars. The reconstruction of Warsaw became for all Poles a matter of honour and was conducted with unprecedented determination.
To this day, Warsaw symbolises for Poles the hard fight for survival.
The Warsaw Siren, on the coat of arms, holding her sword and raised shield, is a personification of this fight.
Today’s Warsaw is a city of deserved splendor and prestige.
It is an important administrative, political and economic centre as well as the home of internationally recognised cultural and scientific institutions, many historical places and beautiful churches. It is the capital of a country known to have played a leading role in the breakdown of the Iron Curtain and has subsequently become one of the most successful and advanced of post-communist countries. With its modern appearance it is to some extent a new city, but at the same time an old one with a rich and beautiful tradition formed over the last 700 years. Warsaw is on the UNESCO list of cultural treasures of the world’s heritage.
Your tour will include sites such as:
Old Town (the Old Town Market Square, the Barbican, the Castle Square with the Royal Castle and statue of King Zygmunt III Vasa – the king who transferred the capital of the country from Krakow to Warsaw over 400 years ago, the house of Madame Curie)
Royal Route (the Holy Cross Church – where Chopin’s heart is kept, Nicolaus Copernicus monument, the Parliament, Presidential Palace, the Chopin Monument and the Palace on the Water in the Lazienki Royal Park – the former summer residence of Poland’s last king)
Other places of interest (the Palace of Culture and Science, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, area of the former Jewish Ghetto with monument of Ghetto Heroes, historical squares like Bank Square, Theater Square with Grand Opera Building)
Enjoy welcome dinner at a local restaurant – “Smacznego!” You will have a chance to taste traditional Polish cuisine.
Overnight at your hotel in Warsaw.
Day 2 –WARSAW / GDANSK
Breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast your tour escort will meet you at the lobby of your hotel and you will depart to Gdansk - a Hanseatic town with a rich history located in the north of the country on the Baltic Sea Coast. It is mostly known as the city of freedom, birthplace of the Solidarity Movement which played a major role in bringing an end to communism in Europe.
Gdansk situated on the Bay of Gdansk on the Baltic Sea and close to the delta of Poland’s longest river, the Vistula, is a city-symbol connected with important events of Polish history. The Second World War began here with the Nazi assault on the Westerplatte peninsula. Gdansk is also z city of Hevelius, Fahrenheit, Solidarity Movement and Lech Walesa – a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Poland’s former President. It was here that the strikes of 1970,1980 and 1988 began, ultimately leading to the demise of communism. The Gdansk Shipyard became a symbol of defying communism in Europe.
Gdansk is the largest city in northern Poland and also one of the most important cultural Polish centres.
With its thousand-year-old history it is called the “Aurea Porta” meaning the “Golden Gate” of the Polish Republic.
There are a lot of numerous monuments and buildings from different epochs and styles.
Old churches, palaces, city gates and fortifications from the period when Gdańsk was the greatest port on the Baltic Sea and a member of the Hanseatic League. The Golden Gate opens onto the Royal Route, which leads along Długa Street where the Main Town Hall is situated. It is one of the most important historic buildings of Gdańsk built between 1379 and 1382. The Main Town Hall houses the Historical Museum of the City of Gdansk. Worth visiting is the Long Market, where the most elegant Gothic building known as the Artus Court is located. There is also the Green Gate, built as a residence for Polish kings, dominated by the figure of Neptune on the fountain, that is a symbol of maritime Gdansk. The most picturesque of all streets is the Mariacka Street with its monumental St. Mary’s Basilica, which is regarded as the biggest church in Poland.
Enjoy your city tour with a licensed guide. Highlights include: the Upland Gate – a fragment of the city’s former fortifications and one of its main gates, The Golden Gate which opens onto Long Market – a magnificent street, with grand mansions decorated with late Renaissance and Baroque facades, Main Town and the Artus Court – a building used for Hanseatic League meetings. It is renowned as the most beautiful court among all of Europe’s Hanseatic cities. Just behind it stands the tower of St. Mary’s Basilica, a part of the most precious and largest red-brick Gothic church in Gdansk. Stroll along the Mariacka Street, with its gabled terraced houses and elegant boutiques.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight at your hotel in Gdansk.
Day 3 -GDANSK / MALBORK / BALTIC SEASIDE / GDANSK
Breakfast at your hotel.
After breakfast your guide will meet you at the lobby of your hotel and you will depart for your sightseeing tour of the stunning Teutonic Knights Castle in Malbork (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE). Enjoy a tour of the Malbork Castle with a local licensed guide.
The Malbork Castle is a magnificent mediaeval fortress built on the River Nogat. It is the largest brick Castle in Poland and probably in the world. The initial Castle was built in 1274 when the Teutonic Knights founded their new home in Poland. Malbork became the capital city of the Teutonic Order and a seat of its Grand Master, who came to launch the campaign against the Prussians. The Castle in Malbork, systematically extended and fortified over centuries, quickly gained the name of an invincible bastion. Its oldest part is called the High Castle, then came the Forecastle, later converted into the Middle Castle, which was the residence of the Grand Master, and the Lower Castle, the last to be built. From 1457 until the Partitions of Poland this masterpiece of art of the Pomerania region that combines charm with the functional aspects, served as one of the official royal residences of Polish kings. Nowadays the Castle is still in an excellent state, and thanks to Polish conservators the historical halls, chapels, chambers and courtyards retain their impressive splendour. The Castle is also a significant and well-known museum. There is a permanent exhibition presenting the Castle’s history, the collection of mediaeval sculptures, stained glass windows, coins, weapons, tapestries, and a collection of amber art, which is called “northern gold”. The Malbork Castle with its impressive defensive walls and exquisitely decorated rooms, showing majesty and power, still appeals to our imagination and interest.
After the tour visit Sopot, the health resort with the longest wooden pier in Europe. Time for relaxing walks along the Baltic seaside.
Overnight.
Day 4 – GDANSK / TORUN
Breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast depart to Torun – the birthplace of Nicolaus Copernicus and one of the most magnificent historic cities of Poland.
Enjoy a city tour of this beautiful city with a local licensed guide. Highlights include the Old Town Square with the Town Hall, Copernicus family house and university, Gothic churches, city walls and gates, ruins of the Teutonic castle, the Leaning Tower and the famous delicious gingerbread.
Explore the mediaeval city of Torun - one of the most beautiful cities of Poland. Picturesquely located on both banks of the Vistula River, at a site of intersection and ancient trade routes, it has been propagating its traditional economy and openness to the world for nearly 800 years. The city was founded in the first half of the 13th century by the Teutonic Knights. It is famous for the biggest number, after Krakow, of authentic works of Gothic art and architecture in Poland.
The authenticity of the medieval and Gothic skyline was one of the arguments supporting the decision to add Torun to the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites in 1997. The majority of ancient buildings are located around the beautiful Old Town Square with its monumental Gothic Town Hall and Regional Museum, with a rich collection of mediaeval art, portraits of Polish kings and the Gallery of Polish Painting. There are many other significant monuments such as the Artus Hall or exquisite old Gothic churches. Torun is also the birthplace of the world famous astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus – who “stopped the Sun and moved the Earth”. He was born here on February 19th, 1473 at St. Anne Street, today 17 Copernicus Street, which now houses a museum dedicated to the astronomer.
The most famous product of Torun is the Torun gingerbread. The tradition of the baking of these aromatic cookies in the town of Copernicus is almost as long as the history of Torun. One says that no visitor to our city can leave Torun without gingerbread.
Free time in Torun.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight at your hotel in Torun.
Day 5 – TORUN / GNIEZNO / POZNAN
Breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast depart for your next stop – Poznan.
On the way to Poznan, we will stop in Gniezno, the first Polish capital. The town is a must see to understand the early history of Poland. The cathedral is a true gem and it was the coronation site of five Polish kings and the tomb of Saint Wojciech (Adalbert in Latin). It is equally noted for its artistic and famous Romanesque bronze portal.
Arrival in Poznan. Check in at your hotel. Time to refresh. Meet with your guide and depart for a sightseeing tour of Poznan. Dinner at a local restaurant.
Poznań is a town steeped in history, as it was the first capital (with Gniezno) of Poland. Today it is a vibrant and diverse town with a stunning central square, fascinating museums and many attractions in the surrounding area. It is also known around the world as an important international trade-fair centre. Every year about 30 international and national events are held here. The city’s valuable heritage includes monuments from all historical epochs in Europe. There are numerous precious castles, palaces, mansion and churches there. The most significant is the Cathedral of St Peter and Paul. There are the tombs of the first Polish ruler Mieszko I and his son Bolesław Chrobry, the first king of Poland. Apart from the cathedral, the most precious building in Poznan is the 16th century renaissance Town Hall in the Old Square. It is surrounded by old merchant houses which were carefully restored after World War II. Poznań is an attractive city, surrounded by lakes, forests and unique palaces in Kórnik or Rogalin. It attracts not only businessmen but everyone who lovesmusic, art and sightseeing.
Overnight at your hotel.
Day 6 – POZNAN / WROCLAW
Breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast depart to Wroclaw – the capital city of Lower Silesia often called the Venice of the North.
Wrocław is the historical capital of the Lower Silesia district, a city of 12 islands and 112 bridges, nicknamed “the city of bridges and greenery”. The city’s strategic location between branches of the slow-running River Odra was utilized in the Middle Ages, when Wrocław was turned into a fortress. Following Poland’s conversion to Christianity, it also became the seat of the bishopric and ecclesiastic centre. Located at the cross-roads of main trade routes, Wrocław was an important place of commerce and trade. The city mediaeval centre has passed the test of time admirably and for centuries has remained as the area that still attracts visitors. There is the Old Town with its 13th century Market Square, which is one of the biggest in Europe, romantically lit in the evening with street lamps. In the Market there is also a charming Town Hall, regarded as one of the most beautiful Gothic buildings in the Central Europe, decorated with amazing sculptures and statues. The mediaeval district of the city called Ostrów Tumski expresses its beauty by fabulous sacral architecture.
Enjoy a half day sightseeing tour of the city. Free time in Wroclaw to explore the city on your own.
Overnight at your hotel
Day 7 – WROCLAW / ZAKOPANE
Breakfast at the hotel.
Today we depart to Zakopane. Discover the beauty of the Tatra Mountains and get to know the rich culture of the Tatra highlanders. Explore Zakopane – the Wielka Krokiew ski jump, the Krzeptówki sanctuary, the wooden church in Jaszczurowka, visit to the Chocholow village, famous colorful Krupowki street and funicular railway ride up the Gubalowka Hill to enjoy spectacular views of the mountains.
A visit to Zakopane is a great opportunity to indulge in a culinary experience and taste famous Polish regional dishes such as oscypek (smoked sheep’s milk cheese) or kwasnica (sauerkraut soup).
Free time in Zakopane (chance to buy some unique souvenirs from Poland).
Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at your hotel.
Day 8 – ZAKOPANE / WIELICZKA / KRAKOW /
Breakfast at the hotel.
Today we depart to Krakow - one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
On our way to Krakow we stop in Wieliczka to explore the magnificent underworld of the Wieliczka Salt Mine (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Wieliczka is the oldest European salt mine, situated 13 km from Cracow. It is an impressive underground world of salt chambers, halls, galleries, fabulous salt lakes and beautiful sculptures carved from the rock salt. It offers a fascinating journey through airy chambers carved from the rock salt on three levels between 64 and 135 metres below the ground. Due to its pure clean air, Wieliczka, apart from its role as a most attractive underground site, has been granted the status of a health resort. In 1978, Wieliczka was acknowledged as a monument of national culture and registered in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list. On the world scale of sites it is exceptional and is one of the wonders of Poland.
After the tour continue with our drive to Krakow.
Check in at your hotel. Free time.
Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight.
Day 9 - KRAKOW
Breakfast at the hotel. Today we explore Krakow. Depart for your city tour.
Krakow, a royal city with a long and rich tradition, is majestically situated on the Vistula River.
Here, history becomes intertwined with the present day.
In 1040 King Kazimierz Odnowiciel (Casimir the Restorer) transferred the capital of the country from Gniezno to Krakow. Under the reign of King Kazimierz Wielki (Casimir the Great) during what was known as “The Golden Age”, trade, crafts, art and science underwent their most intensive development. In 1364 the King founded the Academy of Krakow, which later became the Jagiellonian University, one of the oldest universities in Europe. Many eminent Poles such as Nicolaus Copernicus, John Paul II and Wisława Szymborska graduated from this university.
The structure of this city of culture was largely left unscathed by World War II and it is a living museum of magnificent palaces and historical treasures. There are 300 ancient buildings and 58 churches and palaces in the area of the Old Town. You can walk along the Royal Route starting from the Barbican and finishing at the Wawel Hill, known as the “Polish Acropolis”, with its Castle and Cathedral. Here Polish kings were crowned and buried. In the Old Town you can explore the oldest and longest mediaeval square in Europe, the Main Market Square. St Mary’s Church is, known especially for its magnificent hand carved altar masterpiece, created by the famous sculptor Wit Stwosz, is in the Main Market Square.
In 1978, in appreciation of the exceptional historic and artistic value of Krakow, UNESCO included it on its first list of the World’s Cultural Heritage. The city is Poland’s cultural capital and one of the most splendid towns in Europe, is a gem of historic architecture.
It was chosen as a “Capital of European culture” for the year of 2000.
Krakow, described as the “Rome of the North”, is an ancient city with a modern spirit.
Discover the stunning, historic and culture packed city of Krakow. You will begin your tour by visiting the picturesque Main Market Square with the impressive Cloth Hall which has been the local market place for centuries. Visit the St. Mary’s Church with the extraordinary Wit Stwosz wooden altarpiece with more than 200 carved figures and hear the famous silver trumpet of the bugler from the Tower of the Church.
Continue your tour by visiting the charming Gothic courtyard of Collegium Maius (Great College), the oldest building of the Academia Cracoviensis. Stroll along Kanonicza and Grodzka streets to reach the Royal Castle situated on the Wawel Hill. Wawel Cathedral is also a must see Wawel Castle sight. This cathedral was the sight of royal coronations and burial site for Polish kings. Richly decorated chapels, some dedicated to past rulers, contain examples of elaborate art pieces and relics.
Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight at your hotel
Day 10 – KRAKOW / DEPARTURE
Today we say goodbye to Poland. “Do widzenia!” a nostalgic “Until we meet again!” but a promise to return.
Your escort and coach will be ready to take you to the Balice International airport for your flight home.
Thank you for visiting Poland