Dark History in Germany & Poland

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Krakow

   Krakow may not be the largest city in Poland, but it is by far the most popular with travelers. Less industrial than Warsaw, Krakow was once Poland’s royal capital, and unlike the rest of the country, came out of World War II with its gorgeous architecture mostly unscathed. One glance at the city’s perfectly preserved and restored Old Town and it will be abundantly clear why Krakow is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. This compact historical district houses the largest square in Europe, where you can stroll, shop from the market, and sample some tasty Polish delicacies. Krakow’s cultural life is rich and there are more than enough classical and jazz concerts to attend during your stay. Just walk through Old Town any evening and you’ll find warmly lit cafes, restaurants and bars. Some of the most prominent sites in and around the city are linked with the grim, albeit highly important historical facts, as evidenced by the memorials in the Jewish Kazimierz district and the Auschwitz concentration camp located nearby - chilling and vivid reminders of World War II. You can also explore Poland’s natural wonders from Krakow, with visits to the atmospheric Wieliczka Salt Mine, and the Tatra Mountains all comfortable day trips.

   Upon your arrival to Kraków Airport, our driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals and will take you to your accommodation in Krakow. The journey should take about 30 minutes.

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Krakow

   

   Kazimierz Highlights of Jewish Heritage Private Tour

   This three-hour excursion will show you some of the most important sites of Jewish culture in Krakow. These include seven synagogues (you'll go inside two of them), Helena Rubinstein House, "Schindler's List" film locations, and much more. We invite you to learn about the 800 years of Jewish history and discover what the Jewish community was before, during, and after the war.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Museum Day: The Oskar Schindler Factory and the Rynek Underground

   The former site of Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory has been turned into a museum dedicated to Schindler and his admirable work during the war. This museum will give you the complete picture of Krakow during World War II. Located beneath the Cloth Hall in Krakow's main square, the Rynek Underground is another great museum to visit. You'll experience the history of Krakow with many innovative exhibitions showing how excavations of the market square display the city's history (including a graveyard with a body buried in a certain way to prevent it from returning as a vampire!)

   Suggestion to explore on your own

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Krakow

   

   Auschwitz-Birkenau Group Tour with a Private Driver

   We invite you to visit one of the most expressive and symbolic locations in Poland. You'll explore the Auschwitz Museum and Birkenau Camp, a place that should be experienced and seen at least once in your lifetime. You'll have a private tour to the museum, where you'll join a group of about 30 people.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 7 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Jewish Dinner and Klezmer Concert in Kazimierz

   In the heart of Krakow’s former Jewish district Kazimierz, you will find one of the most well-established restaurants in the city named "Klezmer Hois". Inside the sixteenth century building awaits for you an artistic and culinary offer referring to the pre-war Jewish Kazimierz. We invite you to discover the taste of Jewish cuisine and the charm of klezmer music.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

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4. Day 4 Traveling to Warsaw by Train / Arrival in Warsaw

   You'll be heading north to Warsaw today. There are frequent trains between Krakow and Warsaw, one every two hours or so. We will provide train tickets with seat reservations based on your preferred departure time and arrange for a transfer from your accommodation to the train station. The journey takes about 3 hours. If you'd like to take your time while enjoying more privacy, we can also organize a private transfer with stops along the way in Lodz or Czestochowa. It makes the journey longer but adds a visit to your choice of these remarkable destinations.

   

   You can upgrade your transfer

   Warsaw by Private Transfer with a Tour in Lodz

   Upgrade for an additional cost

   Warsaw, the capital of Poland and its largest city, has bounced back from the devastation of World War II, reconstructing the historic center, and earning UNESCO World Heritage status in the process. This is a bustling metropolis with a charm that’s distinct from other cities in Poland. Here you’ll find art museums and theaters galore, with lively performances and exhibitions throughout the year, as well as frequent festivals of all sorts. The culinary scene here is top-notch, with several well-respected restaurants offering classics of Polish cuisine and modern masterpieces from European gastronomy. Warsaw has distinct neighborhoods that are perfect for exploring on foot, but it’s also fun to get an appreciation for the size of the city by being chauffeured. You can explore different layers of Warsaw’s history, from World War II to its Jewish heritage and communist past. You’ll definitely want to sample the local cuisine while you explore the city, and there’s no shortage of opportunities to do so, from street stalls to fine dining. When you’re ready to go farther afield, the region surrounding Warsaw offers gorgeous lakes, castles and other notable cities and villages. There is no shortage of ways to enjoy your time in this vibrant city.

   When you arrive at the Warsaw train station, a driver will meet you there and take you directly to your accommodation in the city center.

5. Day 5 Your First Full Day in Warsaw

   

   Jewish Warsaw Walking Private Tour: Umschlagplatz

   Take a walk through Warsaw to get a good look at the artifacts, relics, and remainders of the city's Jewish community, once the second largest on the planet, after New York. It all changed after Hitler's army decimated the city. The tour covers important sites, plus hidden places that are skipped by many tours.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   A Millenia of Jewish History

   Standing on the site of the former Warsaw Ghetto, the relatively new POLIN Museum has become one of Europe's most famous museums devoted to Jews. There, you can explore over a millennia of Jewish history, from Poland's first Jewish settlers, to the period just after World War II. It's a vast place, with impressive architecture and plenty of content to read, watch, and interact with. After you've delved into the past, fill yourself up at the museum's restaurant, which offers Jewish, Polish, and international dishes, some kosher.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

6. Day 6 Traveling to Berlin by Train / Arrival in Berlin

   Today you will make your way to the unique capital of Germany, Berlin. When you arrive at Berlin Hauptbahnhof be sure to take a moment to admire the immense scale and complexity of the station which was opened in 2006. We will provide 2nd class tickets with a seat reservation but there is an option to upgrade to first class if you prefer. We'll also arrange for a driver to take you from your accommodation to the train station.

   

   You can upgrade your transfer

   Berlin by Private Transfer

   Upgrade for an additional cost

   A vibrant cosmopolitan city that’s rich in history and contemporary culture, Berlin is constantly evolving. From the ruins of World War II to the Cold War division of the Berlin wall, Berlin has always managed to rebuild. Germany's largest city, this sprawling (by European standards) metropolis has excellent public transportation, from subways to an official rowboat ferry. You’ll find a little of everything here, from history to high gastronomy, art museums to palaces, and plenty of lively bars and nightclubs. The nightlife here is world-class, but there’s more than enough to see during the day. Berlin is made up of distinctive neighborhoods, each with a different character. We recommend several ways of exploring the city, from a Cold War walking tour to a bike tour to see all the must-see sights in a simple and easy way. An exploration of the long and volatile history of Jewish culture in the city is eye-opening as Jewish life in Berlin has been meticulously documented. Many of the city’s art and culture museums offer unforgettable glimpses into history. Potsdam offers the perfect diversion for an afternoon, and Sanssouci Palace, with its well-tended gardens, is a beautiful reminder of the city’s impressive past. The past comes alive in Berlin, but the present is very much alive as well.

   A private driver will be waiting when you arrive at Berlin Hauptbahnhof and will transport to your centrally located accommodation.

7. Day 7 Your First Full Day in Berlin

   

   Jewish Berlin Private Walking Tour

   Discover Berlin’s rich 800-year Jewish history on this engaging tour, which covers more than just the New Synagogue and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. Explore the triumphs and sorrows of Jewish thinkers, artists, and everyday people who have shaped the city. Led by a social/cultural historian, you’ll visit key sites, including the New Synagogue, the Jewish Quarter, and the Missing House. Gain a deeper understanding of the Jewish community's profound impact on Berlin's history.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   The Palace of Tears

   The Tranenpalast, or "Palace of Tears," served as one of the scarce border crossings between East and West Berlin when the Wall was erected (Checkpoint Charlie was closed to Germans). It was the departure point for those fortunate enough to receive permission to emigrate from East Berlin, marking their first steps into the West. Additionally, it was the place where visitors from the West bid farewell to friends and family. This site witnessed numerous poignant farewells. Today, the former border crossing hall, situated adjacent to the Friedrichstrasse train station, serves as a poignant documentation of those moments of separation, offering insights into life in the DDR and the intricate connections between Germany's two halves.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

8. Day 8 Your Second Full Day in Berlin

   

   Third Reich Group Walking Tour

   Explore sites connected to Berlin's darkest period, learning about the rise and fall of the Third Reich. An expert local guide will point out reminders of the final Soviet attack on the city's core, including the fighting for the Reichstag. You will then visit the site where Hitler's bunker was once located, and many other places connected to the Nazi regime and its horrors, learning about the lives of the city's people, those who aided and resisted the regime, as you go.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

9. Day 9 Traveling to Munich by Train / Arrival in Munich

   

   Discover a very different German city - Munich. The traditional capital of Bavaria captivates visitors with her Old World charm and modern life. Regular train connections between Berlin and Munich mean you can choose your preferred departure time. Berlin's Hauptbahnhof is an engineering marvel and it's packed with shops and takeaway food outlets, so you'll have plenty of choice for snacks for the journey. Then all you need to do is unwind and watch the German countryside speeding by. The train journey is between 4 and 5 hours. Your package includes second class tickets with seat reservations. First class tickets can be arranged for an additional fee. We will also have a driver to pick you up at your accommodation and take you to the train station.

   

   You can upgrade your transfer

   Munich by Private Transfer with a Stop in Nuremberg

   Upgrade for an additional cost

   With its traditional beer halls, designer shops, trendy restaurants and international business, Munich is a mix of old and new, German and cosmopolitan. Largely rebuilt after World War II, the city still retains its old world charm, even in the midst of expansion and modernization. You’ve probably heard of the city’s world famous Oktobertfest, a once-in-a-lifetime party dedicated to that incredible Bavarian beer along with some of the local delicacies, including tasty schnitzel. But there’s much more to Munich than drinking, and on your holiday you’ll have the chance to discover the best this charming city has to offer. Don’t miss out on the beer halls and the breweries, but be sure to get off the beaten path to discover a Munich of your own. Much of the city’s past centers around World War II, and there are several ways you can explore this chapter of Munich’s history, including a day trip to the Dachau concentration camp and a special tour focusing on Hitler and the local activities of the Third Reich. Munich is also a center of industry and there is nowhere better to experience this than BMW World. Moving slightly farther afield, Neuschwanstein Castle makes the perfect day trip, perched high in the hills over a verdant valley. Munich’s variety means there’s more than enough to satisfy even the most diverse groups of travelers. Let your curiosity guide you as you explore this unique German city.

   You will be greeted at Munich Hauptbahnhof when you arrive and brought to your central accommodations.

10. Day 10 Your First Full Day in Munich

    

    Munich City Group Walking Tour

    Munich has a lot to offer when it comes to history, culture, art and of course, beer. Explore this magnificent city during your walking tour and get involved in the daily life of the locals as well. During your tour you will see the most important historical sights, the busiest streets and the most amazing beer halls too, all whilst learning about the rich history of the city.

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 2 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

11. Day 11 Your Second Full Day in Munich

    

    Munich's Jewish Heritage

    Munich is home to Germany's second-largest Jewish community, surpassed only by Berlin. Interestingly, a considerable number of homeless Jews sought refuge in Munich after World War II, deeming it a safer haven under the protection of American soldiers compared to certain eastern regions. Additionally, a significant influx occurred post the dissolution of the Soviet Union, with a subsequent wave of well-educated Israelis joining the community. This vibrant and cosmopolitan Jewish community is rich in history, from its predecessors to the era of Nazism. Exploring the city's Jewish landmarks and enjoying the finest kosher cuisine at a notable restaurant is highly recommended.

    Suggestion to explore on your own

12. Day 12 Departure Day

    Based on your departure time, a driver will pick you up from your accommodation and take you to Munich's airport.