From Bavaria to the Heart of Poland

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Munich

   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.

   When you arrive in Munich, a driver will be waiting to meet you and will then bring you to your centrally located accommodation.

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Munich

   

   An Introduction to Munich

   Today you’ll be taking some of your first steps through Munich in the company of an expert private guide. This three-hour tour offers a short, sharp and comprehensive overview of the historic center’s major landmarks. You’ll be taking in all the key historical sites, the most beautiful churches, and the most famous beer halls and gardens. You won’t ignore the more sinister aspects of Munich’s Nazi past, but you’ll see the better face of this lovely city as well, and hear the best stories and most interesting facts.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   First Night, First Beers

   When in Munich, drink as the locals do. Munich has undoubtedly earned its title as “Beer Capital of the World,” so what could be a better activity for your first night than going to one of its famed beer halls or beer gardens, meeting locals, and hearing their stories? If you’re teetotal or raucous beer halls aren’t your thing, you can take a nice walk along Neuhauser Strasse, followed by the Kaufingerstrasse, leading to the city’s most famous square, the Marienplatz, with its magnificent city hall, the Neues Rathaus.

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

   Watch the video

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Munich

   

   Neuschwanstein & Linderhof Premium Small Group Tour

   Enjoy an exclusive trip to Neuschwanstein Castle, the most famous castle in Europe, which is also known as the "fairy tale castle", the "Disney Castle", and "The Eight Wonder of the Modern World". This magnificent building has drawn visitors from around the world and consistently takes their breath away. You will also visit Linderhof, an exquisite 19th-century royal palace, see its beautiful surroundings, and explore the charming village of Oberammergau. Your trip includes luxury coach transportation with a bathroom, onboard service, drinks, snacks, and free W-Fi.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 10 hours

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

   

   Beautiful Machines

   If you love cars or want to approach Munich from a different perspective, we recommend immersing yourself in all things BMW. With its campus in a suburb of the city featuring a museum, a car plant, and BMW World (BMW Welt), this museum offers a unique, interactive presentation of the brand's history. With around 125 automobiles, motorcycles, and engines on display, BMW World is the grand location for car handover presentations and possibly the largest BMW showroom in the world. We recommend taking the English-language tour, which starts every day at 2:00 PM.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

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

   The capricious capital of Berlin is your next destination. The train ride from Munich varies between 4 and 5 hours, but there are numerous trains each day. Based on your preferred departure time, we'll arrange for a driver to bring you from your accommodation to the train station. We'll have booked second class tickets with seat reservations, but first class tickets can be arranged for an additional fee.

   

   You can upgrade your transfer

   Berlin by Private Transfer with a Stop in Nuremberg

   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.

5. Day 5 Your First Full Day in Berlin

   

   Get Your Bearings with a Walking Tour

   Today, you will have a riveting exploration of the city's rollercoaster history. Your guide will impress you with stories of Berlin's vibrant history, including the divisions of the Cold War and the city’s resurrection as the capital of a reunified country. From Slavic forts to Prussian kings and the foundation of Germany in 1871, through WWI, the rise of the Weimar Republic, and the Nazis who replaced it and ushered in WWII, you will delve into each era, uncovering the complexities and resilience of Berlin. Your guide will ensure you understand the significance of each historical moment.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

6. Day 6 Your Second Full Day in Berlin

   

   Potsdam, City of Kings: Private Walking Tour

   Your expert local guide will meet you in Berlin and accompany you on an unforgettable journey to Potsdam. Begin at the Glienicke Bridge, famously known as the "Bridge of Spies," before crossing into what was once East Germany. Explore the New Gardens and enjoy views of the Marble Palace reflected in the serene Heiliger See Lake.

   Next, visit Cecilienhof Palace, the site of the Potsdam Conference that shaped the Cold War. Continue through Potsdam’s historic center, passing landmarks like the Nauen Gate and the charming Dutch Quarter, before arriving at the iconic Brandenburg Gate.

   The tour concludes at the stunning Sanssouci Gardens, where you’ll admire Frederick the Great’s palace, his final resting place, and other remarkable landmarks. After this rich journey through history and beauty, you'll return to Berlin filled with memories

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 6 hours

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

   

   A Museum Paradise

   The historical significance of Berlin as a former imperial capital and its current status as a thriving global cultural hub are vividly reflected in its diverse array of museums, offering an abundance of choices to explore. For enthusiasts of art and archaeology, a visit to Museum Island is a must. This UNESCO-listed museum complex boasts a world-renowned art collection spanning across seven museums. Adjacent to this cultural treasure, the German History Museum, situated on the site of a thwarted assassination attempt against Hitler, provides a comprehensive journey through German history, from its earliest settlements to the present day. Berlin's museums promise a captivating exploration of its rich and multifaceted cultural tapestry.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

7. Day 7 Traveling to Poznan by Train / Arrival in Poznan

   

   Today you'll be taking the train to Poznan. The trip takes about three hours and there are several departures each day. We'll reserve 2nd class tickets for you and can upgrade to 1st class for an extra fee. We will arrange for a driver to transfer you from your accommodation to the train station in plenty of time for your departing train. 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.

   For many people in Poland, Poznan is a city for doing business. But there's another, more interesting side of Poznan that's visible at any given time in the city's Old Town. There's real energy here, and simply strolling through Old Market Square, with its beautifully painted townhouses, will be enough to convince you that Poznan is a unique destination. During the day, there are numerous historical sites and beautiful churches to visit, along with excellent restaurants and cute cafes where you can relax. At night the city comes alive, as businesspeople, students, and tourists crowd into Poznan's signature bars and clubs. A little off the beaten path, Poznan has plenty of stories to tell and delicious food to try. Poznan is also known as the capital of the Saint Martin's croissant, a famous local delicacy that's mostly eaten on November 11, Saint Martin's Day, though you can certainly find it all year round. If you'd like to explore the surrounding region, there are very good transport connections and opportunities for fun day trips. All in all, this charming city will capture your heart with an atmosphere you can feel on every street.

   A driver will greet you when you arrive at the Poznan train station and take you to your accommodation.

   

   Highlights of Poznan Private Tour

   Poznan's bustling Old Market Square, and its surroundings, are a charming remnant of 16th century prosperity. On this tour, you'll see the best-preserved highlights of this era, including Town Hall, once celebrated as "the most beautiful building north of the Alps" Along with various other sites, from the Stallkeepers' Houses to the Royal Castle and the goats monument (the city is really fond of the beasts), you can optionally join your guide for one of the city's specialties, the St. Martin's Croissant, along with a tea or coffee.
   

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

8. Day 8 Traveling to Warsaw by Train / Arrival in Warsaw

   Today you'll be traveling by train to Warsaw. The trip takes about two hours and there are several departures per day. We'll arrange 2nd class tickets, but can get 1st class tickets for an extra fee. We will also arrange for a driver to pick you up from your accommodations in Poznan and take you to the train station.

   

   You can upgrade your transfer

   Warsaw by Private Transfer with a stop 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.

   

   Views and Foods

   If you've just arrived, we suggest visiting the Krakowskie Przedmiescie, a famed street that forms the northern end of the Royal Way. Here, you can climb to the top of the St. Anna's Church Bell Tower, which provides an amazing view of the Royal Castle and the Old Town. After this not insignificant exercise (there are 150 steps to climb), treat yourself to a nice dinner at the nearby U Fukiera restaurant. Through delicious Polish cuisine, you'll start immersing yourself in the local culture. Smacznego!

   Suggestion to explore on your own

9. Day 9 Your First Full Day in Warsaw

   

   Best of Warsaw Private Walking Tour

   Taking this tour first thing after your arrival in Warsaw is going to acquaint you with most of the fabulous, historical and important sites of the city. Besides that, you will find plenty of hidden parts that are rather off the standard route. It’s an excellent option for the first day in Warsaw or if you are limited by time.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Life under Communism

   When it comes to museums dealing with the era of the Peoples' Republic of Poland, Warsaw has plenty to offer. The "Museum of Life Under Communism" is a must, serving as a great introduction to everyday life from the 60s to the 80s. Another crucial element of Polish culture, especially in hard times, is vodka. The "Museum of Polish Vodka" familiarizes visitors with the drink's production process, various flavors, and the raw materials needed to produce them. Last but far from least is the "Neon Museum," devoted to preserving the creative neon lights authorities used in abundance to demonstrate Poland's postwar prosperity.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

10. Day 10 Traveling to Krakow by Train / Arrival in Krakow

    You'll be pleased you've chosen to visit Krakow after discovering this fascinating cultural and artistic city. There are frequent trains from Warsaw every day, so we can provide you with tickets based on your preferred departure time. We have included 2nd class train tickets in your package. The upgrade to 1st class is possible for additional fee. The journey is less than 3 hours. We'll also arrange for a driver to take you from your accommodation to the train station. For a more comfortable journey, we can arrange a private door-to-door transfer for an additional fee. We can include a stop in Czestochowa, where you can visit the famous Jasna Gora Monastery.
    

    

    You can upgrade your transfer

    Krakow by Private Transfer with a Stop and Tour in Lodz

    Upgrade for an additional cost

    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.

    Once you arrive at the Krakow train station, we'll have a driver waiting to take you to your accommodation.

11. Day 11 Your First Full Day in Krakow

    

    Exploring Krakow

    Today you’ll be getting a feel for the story of the city with a private tour with a local expert. There's much to discover as you walk the famed Royal Route through the city's heart, on this tour filled to the brim with historical facts and anecdotes. You'll wander from the Barbican and St. Florian's Gate to the spectacular hilltop royal Wawel Castle, visiting the Main Square with its Cloth Hall and St. Mary's Basilica along the way.

    • Activity Level : Moderate
    • Duration : 3 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

    

    Krakow Wawel Royal Hill Group Tour

    Discover Krakow's aristocratic past on this interesting excursion to the Wawel Royal Castle. It's a great chance to explore the most important hill in Poland while listening to your guide telling you all about the history of Poland's royal families. You'll get a brilliant sensory experience and learn more about history at the same time.

    • Activity Level : Moderate
    • Duration : 1 hour 30 minutes

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

12. Day 12 Your Second Full Day in Krakow

    

    Wieliczka Salt Mine Group Tour With A Private Driver

    Prepare to be amazed at the devotion that drove miners to carve figures, monuments and altar pieces into the walls of an 800-year-old salt mine. This underground world has earned a place on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list. As you descend 360 of the tour's total 800 steps into the salt mine, you'll feel like you're entering a vast underground city complete with huge caverns and underground lakes, 135 meters beneath the surface. One of the most unique aspects is the largest underground chapel, devoted to Saint Kinga, a Hungarian princess who is said to have spurned a marriage proposal by the Polish king by tossing his engagement ring into a salt mine in Transylvania.

    • Activity Level : Moderate
    • Duration : 4 hours

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

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13. Day 13 Departure Day

    Our driver will pick you up in from your accommodation and take you to Krakow Airport in plenty of time for your departing flight.