The Polish Grand Tour

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.

   

   Settle in and Enjoy

   If you've just arrived, before starting on tours, head out and get a feel for this unique city. If you're staying near the main square ("Rynek,") take a leisurely stroll, visit the Cloth Hall, and have a coffee with a view at Cafe Szal. If you start near the Kazimierz district, treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Starka restaurant. Either way, let yourself get charmed by Krakow.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Krakow

   

   Krakow Private Walking Tour

   Today you’ll get 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 royal hilltop 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

   Explore Krakow's Jewish Legacy

   Discover the atmosphere and the spirit of Jewish life in Krakow. Before WWII, Jews made up 25% of Krakow's population, helping create the city's unique identity. Delve into this heritage by seeing some of the most significant sites related to Jewish culture and life. Kazimierz is Krakow’s most unique neighborhood, combining its heritage as the Jewish Quarter with a more recent reinvention as the city’s bohemian headquarters. You can also explore food and music at the Klezmer Hois, where you can enjoy a three-course authentic Jewish meal, complete with a live Klezmer band.

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   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

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   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

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   Watch the video

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Krakow

   

   Auschwitz-Birkenau Group Tour

   See in person the place where some of the most gruesome atrocities of World War II were carried out. Auschwitz was the biggest Nazi concentration and death camp in occupied Europe. On July 2, 1947 Memorial Museum was created on its site by an act of the Polish parliament. Situated about an hour from Krakow, the Auschwitz Memorial Museum is included in UNESCO's World Heritage List.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 6 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   Watch the video

   

   Chopin Music Concert

   To any classic music aficionado, concerts of the Chopin's musical works present themselves as a real treat. Here, you will have the opportunity to appreciate a Polish musical genius in the unique atmosphere of Krakow's Market Square. We invite you to listen to Chopin's most famous piano pieces performed by talented and award-winning young pianist.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 1 hour

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

   Watch the video

4. Day 4 Your Third Full Day in Krakow

   

   Zakopane and Tatra Mountains Small Group Tour

   Poland's "winter capital," picturesque Zakopane has much to offer year round, as the gateway to the Tatra Mountains. You'll ride a funicular to the top of Mt. Gubalowka, then visit Zakopane's charming wooden parish and unique cemetery, then visit the enormous regional market, and have lunch in a local restaurant.
   

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 8 hours

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

   

   Wieliczka Salt Mine Group Tour

   This Salt Mine is one of the oldest in the world and was established in the 13th century. Today salt is no longer mined in Wieliczka, but this original underground complex is preserved in a great condition, making it a world-class monument. This astonishing place was recognised in the UNESCO’s World Cultural and Natural Heritage List due to its breathtaking underground chambers carved entirely in salt. Wieliczka Salt Mine tours rank among the most popular day trips from Krakow and draws attention of over one million visitors each year.
   

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 4 hours

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

   Watch the video

5. Day 5 Traveling to Wroclaw by Private Transfer / Arrival in Wroclaw

   Today you'll be traveling to Wroclaw. Your driver will pick you up at your accommodation at your preferred departure time. You will be taken directly to your centrally located accommodation in the city of Wroclaw. The drive will take approximately 3 hours. If a visit to Auschwitz was in your travel plans, we'd like to make a suggestion. For an additional fee, we can arrange for a stop there on the way to Wroclaw. As a traveling to and from Auschwitz typically takes an entire day, this option can save you significant time. We can also arrange for another sightseeing stop along the way, perhaps at the very interesting Moszna Castle.

   Wroclaw is a city of colorful culture and a variety of influences in the architecture and cuisine. After all, Wroclaw has gone under five different names, which attests to the volatility of its history. Almost completely destroyed during World War II, the city today is a vibrant place where Gothic churches meet picturesque waterways, and a dozen islands host verdant riverside parks that are perfect for strolling. The Old Town has been perfectly restored and the city square is the second largest such square in Europe, just behind Krakow’s. From nightlife to historical explorations, there’s an abundance of ways to enjoy Wroclaw. The compact historical center can be explored on foot, and there are many fascinating buildings here to appreciate, as well as an abundance of restaurants, bars and cafes. You wil find live concerts and events happening here night and day. Whether you’re looking to enjoy high culture, relax with a cup of coffee, or enjoy fine dining and drinks, you’ve come to right place. Wroclaw is unique in its blend of historic interest and modern culture. You also won’t want to miss Cathedral Island, one of Wroclaw’s most unique features.

   When you arrive in Wroclaw, your driver will bring you straight to your centrally located accommodation.

   

   Spend an Afternoon at the Medieval Market Square

   Impressively restored, Wroclaw's market square is a thriving social hub, much the same way it was when it was founded in the 13th century. One of the largest such squares in Europe, it's surrounded by magnificent medieval architecture. Be sure to visit the town hall at its center, a unique Gothic building open to visitors. This city center also makes for an ideal place for a welcoming drink. We recommend trying the Pod Papugami restaurant, where you can get great cocktails alongside delicious dishes, in order to best sit back and soak in the city's atmosphere.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

6. Day 6 Your First Full Day in Wroclaw

   

   Private City Golf Cart Tour

   Discover the beauty of Wroclaw while traveling by a golf cart. It will allow you to see most of the interesting places and landmarks of the capital of Lower Silesia in a convenient and comfortable way. Enjoy the scenic routs that were prepared by our licensed tourist city guides.
   

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   Wroclaw University and the Mathematical Tower

   A visit to the historic university's main building is a must for anyone interested in architecture, history, or breathtaking city views. Start by exploring the magnificent Aula Leopoldina, a stunning Baroque ceremonial hall that dates back to the 18th century. Adorned with intricate frescoes, gilded stucco, and ornate woodwork, this grand hall is one of the most impressive examples of Baroque interior design in Europe. After marveling at the opulent decor, make your way to the Mathematical Tower, where a climb to the top rewards you with sweeping panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. The tower provides a unique perspective on the city's historic skyline, with its spires, rooftops, and the flowing river below, making it well worth the effort.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

7. Day 7 Traveling to Poznan by Private Transfer / Arrival in Poznan

   Today you'll be heading to Poznan. Your driver will pick you up at your accommodations at the agreed-upon time. The trip takes about three hours, and it's possible to stop at the Kornik Castle just outside Poznan for an additional fee.

   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.

   Your driver will bring you straight to your accommodation in the center of Poznan.

   

   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 Gdansk by Private Transfer / Arrival in Gdansk

   

   Today, you will travel to the beautiful Gdansk. You will be picked up at your accommodations in Poznan at your preferred departure time and taken directly to your accommodations in Gdansk. The journey takes about 3 hours 30 minutes. You have the option to include stops along the way for an additional fee. If you have an interest in archaeology, we recommend a stop in Biskupin, a remarkably preserved fortified settlement dating back over 2,500 years. Alternatively, you may choose to visit the charming town of Torun, renowned as the birthplace of Nicolaus Copernicus and famous for its gingerbread cookies.

   Gdansk has a rich and volatile history, due mostly to its position at the mouth of the Vistula River on the Baltic Sea. That has been bad news for the city’s inhabitants throughout history, but today it’s good news for visitors. With its rare blend of historic architectural styles from varied cultures, Gdansk offers reminders of Polish, Prussian, and Napoleonic rulers. While some of the city recalls Poland, other parts will remind you of Amsterdam and other port cities from the north of Europe. You’ll have a great time exploring all the various corners of the city on foot, but there’s much more to do here than just look at interesting buildings. Old Town and Westplatte are two areas you won’t want to miss. Don’t forget to pay a visit to Long Market, where you can find many local arts and crafts. And outside of the city, Malbork Castle is one of the most popular day trips. History will come alive for you here as you explore the different tours and museums on the castle grounds. Or you could go a little farther afield with a tri-city day trip including visits to Gdansk, Sopot and Gdynia, all of which have a unique charm that’s even more impressive when compared with the other nearby cities.

   Your driver will bring you directly to your accommodations in Gdansk's Old Town.

   

   Walk the Royal Way

   Follow in the footsteps of kings by taking the Royal Way through the center of the city, from the Green Gate to the Golden Gate. This route will take you down Ulica Dluga and Dlugi Targ, the "Long Lane" and "Long Market," along which many of the city's landmarks are arranged. It offers the most direct way to get to know and fall in love with Gdansk.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

9. Day 9 Your First Full Day in Gdansk

   

   Gdansk Private Walking Tour

   Gdansk is an ideal city for walking tours, because most of the most notable sites are close to one another. You'll be led by an experienced local guide who will entertain you with stories from the colorful past of Gdansk. Let your curiosity run wild as you stroll along the city streets and come to a new appreciation of this destination. In a short period of time you'll get a complete picture of the city. This tour best way to get to know the character, history and atmosphere of Gdansk, a unique city with a spirit all its own.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 2 hours 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   The Museum of Solidarity

   Next to the entrance of the Gdansk Shipyard, where the movement that overthrew Polish communism was born, you'll find the impressive new European Solidarity Center. This museum is devoted to the Solidarity movement led by Lech Walesa and features film screenings, sound recordings, and interactive exhibits.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

10. Day 10 Your Second Full Day in Gdansk

    

    Tricity (Gdansk - Sopot - Gdynia) Private Tour

    Gdansk, Sopot and Gdynia are popularly known as the Tricity. Although they share much in common, they have radically different histories and appearances. Discover beautiful beaches, an enchanting medieval Old Town, and a bustling port city boasting museum ships and murals. This is an ideal tour for those who are in Gdansk for a limited time, but still want to get to know Gdansk and its neighbors.
    

    • Activity Level : Moderate
    • Duration : 7 hours

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

    See the World's Largest Castle

    If you are into sightseeing and history, spend a day at Malbork Castle. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the world's largest castle by surface area, but it sets itself apart in many other ways, including its red brick construction. Once the capital of the Teutonic Knights, this stunning wonder is a reminder of Poland's complicated past.

    Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

    

    Malbork Castle Private Tour

    We invite you to discover this 13th-century Teutonic castle located near the town of Malbork. It is undoubtedly one of the greatest and most significant monuments in Poland and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn about the history of the Teutonic Order and explore the largest castle in the world measured by land area.

    • Activity Level : Moderate
    • Duration : 5 hours

    Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

    

    Malbork Castle Group Tour

    The world's largest castle, the stunning red brick Malbork Castle was once the capital of the Teutonic Knights. Join a small group, and explore the UNESCO-listed fortress' wonders, including the 14th-century Palace of the Grand Master, St. Mary’s Church, and the artwork within the sizable Amber Museum.

    • Activity Level : Moderate
    • Duration : 6 hours

    Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

11. Day 11 Traveling to Warsaw by Private Transfer / Arrival in Warsaw

    Today you'll be driven from Gdansk to Warsaw, the trip is just under four hours. Our driver will pick you up at your accommodation in Gdansk and take you directly to the capital of Poland. If you'd like to extend the journey for an extra fee you'll have the opportunity to see Malbork, the world's largest castle, or the lovely Torun, one of the oldest cities in Poland.

    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.

    Welcome to Warsaw! Our driver will take you to your centrally located accommodation.

    

    Chopin Concert Tickets

    While you are in Warsaw, we invite you to book an evening to appreciate the work of the greatest Polish composer Frederic Chopin. Poland’s capital city of Warsaw, also happens to be Chopin’s hometown, so it’s a very special place to listen to his music. No need to worry if you don’t know much about Chopin—a short speech is provide to inform you about his life before the concert begins.

    • Activity Level : Easy
    • Duration : 1 hour

    Included in your vacation package price

12. Day 12 Your First Full Day in Warsaw

    

    Classic Warsaw Private Tour by Communist Minibus

    Explore Warsaw's history, culture, architecture, and more with an expert local guide, as they take you through the city's most important historical sites, from the Royal Castle and Old Town, to the Palace on the Isle and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Warsaw can be sprawling, so you'll save plenty of time and energy by traveling aboard a communist-era minibus.

    • Activity Level : Moderate
    • Duration : 3 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

    Understand Poland's History Through its Key Museums

    One of the indisputable truths about Warsaw is that it is the home of some of Poland's most impressive and innovative museums. Be sure to visit the POLIN Museum, which celebrates the long history and continued heritage of the Jewish community in Poland, the Warsaw Rising Museum that commemorates the 1944 Warsaw Uprising, and the National Museum, famed for its extensive art collection.
    

    Suggestion to explore on your own

13. Day 13 Your Second Full Day in Warsaw

    

    Majdanek and Lublin Private Day Trip

    Visit the place that is very much different than Auschwitz or Dachau. It’s the most complete witness of the terrifying Holocaust. Silent, with no crowds and rush. You might get a feeling, that it was just abandoned and left intact (which is true). After paying respect to the victims of war at Majdanek, you will be able to change scenery and stroll around a beautiful old town in Lublin - One of the premier cities in Eastern Poland.

    • Activity Level : Moderate
    • Duration : 11 hours

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

    

    Evening Warsaw Private Tour by Communist Minibus

    On board of the communist minibus, your guide will take you through 20th century city: you will find the original parts of pre-WWII Warsaw and hear the story of the communist country and unknown Praga district. Experience Warsaw at night to try to understand it while looking at it from another angle or just enjoy your time while your guide takes care of your needs!

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 3 hours

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

14. Day 14 Departure Day

    Based on your flight time, we'll arrange for a transfer from your accommodations to Warsaw's main airport.