Worldwide Destinations
Freedom To Wander
Highlights of Poland w/Insight Vacations
Shop for folklore fare in Krakow, sample dumplings in Warsaw, and cross the heights of the Tatras Mountains for a Zakopane Dinner. From the Wawel Royal Castle to the Baltic Belles of Gdansk, be immersed in the history of this beautiful country.
Shop for folklore fare in Krakow, sample dumplings in Warsaw, and cross the heights of the Tatras Mountains for a Zakopane Dinner. From the Wawel Royal Castle to the Baltic Belles of Gdansk, be immersed in the history of this beautiful country.
EXPLORE POLANDS RICH HERITAGE, CULINARY DELIGHTS AND LOCAL TRADITIONS
Warsaw - Is the capital and largest city of Poland. It was the site of election of Polish kings, meeting of Polish parliament (Sejm), and events such as the Polish victory over the Bolsheviks at Vistula, during the battle of Warsaw. (1920) Warsaw was deliberately annihilated in 1944 as a repression of the Polish resistance to the Nazi German occupation. The capital city was reduced to ruins with the intention of obliterating the centuries old tradition of Polish statehood. Warsaw is known as the "Phoenix City" due to the number of times it has been destroyed and risen again.
Krakow - Is a southern Poland city near the border of the Czech Republic known for its well-preserved medieval core and Jewish quarter. Its old town is centered on the stately, expansive Rynek Glowny (market square).. The plaza is the site of the Cloth Hall, a Renaissance era trading outpost, and St. Mary's Basilica a 14th century Gothic church. Because the city is so compact, it is easy to walk from one attraction to another. You can walk from Old Town and cross over the south of Vistula River in just about 20 minutes.
On certian days of the tour you will have Optional Experiences to choose from at an additional charge.
Please see Other Information Tab for detailed information.
Airfare additonal from US to Krakow & Warsaw to US | Please call for Air Inclusion Rates
$200 non-refundable deposit due at time of booking
Final payment 60 days prior
Single Supplement Rate $3,875.00
Day One
Welcome to Kraków - Your journey through Poland begins in picturesque Krakow. Meet Europe's largest and most beautiful town square. See the famous Sukiennice Cloth Hall, St. Mary's Church and the many historic townhouses, palaces and churches. Be sure to listen for the trumpeter's call! Later, enjoy getting to know your fellow guests over a fabulous Welcome Dinner.
DDay Two
The Damsels and Dragons of Kraków - This morning you can join an Optional Experience to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine. In the afternoon ascend Wawel Hill to see the Renaissance castle with a Local Expert. Visit the cathedral, the final resting place of the Kings of Poland and the former seat of Archbishop Karol Wojtyla, later known to the world as Pope John Paul II. Head across the former Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz, and then to Podgórze to see Ghetto Square.
FBDay Three
Across the High Tatra Mountains to Zakopane - Journey into the Tatras, the highest range of the Carpathian Mountains. Stay in the resort town of Zakopane, famous for its wooden houses and winter sports. On arrival, join your Travel Director for an orientation of the city. Spend free time shopping for local specialties in the markets of Krupówki Street or ascend a nearby mountain for panoramic views across the Tatras into Slovakia. In the evening, enjoy a rousing Highlight Dinner, accompanied by Goral Highlander folklore entertainment at a local restaurant.
FB, DDay Four
Reflect on Auschwitz, then on to Wroclaw, the Venice of Poland - Traveling past the birthplace of Pope John Paul II, your rest stop will be the city of Oswiecim, better known throughout the world by its German name, Auschwitz. With a local historian, experience a moving visit to the memorial and museum of Auschwitz and a stop at Birkenau. Travel along the Oder River to the city of Wroclaw, known in Polish as Miasto Spotkan or the meeting place. During its long history, Wroclaw has belonged to Poland, Bohemia, Austria, Prussia and Germany. With your Local Expert, see the brightly colored facades of the noble mansions and the flower markets on the Plac Solny. Take in the Baroque splendor of the Rynek, and be introduced to Wroclaw's cheeky gnomes. This evening join your Travel Director for a Craft Beer at the Piwnica Swidnicka, the oldest restaurant/cellar in Poland, founded in 1273.
FBDay Five
Poznan, Cradle of the Polish Nation - Continue on to Poznan where you will drive out to Ostrów Tumski, known as Cathedral Island. It's considered as the birthplace of Poland in the 10th century and is a fascinating place of legend, often overlooked by other visitors. Explore Poznan with Insight Choice. Choose to immerse yourself in the history of the city and enjoy a walking tour. Alternatively, learn the secrets behind the St. Martin’s croissant, a local delicacy, and enjoy a tasting.
FB, DDay Six
Torun, the Gothic Glory on the Vistula and Gdansk - Stop at Gniezno to visit the cathedral and see the famous twowinged bronze doors. Then continue to Torun, founded by the Teutonic Knights in 1233 and birthplace of astronomer, Nicolaus example of medieval architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, meet an artisan baker for a taste of gingerbread, baked following a traditional recipe and using only locally sourced ingredients. Spend time exploring at your own pace. Follow the Vistula River north to magnificent Gdansk, Poland’s Baltic trading port with more than 1000 years of history. As evening descends, a dinner of Baltic specialties is highly recommended, followed by a walk through Gdansk's illuminated historic district.
FBDay Seven
The Baltic Belles of Gdansk - Spend the morning with a passionate Local Expert. Learn captivating and fun facts about the city and see the Westerplatte, the scene of the first fighting between Polish and German troops in 1939, and the Gdansk Shipyards where Lech Walesa formed the anti-Soviet Solidarnosc in 1980. Continue through the medieval city, where buildings date back to the time of the Hanseatic League. Enjoy a free afternoon and perhaps choose to visit the elegant seaside town of Sopot?
FBDay Eight
Malbork Castle and Warsaw - With a Local Expert, visit the Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork, founded in 1274 by the Teutonic Knights on the banks of the Nogat River. The castle is a stunning example of a medieval fortress and the largest brick Gothic castle in the world. Next, travel south to the capital of Warsaw. With the rest of the day at your leisure, perhaps attend an evening concert of Poland’s best loved composer, Frédéric Chopin?
FBDay Nine
Exploring the Proud Polish Capital of Warsaw - See the Palace of Culture and the Chopin Monument in Lazienki Park with a Local Expert. Visit the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes, followed by a walk through Warsaw’s Old Town, entirely rebuilt since World War II. At your Celebration Dinner, enjoy a fine selection of local dishes with wine at a cozy Warsaw restaurant.
FB, DDay Ten
Depart Warsaw - Time to say goodbye to your new friends as your journey through Poland comes to an end.
FBFB=Full Breakfast, D=Dinner
Suggested Packing
-Comfortable walking shoes
-Hat and Sunscreen
-Cash and Credit Cards (Only those needed)
-Medicine and spare prescriptions
-Extra glasses and/or contacts
-Book, Word Search and/or Crossword Puzzle
-Binoculars
-Seat Cushions and/or Blanket (If attending a parade or show)
-Ear plugs and sleep mask
-Mini-Sewing Kit
-Toiletries and Tissues
-Chargers for devices (Cell phones, Tablets, etc.)
-Extra Memory Cards (Digital Cameras) or Extra Film
Activity Level 3
This travel experience is perfect for those who want to see everything their destination has to offer. With the ability to navigate hills and uneven ground (1-2 hours with little difficulty), as well as climb into various modes of transportation, you'll be able to explore every corner of your destination without missing a thing. Plus, with some longer days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure, you'll have the perfect harmony of flexibility and exploration.
Optional Experiences
Day Two - Salt Mine Excursion - Visit the 700-year-old UNESCO World Heritage listed salt mine, located on the outskirts of Krakow. On a guided tour, learn about the mine’s long history, and explore the vast underground labyrinth of chambers filled with unique salt sculptures carved by the miners themselves. Adult: $73.48 US
* This optional involves reservations and entrance prepayments. Should you decide to cancel the optional, a 50% cancellation fee will be incurred.
OR
Polish Karczma Dinner & Polka Party - Enjoy a generous selection of traditional Polish cuisine and drinks in the countryside outside Krakow. A local, beautifully-dressed folk group and live band will entertain you with songs and dances and you might even get to join them for a polka or two! Don't miss this enjoyable evening. Adult $85.36 US
Day Three - Zakopane Treasures - Hear legends of Zakopane from our Local Expert and immerse yourself in Goral culture. Discover the most famous examples of the traditional wooden architecture and craftsmanship of the 'Zakopane Style', invented by Stanislaw Witkiewicz, during a visit to the beautiful nineteenth century Villa Koliba, as well as the nearby meritorious cemetery with its sorrowful Jesus and wooden statues. Pass by Zakopane's ski jumping arena which hosts the best athletes from around the world every year during the World Cup and finally travel into the mountain forests of Tatra National Park and visit the famous Jaszczurowka Chapel. Adult: $47.54 US
Day Five - Raclawich Panorama &Treasure of Wroclaw - This morning, with our Local Expert, we'll visit Poland’s most famous battle scene painting, the Raclawice Panorama. It's the only cycloramic painting in the country and one of only a few in Europe. It depicts the Battle of Racławice when Tadeusz Kościuszko’s troops emerged victorious against Russia in 1794. An entire museum was built to house this one painting! We'll also learn about the Battle of Breslau, one of the last major actions of WWII, and visit the moving Katyn memorial. Then, we'll cross several branches of the Oder river to see Wroclaw's islands. The area, known as ‘Polish Venice', is home to the 13th-century Cathedral of St John the Baptist, an iconic symbol of Wroclaw. Finally, we'll take a leisurely stroll through the park to see UNESCO-listed Centennial Hall, an early landmark of reinforced concrete, built by German architect Max Berg in 1913. A great way to enjoy this historic city! Adult: $56.19 US
Day Six - Dinner in Gdansk - This evening join us in one of Gdansk’s best dining venues, located in a former 17th-century granary on the bank of the Motława river. We'll enjoy a superb dinner of local Baltic specialties and be introduced to the thousand-year-old brewing tradition of Gdansk by tasting several of the restaurant's very own micro-brewed craft beers. In the Middle Ages, Gdansk was one of the wealthiest ports of the powerful Hanseatic League, and its fine buildings continue to be painstakingly rebuilt following WWII. After dinner enjoy a short walk through the illuminated old city. Adult: $85.36 US
Day Seven - Sopot by the Sea & Oliwa Organ Concert - Join our Local Expert for a relaxing trip to Sopot, Poland's beach capital. Famous for its Art Nouveau cafes and grand turn of the century resorts, we'll enjoy a walk along the longest wooden pier in Europe, stretching into the Bay of Gdańsk. Then enjoy a performance of the famous Oliwa Cathedral Organ. Built between 1755 and 1780 by organ master Johann Wulf, the Oliwa Cathedral Organ was at the time the largest organ of its type in Europe. It features moving cherubs, trumpet-playing angels and has a staggering 7,896 pipes and 110 registers allowing for an incredible range of pitch and sounds including rippling water, animal cries and human voices; hear it for yourself to believe it! Adult: $48.60 US
Day Eight - Chopin Concert - The spirit of Warsaw and the music of Chopin go hand in hand. In a concert venue located in the center of Warsaw, enjoy an enchanting recital of his music performed by a celebrated Polish pianist. Sparkling wine is served during the intermission. Adult: $58.34 US
Day Nine - Wilanow Palace - To the Polish people, Wilanów is more than just a palace–it's a national treasure, the embodiment of an era from which much has been lost. Join a Local Expert for a guided visit to the ‘Polish Versailles’. Walk within the baroque royal residence to admire the stunning collection of furniture, portraits and china which forms part of the National Museum. Adult:$48.62US
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