Insight Vacations Highlights of Poland

The medieval heart of Kraków is rich in legend, a kind of Polish Camelot. Join a Local Expert historian for an in-depth exploration of this historic ‘Holy Grail’.
Visit Oskar Schindler’s Factory Museum and gain an insight into the vital part he played, saving the lives of so many during the Nazi occupation.
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of this fascinating city.
Experience a powerful and moving visit, with a Local Expert, to the memorial and museum of Auschwitz and a stop at Birkenau, which bears witness to the terrible atrocities of the Holocaust.
Explore this outstanding UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit the 13th-century fortified monastery belonging to the Teutonic Order and the largest Gothic brick castle in the world.

• VIP door-to-door transfer service – taken directly from your door to departing airport.
• Airport transfers at the destination.
• Quality accommodation as per itinerary.
• Experiences & quality dining as per itinerary.
• A coach with more legroom, air-conditioning, sound system, video & Wi-Fi.

Day 1: Arrival into Kraków

Your complimentary, private transfer takes you to your local departure airport. Transfers to your hotel depart Kraków airport at 10:30, 12:30 and 15:00. Meet your Travel Director at 16:30 for a walk around the Rynek Główny, Europe’s largest and most beautiful town square.

Day 2: Exploring Kraków

In the morning, why not join an optional to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine? Alternatively, relax until your ascent of Wawel Hill to see the Renaissance castle with a Local Expert. Then visit the cathedral, the final resting place of the Kings of Poland and the former seat of Archbishop Karol Wojtyła, later known to the world as Pope John Paul II. Head across the former Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz to Podgórze to see Ghetto Square.

Day 3: Across the Tatras Mountains

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.

Day 4: Auschwitz

Travelling past the birthplace of Pope John Paul II, your first stop will be the city of Oświęcim, 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 Wrocław, known in Polish as Miasto Spotkań or the meeting place. During its long history, Wrocław has belonged to Poland, Bohemia, Austria, Prussia and Germany. See the brightly coloured facades of the noble mansions and the flower markets on the Plac Solny. Take in the Baroque splendour of the Rynek, and be introduced to Wrocław’s cheeky gnomes.

Day 5: Poznań

With a relaxed start to the day, perhaps join a Local Expert on an Optional Experience to ride a historic 1900s Breslauer tram? 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. Journey to the region of Wielkopolska to meet a local resident of Poznań who knows every nook and cranny of the Old Town. Learn the secrets behind the St. Martin’s croissant, a local delicacy of Poznan with a special history, and enjoy a tasting.

Day 6: Toruń

Stop at Gniezno to visit the cathedral and see the famous winged bronze doors. Then continue to Toruń, founded by the Teutonic Knights in 1233 and birthplace of astronomer, Nicolaus Copernicus. Join a Local Expert to discover this outstanding example of medieval architecture, now a living museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 7: Gdańsk

Spend the morning with a Local Expert. See the Westerplatte, scene of the first fighting between Polish and German troops in 1939, and the Gdańsk Shipyards where Lech Wałęsa formed the anti-Soviet Solidarność 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?

Day 8: Malbork Castle

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 across the beautiful Masuria Lake District, passing Iława on the way 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?

Day 9: Warsaw

See the Palace of Culture and the Chopin Monument in Łazienki Park with a Local Expert. Visit the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes and the Historical Museum, followed by a walk through Warsaw’s Old Town, entirely rebuilt since World War II. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Perhaps visit Wilanów Palace, once the home to Poland’s most famous King Jan Sobieski III? At your Celebration Dinner, enjoy a fine selection of local dishes with wine at a cosy Warsaw restaurant.

Day 10: Depart Warsaw

Your journey comes to an end with your departure transfer arriving at Warsaw airport at 07:30 or 10:00. On arrival at your home airport, your driver will greet and escort you to your waiting car for your private transfer home.