Highlights of Poland

Today, your private guide will accompany you to get into the charm of the capital city. Warsaw is a perfect embodiment of the indomitable spirit of Polish people. At least 85 percent of the original buildings of the Old Town area were blown up by the Germans in World War II (1939-1945 AD). After the war, people managed to rebuild the devastated city according to the preserved old photos, drawings, and other records. Now the “new” Old Town of Warsaw has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its historical significance.

Let’s first go to Royal Castle which is located on the Castle Square at the entrance of the Old Town. Originally built in 1339 AD, it used to serve as the royal palace and is now a national museum. The interior of the red-brick building is filled with Baroque-style decorations, tapestries, paintings, and statues, which are mainly the collection of Stanislaw Augustus (1732-1798 AD) - the last king of Poland. Must-sees are the authentic masterpieces by the famous artists Rembrandt (1606-1669 AD) and Canaletto (1697-1768 AD). You could also enjoy the view of Vistula River from the royal gardens. Then, we’ll take a walk along the Royal Route, which concentrates the history, culture and art of Poland over hundreds of years. The route’s history can be traced back to the 16th century, connecting 3 former royal palaces: the Royal Castle, Lazinski Palace and Wilanow Palace. Admire the graceful buildings and statues, such as the Holy Cross Church which houses the great musician Frederic Chopin (1810-1849 AD)’s heart, Nicolaus Copernicus Monument, as well as the serene campus of the University of Warsaw. Later, enjoy some leisurely time in Lazienki Royal Park, the largest park in Warsaw which once belonged to King Stanislaw Augustus. It is literally the “Royal Baths Park” and got its name for housing the Baroque Lazinski Water Palace built in the 17th century.  Have a look at its British orangeries, manicured rose gardens, and Chinese-style gardens. And also, don’t miss the Frederic Chopin Monument. From May to September every year, the open-air Chopin Concerts are held every Sunday in the park in memory of this most famous composer of Poland.

After visiting the royal sites, we’ll step into the Warsaw Ghetto and touch the city’s heartbroken memories. It is estimated that over 460,000 Jews were confined in the 3.4-square-kilometer (1.3 sq. mi.) ghetto area during World War II. At least 300,000 of them were persecuted by the Nazis, and more than 80,000 Jews died of starvation or disease. Standing in front of the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes, it’s hard not to reflect on the cruelty of war and cherish the hard-won peace. Next, let’s unveil one of the heaviest chapters in the history of Poland and even the entire Europe. On August 1, 1944 AD, the Polish underground Home Army launched an uprising and fought against the Nazi German occupation for 63 days. However, the efforts ended in failure. In the aftermath, the whole city of Warsaw was razed to the ground and around 200,000 civilians were brutally slaughtered in reprisal while 500,000 survivors were directly sent to the extermination camps. In 1989, Warsaw Uprising Monument was erected to commemorate the fallen heroes and innocent victims during the uprising. After the visit, we’ll drive to Gdansk in 4 hours and your guide will help you check in at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Qubus Hotel Gdansk (4 stars) or similar

Gdansk, known as the “Land of Amber”, is the largest city and the most significant port in northern Poland. The Old Town of Gdansk, which stretches along the Dluga Street (Long Street) and the Dlugi Targ Square (Main Square) from the Golden Gate to the Green Gate, is a kaleidoscope of the city’s fascinating history. This morning, follow your guide to start the exploration from the Golden Gate. Built between 1612 and 1614 AD, this neoclassical city gate used to be part of the defense system. The façade is adorned with intricate details and ornate gilded decors. You could see 8 exquisite sculptures on top of the east and west sides of the gate, which symbolizing Justice, Freedom, Harmony, etc. Passing through the gate, you could see townhouses of various colors lined along the quaint street.

Next, have a glimpse of the life of a Gdansk merchant 200 years ago at Uphagen House. As one of the few 18th-century houses in Europe that are open to the public, it offers us a precious opportunity to see how life was like for a wealthy family at that time. As you step into the hall, the dazzling Rococo interior could immediately capture your eyes. The rooms are meticulously decorated with antique furnishings, glamorous paintings and wallpaper. Next, we’ll see the majestic Neptune’s Fountain, completed in 1633 AD, on which is a bronze statue of the god of the sea. With a determined look, he holds a trident in his hand. Below the statue, there are also some Rococo style sea animal details, indicating the close relation between Gdansk and the sea. Behind the Neptune’s Fountain, let’s delve into the Artus Court, built between 1348 and 1350. It was named after King Arthur who symbolizes chivalry and courage, and once functioned as a venue for social events and ceremonies. Inside the court building is a vast Gothic hall with an abundant collection of paintings, tapestries, and ancient ship models. The most noticeable one is the 12-meter-tall (40 ft.) tiled stove. Made of 520 ceramic tiles, it is the largest tiled stove from the Renaissance period in the world.

In the afternoon, we’ll drive for an hour to Malbork to visit Malbork Castle, which was first built in 1274 AD and took 132 years to complete. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site for being one of the largest brick castles in the world. Served as the headquarter of the Teutonic Order, one of the 3 main medieval knightly Orders, the massive stronghold had both defensive and religious functions, housing the Church of the Virgin Mary and other chapels. Sculptures of the Grand Masters of the Knights can be found on the castle’s square. Inside the Lower Castle, there are museums of the amber artworks collection and the ancient weapon collection. Finally, the guide will escort you back to the hotel in Gdansk.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Qubus Hotel Gdansk (4 stars) or similar

Today, your guide will pick you up at the hotel and we’ll leave for Torun by 2 hours’ drive. The Medieval Town of Torun, inscribed on the World Heritage list, was also built by knights of the Teutonic Order in the 13th century. It is not only the birthplace of gingerbread, but also the hometown of the world-famous astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543 AD).

Upon arrival, we’ll first set our foot into the House of Nicolaus Copernicus in the old town. Also known as Museum of Nicolas Copernicus, this Gothic brick building is said to be where Copernicus was born and brought up. Similar to a lot of other Renaissance geniuses, Copernicus was knowledgeable and especially proficient in law, theology, and medicine. His representative “Heliocentric Theory” was even finished in his spare time. In a time when everyone believed that the Earth was the center of the universe, he put forth the pioneering “Sun-centered” theory, which had great effect on later astronomers like Galileo (1564-1642 AD) and Kepler (1571-1630 AD). We’ll also admire some of the typical Gothic architecture on the Old Town Square, such as the grand Old Town Hall. Then, let’s see the ruins of Teutonic Castle. The Teutonic Order had left behind rich architectural heritage throughout Poland. Although the castle here has almost only broken walls and basements now, it is still attractive for history buffs with its restored castle model and 13th-century toilets, and torture room on exhibition.

Later, take a 2-hour private car ride to Poznan, a city with a history of over 1,000 years which served as the capital in the 13th century. Escorted by the local guide, you’ll first visit Archcathedral Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, or “Poznan Cathedral”, the oldest and first cathedral in Poland whose history can be traced back to the 10th century. It had undergone several times’ reconstructions and now has a Gothic look with twin towers. In the nave, there is a Gothic pentaptych altarpiece from 1512 AD, which depicts the Virgin Mary, St. Barbara, and St. Catherine. Next, we’ll head to the Old Town Square nestled in the heart of the Poznan old town, which was built in 1253 AD. Strolling around the cobblestone square, and getting surrounded by rows of colorfully-painted townhouses, you’ll discover the four Rococo fountains at the four corners of the square, on which are respectively the sculptures of Neptune, Mars, Apollo, and Proserpina. Right behind the Proserpina Fountain stands the most fascinating architecture of the square, the Renaissance Town Hall. Built between 1550 and 1560 AD, it is praised as “the Most Beautiful Building North of the Alps”. The old town hall features Renaissance design with delicate bas-reliefs and paintings on the façade and a three-story loggia. The interesting thing is, at 12 o’clock every day, crowds gather in front of the building to witness two mechanical goats emerging from the clock to butt their heads. At the end of the day, your guide will escort you to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Mercure Poznan Centrum (4 stars) or similar

This morning, we’ll drive for 3 hours to Czestochowa to visit Jasna Gora Monastery, a catholic monastery which is one of the most crucial pilgrimage sites in Poland, particularly well-known for its dedicated Black Madonna. The origin of the iconic Image of the Black Madonna remains unknown. Before it was finally brought to the monastery in 1382 AD, it had been constantly transferred from one place to another. Although suffered fire, robbery, and severe damage, the Black Madonna was miraculously preserved. Legend has it that during the Swedish invasion in the 17th century, the Black Madonna came to the aid of her people to beat back the powerful enemy. She was then declared as the “Queen of the Poland” by the King and was highly respected by Polish people as an emblem of resilience and faith. 

Entering the monastery on the hilltop, you could see the imposing 106-meter (347 ft.) bell tower in the courtyard and hear melodious Marian music coming from the tower. The main basilica, constructed in the 1420s AD, is brimming with Baroque paintings, carvings, and resplendent details. The icon is placed on an altar in the Chapel of the Black Madonna. You could also see a mosaic replica of the Black Madonna. After the visit, your guide will accompany you on a 3-hour drive to the hotel in Krakow.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Mercure Krakow Stare Miasto (4 stars) or similar

Accompanied by the private guide, your Krakow sightseeing starts from the UNESCO-listed Old Town area. Soak yourself in the sea of Renaissance, Baroque and Gothic architectural art, seeing the striking twin towers of St Mary’s Basilica, the original Town Hall Tower, and gorgeous Cloth Hall. Afterward, we’ll proceed to Wawel Hill, which is south of the Old Town and overlooks the meandering Vistula River. At an elevation of only 228 meters (748 ft.), this little hill has been inhabited since the Paleolithic period. On top of the hill are the medieval Wawel Royal Castle and Wawel Cathedral. The castle served as the residence of the Polish royal families from the 10th to the 16th century, with Renaissance courtyards and palaces. The State Rooms house a lot of breathtaking paintings, Italian furnishings, and exquisite tapestries. The Cathedral, with an impressive appearance and splendid interior, could date back to the 11th century. It had been Polish Kings’ coronation place since 1320 AD, and several Kings and national heroes were buried here. At around noon, we’ll go to the Jewish Quarter to see Jewish cultural heritage if time permits.

In the afternoon, we’ll head to Wieliczka Salt Mine in the southeast of Krakow. You may wonder why the mine was one of Poland’s first listed World Heritage Sites, while the question is easy to answer if you know the amazing fact that the salt mine spans 327 meters deep (1,073 ft.), 287 kilometers long (178 mi.), and has 9 levels underground! As one of the oldest and largest salt mines in the world, Wieliczka Salt Mine is almost an underground kingdom with mazes of chambers, chapels, restaurants, and salt lakes. Worked from the 13th to the 20th century, it contributed a lot to the economic growth of Krakow. Over 30% of the fiscal revenue of Poland in the Middle Ages was due to the salt from Wieliczka. St. Kinga’s Chapel, located 101 meters (331 ft.) underground, is the most stunning part of the mine. The interior of the chapel is 10 meters (33 ft.) high, with everything carved by hand from salt blocks that took 3 miners 67 years to finish, including the altarpiece, bas-reliefs, chandeliers, and sculptures. At last, your guide will escort you back to the hotel in Krakow.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Mercure Krakow Stare Miasto (4 stars) or similar

This morning, the guide will accompany you on a 2 hours’ drive to Zakopane, the southernmost city of Poland. Upon arrival, let’s enjoy some leisurely time on Krupowki Street, which is the heart of this highland town. Listen to the folk music, meet with the enthusiastic local shepherds to know about the highlander culture, or savor some featured Oscypek smoked sheep cheese.

Thereafter, take a funicular with your guide to the top of Gubalowka Hill. The peak is 1,126 meters (3,694 ft.) high, on which there are promenades favorable for a light walk. Indulge into the fresh mountain air and the picturesque valley scenery, and overlook the dwellings, pastures, and flocks of sheep in the distance. Enjoy the panoramic view of the entire Tatra Mountains that stretch from Poland to Slovakia. If you are coming in winter or early spring (December to the next March), you could enjoy the beautiful scenery of the snow-capped rolling hills. After the tour, the guide will escort you back to Krakow.

► Tip: The weather is unpredictable in the mountain area, and it might rain at any time. Therefore, it is highly recommended to wear layers of clothes and comfortable waterproof shoes.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Mercure Krakow Stare Miasto (4 stars) or similar

Today, your guide will meet you at your hotel lobby and accompany you to pay a visit to Auschwitz Concentration Camp to unveil the facts of the nefarious atrocity happened here in World War II. During the German-occupied period in the 1940s AD, 3 main concentration camps, or more precisely, extermination camps, and 39 sub-camps were established in Auschwitz. About 1.3 million people were sent here, among which approximately 1.1 million were killed and 90% of them are Jews. Walking through the gate with the sign of the barefaced lie - “Work will set you free”, we could hardly imagine what had happened in today’s quiet surrounding with verdant trees. See the original photos, maps, and documents about the concentration camp, and witness the exhibited personal belongings like glasses, shoes, and even the hair of the victims. It might be overwhelming when you get close to the barracks, gas chambers, execution yard and crematorium, where thousands of people were killed and burned every day. Auschwitz is a living proof of Nazi’s heinous crimes, and also a reminder for the world to avoid repeating the tragedy. After the visit, the guide will escort you to return to the hotel. 

► Recommended Evening Activities (at your own expense)
In the late afternoon, you could have a good rest at the hotel to ease your mood or get relaxed. Or you could walk around the old town. A self-paid Vistula River cruise is another good option for you to enjoy the breeze and the intoxicating sunset views on the flowing Vistula River, seeing the landmarks of Krakow, such as the Debnicki Bridge, Wawel Castle, and Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Mercure Krakow Stare Miasto (4 stars) or similar

Today is the last day of your best Poland tour packages. Your driver will send you to the airport and see you off according to your departure time. If you want to extend your tour to the neighboring countries, delving into WWII history in Berlin, of Germany, or appreciating the unspoiled natural scenery and historic castles in Czech and Slovakia, please contact us directly to get a private itinerary. 

► Recommended Activities for Late Departure (at your own expense)
Opposite your hotel is Galeria Krakowska Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in Krakow with a large variety of stores, cafes, restaurants and a food court on the top floor. You could savor some authentic Polish food before leaving, such as the Polish pizza zapiekanka, traditional kielbasa sausage, and obwarzanek bread.

Meals: Breakfast