Poland 2024
March 23 - 31, 2024 Itenerary
Join Katie on a Historical Tour of Krakow, Wroclaw, Lodz, and Gdansk Poland. I have selected these four cities to visit due the exceptional historical contribution these cities have made to Polish history and culture. The history of Poland spans over a thousand years, from medieval tribes to Christianization and monarchy; through Poland's Golden Age, expansionism and becoming one of the largest European powers; to its collapse and partitions, two world wars, communism, and the restoration of democracy.
The roots of Polish history can be traced to ancient times, when the territory of present-day Poland was settled by various tribes including Celts, Scythians, Germanic Clans, Sarmatians, Slavs and Balts. West Slavic Lechites, the closest ancestors of ethnic Poles, established permanent settlements in the Polish lands during the Early Middle Ages.
March 23 (Saturday)
Welcome to Poland! Arrive Krakow transfer on your own to hotel. Meet Katie at 7:00PM in the lobby
March 24 (Sunday)
After breakfast departure for the Wieliczka Salt Mine. This famous mine has been operating for over 700 years and is the largest working salt mine in Europe. The mine’s historical importance and works of carved art has brough the mine under the protection of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. Explore the three levels of underground galleries and chambers. Return to Krakow remainder of the day to explore Krakow. Welcome Dinner (B D).
March 25 (Monday)
After breakfast you will enjoy a morning guided tour of the medieval Krakow, the historic 16th century Wawel Royal Castle district with its impressive Royal Castle and Wawel Royal Cathedral. Continue to the old Jewish district, Kazimierz, where we will view the Old Synagogue, the Remuh Cemetery, and Temple Synagogue. On to Old Town with its restored Main Square of magnificent houses and palaces and the Cloth Hall. Visit St. Mary’s Basilica to admire the magnificent interior and wooden altar. Remainder of the day to explore this lovely medieval town on your own. Perhaps enjoy dinner in one of Krakow’s restaurants. (B)
March 26 (Tuesday)
After breakfast drive along the Oder River to Wroclaw, a culturally diverse city, having absorbed Bohemian, Austrian, and Prussian influences. With its turbulent history, this city has been under occupation by many rulers, kings, and emperors. Lunch in a local restaurant in the countryside. Stop to visit UNESCO Swidnica Church of Peace, 17th cen. the largest timber framed church in Europe. The Church of Peace represents to the quest for religious freedom and is a rare expression of Lutheran ideology in this predominantly Catholic country. Late afternoon arrival Wroclaw. Evening at leisure to explore this beautiful city. (B, L)
March 27 (Wednesday)
After breakfast, enjoy a city tour of Wroclaw featuring the brightly colored facades of the noble mansions and the flower markets on the Plac Solny. Enjoy the Baroque splendor of the Rynek. Visit Raclawice Museumwith the incredible rotunda. Afternoon departure for Lodz. Upon arrival we will enjoy a city tour of the Market Square, Pasaz Rozy, Piotrkowska Street, and the Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Check in to our hotel. Remainder of the day and evening is at leisure to explore Lodz. Perhaps enjoy dinner at one of Lodz’s local Polish cuisine restaurants. (B)
March 28 (Thursday)
After breakfast transfer to the railway station for our journey to Gdansk. Arrival Gdansk. Meet our guide to begin discovering Gdansk Old Town, remains of WWII in the historic Old Town, Victoria Schulle, bunkers, and ruins from 1940s. Learn about the Mannerist of Polish Architecture 16th/17th century and view examples: Golden Gate and House, Neptune Fountain and similar, along the Royal Route. Highlights Main Town and the Artus Court - a building used for Hanseatic League meetings, and the most beautiful court of Europe’s Hanseatic cities. View the tower of St. Mary's Basilica, one of the largest red-brick Gothic churches in Gdansk. A visit to Church of St. Bridget. Remainder of the day to explore Gdansk. (B)
March 29 (Friday)
After breakfast drive to the Westerplatte peninsula, where WWII began. From 1926/1939 it was the location of the Polish Military Transit Depot, sanctioned within the territory of the Free City of Danzig. Sept. 1, 1939, the battleship Schleswig-Holstein opened fire on the Polish garrison without any warning. Seven days later, the military surrendered due to lack of ammunition. Visit the site of Stutthof Concentration camp, home to a museum about the Nazi occupation. Visit the Solidarity Museum*, and the history of Solidarity, the Polish trade union and civil resistance movement, and other opposition movements of Communist Eastern Europe. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore this picturesque city. *Subject to opening hours due to Easter holidays. (B)
March 30 (Saturday)
After breakfast we drive to the nearby Sopot, the famous and fashionable seaside resort. Visit Oliwa Cathedral**, famous for its one-of-a-kind pipe organ. Continue to Sopot Beach, with Monciak Street, the most famous promenade in Poland. Lined with art nouveau cafes and shops, enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere and beachfront attractions, including the longest wooden pier in Europe, Sopot Pier, and the beautiful waterfront Spa Park. Time has been allotted to enjoy the city. Afternoon visit of your tri-city tour is Gdynia, where the battleship ‘Lightning’ and frigate ‘Gift of Pomerania’ are reminders of the rich history of the Polish Navy and the country’s shipbuilding traditions. Return to Gdansk with the rest of the day free to enjoy Easter festivities and explore this beautiful city. (B) **Subject to opening hours due to Easter holidays
March 31 (Sunday)
After breakfast Transfer on your own to the airport for your return flight. Today is Easter Sunday, a national holiday in Poland. (B)
tour cost
Land Cost Only: $2,200
Single Supplemental: $600
SUPPLEMENTARY COSTS
- Airfare
- Personal Expenses
- Lunches and Dinners not mentioned in itinerary
- Customary Tips for Tour Manager, Driver and Local Guides
CANCELLATION FEES
All cancellations must be in writing.Cancellations received between the date of booking and 75 days prior to commencement of tour will result in the loss of the deposit. Cancellations received 75 days prior to commencement of tour will be subject to a cancellation charge of 70% of the tour price. Cancellations received 45 - 0 days prior to commencement of tour will be subject to a cancellation charge of 100%.
THESE TERMS ARE ACCEPTED AT TIME OF BOOKING. PAYMENT OF DEPOSITS AND/OR PAYMENTS IN FULL FOR TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS INDICATES ACCEPTANCE OF THESE CONDITIONS.