Best of Poland
11 Days from $2,450 per person
The resilience of Poland is revealed on this exploration of a land marred by a tragic war, but restored with enviable verve. Explore the rebuilt center of Warsaw, the medieval Old Towns of Gdansk, Wroclaw and Kraków, and Auschwitz.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange for flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
Overview
The resilience of Poland is revealed on this exploration of a land marred by a tragic war, but restored with enviable verve. Explore the rebuilt center of Warsaw, the medieval Old Towns of Gdansk, Wroclaw and Kraków, and Auschwitz.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange for flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
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Day 1: Arrive Warsaw
Connect with Warsaw's steadfast spirit—a city rebuilt from the ashes of World War II. On arrival at Warsaw Airport, transfers will operate at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm. Guests arriving later should make their own way to the hotel. After check-in this afternoon, relax and unwind or take a stroll through the city. This evening meet your fellow travelers and Travel Director at the hotel.
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Day 2: Warsaw Sightseeing
This morning, embark on an in-depth guided sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist. See the iconic and unexpected highlights of what has been the capital of Poland since the late 16th century. Gain a deeper understanding of how the city was rebuilt after the devastation of the Second World War. In your free time, you may consider an Optional Experience to Wilanow Palace.
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Day 3: Warsaw – Gdansk Sightseeing
Journey to Gdansk, the amber capital of the world and one of the oldest cities in Poland. Enjoy a sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist, exploring the major attractions of this Baltic center. Then, dive into culture during a visit to the European Solidarity Center which reveals the history of Solidarity, the Polish trade union and civil resistance movement. Tonight, dinner is served at your hotel.
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Day 4: Gdansk Free Day or Optional Experience to Malbork
Enjoy a full free day to explore Gdansk on your terms. Admire the architecture in the historic Long market and wander down Long Lane to Golden Gate, or consider joining an Optional Experience to visit Malbork Castle, founded by the Teutonic Order of Knights in 1274.
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Day 5: Gdansk – Toruń – Wroclaw
Stop in the medieval town of Toruń this morning, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site, famed for being the birthplace of the Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. Dive into culture and the flavor-filled tradition of gingerbread making for which Toruń is famous during a visit to the Living Museum of Gingerbread. Roll up your sleeves and bake your own creations before continuing to Wroclaw, a former European Capital of Culture and the capital of Lower Silesia. Tonight enjoy dinner at your hotel.
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Day 6: Wroclaw Sightseeing
This morning, join your Local Specialist on a guided tour of the city, which at one time or another was ruled by Poland, Bohemia, Austria, Prussia and Germany. Discover its complex history and see some of its most important sites, including Wroclaw Cathedral, the Main Market Square, Old Town Hall and Salt Square, a former medieval marketplace and today, a flower market. Enjoy a tour highlight—Aula Leopoldina, the Rococo library of Wroclaw University. This afternoon, consider joining an Optional Experience to Ksiaz Castle and UNESCO-listed Swidnica Church of Peace, or continue to explore the city.
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Day 7: Wroclaw – Zakopane
Your journey today takes you towards the foot of the Tatra Mountains, the highest mountain range of the Carpathians, which stretch roughly 932 miles across Central Europe. Spend some free time enjoying the local town or consider taking an Optional Experience through lush countryside to explore the mountains and valleys for which this region is so famous. Break bread with a local Polish family at the foothills of the Tatra in Zakopane. You'll connect with locals and gain insights into their way of life in the Polish Highlands while enjoying a home-cooked Be My Guest dinner featuring local specialties.
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Day 8: Zakopane – Kraków Sightseeing
Travel to Krakow where you will enjoy views of the Royal Castle and Cathedral on Wawel Hill during your tour with a Local Specialist. Your walking tour through the Old Town includes a visit to the Cloth Hall and St. Mary's Church. This evening, perhaps sample some lively Polish entertainment with dinner.
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Day 9: Excursion to Auschwitz and Kraków Free Time
Travel this morning to the former concentration camp at Auschwitz, a poignant and permanent reminder of the horrors perpetrated during the Holocaust. This afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore Kraków on your own terms.
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Day 10: Kraków – Optional Experience to Wieliczka Salt Mines – Czestochowa (Jasna Góra Monastery) – Warsaw
This morning, consider an Optional Experience to the Wieliczka Salt Mines, comprising a labyrinth of tunnels with around 22 chambers. There are dozens of statues, underground lakes and a full-sized church carved out of rock salt. Later, leave Kraków and travel to Jasna Góra Monastery. This is Poland's most famous shrine to the Virgin Mary, featuring the iconic Black Madonna of Czestochowa. Delve into the history of this very important monastic site, which is revered in Poland. Finish the day in Warsaw where your journey around Poland began. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner with newfound friends at your hotel.
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Day 11: Depart Warsaw
Say farewell to your travel companions and Travel Director at the end of a wonderful vacation. Return transfers will arrive at Warsaw Airport at 7:30 am and 10 am. Conditions apply.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Definite Departure
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 May 19 | 14 May 19 |
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$2,450pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Call 1-877-622-9109 | ||
| 1 Jun 19 | 11 Jun 19 |
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$2,450pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 15 Jun 19 | 25 Jun 19 |
|
$2,450pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 29 Jun 19 | 9 Jul 19 |
|
$2,450pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 13 Jul 19 | 23 Jul 19 |
|
$2,450pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 27 Jul 19 | 6 Aug 19 |
|
$2,450pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 10 Aug 19 | 20 Aug 19 |
|
$2,450pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 21 Sep 19 | 1 Oct 19 |
|
$2,475pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now |
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
Single Room Supplement: from $620 per person
Triple Room Discount: $10 per person
Airport Transfers: On arrival at Warsaw Airport transfers will operate at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm. Guests arriving later should make their own way to the hotel. Return transfers on the last travel day will arrive at Warsaw Airport at 7:30 am and 10 am.
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $97 per person.
AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift! Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.
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Professional Travel Director
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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VIP Access
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
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Personal Flight Options
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Most Meals
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Hotel Tips
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Cultural Enrichment
Meal Summary
15 meals: 10 Buffet Breakfasts, 5 Dinners.
Insider Experiences
Connect with Locals
- In the Polish Highlands, join a local family for a Be My Guest dinner featuring local gastronomic delights such as roasted goat meat and salted, smoked sheep cheese
Dive into Culture
- Immerse yourself in Toruń's tradition of gingerbread making during a visit to the Living Museum of Gingerbread where you'll get to bake your own creation
Local Specialist
- For included sightseeing in Warsaw, Gdansk, Wroclaw, Krakow, Jasna Góra Monastery
Sightseeing Experiences
- City tour of Warsaw, Gdansk, Wroclaw, Kraków
- Orientation of Zakopane
- Visit the Old Town in Warsaw, the European Solidarity Center, the UNESCO World Heritage town of Toruń, the Living Museum of Gingerbread in Toruń, the Cloth Hall and St. Mary's Church in Kraków, the former concentration camp of Auschwitz, Jasna Góra Monastery in Częstochowa
- View the Cathedral, Salt Square and the Old Town Hall in Wroclaw
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
Reviews
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Passports and Visas
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Currency
The currency in Poland is the Zloty (zł). While it’s a good idea to bring some money for when you first arrive in Poland, you’ll usually find a better exchange rate in your destination. The most convenient way to obtain cash is to use your ATM card at local banks in Poland. We recommend you also bring a valid credit card for purchases while you are traveling. It is important that you inform your financial institutions of your travel plans before you leave home so they don’t flag your purchases as potentially fraudulent charges.
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Cuisine
Polish cuisine is rich, hearty, and heavy on the meat. Local dishes include Bigos (sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, onions and meat), kotlet schabowy (breaded pork cutlet) and klopsiki (meatloaf with tomato sauce). Poland’s faworki pastries (pastry twisters) and chocolates are definitely worth a try. Beer is becoming increasingly popular and of course there is vodka, which is served chilled before, during and after meals.
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Packing
We suggest bringing a variety of lightweight clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress. Keep in mind that your shoulders and knees should be covered while visiting religious sites. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.
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Tipping
At restaurants in Poland it’s appropriate to leave up to 10 percent gratuity for good service. Try to have extra change handy as it is not common practice to add it to your credit card receipt.
At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend €3.00 per person/per day for your driver and €5.00 per person/per day for your Travel Director. Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 euros per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit. A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.
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Baggage
Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.
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Health and Fitness
You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions. All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers. In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group.
If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.
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Insurance
We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Warsaw
Wilanow Palace
This splendid baroque palace was built in the late 17th century as a summer home for King Jan Sobieski III. On our visit you’ll see the collection of royal furniture, portraits and china that forms part of the National Museum.
Adult Price: €34
Warsaw Five Senses Tour
Journey to the little-known district of Praga, voted among the 10 coolest neighbourhoods in Europe by the Independent, where we'll take a guided tour of Poland's first Vodka Museum. Experience a tantalising journey through the history of one of the world's foremost famous and noted tipples. To stimulate your senses, we'll sample local and national delicacies before a scenic drive enjoying the lights of Warsaw. One of Europe's least-known, yet most spectacular and fascinating cities.
Adult Price: €59
Gdansk
Harbour Cruise and Westerplatte
Get the real feel of Poland's most important sea port by taking a cruise through the port. Visit Westerplatte - the place where WWII began.
Adult Price: €37
Malbork Castle
Journey back in time to explore the breathtaking UNESCO-listed Malbork, completed over 600 years ago as Europe's largest brick castle, it's now the World’s biggest castle measured by land area. Resting on the Noget River, the fairy tale setting and enchanting atmosphere of this beautifully-preserved medieval fortress and former headquarters of the Teutonic Knights Crusaders is an adventure not to be missed.
Adult Price: €41
The Polish Riviera: Gdynia & Sopot
Travel to Gdynia, Polands most famous port, at the mouth of the "Polish Corridor". You’ll see Poland's most famous ships, The Blyskawica and Dar Mlodziezy. Then, we’ll kickback on Sopot’s famous wooden pier, Europe’s longest, while taking in the sea air and experiencing the lifestyle of the rich and famous.
Adult Price: €42
Wroclaw
Ksiaz Castle and Church of Peace
You won’t believe your eyes viewing Ksiaz Castle as it defies gravity, perched majestically atop a cliff. Testimony to its craftsmanship, the 13th-century castle has stood the test of time. With its breathtaking scenery and sumptuous interiors, it's witnessed amazing events, including preparations to become Hitler's headquarters. Nearby, we’ll also see the UNESCO-listed Swidnica Church of Peace, the largest timber-framed religious building in Europe. Refreshments in a local restaurant are included. This optional involves reservations and entrance prepayments. Should you decide to cancel the optional, a 50% cancellation fee will be incurred.
Adult Price: €59
Zakopane
Zakopane Adventure
The spectacular Carpathians are home to the Tatra National Park, the most popular park in Poland. You’ll hear legends of Zakopane and immerse yourself in Górale culture, traditionally passed down as oral history. Later, enjoy a horse and carriage ride into one of the most scenic Tatran valleys.
Adult Price: €45
Kasprowy Mountain Cablecar
Enjoy a ride in Poland’s highest cable car to beautiful Mount Kasprowy - a skier's paradise! Loved by all, both Winter and Summer - weather permitting. This optional involves reservations and entrance prepayments. Should you decide to cancel the optional, a 50% cancellation fee will be incurred.
Adult Price: €45
Krakow
Farmhouse Dinner And Polka Party
Tonight, you'll have a chance to enjoy the typical Polka music and traditional dance of Poland's rich culture, while savouring a delicious meal of Polish specialties and beverages at our specially-selected venue.
Adult Price: €59
From Iron Curtains to Ghetto Walls
Step back in time to take a journey into Poland’s communist past. Nowa Huta is an entire city built during the communism period. We’ll hear amazing communist stories and sample some flavours of the era. Later, we’ll stroll through Szeroka Street in the Kazimierz district to see synagogues and the birthplace of Helena Rubinstein before driving through the former ghetto of Podgorze. Kazimierz is steeped in history and its streets were used in several scenes in the film “Schindler’s List”. This optional involves reservations and catering. Should you decide to cancel the optional, a 50% cancellation fee will be incurred.
Adult Price: €47
Wieliczka Salt Mines Exploration
Visit this amazing UNESCO World Heritage-listed site just outside Krakow and marvel at the unique sculptures and setting of this 800-year old salt mine. See chambers, chapels and even salt chandeliers as we follow our guide 135 m (440 ft) underground. This optional involves reservations and entrance prepayments. Should you decide to cancel the optional, a 50% cancellation fee will be incurred.
Adult Price: €55
Warsaw
Chopin’s Warsaw
The spirit of Warsaw and the music of Chopin go hand in hand. This exclusive private recital of his music, performed for you by a celebrated Polish pianist in one of Warsaw’s historic buildings, is one of the unforgettable memories of this trip. Sparkling wine will be served during the intermission.
Adult Price: €46
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
