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Highlights of Poland (Premium)

Operated by: Insight Vacations

10 Days from $2,108 per person
APR - OCT 2023
Historic old town of Krakow, Poland

Countries Visited

Poland ...more Poland

Locations Visited

Kraków, Zakopane, Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau, Wrocław, Poznan, Gniezno, Toruń, Gdańsk, Malbork, Warsaw ...more Kraków, Zakopane, Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau, Wrocław, Poznan, Gniezno, Toruń, Gdańsk, Malbork, Warsaw
  1. Day 1 Welcome to Kraków

    Transfers to your hotel depart Kraków airport at 12:30 and 15:00. Meet your Travel Director at 17:00 for a walk around the Rynek Główny, 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.

    meals Dinner with Wine
    hotel Vienna House Andel's Cracow, Kraków.
  2. Day 2 The Damsels and Dragons of Kraków Relaxed Start

    This morning, before exploring the city of Krakow, why not join an optional experience to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine? After, 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 Wojtyła, 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.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Vienna House Andel's Cracow, Kraków.
  3. Day 3 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.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
    hotel Radisson Blu Hotel & Residences, Zakopane.
  4. Day 4 Reflect on Auschwitz, then on to Wrocław, the Venice of Poland

    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. With your Local Expert, 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. This evening join your Travel Director for a Craft Beer at the Piwnica Świdnicka, the oldest restaurant/cellar in Poland, founded in 1273.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Radisson Blu Hotel, Wroclaw.
  5. Day 5 Poznań, Cradle of the Polish nation Relaxed Start

    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.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
    hotel Sheraton Poznań Hotel.
  6. Day 6 Toruń, the Gothic Glory on the Vistula and Gdańsk

    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. Spend time exploring at your own pace. Why not shop for traditional gingerbread? 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 specialities is highly recommended, followed by a walk through Gdańsk's illuminated historic district.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Hilton Gdańsk.
  7. Day 7 The Baltic Belles of Gdańsk Relaxed Start

    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 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?

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Hilton Gdańsk.
  8. Day 8 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?

    meals Breakfast
    hotel The Westin Warsaw.
  9. Day 9 Exploring the Proud Polish Capital of Warsaw Relaxed Start

    See the Palace of Culture and the Chopin Monument in Łazienki 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 cosy Warsaw restaurant.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
    hotel The Westin Warsaw.
  10. Day 10 Depart Warsaw

    Your transfers will arrive at Warsaw airport at 07:30 and 10:00.

    meals Breakfast
Highlights of Poland Guided Tour Map
Price Includes

Dining Summary

  • 4 Dinner with Wine (DW)
  • 9 Breakfast (B)

Choice Highlights

  • Choose between two carefully selected activities
  • Poznan: Meet a resident of Poznań who will share insights into local life on a walk through the Old Town. Visit Ostrow Tumski and Cathedral Island, the birthplace of Polish Catholicism and a fascinating place often overlooked by visitors.
  • Poznan: Enjoy a tasting of St. Martin's croissant, a local delicacy and learn about how its recipe is protected by European Union law!

Additional Included Highlights

  • : Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
  • : Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
  • : We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
  • : From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
  • : Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
  • : If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Authentic Dining

  • Kraków: Enjoy getting to know your fellow guests over a fabulous Welcome Dinner.
  • Zakopane: Meet Poland's Goral Highlanders and share their culture at a dinner with local specialities and music.
  • Poznan: Enjoy a tasting of St. Martin's croissant, a local delicacy and learn about how its recipe is protected by European Union law!
  • Warsaw: The Polish capital is currently enjoying a culinary renaissance - find out what the buzz is all about during your end-of-tour Celebration Dinner with wine at a favourite restaurant.

Top Rated Highlights

  • Kraków: During your orientation with your Travel Director, walk around the beautiful town square, Rynek Glówny. See the famous Sukiennice Cloth Hall, St. Mary's Basilica and the many historic townhouses, palaces and churches.
  • Kraków: The medieval heart of Krakow is rich in legend, a kind of Polish Camelot. Join your Local Expert for an in-depth exploration of this historic Holy Grail.Cross the former Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz to Podgórze and see the Ghetto Square.
  • Kraków: Visit the cathedral atop Wawel Hill, see the castle and look for the iconic dragon, accompanied by your Local Expert.
  • Zakopane: 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 specialities in the markets of Krupówki Street or ascend a nearby mountain for panoramic views across the Tatras into Slovakia.
  • Auschwitz: Experience a powerful and moving visit, with a Local Expert. See the Auschwitz memorial and museum and stop at Birkenau, which bears witness to the terrible atrocities of the Holocaust.
  • Wrocław: See the noble mansions and flower markets of the Plac Solny, absorb the Baroque splendour of Rynek and be introduced to Wroclaw's cheeky Gnomes as you explore with your Local Expert.
  • Poznan: Meet a resident of Poznań who will share insights into local life on a walk through the Old Town. Visit Ostrow Tumski and Cathedral Island, the birthplace of Polish Catholicism and a fascinating place often overlooked by visitors.
  • Gniezno: See the winged doors when you visit the cathedral.
  • Toruń: Led by your Local Expert, explore this outstanding UNESCO World Heritage Site, founded by the Teutonic Knights in 1233 and now a living museum.
  • Gdańsk: There’s no better way to experience sightseeing than with one of Eastern Europe’s best storytellers. Meet Agnes, a passionate Local Expert who will share captivating stories about the city and its flora and fauna. You’ll explore the medieval city and see the historical sights of Weterplatte and the Gdańsk Shipyards.
  • Malbork: Visit the 13th century fortified monastery belonging to the Teutonic Order and the largest Gothic brick castle in the world.
  • Warsaw: Your Local Expert will show you the city's highlights. See the Old Town, Palace of Culture and visit the Chopin Memorial in the Lazienki Park before paying your respects at the Ghetto Heroes Memorial.

Travel Director

  • : "One thing I really love about showing guests Eastern Europe is the rich history and culture of places that have previously been impossible to visit due to political situations."

Well-being

  • : Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
  • : Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Dates & Prices

Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. To request a personalized travel quote, click "Request Quote" and a Travel Specialist will send your custom quote including airfare if requested.

Online Booking Process

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July 2023
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August 2023
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Aug 11 Fri
Aug 20 Sun
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DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$2,395 $2,108 Save $287
GETAWAY DEALS
AARP Members Save up to $100
Aug 25 Fri
Sep 3 Sun
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$2,395 $2,108 Save $287
GETAWAY DEALS
Optional Add-Ons

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.

Kraków

Available on Day 2

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 Price: € 63

Available on Day 2

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 Price: € 56
Note: This optional involves reservations and entrance prepayments. Should you decide to cancel the optional, a 50% cancellation fee will be incurred.

Zakopane

Available on Day 3

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 Price: € 40

Wrocław

Available on Day 5

Raclawice Panorama & The Treasures 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 Price: € 46

Gdańsk

Available on Day 6

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 specialities 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 Price: € 67

Available on Day 7

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 Price: € 40

Warsaw

Available on Day 8

Chopin Concert

The spirit of Warsaw and the music of Chopin go hand in hand. In a concert venue located in the centre of Warsaw, enjoy an exclusive private recital of his music performed by a celebrated Polish pianist. Sparkling wine is served during the intermission.
Adult Price: € 46

Available on Day 9

Wilanów 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 Price: € 36

Reviews
Service
Vacation
Independent Reviews
Melvyn Klein
Review date: Sunday, September 1, 2019
Service
Excellent, knowledgeable specialist....Efficient and responsive to travelers’ needs....Would seek him out for another tour. Have worked with David Frontella on many trips. He is the best!!
Vacation
Poland, contrary to what I had expected, is a magnificent country. Friendly people, great food, modern amentities, very economical.
Trusted Customer
Review date: Sunday, October 14, 2018
Service
Travel agents knowledgeable and personable. Itinerary was excellent. First time traveling with Insight Vacations, very pleased with this company. Definitely would travel again with them.
Vacation
Wonderful experience! Very helpful with organizing our trip.
Trusted Customer
Review date: Monday, October 1, 2018
Service
Tours of the cities were well done. Local guides provided a lot of information.
Vacation
When I read the itinerary on the internet, it appeared that many of the optional tours were included in the price. Did not realize there would be so many additional costs on the tour.
Trusted Customer
Review date: Monday, October 1, 2018
Service
It was Insight Travel that wasn't 5 star.
Vacation
Saw much of Poland and enjoyed it all.
Mary Zabel
Review date: Sunday, September 16, 2018
Service
The booking agent was very helpful covering all details and was available several times for questions! The tour director was fabulous making sure we had a top notch experience!
Vacation
Great opportunities to learn and experience the culture and history of Poland in a memorable way!
Trusted Customer
Review date: Tuesday, August 7, 2018
Service
The tour director was very capable and responsible.
Response from Grand European Travel:
Thank you so much! We hope to see you again soon.
Wednesday, August 8, 2018
Vacation
We visited all significant places, and enjoyed them.
Susan Halambeck
Review date: Saturday, October 21, 2017
Service
Great tour manager.. Piotr
Vacation
Excellently run and learned alot
Trusted Customer
Review date: Sunday, October 15, 2017
Service
The tour guide was very friendly and was knowledgeable in the history and places to visit in the country. He was always available when needed. The bus driver was extremely skillful and friendly. We always felt safe with him no matter the circumstances. I found the quality of the included dinners were not as fine as on previous trips with Grand European. Other than the Farewell dinner only one glass of wine was served with these dinners. This was a surprise since this was not the case on our previous trips with Grand European.
Vacation
We purchased a fine crystal candle holder. A fine product at a reasonable price. Our guide referred us to some fine restaurants for the evenings that meals were not included. We found them to be gourmet at a very reasonable price.
Trusted Customer
Review date: Sunday, October 8, 2017
Service
It all came together...the tour director, the bus driver (Simon) the mixed group of 40 people on the trip, and the wonderful country...I am still singing the praises of the trip to Poland. I think another reason is that it was JUST Poland..eleven days of the people, culture, and history. I am going to look for more more one country trips.
Vacation
Prices have gone up these past years....
Mary Enlow
Review date: Thursday, September 7, 2017
Service
We were able to have concise suggestions from the agents we contacted and felt we had correct information that didn't have to be rechecked.
Vacation
travel host was very gracious,knowledgeable, and competent. She made our experience in Poland enjoyable and even when traffic jams made us late for a tour, she kept us informed and entertained. Certainly learned a lot of Poland history and a new appreciation for this country.
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