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Day 1
Welcome to Kraków.
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. 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.(Dinner with Wine)
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Day 2
The Damsels and Dragons of Kraków.
In the morning, why not 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. The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps spend time browsing the shops for traditional folklore products? By night, don’t miss the chance of enjoying a Polka Party with dinner and wine.(Breakfast)
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Day 3
Across the High Tatras 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. 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 local Goral Highlander folklore entertainment.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)
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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 Expert, 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. In the evening, perhaps take the opportunity to dine at one of Europe's oldest restaurants?(Breakfast)
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Day 5
Poznań, Cradle of the Polish nation.
With a relaxed start to the day, perhaps join a Local Expert to ride a historic 1900s Breslauer tram? Journey to the region of Wielkopolska to meet a local resident of Poznań who knows every nook and cranny of the Old Town. After a pleasant walking tour, 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. Learn the secrets behind the St. Martin's croissant, a local delicacy of Poznan with a long-hold history, and enjoy a tasting.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)
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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 the Baltic Sea and Gdańsk a beautiful seaside town, with a lovingly restored Old Town. As evening descends, a dinner of Baltic specialities is highly recommended, followed by a walk through Gdańsk's illuminated historic district.(Breakfast)
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Day 7
The Baltic Belles of 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?(Breakfast)
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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 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?(Breakfast)
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Day 9
Exploring the Proud Polish Capital of 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.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)
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Day 10
Depart Warsaw.
Your journey comes to an end with your departure transfer arriving at Warsaw airport at 07:30 or 10:00.(Breakfast)
Included Insight Services
- Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxury, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- 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.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- From time to time, your Travel Director will enchant you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- 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
- Zakopane: Meet Poland’s Goral Highlanders and share their culture at a dinner with local specialities and music.
- Poznan: Learn the secrets behind the St. Martin's croissant, a local delicacy of Poznan with a long-hold history, and enjoy a tasting.
- 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.
- Dining Summary: 9 Breakfasts (B) and 4 Dinners with Wine (DW) all with tea or coffee.
Insight Experiences
- Poznań: Meet a resident of Poznan 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.
Stay at the Best Addresses
- Zakopane: Nestled at the foot of Mount Nosal, enjoy comfort, luxury and a warm and friendly atmosphere at the four-star Grand Nosalowy Dwór.
Top Rated Highlights
- Kraków: During your orientation with your Travel Director, walk around the beautiful town square, Rynek Główny. See the famous Sukiennice Cloth Hall, St. Mary's Basilica and the many historic townhouses, palaces and churches.
- Kraków: The medieval heart of Kraków 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.
- 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 Wrocław’s cheeky Gnomes as you explore with your Local Expert.
- 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.
- Gdansk: Enjoy an exploration with your Local Expert. See the historical sights of Weterplatte and the Gdańsk Shipyards along with the medieval city.
- 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 guides you through this fascinating city to see the Palace of Culture and the Chopin Monument in Łazienki Park.
- Warsaw: Visit the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes and the Historical Museum and walk through the re-built Old Town, destroyed in World War II.
- Scenic Drives: Admire the scenery as you travel past the Tatras Mountain ranges, along Oder River, through Wielkopolska, along Vistula River and through Masuria Lake District.
Dates & Prices
Airfare is not included, but can be added to quote upon request-
Definite Departure
| Price | Discount | Availability | Price | |||
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Start Date:
Fri, Jul 5, 2019
Return Date:
Sun, Jul 14, 2019
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$2,495pp | AARP members save an additional $100 |
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Call 1-877-622-9109 | ||
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Start Date:
Fri, Jul 12, 2019
Return Date:
Sun, Jul 21, 2019
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$2,495pp | AARP members save an additional $100 |
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Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Start Date:
Fri, Aug 2, 2019
Return Date:
Sun, Aug 11, 2019
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$2,495pp | AARP members save an additional $100 |
|
Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Start Date:
Fri, Aug 9, 2019
Return Date:
Sun, Aug 18, 2019
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$2,495pp | AARP members save an additional $100 |
|
Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Start Date:
Fri, Aug 16, 2019
Return Date:
Sun, Aug 25, 2019
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$2,495pp | AARP members save an additional $100 |
|
Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Start Date:
Fri, Sep 6, 2019
Return Date:
Sun, Sep 15, 2019
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$2,625pp | AARP members save an additional $100 |
|
Request Quote Book Now | ||
|
Start Date:
Fri, Sep 13, 2019
Return Date:
Sun, Sep 22, 2019
|
$2,625pp | AARP members save an additional $100 |
|
Request Quote Book Now |
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.
Krakow
Salt Mines Excursion
A visit to the 600 year old salt mines on the outskirts of Krakow, where we view an underground world of chambers filled with absolutely unique salt sculptures, sculpted by the miners themselves (placed by UNESCO on the World Heritage list).
Adult Price: €55
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: €59
Zakopane
Treasures Of Zakopane
Join your local expert for a visit to the wooden shepherds' huts called ‘bacówka’ where the traditional sheep’s cheese ‘oscypek’ is made. This is followed by a tasty lunch in a mountain ranger restaurant and a delightful horse carriage ride through the Chocholowska Valley. Next visit the Papal sanctuary at Krzeptówki, the Old Church and nearby cemetery with its sorrowful Jesus and wooden statues. On the way back, travel through the Tatra National Park to experience the beautiful mountain panoramas and the famous Jaszczurówka Chapel.
Adult Price: €58
Wrocław
Historic Tramway Tour of Old Wroclaw
Join our local expert and step back in time as we climb aboard an historic early 1900’s Breslauer tram to discover the Wroclaw of the past. Be introduced to many of the highlights of Stare Miasto, learn about the ‘Battle of Breslau’, one of the last major actions of WWII, and see the UNESCO Heritage listed Centennial Hall. Enjoy a leisurely stroll across Wroclaw’s islands, home to the city’s symbol the 13th Century Cathedral of St John the Baptist. Here we'll meet some of Wroclaw’s cheeky gnomes and enjoy some of the best views across the Oder River of the ‘Polish Venice’. A great way to enjoy this historic city!
Adult Price: €39
Gdańsk
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 the restaurant's very own micro-brewed craft beer. 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: €57
Sopot By The Sea & Oliwa Organ Concert
Join our local expert for a relaxing trip to Sopot, Polands 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: €35
Warsaw
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. Champagne is served during the intermission.
Adult Price: €46
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: €34
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