Already Booked
Manage My Booking
-
AARP Members Save $100 AARP SAVE $100 on select vacations booked with us on select vacationsLearn More
Highlights of Poland (Premium)
Already Booked
Manage My Booking
Highlights of Poland (Premium)
Operated by: Insight Vacations
10 Days from $2,543 per person
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, WarsawBOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
✓ Lock in this trip with $250 deposit
✓ Refund Guarantee within 30 days of booking
✓ Flexible changes up to 60 days before your tour departs
✓ Lock in this trip with $250 deposit
✓ Refund Guarantee within 30 days of booking
✓ Flexible changes up to 60 days before your tour departs
-
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.
-
Day 2
The Damsels and Dragons of Kraków Relaxed Start
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. Take an artistic journey through time, with a visit to this intriguing family-run poster gallery. Take a tour with Natalie, daughter of the museum’s founder Krzysztof Dydo, through his vast collection of sophisticated posters, with their unique and recognisable style. A highly regarded Polish art form, the posters also served a crucial role in conveying information to locals.This afternoon, why not join an Optional Experience to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine?
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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?
-
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?
-
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. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit the University Botanic Gardens with a biologist. The garden's main function is the protection of biological diversity and the conservation of endangered Polish wild species. At your Celebration Dinner, enjoy a fine selection of local dishes with wine at a cosy Warsaw restaurant.
-
Day 10
Depart Warsaw
Your transfers will arrive at Warsaw airport at 07:30 and 10:00.
Price Includes
Additional Included Highlights
- Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
- 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 delight 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.
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!
Well-being
- : Our Well-Being Directors take a proactive approach to your welfare ensuring all well-being regulations are met (available on tours with 21 or more guests).
- : 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.
- : Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19.All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
- : We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
- : Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
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."
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.
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.
- Dining Summary: 4 Dinner with Wine (DW), and 9 Breakfast (B)
Insight Experiences
- Kraków: Visit a family-run poster gallery to learn about the history of this colourful, sophisticated art form. Take a tour with Natalie, daughter of the museum’s founder Krzysztof Dydo, through his vast collection. The highly recognisable designs play a fascinating part in the artistic history of Poland.
Make Travel Matter
- Warsaw: Visit the University Botanic Gardens with a biologist. The garden's main function is the protection of biological diversity and the conservation of endangered Polish wild species.
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
Financing from $/month
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
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
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 specialties 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: € 65
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 center 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
