1. Home
  2. Europe
  3. Poland
  4. Highlights of Poland
Map of Highlights of Poland including Poland

Let Poland please you with a journey through its urban attractions.

Get to know the heartland of Poland by visiting three of its most iconic cities: Krakow, Warsaw and Gdansk. This eight-day highlights tour of Poland will get you in the know with Soviet history, inspired by the variety of architecture and cultural richness of the country, and full of as much pierogi and vodka you can manage. Your curated tour includes a walking tour of each city, which will set you up with a solid grasp of each place, giving you the time to explore the winding laneways and diverse districts at your own pace. Let Poland please you with a journey through its urban attractions.

Start
Krakow, Poland
Finish
Gdansk, Poland
Destination
Poland
Style
Comfort
Theme
Explorer
Code
AMKP
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Discover the Orwellian neighbourhood of Nowa Huta – an alternative district in Krakow that showcases the communist influence in Poland.

  • Explore Warsaw, a modern city with Gothic, neoclassical and Soviet-era architecture, and a soul of rich history and culture.

  • Feel satisfied with a Polish food tour, discovering the signature cuisine of this central European country, and wash it all down with a vodka tasting.

  • Take a guided tour of maritime Gdansk. Walk through the old town to hear stories of how this important trading port has played a key part in Poland’s history.

  • Feast on regional specialities from the north of Poland with an included meal at an authentic Kashubian eaterie – you’ll feel like you’re eating in a traditional farm cottage!

Is this trip right for you?

  • Just as a heads up before you book: this trip is new to our range this year. And while we have thoroughly researched every detail of the logistics, new destinations can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a great surprise. But every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.

  • We travel by train, the most eco-friendly way to move between places. Trains are comfortable and are the perfect way to arrive right into the city centre of your next destination. Please note you will have to carry your bag up and down the platforms and on and off the train. Pack light!

  • There will be a walking tour included in each city. The tours may cover a fair amount of ground, so please make sure you are happy to be on your feet for a few hours at a time. Of course you can always opt out and meet the group later on.

  • If you have more time to explore the region you may want to check out our trip ‘Poland & the Baltics Explorer’ (trip code AMKOC). This trip heads further north and explores the Baltic States, ending in Estonia's capital city Tallinn.

poland_warsaw_castle-sigismunds-column
poland_krakow_old-town-street
Poland_Krakow_Street_Food
poland_locals-folklore-costumes
Poland_Warsaw._old_Town_woman
Poland_Zakopane_traditional_smoked_cheese_oscypek
AMKP_Poland_Gdansk_river_front_port

Itinerary
Expand All Collapse All

Czesc! Welcome to Poland. You will have an important welcome meeting at 6 pm, meeting your group leader and fellow travellers. Krakow is striking with contrasts: a medieval old town with a large youthful influence, renowned fine dining restaurants with food truck and casual riverside eateries, a vibrant Jewish quarter with some elegant speakeasies and hidden bars. You’ll have two full days to explore Krakow at your own pace, but if you would like to spend more time here, why not arrive a little early? After your important meeting, you'll have an option to head out with your group to dinner – your leader will know of some great options.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

This morning, begin getting to know Krakow from its relatively new history. Take a guided tour of Nowa Huta – a former communist town turned eastern Quarter of Krakow. Nowa Huta was prime Polish agricultural land but was swallowed up by the Soviet Union in an attempt to create an Orwellian settlement in contrast to the fairytale of central Krakow. An experienced tour guide will explain all the history hidden in its streets and buildings that otherwise would look like another sector of the city. In the afternoon, take a leader-led walk around the Old Town. Rynek (main square) is one of the oldest and most recognisable medieval squares in Europe. With the renaissance Cloth Hall in its centre, now home to the main market, touring the main square is a must. Later on, walk over to Jewish quarter and learn more about that part of town.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Krakow - Nowa Huta Neighbourhood Tour with Local Guide
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today, enjoy a free day in Krakow to do whatever you choose, and there is so much to see and do here, and beyond! You may wish to visit Wieliczka Salt Mines, magnificent chambers chiselled out in rock salt. There are almost 3 kilometres of meandering corridors, 800 steps to climb of which 350 have to be descended to reach the depth of 135 metres underground. Otherwise, a lot of travellers use today to visit the former Nazi concentration camp in Auschwitz and Birkenau, where you can learn more about WWII and Europe's darkest days. Pre-booking is necessary to secure a place. If you would like to see some different sides of Krakow and the surrounding area, there is also the option to see what Urban Adventures can offer. From cooking classes to tailored shopping adventures, they’ve got you covered! Find out more at urbanadventures.com/destination/Krakow-tours.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Krakow - Schindler's Factory Museum Tour - PLN65
  • Krakow - Made in Krakow Shopping Urban Adventure - EUR86
  • Krakow - Home Cooked Krakow Urban Adventure - EUR65
  • Oswiecim - State Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau - PLN155
  • Krakow - Food by Foot Urban Adventure - EUR73
  • Krakow - Markets and Flavors of Krakow Urban Adventure - EUR77
  • Wieliczka - Salt Mines - PLN145
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
It is highly recommended that you pre-book your visit to Auschwitz before you leave home, as tickets sell out very far in advance. To do so please visit the official museum website. You can also ask your leader to help you book a time slot at the beginning of the trip, but there is no guarantee tickets will be available then. A guided visit is madatory and takes approximately 2.5 hours. A transfer to the museum can be booked on shorter notice.

Today, travel to Warsaw on a high-speed train, taking approximately 3 hours. Warsaw is a capital of Poland and has a rich history shown in its mix of Gothic, neoclassical and Soviet-era architecture, and also a new, cosmopolitan touch. This afternoon head out on a guided tour all about Polish cuisine. Being one of the lesser known European foods, you’ll learn about Poland’s signature dishes and how to make them. To wash everything down, you’ll even get the chance to test out some local vodka with an included tasting. Na zdrowie!
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Warsaw - Food & Vodka Tasting Tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

You’ve got a free day to enjoy the wonders of Warsaw. From many options, one worth considering is a visit to the Uprising Museum. Dedicated to the Warsaw Uprising in 1944, the museum is a tribute for residents who fought and died for an independent Poland, and a free capital. It was said that Warsaw survived its own death – learn about that part of history of this city in one of the most modern museums in Europe. Otherwise, sit back in one of the many parks, stroll past the Tamka street art, or head to a local eatery for a serving of pierogi (filled dumplings).
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Warsaw - Copernicus Science Center - PLN31
  • Warsaw - Palace of Science and Culture Observation Deck - PLN20
  • Warsaw - Jewish Cemetery - PLN10
  • Warsaw - Frederic Chopin Museum - PLN22
  • Warsaw - Marie Curie Museum - PLN11
  • Warsaw - National Museum - PLN20
  • Warsaw - Uprising Museum - PLN25
  • Warsaw - Ethnographic Museum - PLN12
  • Warsaw - Katyn Museum - PLN15
  • Warsaw - Royal Castle - PLN30
  • Warsaw - Natural History Museum - PLN8
  • Warsaw - Pawiak Prison Memorial - PLN10
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Travel onwards to Gdansk aboard a high-speed train (approximately 3 hours). After check-in to your hotel, your group leader will show you around the old town on simple orientation walk. After you’ve got your bearings, enjoy the rest of your day and soak up the atmosphere of this maritime, medieval city. Tonight, if you’re struggling to find somewhere to eat, take a walk down Dlugi Targ – it’s a lot quieter at night than during the day.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Gdansk - European Solidarity Centre - PLN20
  • Gdansk - Oliwa Cathedral - Free
  • Gdansk - Amber Museum and Prison Tower - PLN12
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today, head out on a guided tour of Gdansk. This will include a visit to most iconic sites of the city: the Crane (Zuraw), an iconic trading symbol located near the National Maritime Museum. Then, visit Olowianka, an island in the middle of the Motlawa River, to learn more about Gdansk’s maritime history. In the evening, experience a traditional Polish meal at Tawerna Mestwin, serving specialties of Kashubian regional cooking (north Poland cuisine). Interiors of this place look like a traditional farm cottage and the exposed beams and dark-green walls make for a cosy atmosphere.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Gdansk - History Themed Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Gdansk - Kashubian Cuisine Dinner
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave at any time. This doesn’t mean that your adventure has to come to an end, though! There is so much to see and do around Gdansk, including the seaside hub of Sopot and the Vistula Lagoon, which connects Poland to the separated Russian exclave of Kaliningrad.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Transport

Train, Taxi

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (7 nights)

Included activities

  • Krakow - Nowa Huta Neighbourhood Tour with Local Guide
  • Warsaw - Food & Vodka Tasting Tour
  • Gdansk - History Themed Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Gdansk - Kashubian Cuisine Dinner

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Highlights of Poland trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

Prices may go up, so secure your trip today!
Jump to a departure month
You have the flexibility to change your travel plans up to 21 days before your scheduled departure, and you can pick new travel dates or an entirely different trip, with no change fees. Learn more

Important notes

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A Single Supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking. Please note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. If you would like to book a single supplement and enquire about availability please speak to your booking agent.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

Reviews

Go to dates