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Map of Highlights of Poland including Poland

Uncover the best of Poland, from layered history to thriving culture

Turn the pages of Poland’s story as you journey to three of its most iconic cities: Krakow, Warsaw and Gdansk. This 7-day adventure will guide you through years of history to the captivating country that exists today. Discover medieval and soviet remnants in Krakow, take a sobering walk through Auschwitz and Birkenau, uncover the secrets of Polish food in Warsaw and learn about a time of revolution in Gdansk. Much like a good pierogi dumpling, the best bits of the country are found beneath the surface, and with a local leader to guide the way, you’ll discover a side of Poland few get to see.

Start
Krakow, Poland
Finish
Gdansk, Poland
Destination
Poland
Style
Original
Theme
Explorer
Code
AMSP
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.

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

  • Cycle through Gdansk on a bike tour, learning about the city’s history of oppositionist movements, and hear stories of how this important trading port has played a key part in Poland’s history.

  • Take a sobering walk through the Nazi concentration camp in Auschwitz and Birkenau, joining a local guide to learn about WWII and Europe’s darkest days.

Is this trip right for you?

  • 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.

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Poland_Krakow_Street_Food
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Poland_Zakopane_traditional_smoked_cheese_oscypek
AMKP_Poland_Gdansk_river_front_port

Itinerary
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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. 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, join your leader for a walk to Jewish quarter and learn more about that part of town and enjoy a treat of Zapiekanka here where the best is made.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Krakow - Nowa Huta Neighbourhood Tour with Local Guide
  • Krakow - Jewish Quarter Visit with a Taste of Local Zapiekanka
  • Krakow - Leader-led Old Town Walking Tour
Optional Activities
  • Krakow - St Mary's Basilica - PLN15
  • Krakow - Wawel Royal Castle - PLN35
  • Krakow - Cloth Hall 'Sukiennice' - Free
  • Krakow - Rynek Underground Museum - PLN32
  • Krakow - Schindler's Factory Museum Tour - PLN65
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning leave Krakow behind and visit the former Nazi concentration camp in Auschwitz and Birkenau, where you can learn more about WWII and Europe's darkest days. A walk through the camp with a local guide is a truly sobering experience and helps to understand the sheer scale of the tragic loss of life that occurred here. Late afternoon, return to Krakow and travel on a high-speed train to Warsaw early evening, taking approximately 3 hours. Poland’s capital has a rich history shown in its mix of Gothic, neoclassical and Soviet-era architecture, and also a new, cosmopolitan touch. After arrival, why not head out to a local bar to sample Warsaw’s fantastic selection of craft beers.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Oswiecim - Half-Day Trip & Guided Tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Enjoy a morning to discover 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 take a walk along the delightful banks of the Vistula River. 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. 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 with Local Guide
Optional Activities
  • Warsaw - Frederic Chopin Museum - PLN22
  • Warsaw - Palace of Science and Culture Observation Deck - PLN25
  • POLIN – Museum of the History of Polish Jews - PLN45
  • Warsaw - Uprising Museum - PLN25
  • Warsaw - National Museum - PLN20
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Travel onwards to Gdansk aboard a high-speed train (approximately 3 hours). This seaside city delivers in both eclectic charm and multilayered history. Settle in to your hotel then head out with your leader to get to know Gdansk with a walk around the charming Old Town, passing by rows of tall, colourful buildings. In the evening, perhaps head out for 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)
Optional Activities
  • II World War museum visit - PLN29
  • Gdansk - Oliwa Cathedral - Free
  • Gdansk - Amber Museum and Prison Tower - PLN25
  • Gdansk - River Cruise - PLN77
  • Gdansk - Basilica of St. Mary Bell Tower - PLN15
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today, join your leader for a bike ride around 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. Visit Olowianka, an island in the middle of the Motlawa River, to learn more about Gdansk’s maritime history. Then cycle to the Gdansk Shipyards, famous for being the place where the Solidarity trade union was formed in 1980. Following the bike ride take your time to visit the excellent European Solidarity Centre, a museum that tells the story of the union and civil resistance that took place to push for workers’ rights, a movement that contributed to the later fall of the Berlin Wall. This afternoon, hop aboard a public bus and travel to the peninsula of Westerplatte, the site of the Battle of Westerplatte between German and Polish forces, marking the beginning of WWII. Visit the Westerplatte Monument which stands in memory of the Polish defenders and learn about the brutal battle that took place over a week in 1939. Return to Gdansk for the evening and perhaps take a walk down Dlugi Targ to find a spot for dinner – it’s a lot quieter at night than during the day.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Gdansk - Leader Led Bike Ride around Old Town & Shipyards
  • Gdansk - European Solidarity Centre
  • Gdansk - Westerplatte Visit by Public Bus
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
In winter season, enjoy a guided walking tour focusing on the main highlights and attractions of the city, ie. the Long Market and Town Hall, former gates of the Old town etc, when the cycling tour is not available.

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay in Gdansk, just get in touch ahead of time and we’d be happy to arrange additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

6 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Transport

Train, local bus, Private vehicle, Bicycle

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights)

Included activities

  • Krakow - Nowa Huta Neighbourhood Tour with Local Guide
  • Krakow - Jewish Quarter Visit with a Taste of Local Zapiekanka
  • Krakow - Leader-led Old Town Walking Tour
  • Oswiecim - Half-Day Trip & Guided Tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau
  • Warsaw - Food & Vodka Tasting Tour with Local Guide
  • Gdansk - Leader Led Bike Ride around Old Town & Shipyards
  • Gdansk - European Solidarity Centre
  • Gdansk - Westerplatte Visit by Public Bus

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.

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is bookable for this trip, including all nights. Availability is limited due to small property we use. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

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.

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