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  • BALTIC STATES
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Grand Tour of Poland

Tour Itinerary

Chopin’s music, the quintessence of Polish romanticism

Morning:
Independent arrivals to Warsaw hotel.

Afternoon & Evening:
Approximately at 4pm meet and greet with your tour leader and the other travelers at the hotel lobby. Following a short introduction, you will have a walk to the Old Town. Painstakingly rebuilt from scratch after WW II; it enjoys its place on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

On the way visit the Church of the Holy Cross. There, inside an urn lies Chopin’s heart, brought home in 1849 by his sister. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”, reads the biblical passage inscribed on a pillar.

Welcome evening with Chopin’s music. Enter the world of Chopin’s brilliant creations, which have earned for him his title of a Poet Of The Piano. Warsaw is where Chopin developed his talent for almost twenty years. Then, taste culinary goodies during welcome dinner.

  • Welcome dinner
  • Sofitel Victoria ***** (Warsaw)

Morning:
Warsaw wears its epic history with pride. Many renowned film producers have made it their point of reference. A notable example of this is “The Pianist” by Roman Polanski, a WWII Holocaust drama about human resilience, and the beauty and power of music to overcome sheer adversity. It tells the true story of the eminent Polish-Jewish virtuoso concert pianist and composer Wladyslaw Szpilman, and his unlikely survival under German Nazi control in Warsaw. The film won three Academy Awards in 2003.

A half-day guided city tour will cover the very best of fascinating Warsaw: the vibrant downtown, the historical Jewish Ghetto area, the elegant Royal Route and the Lazienki Park which never loses its appeal. The alleys of the city’s fabulous green heart and legacy of the King Stanisław August, will take you to some picturesque buildings, ponds, the enchanting Palace on the Island and the Statue of Chopin featuring the composer sat by the willow tree form, with his hand reaching for the piano keys.

Afternoon & Evening:
The remainder of the day is free time to explore on your own. Your tour escort will be happy to offer suggestions.

  • Breakfast
  • Sofitel Victoria ***** (Warsaw)

Morning:
Shortly after an early breakfast, we board our bus and head northwards to the Baltic Sea. We will travel through the Warmia region, stopping in the charming Ilawa Lake District to behold a spectacular marvel of 19th-century German engineering: the Ostroda-Elblag Canal. This extraordinary canal system, seamlessly integrated with a narrow-gauge railway, is not only a feat of historic engineering but also one of Poland’s grandest attractions. Your boat cruise along this impressive waterway will allow you to immerse in the breathtaking convergence of natural beauty and technical prowess.

Afternoon:
A tour of Malbork castle a triumph of architecture and one of the biggest medieval castles in Europe. Between 1309-1459, it was the seat of the mighty Order of Teutonic Knights. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with meticulously restored interiors such as the great halls, magnificent high towers and even a central heating system.

For dinner savour food with a story to tell. “The Small Dutchman”, housed in an old, restored arcaded Mennonite House in Zelichowo, serves the cuisine that has been inspired by the intertwining histories of Slavs, Prussians, Teutonic Knights and Mennonites.

Evening:
Drive to Gdansk. Check in to a comfortable hotel.

  • Breakfast, dinner
  • Hanza **** (Gdansk)

Morning:
Gdansk changed the world twice in the 20th c.  The city of freedom and the capital of amber as it is nicknamed, Gdansk is bursting with color. This millennium-old city on Poland’s Baltic Coast, one of the pearls of the Hanzeatic League, is renowned for its rich cultural diversity, iconic harborfronts and the Shipyard that shook the world.  A roller coaster of emotions. From the first shots of the World War II in Europe, to Soladiryty, the symbol of a European peace revolution.

On the way to Oliwa, a photo stop by the famous Gdansk (formerly Lenin) Shipyard, the birthplace of the Solidarity movement led by Lech Walesa. Then you will enjoy the grandeur of the organ in the beautiful 13th-century cathedral. Our tour ends in the Old Town of Gdansk, full of maritime atmosphere and packed with unique Hanzeatic-style architecture. During the sightseeing, you will see the St. Mary’s Basilica (the largest Gothic church in Poland), the Neptune Fountain and the Artus Court.

Afterwards, you will have a chance to learn how to prepare delicious pierogiPolish national dish. A cooking class will be combined with lunch.

Afternoon:& Evening:
Free time. Your tour escort will be happy to offer suggestions.

  • Breakfast, lunch
  • Hanza **** (Gdansk)

Morning:
Before we bid farewell to Gdansk and head south towards Torun, another red brick pearl, we will  take a leisurely walk on Europe’s longest wooden pier in Sopot.
Sopot and its pier have been inseparable for 200 years.

Afternoon:
Lunch break followed by a tour of Torun Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This delightful historical city is rich in original Gothic structures that survived numerous wars and invasions, including a magnificent town hall, medieval fortification walls, the Polish “leaning tower of Pisa”, as well as the superb St. James’ church. The town has always been famous for its gingerbread. Taste it in different shapes and sizes! The town may for many be the surprise hit of the entire trip. Based on what our previous clients have said, it never fails to leave a lasting impression.

Evening:
Free time. Overnight stay in Torun.

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel 1231 **** (Torun)

Morning:
We will travel to Wroclaw, the historic capital of Lower Silesia, which celebrated its Millennium in the year 2000. Renowned for its remarkable Gothic architecture, and scenic canals, Wroclaw is often referred to as the “Venice of the North”.

Afternoon
We will have a guided walk through the Old Town of Wroclaw and the Ostrow Tumski, a treat for lovers of Gothic architecture. The city’s  iconic attraction is a legion of  dwarfs dotting doorways, alleyways and street corners; constantly underfoot but only seen by the observant.

Evening:
Have a relaxing remainder of the day. Overnight stay in Wroclaw.

  • Breakfast
  • Radisson BLU Wroclaw *****

Morning:
This day will immerse you in local communities, offering opportunities for discovery, learning, and inspiration.

In Tomaszów Bolesławiecki, you will celebrate the myriad talents of Polish artists – the Borowski Family. They masterfully craft glass into fabulous indoor and outdoor objects. Their unique style, passion for color, and superb design have gained international acclaim. Stanislaw Borowski, a prominent figure in the European studio glass movement of the late 1970s, founded the company and has passed this artistic legacy to his three sons. You will gain insights into each step of the glass-crafting process and will see glass artists at work. Subsequently, you will explore the UNESCO-listed Church of Peace in Jawor.

Afternoon:
For lunch, savor flavorful, healthy, locally sourced cuisine at the Villa Greta guesthouse. The enchanting village of Dobków, where it is situated, was honored with the European Award for Rural Development and Village Renewal in 2017. Here, life moves at a leisurely pace, allowing you to truly unwind. Adding to its allure, Dobków lies in the heart of Poland’s astonishing, lesser-known Land of the Dormant Volcanoes.

Evening:
Free time. Overnight stay in Wroclaw.

  • Breakfast, lunch
  • Radisson BLU Wroclaw *****

Morning:
Today’s journey leads us towards a profoundly different kind of experience. In eastern Silesia, on the outskirts of Oswiecim, stand two somber reminders of the former German Nazi death camps: Auschwitz I (now a museum) and II Birkenau. These sites, now part of the Holocaust Memorial, are preserved so that humanity never forgets one of the darkest chapters in its history. Our visit will provide a solemn reflection on these events.

Afternoon:
After a respectful pause and lunch, we continue south to Zakopane, the premier Polish mountain resort nestled at the base of the majestic Carpathian Mountains.

Evening:
In Zakopane, we transition to a different aspect of Polish culture with a horse carriage ride to one of the best local restaurants. Here, you will enjoy a lively highlander show featuring live music and dance, offering a glimpse into the folk customs still thriving in this region. You’ll also get to taste local cuisine and the robust ‘highlander tea’. The day concludes with an overnight stay at a Zakopane hotel.

  • Breakfast, dinner
  • Bachleda Hotel Kasprowy **** (Zakopane)

Morning:
We explore the exquisite local wooden architecture in Zakopane before hopping onto the funicular railway to Mt. Gubalowka, one of the most beautiful peaks in the Tatra Mountains, to take in the breathtaking scenery. The tour would be incomplete without visiting one of the most famous Polish cemeteries, “Na Peksowym Brzyzku,” where several notable figures in culture, science, and art are buried, along with a range of individuals who significantly contributed to Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains. The local tombstones and crosses are an amalgamation of folk traditions and art trends that dominated the 19th and 20th centuries.

Afternoon:
After lunch, there will be time for some souvenir hunting along Krupowki Street in Zakopane. Next, we check out and depart from Zakopane.

Evening:
Arrival in Krakow. Overnight stay in the beautiful Old Town hotel.

  • Breakfast
  • Radisson BLU Hotel Krakow *****

Morning:
Descent into the underground chambers of the Wieliczka Salt Mines for an unparalleled and eerie tour of the medieval galleries, chapels and halls carved out of rock and salt deposits. All you’ve heard about this place is true: there is nothing like it in the world.

Afternoon & evening:
Free time. Take this advantage for personal independent exploraton to see and do what interests you most. Your tour escort will be happy to offer suggestions.

  • Breakfast
  • Radisson BLU Hotel Krakow *****

Morning:
Krakow, ranking among Europe’s most impressive destinations, captivates with its ancient core. This city tour, a sensory feast, encompasses: the medieval quarter with Europe’s largest main town square; the fascinating churches showcasing diverse architectural styles; and the most picturesque streets exuding old-world charm.

We will witness the unveiling of the world’s largest wooden altar, carved by Veit Stoss between 1477-1489, in the Church of the Virgin Mary. From one of its twin towers, the Hejnał Mariacki, a haunting trumpet call, is played each hour, famously ending mid-note.

Our tour also includes a comfortable walking exploration of the legendary Wawel Castle, covering the Cathedral and the Belfry.

Afternoon:
Take a lunch break and enjoy some free time to independently explore the charming streets of the Old Town.

Evening:
Relish the memories of the past few days over a flavorful farewell dinner. Overnight stay in Krakow.

  • Breakfast, dinnner
  • Radisson BLU Hotel Krakow *****

Morning:
Breakfast is followed by the last highlight of our tour –Czestochowa. Along with Rome, Fatima in Portugal and Lourdes in France, the Jasna Gora Monastery of Czestochowa belongs to the most important and inspiring pilgrimage points in Christendom.

According to St. Pope John Paul II – the heart of the nations beats here.
We will see not only the famous Black Madonna but also the monastery premises on a tour led by a resident Pauline monk.

Afternoon & evening:
Arrival in Warsaw at approx. 18.00. Drop-off possible at: the Chopin Airport, Hotel Novotel Airport, Hotel Airport Okecie and Hotel SOFITEL Victoria.
To meet your needs fully, we can arrange an extended stay in Warsaw.

  • Breakfast
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