Christmas in Poland: From Warsaw to Krakow - 7 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What is the main focus of this "Christmas in Poland" tour?

  This tour is focused on soaking up the holiday magic by exploring Poland’s enchanting Christmas markets, experiencing festive splendor, enjoying sweet and savoury treats, mulled wine, and taking in the charm, culture, and seasonal cheer from Warsaw to Krakow.

• What are the age restrictions for this tour?

  Travelers must be between 12 and 100 years old.

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 16 travelers.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  6 breakfasts are included.

• What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

  You will stay in hotels for 6 nights. Accommodations are generally small family-run hotels or pensions, with varying standards, some without elevators, air-conditioning, or English-speaking staff, but all are locally-run, with traditional character, and in central locations. In Krakow, accommodation is a comfortable and modern hostel, and bathroom facilities may be shared.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  Highlights include marveling at Warsaw’s dazzling Christmas displays, strolling through Gdansk’s medieval old town and Christmas market, experiencing Wroclaw’s canals and Christmas market, exploring Krakow’s iconic squares and Christmas market, and learning to prepare a traditional local delicacy called obwarzanki.

• Can I do laundry during the trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some of the hotels for a charge. It is suggested you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap for personal laundry.

• Who will be leading the group on this tour?

  The group will be led by a CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout the trip, along with local guides for specific activities.

• What unique experiences and activities are included in this tour?

  The tour includes a welcome meeting with your CEO, an 'Obwarzanki' cooking class in Krakow, an orientation walk in Warsaw to see Christmas displays, a 48-hour public transport card in Gdansk, CEO-led walking tours and Christmas market visits in Gdansk and Wroclaw, an excursion to Sopot's Baltic Sea promenade and Christmas market, a walking tour of Krakow with a local guide, a visit to Krakow's Christmas market, and all transportation between destinations and to/from included activities.

• What should LGBTQ+ travelers know about safety and travel considerations on this trip?

  The safety and well-being of all of our travelers is a priority at the tour operator and that includes our travelers who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. We recognize that there are specific concerns and questions you may have about your adventure in terms of safety and security. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout the duration of your trip. The Equaldex tool linked on this page can be of particular help when deciding where you may want to visit next.

• What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?

  The local currency in Poland is the Zloty (PLN). Credit and debit cards (especially Visa and Cirrus/Plus system cards) are useful for cash advances, but always bring your PIN (many ATMs accept only 4-digit PINs) and check with your bank. Do not rely solely on cards; a combination of local currency and cards is best. Refer to www.xe.com for daily exchange rates.

• What emergency funds should I have access to for this trip?

  It is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund for unforeseen circumstances.

• What are the tipping guidelines for this trip?

  Tipping is customary in Europe. A general rule is 10% for wait staff and a smaller amount (4-8 PLN) for other service providers. For local guides, 12-20 PLN per day is recommended. For your the tour operator CEO, 25-35 PLN per person, per day, is appreciated for outstanding service.

• What are the primary modes of transportation used during the tour?

  Intercity transport on this trip will primarily be by local train. Within cities, modes of transport will include walking, public transport, and taxis. Please be aware that public transport can sometimes involve delays and frustrations.

• What are the mandatory travel insurance requirements for this trip?

  Travel insurance is compulsory. It must include medical coverage with a minimum of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. Personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage/personal effects are strongly recommended. If using credit card insurance, proof of purchase of the trip with the credit card in your name is required. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

• What activities are optional on this trip?

  Optional activities include a visit to Piwnica Swidnicka in Wroclaw and an excursion to Auschwitz Birkenau from Oświęcim/Krakow.

• Is there an extra cost for traveling solo on this tour?

  We believe single travelers should not have to pay more to travel, so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travelers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip.

• If I choose to purchase the "My Own Room" option, will I have a single room every night?

  Yes, if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops. Please be aware that single room accommodations in European hotels are often smaller and may not be to the same service level as double-occupancy rooms.

• Are there any important health considerations I should be aware of before traveling?

  Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend carrying a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers/antibacterial wipes, as well as any personal medical requirements. Our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug. When selecting your trip, please carefully assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. The tour operator reserves the right to exclude any traveler from all or part of a trip without refund if they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

• Who should I contact in case of an emergency during the tour?

  Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call the tour operator Local Office. If you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information. The tour operator Berlin office emergency contact is +441858378000. Additionally, sales teams can be contacted via toll-free numbers from North America, UK, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, or +1 416 260 0999 from outside these regions.

• What is Planeterra and how is the tour operator involved?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. The tour operator is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need. You can join the 'Dollar-a-day Program' to contribute to Planeterra projects.

• What are the general safety tips and free-time guidelines for the trip?

  We recommend checking your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. Strongly recommend using a neck wallet or money belt for valuables, leaving valuable jewelry at home, and utilizing hotel safety deposit boxes. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel parts of the itinerary if necessary due to safety. During free time, use your own good judgment when selecting optional activities. Although cities are generally safe during the day, it's recommended to stay in small groups and take taxis during night-time excursions.