Explore Poland's Rich Heritage Trail - 10 Days

Welcome to your journey! Upon your arrival in Warsaw, we will ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel. You'll have some leisure time to unwind and start soaking in the city's atmosphere. In the afternoon, please visit the hotel reception to find key information about the beginning of your adventure. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

On the second day, our journey in Warsaw begins with an enlightening panoramic tour led by a local guide. We�ll explore this vibrant city � Poland's political and economic heart � which seamlessly blends modern structures with beautifully restored historical sites. As we meander through the picturesque old town, we�ll see the Royal Palace and other historic buildings lining the quaint cobbled streets, all meticulously reconstructed after Warsaw�s devastation in World War II. This area has earned a place on the World Heritage list for its impressive restoration. A visit to the Palace of Culture, a towering skyscraper gifted by the Soviet Union, offers a unique glimpse into the city's history. We�ll reflect on the poignant narrative of Warsaw�s past as we learn about what was once Europe�s largest Jewish ghetto. Finally, a peaceful walk through ?azienki Park to see the esteemed Chopin Monument rounds out our guided tour. In the afternoon, you�ll have time to explore at your leisure. Consider visiting the National Museum or the Warsaw Rising Museum, or dive into the lively city centre rich with shops and activities. Please note, depending on the number of participants, the city tour may be conducted as a regular tourist service.

Today, we venture into the picturesque region of Lesser Poland, known locally as Ma?opolska, a land of forests and gently rolling hills. Our first destination is Kielce, a lively town with roots tracing back to the 11th century. Its elegant centre invites us to explore its historic cathedral, the bishop�s palace, and charming gardens. Following some leisure time to discover the town and have lunch, we continue our journey along scenic routes that offer a true taste of rural Polish life.

Our next stop is the captivating town of Tarnow, founded in the 14th century. Here, we meander through its spacious main square, wandering the medieval streets lined with Renaissance and Gothic architecture, a testament to the blend of Polish, Jewish, and Hungarian influences. Before the war, Tarnow was home to a vibrant Jewish community, and its ethnographic museum offers insights into the Roma community, who also faced persecution during the war.

As the day winds down, we head towards Krak�w, where we plan to arrive by late afternoon. Once there, we suggest a leisurely stroll through the lively Market Square to soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

In the morning, we will embark on a panoramic tour of Krakow, guided by a local expert. This city, founded in the seventh century, serves as the capital of Lesser Poland and boasts an Old Town that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will explore its enchanting medieval streets and visit the Market Square, one of Europe's largest and the vibrant heart of Krakow. Our tour will also take us to Wawel Hill, home to Wawel Castle, which once served as the residence of Polish kings.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy as you like. You might choose to join an optional visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mines, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. This remarkable site features intricately carved galleries, subterranean churches, and extends over 300 kilometres of tunnels. Later in the day, a traditional local meal will be included, offering a taste of regional cuisine.

Following breakfast, we head to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, known for its Monastery and Chapel complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and significant pilgrimage destination set in picturesque surroundings. We then pause at Barwald Dolny to visit its wooden church before making our way to Wadowice, the birthplace of Pope John Paul II. Here, you can choose to visit either his family home, now a museum, or the basilica where he was baptised. Enjoy some free time to stroll and have lunch in this charming town.

Our journey continues to Auschwitz, the site of the former Nazi concentration camp where tragically more than a million lives were lost during World War II. Now a prominent memorial and museum, it is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will also visit Birkenau, where trains carrying victims arrived from across Europe.

En route to Katowice, we stop at the Nikiszowiec neighbourhood, famous for its distinctive early 20th-century architecture developed for miners. This vibrant community is currently being considered for UNESCO World Heritage status. Upon reaching Katowice, the bustling capital of the Silesian region, you'll have the opportunity to explore the city's modern attractions at your leisure. Accommodation for the night will be in Katowice.

Today, we journey from Katowice to Opole, where you can enjoy a leisurely coffee break in this lively town known for its well-preserved old town and the National Festival of Polish Song. Moving on, we'll visit the Village Museum, an open-air museum that provides a glimpse into rural Polish life in the late 19th century. Here, you'll see traditional wooden architecture, including mills, a church, and farmsteads � a telling display of the region's heritage. Afterwards, we'll head to Wroclaw, the capital of Lower Silesia, with a history influenced by Polish, Czech, Austrian, and German cultures. The old town, reconstructed after World War II, boasts one of Poland's most stunning squares and is famous for its numerous bridges and canals. In the afternoon, we'll enjoy a boat ride on these scenic waterways. Later, you will have the opportunity to explore the city at your own pace, perhaps uncovering more of its charming and vibrant personality.

Today, we set off towards the Greater Poland region, arriving in Poznan, a city with deep historical roots and one of the oldest in the country. Here, you'll find the vibrant Market Square, where the Renaissance-style Town Hall stands proudly, surrounded by a delightful array of colourful buildings. Don't miss the charming spectacle of two mechanical goats butting heads as the clock strikes noon, a tradition dating back to the 16th century. Take some time at your leisure to enjoy lunch and explore the lively surroundings. We then continue our journey to Torun, famed for its beautifully preserved Gothic architecture and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This charming walled city is the birthplace of the renowned astronomer, Copernicus. Feel free to visit the museum in his honour if it piques your interest. Later, we travel to Gdansk, arriving late in the afternoon. The historic centre of this former city of Danzig is alive with energy and character. We suggest an evening stroll to fully immerse yourself in its unique atmosphere.

Following breakfast, we will embark on a guided tour with our coach to the European Solidarity Centre. This remarkable modern building is dedicated to preserving the history of the �Solidarity� trade union, a key player in the downfall of Soviet influence, and also honours the memorial for the heroic workers who lost their lives. Our journey continues past the Museum of the Second World War � please note it is closed on Mondays. Later, we proceed to Sopot, a sophisticated coastal town renowned for its sandy beach along the Baltic Sea and its vibrant atmosphere. You can enjoy a walk along its famous wooden pier, one of Europe�s longest, offering breathtaking views. There will be time for you to explore and have lunch. In the afternoon, we will return to Gdansk, where you can spend your free time discovering the delights of this splendid city.

Our journey continues with a visit to Malbork, where we will explore its remarkable 13th-century castle, a formidable structure built by the Teutonic Order and known as one of the largest medieval castles in Europe. This architectural marvel, which holds the status of a World Heritage Site, is accessible to us with tickets included for the green route. After immersing ourselves in its history, we make our way to Frombork on Poland's peaceful northeastern coast. Here, you have the opportunity to wander at leisure and enjoy lunch amidst the historic walled complex where the renowned astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus is laid to rest.

Following lunch, our journey takes us to the Elblag Canal, celebrated as Poland�s longest navigable canal and an industrial achievement from the 19th century. We will experience a unique tour of the museum that pays tribute to this engineering feat, featuring an intriguing mechanism where boats are transported over land via rails to navigate elevation differences. As the day draws to a close, we continue on to Warsaw, Poland�s vibrant capital, where we will arrive in the evening to conclude another enriching day of exploration.

After breakfast, we conclude our journey, leaving you to relish the wonderful memories of your trip.