Upon arrival in Warsaw, you will be met and transferred
to your hotel. There’s time to relax. Tonight, your tour
director is hosting a welcome reception and will
introduce you to your fellow travelers and to the
fascinating tour that awaits you. (WR)
This city is the 700-year-old political and cultural capital
of Poland. A sightseeing tour here includes a drive
along the famous Royal Route from grand Castle
Square to Lazienki Park and Palace, and past the
summer residence of the last king of Poland. We see the
Palace of Science and Culture (known as a “wedding
cake”), the Saxon Gardens, the Tomb of the Unknown
Soldier, the Monument to the Heroes of the Warsaw
Ghetto, and the Barbican. Then we embark on a
walking tour of the Old Town passing the Old Market
Square, and St. John’s Cathedral. Next, we visit a
chocolate factory, for a tour and for some sampling.
You can taste some hot chocolate, cocoa beans and
three different kinds of chocolate bars. You then have a
chance to concoct your very own chocolate bar and
take it home as a souvenir. The rest of the day is free. (B)
Optional tour: Chopin concert
This morning, our journey continues to Czestochowa,
famous for the blackened picture of St. Mary in the
Yasna Gora Monastery, popularly called the "Black
Madonna". In the afternoon, we solemnly visit the
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum. This former
German Nazi concentration and extermination camp is
now a UNESCO World Heritage site. After our visit, we
continue to Krakow where we have dinner. (B, D)
Our sightseeing starts with a visit of Wawel Hill, where we
see the Royal Castle and visit the Royal Cathedral.
Then, we walk around the Old Town, visit the Main
Market Square, the Renaissance Cloth Hall, and St.
Mary's Church. During our tour, we stop to taste Polish
vodka and learn about Polish traditions and culture. The
afternoon is free to shop and do more sightseeing on
your own. (B)
Optional tour: Pierogi making class
We drive to Poznan, and en-route, we stop in Wroclaw,
a city built on 12 islands, for a visit to the oldest part of
town. In the afternoon, when we arrive in Poznan, we
visit a local brewery and participate in some beer
tasting. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B)
We peer into the heart of Poznan by walking around
the Imperial Castle, which dates back over 100 years when the city was under Prussian, and later German,
rule. We continue with a visit to the Gothic Cathedral on
the island of Ostrow Tumski. Next, we cross the Chrobry
Bridge to enter the splendid Old Town, famous for the
Renaissance Town Hall which towers over Market
Square. We end our tour at Freedom Square which is
surrounded by famous 19th-century buildings, including
the National Museum, the Kaczynski Library, the Bazar
Hotel, and Arkadia. Our next stop is Torun where, in the
gothic Old Town, famous astronomer Nicholas
Copernicus was born. This afternoon, we travel to our
last destination, Gdansk. (B)
This morning begins with a half-day tour. The Old Town
of Gdansk is a delightful place. We see the Long Market
with its restored townhouses. Then, we see the Fountain
of Neptune, the Upland Gate, the Golden Gate, the
Coal Market, the Długa Street, the rebuilt Upgahen
house, and finally Solidarity Square. Our next stop is at
the largest gothic church in the world made of bricks:
St. Mary's church. Here, we admire the great
astronomical clock from the 15th. century, old sculptures
and a replica of Hans Memling’s famous painting "The
Last Judgement". The remainder of the day is at leisure.
In the evening, gather with your fellow travelers and
your tour director for our farewell dinner. (B, D)
Optional tour: Visit of the Malbork castle
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Gdansk airport
for your departure flight. Alternatively, you can continue
your journey and join Kompas’ “Bygone and Present
Day Discovery of Germany” Tour (B)
Inclusion
Arrival transfer from Warsaw airport to the hotel
8 day/7-night guided tour featuring:
Centrally located first class hotels:
2 nights in Warsaw
2 nights in Krakow
1 night in Poznan
2 nights in Gdansk
Buffet breakfast daily
A welcome reception in Warsaw (heavy hors d’oeuvres, a glass of wine, beer or soft drink)
A dinner in Krakow (coffee or tea included)
A farewell dinner in Gdansk (coffee or tea included)
Hotel taxes and service charges
Touring by modern air-conditioned motor-coach
Professional English-speaking tour director
Sightseeing tours with licensed local guides
Admission included where indicated in bold letters
Luggage handling at the hotels
Whisper technology enhanced touring
Departure transfer from Gdansk to Gdansk airport
Tour spotlights:
Warsaw and its charming Old Town
Yasna Gora Monastery, home to Poland's Black Madonna
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum
Krakow’s medieval core and Jewish quarter
The colorful facades of Gdansk
Special Features:
Visit of a chocolate factory with tasting in Warsaw
Tasting of Polish Vodka in Krakow
Beer tasting in Poznan
Exclusion
International airfares
Optional activities
Other meals, drinks, tips and other personal expenses or services not specified on the program
Personal equipment
Travel insurance
Gratuities
Voluntary tips for guides or drivers
Travel and medical insurance
Any items not mentioned as included
Note
Hotels:
Warsaw: Mercure Centrum (F) or similar
Krakow: Novotel Centrum (F) or similar
Poznan: Novotel Centrum (F) or similar
Gdansk: Holiday Inn City Centre (F) or similar
