Day 1 – Warsaw, Poland – Tour Begins
Welcome to Warsaw! The city has a blend of old-world charm and a modern energy. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.
Day 2 – Warsaw
Embrace the moving history of Warsaw, a city reborn after WWII, as you embark on a locally guided tour. Your journey through this capital city includes a stop at the monument dedicated to the heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto. The afternoon is at leisure to take in the alleyways, visit a quaint café in Warsaw’s Old Town, explore a museum or simply relax.
Day 3 – Warsaw – Malbork Castle – Gdansk
Depart for Gdansk this morning. En route, stop in the town of Malbork, home to Malbork Castle, one of the largest castles in the world. A guided tour of this 700-year-old structure introduces you to the world of the Knights of the Teutonic Order. Continue to Gdansk, stopping at the Gdansk Shipyards, site of the creation of the anti-Communist Solidarity movement in 1980 that helped liberate Poland from Soviet rule.
Day 4 – Gdansk – Choice on Tour
This morning, join a local expert for an introduction to this strategic and remarkable port city; get to know its deep history during your tour which highlights City Hall and St. Mary’s Church. Later, the choice is yours. Join your Tour Manager on an excursion to the seaside resort town of Sopot -OR- remain in Gdansk and join a local guide on an educational shopping excursion during which you’ll learn about Polish amber at a demonstration, followed by the opportunity to purchase the stone. The evening is at leisure. Take a stroll through a beautiful square, shop for local handicrafts, or soak in the seaside atmosphere.
Day 5 – Gdansk – Torun
In and around TorunToday you travel to the town of Torun, a UNESCO World Heritage site and birthplace of Nicolaus Copernicus, the famous astronomer. Torun remains one of the best-preserved medieval towns in all of Europe and is one of the “Seven Wonders of Poland.” On arrival, walk past Copernicus’s house before stepping back into history while baking and sampling your very own gingerbread according to a 500-year-old recipe.
Day 6 – Torun – Wroclaw
In and around WroclawThis morning, join a local expert for a walking tour of this unspoiled town. Later this afternoon, arrive in the ancient city of Wroclaw. Tonight, join your traveling companions for some locally-brewed beer and a traditional “home-style” dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 7 – Wroclaw
A morning tour of Wroclaw brings you up close and personal to this large and ethnically diverse city. It could be the only location where you can find a Stare Miasto (Old Town) with a Synagogue, a Lutheran church, a Roman Catholic church and an Eastern Orthodox church standing near each other. The remainder of the day is at leisure to savor Wroclaw’s idyllic parks and captivating culture. Be sure to go in search of the many “dwarfs” hidden on the streets of the city!
Day 8 – Wroclaw – Czestochowa – Krakow
This morning we depart for Krakow, an enchanting city famous for its well-preserved town center. En route, stop in Czestochowa, the spiritual capital of Poland, where each year over 5 million pilgrims journey to pay their respects to the famous Black Madonna. Housed in the Jasna Góra monastery, journey inside for an up-close look at this miraculous image. Arriving in Krakow, enjoy some free time to get acquainted with the city.
Day 9 – Krakow
Join a local expert as we explore the city on a panoramic tour that includes Market Square, St. Mary’s Church and the university. You will also see the famous Wawel Castle, the former residence of Polish kings. The rest of your day is at leisure. Perhaps you’ll stroll the quaint side streets of Krakow’s famous Old Town, have coffee in one of the largest squares in Europe, or walk along the river for views of the new sections of the city. You may also visit the Schindler Museum or join your fellow travelers on an optional excursion.
Day 10 – Krakow – Auschwitz – Krakow
Today you embark on a poignant journey through history as you travel to Auschwitz. A local expert guides you through the former concentration camp where you will learn firsthand about the terrors as well as the resilience of the human spirit that occurred within those walls. This evening celebrate traditional Polish culture during a folklore show and dinner, complete with wine and beer.
Day 11 – Krakow – Tour Ends
Your tour comes to a close today.
