Poland’s Cultural and Scenic South
$0.00
per item
Highlights:
In the southern part of Poland near the border with Slovakia is an area that combines history and culture along with surprising scenic mountain beauty. Krakow, the jewel of Polish culture, escaped much of the destruction of World War II and so allows an authentic look into the Poland of the past. Despite this, the city enjoys the vibrancy of youth based on its young populations and their European counterparts that make Krakow a short break superstar.
Not far from the city you enter the Alpine-like domain of the Tatra Mountains and its charming town of Zacopane. This area is the center of the Polish Ski industry but in the warmer months offers a refreshing break with hiking trails and the healthy goodness of highlander cuisine. Let us show you both.
In the southern part of Poland near the border with Slovakia is an area that combines history and culture along with surprising scenic mountain beauty. Krakow, the jewel of Polish culture, escaped much of the destruction of World War II and so allows an authentic look into the Poland of the past. Despite this, the city enjoys the vibrancy of youth based on its young populations and their European counterparts that make Krakow a short break superstar.
Not far from the city you enter the Alpine-like domain of the Tatra Mountains and its charming town of Zacopane. This area is the center of the Polish Ski industry but in the warmer months offers a refreshing break with hiking trails and the healthy goodness of highlander cuisine. Let us show you both.
SKU:
Explore: Cultural & Scenic Poland
Customizable Itinerary - 8 Days (from $2,365 per person)
Day 1: USA-Poland
This evening you would board a flight bound for Poland and the cultural centre of Krakow.
Day 2: Welcome to Krakow
You will arrive in Krakow in the early afternoon and be met by one of our drivers who will take you to your hotel, a re-purposed merchant’s house situated in the heart of old town. You have the rest of the day to relax and try the spa if you'd like. In the evening, dine in one of the three restaurants; during the summer months, the roof terrace offers fine dining and views of St. Mary’s Church and Cloth Hall, adding to the ambiance.
Dinner
Day 3: From the Jagiellonian University to Schindler’s List
Spared from the bombing of World War II, the city - especially old town, gives you an authentic look at Krakow through the ages. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and many of the initial sights like Market Square, Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Church are nearby. You will also visit Jagiellonian University which was founded in 1364, making it one of the oldest universities in Europe. After, follow the Royal Way up Wawel Hill to visit Wawel Castle and enjoy the view of the city. You will then make your way to the Kazimierz district where you will have some lunch. Beginning in the 16th Century, this was the cultural centre of the Jewish Community whose souls were destroyed by the Nazis, although the buildings remain. This is where you will find Szeroka Street where much of “Schindler’s List” was filmed. Today, Jewish life and culture is undergoing a revival as indicated by the restoration of buildings and in the fashionable cafes, restaurants and bars filled with tourists from all over the world.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 4: Pszczyna Castle and a 17th Century Brewery
After breakfast you will meet your guide and driver and head out into the countryside to visit a castle known as the “Silesian Versailles,” which houses an extensive collection of furniture and interior decorations. The residence is surrounded by a park with a fascinating interconnection of lakes which you can, with one of the boats available for hire, stop for lunch at a village restaurant and visit a brewery that dates back to the 17th Century. You have the opportunity to sample their variety of beers before returning to Krakow. In the evening, venture out with your guide and enjoy authentic Polish cuisine, along with some music in old town.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Day at Leisure
We have left a suggested day open to allow you an opportunity to explore old town at your own pace. There are a lot of nice outdoor restaurants located around market square where you can enjoy both the food and the people watching.
Breakfast
Day 6: From Deep below to High above
Today you check out of your hotel and head to the Tatra Mountains. First, however, you will take advantage of a unique opportunity to visit the oldest continuously operating salt mine in Europe and one of the most unusual. Travel to Wieliczka and descend 200 feet where you meet your guide for a tour of the mine through rooms, passages and great chambers taking you down a further 200 feet. You will pass by an underground lake with its stunning colors and then visit St. Kinga’s Chapel which is also known as the “salt cathedral” where every feature has been carved out of solid salt. On your way out pass by an underground post-office, also carved out of salt. After your tour, head into the mountains to the town of Zakopane. Tonight you get your first taste of “highlander” cooking at a local restaurant.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7: Exploring Zakopane
Zakopane is primarily known as a ski resort, the main one in Poland. It is also noted for its unique wooden architecture. Over the years, its natural beauty has attracted many artists, sculptors and other artisans so during the warmer months there are plenty of shops to explore and handicrafts to buy. The most famous street is Krupowski Street. Part of your day will include a ride on the railroad that runs 3,000 feet up Mount Gubalowka. Once you arrive at the summit you will have spectacular views of the other mountains in the Tatra range and the ability to see the town below. You can also try your hand at a toboggan run. In the evening enjoy folk dancing along with dinner.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8: Return to USA
In the morning you will be transferred to the airport for the return flight to the USA.
Breakfast
This evening you would board a flight bound for Poland and the cultural centre of Krakow.
Day 2: Welcome to Krakow
You will arrive in Krakow in the early afternoon and be met by one of our drivers who will take you to your hotel, a re-purposed merchant’s house situated in the heart of old town. You have the rest of the day to relax and try the spa if you'd like. In the evening, dine in one of the three restaurants; during the summer months, the roof terrace offers fine dining and views of St. Mary’s Church and Cloth Hall, adding to the ambiance.
Dinner
Day 3: From the Jagiellonian University to Schindler’s List
Spared from the bombing of World War II, the city - especially old town, gives you an authentic look at Krakow through the ages. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and many of the initial sights like Market Square, Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Church are nearby. You will also visit Jagiellonian University which was founded in 1364, making it one of the oldest universities in Europe. After, follow the Royal Way up Wawel Hill to visit Wawel Castle and enjoy the view of the city. You will then make your way to the Kazimierz district where you will have some lunch. Beginning in the 16th Century, this was the cultural centre of the Jewish Community whose souls were destroyed by the Nazis, although the buildings remain. This is where you will find Szeroka Street where much of “Schindler’s List” was filmed. Today, Jewish life and culture is undergoing a revival as indicated by the restoration of buildings and in the fashionable cafes, restaurants and bars filled with tourists from all over the world.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 4: Pszczyna Castle and a 17th Century Brewery
After breakfast you will meet your guide and driver and head out into the countryside to visit a castle known as the “Silesian Versailles,” which houses an extensive collection of furniture and interior decorations. The residence is surrounded by a park with a fascinating interconnection of lakes which you can, with one of the boats available for hire, stop for lunch at a village restaurant and visit a brewery that dates back to the 17th Century. You have the opportunity to sample their variety of beers before returning to Krakow. In the evening, venture out with your guide and enjoy authentic Polish cuisine, along with some music in old town.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Day at Leisure
We have left a suggested day open to allow you an opportunity to explore old town at your own pace. There are a lot of nice outdoor restaurants located around market square where you can enjoy both the food and the people watching.
Breakfast
Day 6: From Deep below to High above
Today you check out of your hotel and head to the Tatra Mountains. First, however, you will take advantage of a unique opportunity to visit the oldest continuously operating salt mine in Europe and one of the most unusual. Travel to Wieliczka and descend 200 feet where you meet your guide for a tour of the mine through rooms, passages and great chambers taking you down a further 200 feet. You will pass by an underground lake with its stunning colors and then visit St. Kinga’s Chapel which is also known as the “salt cathedral” where every feature has been carved out of solid salt. On your way out pass by an underground post-office, also carved out of salt. After your tour, head into the mountains to the town of Zakopane. Tonight you get your first taste of “highlander” cooking at a local restaurant.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7: Exploring Zakopane
Zakopane is primarily known as a ski resort, the main one in Poland. It is also noted for its unique wooden architecture. Over the years, its natural beauty has attracted many artists, sculptors and other artisans so during the warmer months there are plenty of shops to explore and handicrafts to buy. The most famous street is Krupowski Street. Part of your day will include a ride on the railroad that runs 3,000 feet up Mount Gubalowka. Once you arrive at the summit you will have spectacular views of the other mountains in the Tatra range and the ability to see the town below. You can also try your hand at a toboggan run. In the evening enjoy folk dancing along with dinner.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8: Return to USA
In the morning you will be transferred to the airport for the return flight to the USA.
Breakfast
