Dating back to the 7th century, Kraków is known as Poland’s most beautiful city and cultural capital. Here, the sightseeing tour features the Market Square, one of Europe’s loveliest squares, along with Wawel Hill. Gdansk is a beautiful port city on the Baltic Sea, which played an important role in recent history by facilitating the events that brought on the fall of the Berlin Wall. You’ll visit the monastery of Jasna Góra in Czestochowa, an important pilgrimage spot. Its Black Madonna, a painting of the Virgin Mary, is a symbol of the country and venerated as the "Queen of Poland." You'll also visit what is left of the Auschwitz concentration camp, a chilling reminder of the Holocaust.
Enjoy the included excursion to Zakopane, a mountain resort in the Tatras, a favorite holiday spot for locals and visitors, alike. Spend some time doing a little hiking or relaxing, taking in the spectacular views. You’ll arrive home from this value-minded tour through Poland with a new appreciation of Poland’s history, culture, nature, and wonderful cities—an enriching adventure!
Itinerary
Check into your hotel and start to explore the Polish capital. In the early evening, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.
Today's included sightseeing tour with a Local Guide is an excellent introduction to Warsaw. Magnificently reconstructed after WWII, Warsaw is a rich tapestry of nearly every European architectural style, from Gothic to Neoclassical, with wide, modern avenues in striking contrast to the narrow lanes of the old section. Continuing to Gdansk on the Baltic Sea, discover one of the most important Hanseatic cities in the 14th and 15th centuries.
Among the most important shipping ports in Northern Europe, Gdansk (formerly known by its German name, Danzig) is the birthplace of “Solidarity,” the Polish trade union that revolutionized Polish modern politics. This morning, your Local Guide takes you on an enlightening city tour revealing the city's past and present.
Enjoy free time to explore on your own, or travel back in time to the Middle Ages on the optional excursion to Malbork Castle. Learn about the Teutonic Knights, a medieval military religious order, as you explore the world's largest brick castle by land area. It's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The first stop today is the medieval town of Torun on the Vistula River, birthplace of Renaissance astronomer Copernicus and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your Local Guide will introduce you to the many captivating highlights, including the starówka (Old Town) with the ruins of a 13th-century Teutonic Knights' castle, as well as many examples of Gothic architecture.
Head west to Poznan, one of the country's oldest cities, and a part of Polish history for the past 1,000 years. This afternoon, discover the main attractions on your included city sightseeing tour with a Local Guide.
The guided tour of Jasna Góra in Czestochowa unveils the story of the Monastery that withstood the repeated onslaughts of overwhelming Swedish forces during the religious wars of the 17th century. Since then, its Black Madonna has been venerated as the “Queen of Poland” and has become the country's national symbol. Continue to Kraków.
Dating back to the 7th century, Kraków is revered by many as Poland's most beautiful city. It was the country's capital for over 500 years. On your included guided tour, see the Market Square, the Jewish Quarter, Wawel Hill, and visit the Cathedral. Spend free time exploring on your own or go deeper with an optional underground excursion to the Wieliczka salt mines. Descend to the first level of the mine and enjoy a sensory experience of beauty, color, and sound, and taste of salt on your lips.
Get a breath of fresh mountain air today on the included excursion to Zakopane. Located in a picturesque valley at the base of the Tatra Mountain range, Zakopane has developed into a beautiful, pristine resort. Typical of this area are the highland wooden houses, cafes, restaurants, and the local shops on Krupowki Street. Enjoy a little hiking or browse around the small market for authentic souvenirs. Return to Krakow.
Encounter sobering history this morning on your visit to the Auschwitz concentration camp, a chilling reminder of the Holocaust. In the afternoon, continue to Warsaw.
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Trip Inclusions
- Guided sightseeing in Warsaw, Poland's resilient capital blending historic charm with modern energy
- Guided sightseeing in Gdansk, the historic Baltic port renowned for its colorful waterfront and maritime heritage
- Guided sightseeing in Torun, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Guided sightseeing in Poznan, one of Poland's oldest and most historic cities
- Guided visit to Jasna Góra Monastery, Poland's most revered pilgrimage site and home of the Black Madonna
- Guided sightseeing in Krakow with visit to Wawel Cathedral, one of Poland's most important historic landmarks
- Orientation tour of Zakopane, Poland's popular mountain resort at the foot of the Tatra Mountains
- Guided visit to Auschwitz Concentration Camp, a solemn memorial preserving the history of the Holocaust
- The world is within reach with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, complimentary headsets, and private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.
- Buffet breakfasts daily, 4 Dinners
- Warsaw: Holiday Inn Express The HUB (First-Class)
- Gdansk: Hampton Gdansk Old Town (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Poznan: Ibis Poznan Centrum (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Krakow: Ibis Krakow Centrum (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Enjoy inside visits to Europe's the must-see sites with a great mix of included excursions, free time and affordable value. Read more
Cosmos build free time into every one of their holidays, so you can eat, shop, and explore the way you want. Read more
Cosmos' easy going, fun-filled and multilingual Tour Directors and Local Guides love exploring as much as you do. Read more
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