Overview
Torun is the birthplace of renaissance astronomer Copernicus. In the Middle Ages, it was a prominent trade hub as a member of the Hanseatic League. 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 to 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. You’ll have a chance to do a little hiking or to relax, 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. Explore the Polish capital with the help of the CosmosGO app. 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. Today's Distance: 242 mi/ 390 km (B/D)
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 time travel to the Middle Ages on the optional excursion to learn about the Teutonic Knights, a military order of the Middle Ages combining knighthood and monastery, as you discover Malbork Castle, a majestic fortress estimated to have been built with anywhere from seven to thirty million bricks. (B/D)
The first stop today is medieval 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 samples 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. Today's Distance: 255 mi/ 410 km (B/D)
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. Today's Distance: 317 mi/ 510 km (B/D)
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. (B)
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. Today's Distance: 137 mi/ 220 km (B/D)
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. Today's Distance: 261 mi/ 420 km (B)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Guided sightseeing in Warsaw
- Guided sightseeing in Gdansk
- Guided sightseeing in Torun, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Guided sightseeing in Poznan
- Guided visit to Jasna Góra monastery
- Guided sightseeing in Krakow with visit to Wawel Cathedral
- Orientation tour of Zakopane
- Guided visit to Auschwitz Concentration Camp
- 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; 5 dinners
- Warsaw: Regent Warsaw Hotel (First-Class)
- Gdansk: Zatoka Gdansk (First-Class)
- Poznan: Ibis Poznan Centrum (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Krakow: Conrad (First-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 vacations, 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
Trip Reviews (3) Most Recent 'Portrait of Poland' Reviews
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Cosmos Worldwide (2025-26)
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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Cosmos. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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