Country Roads of Poland

Transfers to your hotel depart Kraków airport at 12:30 and 15:00. Meet your Travel Director Tim at 17:00 for a walk around the Rynek Główny, Europe's largest and most beautiful town square. See the famous Sukiennice Cloth Hall, St. Mary's Church and the many historic townhouses, palaces and churches. Be sure to listen for the trumpeter's call! Later, enjoy getting to know your fellow guests over a fabulous Welcome Dinner at one of Kraków’s best restaurant’s. (DW) Stay: Vienna House Andel's Cracow OR SIMILAR

This morning ascend Wawel Hill to see the Renaissance castle with a Local Expert. Visit the cathedral, the final resting place of the Kings of Poland and the former seat of Archbishop Karol Wojtyła, later known to the world as Pope John Paul II. Head across the former Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz, and then to Podgórze to see Ghetto Square. The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps spend time browsing the shops for traditional folklore products, or take an optional trip out to Nowa Huta for a taste of Communist era Poland? By night, don’t miss the chance of enjoying a Polka Party with dinner and wine. (B)

In the morning, why not join an Optional Experience to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine? Journey into the Tatras, the highest range of the Carpathian Mountains. Spend 2 nights in the resort town of Zakopane, famous for its wooden houses and winter sports. On arrival, join your Travel Director for a walk along famous Krupówki street to the highlander markets. Spend free time shopping for local specialties and ascend the Gubałówka mountain by funicular for panoramic views across the Tatras into Slovakia. In the evening, enjoy a rousing Highlight Dinner, accompanied by Goral Highlander folklore entertainment at a local restaurant. (B/DW) Stay: Radisson Blu hotel & Residences OR SIMILAR

Enjoy free time to soak up the atmosphere of Zakopane. Alternatively, join a local Goral highlander mountain expert for an optional experience exploring the treasures of the region including visits to the wooden Jaszczurówka chapel, a ‘bacowka’ cheese making hut and a delicious highlander lunch in a former rangers station? (B)

This morning stop in Wadowice, the birthplace of Pope John Paul II, where we will stop for a morning tea to try the Pope’s favourite cream cake! Then on to the city of Oświęcim, better known throughout the world by its German name, Auschwitz. With a local historian, experience a moving visit to the memorial and museum of Auschwitz and a stop at Birkenau (subject to availability). Now continue to our rustic hotel located in the heart of the Low Beskid mountains, where tonight we will enjoy a hearty dinner in the adjoining tavern with a demonstration in how to make famous Polish pierogi! (B/AT) Stay: Kocierz Hotel & Spa OR SIMILAR

Today enjoy a real local experience as we explore the region where your Travel Director Tim lives. Enjoy a morning in the delightful town of Zywiec where you will see the 550 year old Cathedral, the former Hapsburg Palace, and take a stroll through the city park. There’ll be time at leisure on the town square to enjoy a coffee or one of the region’s famous beers, before we continue to the village of Ślemien to explore an open air ethnographic museum made up of 19th century wooden houses. Now on to the village of Gilowice where we will enjoy a late lunch with Tim and his family in the local ‘Karczma’. (B/L)

Travel across historic Silesia and along the Oder River to the city of Wrocław, known in Polish as Miasto Spotkań or the meeting place. During its long history, Wrocław has belonged to Poland, Bohemia, Austria, Prussia and Germany. With your Local Expert, see the brightly coloured facades of the noble mansions, and the flower markets on the Plac Solny. Take in the Baroque splendour of the Rynek, and be introduced to Wrocław's cheeky gnomes. (B) Stay: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Wrocław OR SIMILAR

Consider joining a morning optional experience to discover some of the jewels of Silesia- Książ Castle and UNESCO-listed Świdnica Church of Peace. Enjoy time at leisure this afternoon to shop for famous Bolesławiec pottery, and tonight join your Travel Director at one of the trendy local beer establishments for a casual dinner & drinks. (B/DW)

This morning we head for Greater Poland and the city of Poznan. Drive out to Ostrów Tumski, known as Cathedral Island. It's considered as the birthplace of Poland in the 10th century and is a fascinating place of legend, often overlooked by other visitors. Explore Poznan with Insight Choice. Choose between immersing yourself in the history of the city and enjoy a walking tour or alternatively, learn the secrets behind the St Martin’s croissant, a local delicacy, and enjoy a tasting. See the famous ‘Poznan Goats’ and enjoy time for lunch before we continue to Gniezno to visit the cathedral and see the famous bronze doors. Then on to Toruń, founded by the Teutonic Knights in 1233 and birthplace of astronomer, Nicolaus Copernicus. Enjoy an evening at leisure in the charming old town. (B/DW) Stay: Hotel Bulwar

Join a Local Expert to discover the outstanding examples of medieval architecture in Torun, now a living museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Why not shop for traditional gingerbread before departing towards the Baltic coast and the city of Gdansk. Tonight choose from a selection of local specialities including Gdansk fisherman’s soup & Baltic Cod at a local restaurant in a restored 17th century grain warehouse by the Motława river. (B) Stay: Radisson Blu Hotel, Gdańsk OR SIMILAR

Spend the morning with a passionate Local Expert. Learn captivating and fun facts about the city and see the Westerplatte, the scene of the first fighting between Polish and German troops in 1939, and the Gdańsk Shipyards where Lech Wałęsa formed the anti-Soviet Solidarność in 1980. Continue through the medieval city, where buildings date back to the time of the Hanseatic League. Enjoy a free afternoon and perhaps choose to visit the elegant seaside town of Sopot? (B)

With a Local Expert, visit the Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork, founded in 1274 by the Teutonic Knights on the banks of the Nogat River. The castle is a stunning example of a medieval fortress and the largest brick Gothic castle in the world. Next, travel south past the beautiful Masuria Lake District, passing Mława on the way to the capital of Warsaw. With the rest of the day at your leisure, perhaps attend an evening concert of Poland’s best-loved composer, Frédéric Chopin? (B) Stay: The Westin Warsaw OR SIMILAR

See the Palace of Culture and the Chopin Monument in Łazienki Park with a Local Expert. Visit the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes, followed by a walk through Warsaw’s Old Town, entirely rebuilt since World War II. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Perhaps visit Wilanów Palace, once the home to Poland's most famous King Jan Sobieski III? At your Celebration Dinner, enjoy a fine selection of local dishes with wine at a cosy Warsaw restaurant. (B/DW)

Your journey comes to an end with your departure transfer arriving at Warsaw airport at 07:30 or 10:00. (B)