Highlights of Southern Poland

Czesc! Welcome to Poland. Your adventure begins in Krakow with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive in the city a little early, why not use this time to get your bearings. Krakow is striking with contrasts – you’ll find a medieval Old Town with a large youthful influence, renowned fine dining restaurants side by side with food trucks, and a vibrant Jewish quarter with some elegant speakeasies and hidden bars nearby. After your meeting, you'll have an option to head out with your group to dinner – your leader will know of some great options.

This morning, you’ll get to know Krakow a little better. Join your leader for a walk from the Old Town - Rynek (main square), one of the oldest and most recognizable medieval squares in Europe, to the Jewish quarter. During the walk, you’ll gain an appreciation for how the community have revived their cultural identity. Finish off your visit with a local delicacy – a zapiekanka (toasted baguette). Then, you’re free to choose how to spend your afternoon. You can take the opportunity to visit Auschwitz. A walk through the camp with a local guide is a truly sobering experience and helps to understand the sheer scale of the tragic loss of life that occurred here. Otherwise, you might decide to explore Nowa Huta – a former communist town turned eastern Quarter of Krakow. (B)

Say farewell to Krakow as you board a morning train to Wroclaw. Wroclaw is the cultural centre of southwest Poland, sitting on the banks of River Oder for over 1000 years and shaped by influences of Czech, German and Polish rule. Arrive around midday, then follow your leader on an orientation walk to this city's medieval square. Maybe try a nearby basement brewery for lunch. In the afternoon, take part in a traditional pottery making workshop – trying your hand at hand moulding or on a potter's wheel. Then, spend the evening how you’d like. You might check out Ostrow Tumski (Cathedral Island), or wander around Old Town on a hunt for the numerous dwarf sculptures. Don’t miss out on appreciating Wroclaw from River Oder or experiencing the vibrant cultural scene – your leader will be on hand to give recommendations on local hotspots. (B)

After breakfast, travel by train to Szklarska Poreba. Sitting in the Sudeten Mountains, Szklarska Poreba is a winter resort town, renowned for its mountain hiking, cycling and skiing. Once you’ve checked into your accommodation, you’re free to explore the town and its surroundings. Perhaps head to Szklarki Waterfall, known for both its beauty and for being where Wim Hof developed his famous cold temperature meditations. Or you might like to examine the more than 3000 artefacts in the Mineralogical Museum, encountering samples from outer space in a ski village. In the evening, your leader will be able to suggest local dinner spots. (B)

Today, get set for a leader-led walk through the high peaks and dense green forests of Karkonoski National Park. Starting from your accommodation, you’ll hike along wide trails with a gentle climb – if needed, there are plenty of spots for a rest. The scenery will slowly unfold around you as you head towards Wysoki Kamien Observation Tower. Sitting on the eastern summit of the Izerskie mountains, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the national park and the Karkonosze mountains. Make your way back to town, then finish your day with an included traditional Polish dinner. Be sure to toast today’s efforts! (B/D)

This morning, leave Szklarska Poreba and transfer to Jelenia Gora, before boarding a public bus to Warsaw. Poland’s capital has a rich history shown in its mix of Gothic, neoclassical and Soviet-era architecture, and also a new, cosmopolitan touch. After arriving in the early afternoon, why not head out to a local craft beer bar for lunch? Then, get your bearings during on orientation walk of the city, visiting the Warsaw University rooftop gardens, which demonstrate how creative architecture can make our cities green and friendly. You might decide to finish your day by sharing a final dinner with your fellow travellers – be sure to sample some of Poland’s signature dishes (and the local vodka, of course). (B)

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay in Warsaw, just get in touch with your booking agent and they’ll be happy to arrange additional accommodation (subject to availability). (B)