DAY 1

Welcome to Kraków.
Your complimentary, private transfer takes you to your local departure airport. Transfers to your hotel depart Kraków airport at 10:30, 12:30 and 15:00. Meet your Travel Director at 16:30 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.
Hotel: Mercure Kraków Stare Miasto.
Meal: Dinner with Wine

DAY 2

The Damsels and Dragons of Kraków.
In the morning, why not visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine? Alternatively, relax until your ascent of Wawel Hill to see the Renaissance castle with a Local Expert. Then 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 to Podgórze to see Ghetto Square. The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps spend time browsing the shops for traditional folklore products? By night, don’t miss the chance of enjoying a Polka Party with dinner and wine.
Hotel: Mercure Kraków Stare Miasto.
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 3

Across the High Tatras Mountains to Zakopane.
Journey into the Tatras, the highest range of the Carpathian Mountains. Stay in the resort town of Zakopane, famous for its wooden houses and winter sports. Spend free time shopping for local specialties in the markets of Krupówki Street or ascend a nearby mountain for panoramic views across the Tatras into Slovakia. In the evening, enjoy a rousing Highlight Dinner accompanied by local Goral Highlander folklore entertainment.
Hotel: Nosalowy Dwór Resort, Zakopane.
Meal: Breakfast,Dinner with Wine

DAY 4

Reflect on Auschwitz then on to Wrocław, the Venice of Poland.
Travelling past the birthplace of Pope John Paul II, your first stop will be the city of Oświęcim, better known throughout the world by its German name, Auschwitz. With a Local Expert, experience a moving visit to the memorial and museum of Auschwitz and a stop at Birkenau. Travel 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. 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.
Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Wrocław.
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 5

Poznań, Cradle of the Polish nation.
With a relaxed start to the day, perhaps join a Local Expert to ride a historic 1900s Breslauer tram? Journey to the region of Wielkopolska to meet a local resident of Poznań who knows every nook and cranny of the Old Town. After a pleasant walking tour, 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. Learn the secrets behind the St. Martin’s croissant, a local delicacy of Poznan with a long-hold history, and enjoy a tasting.
Hotel: Sheraton Poznań Hotel.
Meal: Breakfast,Dinner with Wine

DAY 6

Toruń, the Gothic Glory on the Vistula and Gdańsk.
Stop at Gniezno to visit the cathedral and see the famous winged bronze doors. Then continue to Toruń, founded by the Teutonic Knights in 1233 and birthplace of astronomer, Nicolaus Copernicus. Join a Local Expert to discover this outstanding example of medieval architecture, now a living museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend time exploring at your own pace. Why not shop for traditional gingerbread? Follow the Vistula River north to the Baltic Sea and Gdańsk a beautiful seaside town, with a lovingly restored Old Town. As evening descends, a dinner of Baltic specialities is highly recommended, followed by a walk through Gdańsk’s illuminated historic district.
Hotel: Radisson Blu Hotel, Gdańsk.
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 7

The Baltic Belles of Gdańsk.
Spend the morning with a Local Expert. See the Westerplatte, 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.
Hotel: Radisson Blu Hotel, Gdańsk.
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 8

Malbork Castle and Warsaw.
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 across the beautiful Masuria Lake District, passing Iława on the way to the capital of Warsaw.
Hotel: The Westin Warsaw.
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 9

Exploring the Proud Polish Capital of Warsaw.
See the Palace of Culture and the Chopin Monument in Łazienki Park with a Local Expert. Visit the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes and the Historical Museum, 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.
Hotel: The Westin Warsaw.
Meal: Breakfast,Dinner with Wine

DAY 10

Depart Warsaw.
Your journey comes to an end with your departure transfer arriving at Warsaw airport at 07:30 or 10:00. On arrival at your home airport, your driver will greet and escort you to your waiting car for your private transfer home.
Meal: Breakfast

Authentic Dining

• Zakopane: Meet Poland’s Goral Highlanders and share their culture at a dinner with local specialities and music.
• Poznan: Learn the secrets behind the St. Martin’s croissant, a local delicacy of Poznan with a long-hold history, and enjoy a tasting.
• Warsaw: The Polish capital is currently enjoying a culinary renaissance – find out what the buzz is all about during your end-of-tour Celebration Dinner with wine at a favourite restaurant.
• Dining Summary: 9 Breakfasts (B) and 4 Dinners with Wine (DW) all with tea or coffee.

Insight Experiences

• Poznań: Meet a resident of Poznan who will share insights into local life on a walk through the Old Town. Visit Ostrow Tumski and Cathedral Island, the birthplace of Polish Catholicism and a fascinating place often overlooked by visitors.

Stay at the Best Addresses

• Zakopane: Nestled at the foot of Mount Nosal, enjoy comfort, luxury and a warm and friendly atmosphere at the four-star Grand Nosalowy Dwór.

Top Rated Highlights

• Kraków: During your orientation with your Travel Director, walk around the beautiful town square, Rynek Główny. See the famous Sukiennice Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica and the many historic townhouses, palaces and churches.
• Kraków: The medieval heart of Kraków is rich in legend, a kind of Polish Camelot. Join your Local Expert for an in-depth exploration of this historic Holy Grail.Cross the former Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz to Podgórze and see the Ghetto Square.
• Kraków: Visit the cathedral atop Wawel Hill, see the castle and look for the iconic dragon, accompanied by your Local Expert.
• Auschwitz: Experience a powerful and moving visit, with a Local Expert. See the Auschwitz memorial and museum and stop at Birkenau, which bears witness to the terrible atrocities of the Holocaust.
• Wrocław: See the noble mansions and flower markets of the Plac Solny, absorb the Baroque splendour of Rynek and be introduced to Wrocław’s cheeky Gnomes as you explore with your Local Expert.
• Gniezno: See the winged doors when you visit the cathedral.
• Toruń: Led by your Local Expert, explore this outstanding UNESCO World Heritage Site, founded by the Teutonic Knights in 1233 and now a living museum.
• Gdansk: Enjoy an exploration with your Local Expert. See the historical sights of Weterplatte and the Gdańsk Shipyards along with the medieval city.
• Malbork: Visit the 13th century fortified monastery belonging to the Teutonic Order and the largest Gothic brick castle in the world.
• Warsaw: Your Local Expert guides you through this fascinating city to see the Palace of Culture and the Chopin Monument in Łazienki Park.
• Warsaw: Visit the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes and the Historical Museum and walk through the re-built Old Town, destroyed in World War II.
• Scenic Drives: Admire the scenery as you travel past the Tatras Mountain ranges, along Oder River, through Wielkopolska, along Vistula River and through Masuria Lake District.

Included Insight Services

• Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
• Enjoy the comfort of Insight’s luxury, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
• Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert’s fascinating commentary.
• We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
• Hotel and restaurant tips are included – you’ll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
• Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
• From time to time, your Travel Director will enchant you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
• If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.