Highlights of Southern Poland

Highlights of Southern Poland

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7 Days From

$1865

$1399

Highlights of Southern Poland

7 Days Starting in Krakow and ending in Warsaw

Visiting: Krakow, Wroclaw, Szklarska Poreba, Warsaw

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

AMSP

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Low, Low

Age range:

15-99 years

Interests:

Cultural, History

From: $1865 $1399 Operator discount: -$466 -25%

NB: Prices correct on 01-Jul-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Turn the pages of Poland’s story on this seven-day adventure, experiencing the heart and heritage in this captivating country. Admire the revived Jewish Quarter of Krakow, tour the classical architecture of Wroclaw, breathe the fresh air of Szklarska Poreba and finish in the cosmopolitan capital of Warsaw. Much like a good pierogi dumpling, the best bits of the country are found beneath the surface – with a local leader to guide the way, you’ll discover a side of Poland few get to see.

Highlights

  • Discover the Orwellian neighbourhood of Nowa Huta – an alternative district in Krakow that showcases the communist influence in Poland.

  • Explore Warsaw, a modern city with Gothic, neoclassical and Soviet-era architecture, and a soul of rich history and culture.

  • Tuck into a Polish food tour, discovering the signature cuisine of this central European country, and wash it all down with a vodka tasting.

  • Cycle through Gdansk on a bike tour, learning about the city’s history of oppositionist movements, and hear stories of how this important trading port has played a key part in Poland’s history.

  • Take a sobering walk through the Nazi concentration camp in Auschwitz and Birkenau, joining a local guide to learn about WWII and Europe’s darkest days.

  • Visit Krakow’s Jewish Quarter and see how the local community is re-establishing its cultural identity.

  • See Warsaw from a different perspective as you take in views of the River Vistula from the city’s highest garden.

  • Head out for a nature hike in Karkonosze National Park, admiring sweeping views from the Wysoki Kamien Observation Tower.

  • Explore the vibrant cultural scene of Wroclaw, the historical capital of Silesia and Lower Silesia, which dates back over 1000 years.

  • Experience Polish culture firsthand during a traditional pottery workshop in Wroclaw and a dinner in Szklarska Poreba.

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Itinerary

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Day 1: Krakow

Location: Krakow

Accommodation: Hotel

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.

Day 2: Krakow

Location: Krakow

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

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.

Included Activities:
-Krakow - Old Town to Jewish Quarter leader led walk & Zapiekanka snack

Optional Activities:
-Krakow - St Mary's Basilica
-Krakow - Wawel Royal Castle
-Krakow - Cloth Hall 'Sukiennice' - Free
-Krakow - Rynek Underground Museum
-Krakow - Schindler's Factory Museum Tour
-Oswiecim - Half-Day Trip & Guided Tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau

Day 3: Wroclaw

Location: Wroclaw

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

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.

Included Activities:
-Wroclaw - Main Square leader led walk
-Wroclaw - Traditional Polish pottery workshop

Optional Activities:
-Wroclaw - Panorama Raclawicka entrance

Day 4: Szklarska Poreba

Location: Szklarska Poreba

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

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.

Day 5: Szklarska Poreba

Location: Szklarska Poreba

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

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!

Included Activities:
-Szklarska Poreba - Karkonosze National Park nature walk
-Szklarska Poreba - Traditional Polish dinner

Day 6: Warsaw

Location: Warsaw

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

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).

Included Activities:
-Warsaw - University Library Rooftop gardens visit

Day 7: Warsaw

Location: Warsaw

Meals Included: breaksfast

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).

Optional Activities:
-Museum of the History of Polish Jews
-Warsaw - Uprising Museum
-Warsaw - National Museum
-Warsaw - Frederic Chopin Museum
-Warsaw - Palace of Science and Culture Observation Deck

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (6 nights)

  • Meals
    6 breakfasts, 1 dinners

  • Krakow - Nowa Huta Museum

  • Krakow - Nowa Huta Neighbourhood Tour with Local Guide

  • Oswiecim - Half-Day Trip & Guided Tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau

  • Warsaw - Food & Vodka Tasting Tour with Local Guide

  • Gdansk - Bike Tour around Old Town & Shipyards

  • Gdansk - European Solidarity Centre

  • Gdansk - Westerplatte Visit by Public Bus

  • Transport

    Train, local bus, Private vehicle, Bicycle

  • Krakow - Jewish Quarter Visit with a Taste of Local Zapiekanka

  • Krakow - Leader-led Old Town Walking Tour

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What's Not Included

  • International Travel

  • Tipping and Gratuities

Transport

  • POLISH TRAINS
  • On this trip you will travel between Krakow and Warsaw as well as Warsaw and Gdansk by high speed trains. These trains are modern and equipped with buffet and bar wagon, air conditioning and charging points at each seat. Train travel in Poland is comfortable and takes you directly into the city centre of your destination.

Accommodation

  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
  • Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
  • OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
  • TWIN SHARE BASIS
  • Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.
  • CHECK-IN TIME
  • Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
  • PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
  • If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
  • FACILITIES
  • Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.

Important Information

  • 1. A single supplement is bookable for this trip, including all nights. Availability is limited due to small property we use. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
  • 2. Many travellers visiting Krakow would like to take a sobering walk through the Nazi concentration camp in Auschwitz and Birkenau. This activity is not included in the trip. If you would like to visit Auschwitz, we suggest prebooking your tickets for afternoon of Day 2.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are international flights included in this tour?

    No

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    No

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    No

  • Is this trip right for you

    You’ll travel by train – the most eco-friendly way to move between places. Trains are comfortable and are the perfect way to arrive right into the city centre of your next destination. Please note you will have to carry your bag up and down the platforms and on and off the train. Pack light!

    There will be a walking tour included in cities and short hike in Szklarska Poreba. The tours may cover a fair amount of ground, so please make sure you are happy to be on your feet for a few hours at a time. Of course, you can always opt out and meet the group later on.

    On this trip, you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15 kg / 33 lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Yes if aged 15+ and accompanied by an adult

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    No

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

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I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

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Sep 08, 2024 - Sep 14, 2024
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Prices last published on 30-Jun-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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