Poland
5 nights 2 Departures Available
View All Dates & BookAn intriguing, astonishing, affecting introduction to Kraków and its surrounds, this short break spans its historical and cultural spectrum, from an ancient salt mine to a royal palace, medieval old town, spiritual sanctuary, Schindler’s factory, and Auschwitz Museum
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Across the centuries, Kraków has led the country in artistic and academic culture. For five hundred years it was the royal capital of Poland; but in 1609, when the city lost that status, its reduced importance led to a loss of investment, restricting later development. It may have seemed like the worst of times, but this fate was to be the saving of the city, for it allowed its ancient centre to remain unspoilt and, centuries later, to be spared from the ravages of World War II. Now the nation’s ‘second city’, Kraków is still the jewel in Poland’s crown. Dozens of parks complement thousands of historic buildings. The basilica’s hourly trumpet call sounds in the huge Rynek Glówny square; and the picture-perfect old town, the first on UNESCO’s list, is a vibrant hub of bars and eateries. This tour takes you to iconic landmarks, from the city streets to the superb salt structures in the Wieliczka Mine; and to two sites, not far from Kraków, which could not be more different from each other. One is a peaceful place of pilgrimage, its monastery and churches beloved by Pope (now Saint) John Paul II, formerly archbishop of Kraków. The other is the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp.
Fly from your chosen airport to Kraków and transfer to 4-star Vienna House by Wyndham Andel’s, for a five-night stay.
A walking tour of the city begins with ‘Stare Miasto’ old town and view St. Florian’s Gate, the last remaining medieval gate into the city; and the 13thcentury Rynek Glówny (market square), the heart and soul of the city; where landmarks include the soaring towers of St. Mary’s Basilica, and majestic façade of Cloth Hall, a Renaissance era trading post, now a museum. Continue to the fortress complex of Wawel Hill. With 14th century origins, and many later additions, its numerous buildings reflect the eras in medieval, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture. Visit the Royal Castle chambers, and Wawel Cathedral, the coronation (and burial) site of Polish monarchs. Transfer to the Stained Glass Museum, which showcases the city’s centuries of stained-glass art, and still creates pieces in a historic workshop. End the day with a tasting of four different vodkas/liqueurs.
(B)
Travel to Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest of the Nazi concentration camps, now a haunting memorial to the horrors of its history, its rail tracks and watchtowers still intact and affecting. Visit the museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site, covering the hectares of Camps 1 & 2 of the complex with hundreds of buildings and ruins, several housing exhibitions of the conditions in which prisoners lived. Return to Kraków for a short
afternoon tour of the ‘Kazimierz’ (Jewish quarter) reveals a blend of modern life and medieval setting. A 16th century synagogue is one of many in Szeroka Street; the Galicia Museum records local Jewish culture; Ghetto Heroes Square is symbolically furnished with 70 empty iron chairs; and the Remuh Cemetery wall is built from tombstones broken in World War ll; but the cobbled streets and squares (where “Schindler’s List” was filmed) are now the backdrop to lively bars, eclectic shops, and a feast of restaurants.
(B)
Either a day to spend at leisure in Kraków or join our optional tour to Zakopane, at the base of the Tatras mountain (pre-bookable). Drive to Zakopane, known for the size and the beauty of its wooden villas,
dating from the late 19th and early 20th century. The tour includes a visit to Oscypek Museum, where you will learn the secret of making the legendary sheep cheese. All stages of the production will be presented,
and the final product will be tasted with a shot of Highlander Lemon Liquer. The full day tour includes lunch at a traditional inn.
(B)
This is a full itinerary with most visits on foot including 800 sloping steps as you descend at the salt mine.
The stained Glass Workshop and Museum is a gem of Polish Art Nouveau. Enjoy a guided tour of this still functioning studio and watch the production. Tasting of four different vodkas/liqueurs.
Here is a list of the accommodation you can stay in for this tour. Occasionally we use alternative hotels, or have a choice of hotels to choose from which will be detailed when booking.
A contemporary 4-star hotel in the heart of Krakow, close to the railway station and ten minute’s walk from Market Square. Restaurant, bar, gym, sauna and WiFi (free). 159 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
Customize your tour by adding optional excursions or extend your journey with our curated add-on extensions.
Add a stay in Warsaw, Poland’s capital since the 16th century. Largely destroyed during the Second World War but thanks to the boundless determination of its people the city was restored to its former glory. Breakfast daily. Flights are from Heathrow only with British Airways.
Add extra nights to your tour at the starting or ending hotel.
You can find out more about the country on the travel guide.
11 Sep 25, 16 Oct 25 and 12 more
Explore the Christian and Ottoman heritage of Istanbul (formerly Byzantium and Constantinople) including a Bosphorus cruise and visits to palaces, mosques, churches and bazaars, staying in historic hotels
From £1275 pp
incl Flight
6 Oct 25
A four-night tour, to four fascinating cities, this short break shows you ancient, medieval, and modern Albania. From a well-placed base in Durrës, on the shore of the Adriatic, included excursions take you to characterful Kruja, the capital, Tirana, and beguiling Berat
From £1125 pp
incl Flight
We need to check availability for this departure date. Please proceed with the reservation, and we will get in touch within 72 hours to confirm and take payment.
The below departures are available - please click into the booking process for a quote and to book.
| Date | Two sharing | Solo traveller | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Sep 25 (5 nights) |
£1345pp | £1750pp | Book Now |
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 4 nights’ accommodation (5 nights in 2025), breakfast daily, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
The following extensions are available to book with this tour. Please click through to the booking process to check your preferred departure date and to make a reservation.
Add a stay in Warsaw, Poland’s capital since the 16th century. Largely destroyed during the Second World War but thanks to the boundless determination of its people the city was restored to its former glory. Breakfast daily. Flights are from Heathrow only with British Airways.
Poland
3 nights
Fly from London to Warsaw for three nights at the 4-star Polonia Palace Hotel.
Tour of Warsaw includes a walking tour in the Old Town and visits to Warsaw Uprising Museum and St. John’s Archcathedral.
(B)
Day at leisure.
(B)
Travel by train (2½ hrs) to Krakow for 5 nights at the Vienna House by Wyndham Andel's.
(B)
Extra nights are priced per person, per night.
Please contact us to check availability and book alongside your tour.
Extra nights are on request, please call to discuss your requirements
Hotel Wyspianski
(per night) £58
Single supplement £55
Vienna House by Andel’s
(per night) £95, Aug £78
Single supplement £82, Aug £67