Poland Encompassed
Poland Small Group Tour
Tour Overview
There is much more to Poland than meets the eye. From stunning architecture and fairytale castles, to bustling arts scene and beautiful scenery. Starting in Warsaw with a visit to the well-preserved old town, we head into the countryside to the birthplace of Frederick Chopin. We head west to Wroclaw and the Wooden Churches of Peace (UNESCO) then south to the foot of the Tatra Mountains. Spend some time in nature at Morskie Oko lake before continuing on to Krakow. Before heading north, we visit the Wieliczska Salt Mine (UNESCO) and Auschwitz-Birkenau before travelling to the beautiful city of Gdansk on the Baltic Sea. We spend some time exploring this delightful city before heading back to Poland’s capital for our final night.
Tour Highlights
• Visit the old towns of Wroclaw, Gdansk and Krakow
• Discover the UNESCO sites of the wooden Churches of Peace and Wielicska Salt Mine
• Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau
• Enjoy a cruise along the famous Elblag Canal, one of the new seven tourist wonders of Poland
Tour Rating
To help our travellers choose the right tour for them we have applied a grading system of 1 to 5. Tours with a fitness level of 1 will generally be suitable for all ages and will not be particularly strenuous, whereas tours with a fitness level of 5 are likely to be physically challenging. To find out more please contact our well-travelled team who will often have first-hand experience of the destination.
Fitness
3/5
Unexplored
5/5
Culture
4/5
History
4/5
Wildlife
0/5
Tour Pace
3/5
Map + Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Warsaw
Arrive in Warsaw and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival there may be time to explore the city independently. No meals or activities included today. Overnight Chopin Boutique B&B or similar
Warsaw.
Warsaw, Poland’s capital, is a delightful blend of old and new; gleaming office buildings mixed with old communist-style apartments. Its well-preserved old town is definitely worth a visit, as well as the fairytale-like palaces to the north of the city.
Day 2 – Warsaw Sightseeing
Today explore the delights of Warsaw. This morning visit the Łazienki Garden and enjoy a guided walk to the Palace and the Frederick Chopin monument. After lunch explore the Old Town, beautifully rebuilt after World War II, with the impressive Royal Castle, the seat of the kings of Poland. Here the Constitution of May 3rd was proclaimed in 1791, the second oldest constitution in the world after the US Constitution. Later this evening enjoy a musical concert of Frederic Chopin’s music concert. Overnight Chopin Boutique B&B or similar (BL)
Day 3 – To Wroclaw (approx. driving time 4.5 hours)
After breakfast we leave Warsaw and head south to Wroclaw. On the way we stop in Zelazowa Wola – the birthplace of Frederick Chopin. Visit the museum located at his family home – a beautiful manor house. Next, continue to Łowcz, a typical Mazovian town famous for folk art. Especially noteworthy are the colourful costumes and beautiful paper cut-outs. Visit the local museum and a separate open air museum. After lunch we continue to Wroclaw, where we expect to arrive early evening. Overnight Qubus Hotel or similar (BL)
Wroclaw
Wroclaw is Poland’s fourth-largest city and located on the banks of the River Oder. Known for its stunning architecture and colourful buildings that line the main square, Wroclaw is one of Poland’s most popular destinations. Having previously hosted the Euro 2012 championship and 2016 European Capital of Culture, it’s European and international profile is growing. The city is renowned for its high-quality teaching, and its university has produced nine Nobel prize laureates.
Day 4 – Wroclaw – Swidnica - Wroclaw
Explore Wroclaw on a half day tour. Visit the Old Town, Ostrów Tumski Island, Centennial Hall. This afternoon we head to the city of Swidnica (approx. 30km from Wroclaw) where we visit the unique wooden Churches of Peace, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Return to Wroclaw where the rest of the evening is at leisure. Overnight Qubus Hotel or similar (BL)
Day 5 – To Zakopane (approx. driving time 5 hours)
Today we head for Zakopane. Depending on the group, we make an optional stop in Zabrze to visit a museum located at the Old Coal Mine, where you learn about the history of coal mining in Silesia (additional cost to be paid locally). Arrive into Zakopane in the early evening, beautifully situated at the foot of the Tatra Mountains in the valley between Gubalowka and Giewont. It is the most popular resort and one of the most beautiful places in Poland owing to its picturesque location. Overnight Czarny Potok Hotel or similar (BL)
Day 6 – Morskie Oko Lake
After breakfast we head to Morskie Oko lake located in the Tatra Mountains. Enjoy a walk along the trails and a short horse-drawn carriage ride to the shelter at Morskie Oko, where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the highest peaks of the Polish Tatra Mountains. After lunch we return to Zakopane where we take a drive around the city before returning to the hotel Overnight Czarny Potok Hotel or similar (BL)
Day 7 – Wieliczka Salt Mine – Krakow (approx. driving time 3 hours)
After an early breakfast depart for Wieliczka to visit the famous Wieliczka Salt Mine (UNESCO). Continue to Krakow where we take a short city tour. Visit the Wawel Royal Castle, home to three dynasties of Poland’s monarchs. Its stately halls and exquisite chambers are filled with priceless art, valuable period furniture and rare ancient objects. The collection of monumental 16th century tapestries is matchless. We also visit Wawel Cathedral, the place of the cult of St. Stanislaw and St. Jadwiga, Queen of Poland. The 18 chapels are true architectural masterpieces. The giant bell, Zygmunt from 1520 ranks with the world’s largest. This is the place where Polish kings were crowned and buried. After lunch visit Krakow’s old town, with its restored main square of magnificent houses and palaces. Stop at St. Mary’s Basilica to see the magnificent wooden altar by Wit Stwosz. In the middle of the square is Cloth Hall built before 1349, but renovated in the 16th century with many shopping stalls inside. Overnight Wit Stwosz Hotel or similar (BL)
Krakow
Poland’s capital city until 1596, Krakow is now a leading centre of Polish academic, economic, cultural and artistic life. One of Poland’s oldest cities, it covers both banks of the Wizla river and located at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains. Its beautifully restored old town, a UNESCO listed site, is a wonder to explore and home to Wawel Castle – the residence of three dynasties of Poland monarchs.
Day 8 – Auschwitz-Birkenau
Today visit Oswiecim, the site of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp; an eerie and haunting place that drives home the terrible atrocities which took place here during World War II. There is an option to stop in Wadowice, the hometown of John Paul II before your visit to Auschwitz. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight Wit Stwosz Hotel or similar (BL)
Day 9 – Sandomierz – Kazimier Dolny (approx. driving time 4 hours)
After breakfast we leave Krakow and head to the city of Sandomierz, an example of Renaissance architecture in Poland. Take a walk through the streets of the old town and visit the castle and St. Jacob’s Church with its Dominican Monastery. We continue to Kazimierz Dolny, a beautifully located old town on the Vistula river banks, known also as a place especially cherished by artists. We take a short city tour before heading to your hotel. Overnight at Kazimierzowka Hotel or similar (BL)
Day 10 – Gdansk (approx. driving time 5.5 hours)
Today we head to Gdansk. We stop in Torun – the city of Nicolas Copernicus, the famous Polish astronomer – where we walk through the streets of the old town and visit the museum, Copernicus’s home, Crooked Tower, and taste the local famous gingerbread. Arrive in Gdansk in the evening. Overnight Dom Muzyka Hotel or similar (BL)
Gdansk
Although destroyed during WWII, Gdansk was beautifully rebuilt and now known as being one of the most beautiful cities on the Baltic The city is considered to be one of Europe’s most important port cities with its stunning architecture, historic city centre and spectacular beaches, and is a popular destination for Poles and foreigners alike.
Day 11 - Gdansk
Today take a guided tour of Gdansk’s old town. Visits include the St. Mary Basilica, Neptun Monument, Zuraw Gdanski, the harbour, the “Roads to Freedom” exposition and the “Monument of the Fallen Shipyard Workers”. Next visit the monument at Westerplatte, where WWII began. Visit the Gothic Cathedral in Oliwa where you can listen to a concert on a baroque pipe organ. After lunch continue to Sopot – a famous Polish spa at the Baltic seaside, and famous for the longest wooden pier in Europe. Overnight at Dom Musyka Hotel or similar (BL)
Day 12 – Malbork – Warsaw (approx. driving time 4 hours)
Early departure this morning to Malbork for a visit to the medieval fortress of Teutonic Knights, the largest brick castle in Europe. The Malbork Castle, a 15th c. powerful stronghold of the Teutonic Knights, is one of the best examples of medieval fortification in Europe. We then return to Warsaw. We break up the journey with a 2-hour cruise along the famous Elblag Canal which is considered one of the new seven Poland tourist wonders. It was built in the 19th c. and renovated again but a few years ago. You cross 4 water ramps during the cruise also on... grass. We arrive into Warsaw in the evening. Overnight Chopin Boutique B&B Hotel or similar (BL)
Day 13 – Warsaw Departure
At leisure until you are transferred to the airport for your departure flight (B)
Tour Inclusions
Arrival and departure transfers
Overland transport throughout with professional driver
All accommodation
Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader
Meals as listed
B – Breakfast
L – Lunch
D – Dinner
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
Feedback from our Travellers
Foreign Office Travel Warnings
Before booking your tour, please familiarise yourself with the country specific information provided by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) - www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. This includes important information such as latest immigration requirements, and details of any travel advisories.
We constantly monitor the advice posted by the FCDO. In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At the time of writing the there are no warnings for travel to Poland.
It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.
Visa Information
At the time of writing British, US and Australian nationals do not require a visa for a tourist visit to Poland. For further details please visit the applicable website shown below.
British Nationals - www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
US Nationals - travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html
Australian Nationals - www.smartraveller.gov.au
Other nationals should check the latest requirements with the authorities in their home country, or with the destination’s nearest embassy or consulate.
Should you require any documentation to support a visa application, such as a letter of invitation, upon request this will be provided by Undiscovered Destinations after receipt of your balance payment.
As it is the travellers’ responsibility to ensure that they meet all entry requirements it is essential that you check the rules and any other conditions at the time of booking and again when making your balance payment. In addition, we would strongly advise that you make a final check around two weeks before your arrival. This is important as requirements can change at short notice. Undiscovered Destinations, when possible, will provide guidance about entry rules, but in the first instance please contact the relevant authorities, including the applicable embassy or consulate for assistance.
Passports
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to your country.
We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition, certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements, you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities.
For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country’s embassy or consulate. Alternatively, UK citizens can visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
Vaccinations & Protection
As with travel to most parts of Eastern Europe, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice, and the necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month, you maybe advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in your home country can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of booking with Undiscovered Destinations that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses (including cover for Covid-19 conditions) and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday.
Local Conditions
When travelling to our destinations, many of which are underdeveloped and untouristed by mainstream tourism, a good deal of patience and a sense of humour is an important attribute. This will help you to cope with problems such as ageing or poor infrastructure and when maintenance may not be as high as we would always like.
The choice of appropriate accommodation in some towns and cities (particularly the smaller places) can be limited, and standards of both service and maintenance can be less than polished. Guides and other service providers in some of our destinations do not always have the decades of collective practice and experience that their counterparts in more developed countries can draw upon. Although we will always try and resolve any issues as quickly as possible, on occasions there may be some shortcomings which no matter how hard we try will be unavoidable.
Essential Info
