
Poland
Gdansk and Masuria - Highlights
Gdansk and Masuria - Highlights
Duration
8 days
Start/End
Danzig
Tour type
Group
Level
Easy
Accommodation
Hotels typical of the region
Overview
This trip combines Gdańsk with the "land of a thousand lakes". You explore the Hanseatic city, visit the Hel Peninsula and travel the Elbląg Canal, where ships are hauled over land. In Masuria, Święta Lipka with an organ concert, the Pisz Forest and a punt trip on the Krutynia await you.
This trip combines Gdansk with the "Land of 1000 Lakes." You'll explore the Hanseatic city on a walking tour and an evening stroll, visit the Hel Peninsula with its fishing museum and seal sanctuary, and travel along the Elbląg Canal, where ships are hauled overland. In Masuria, you'll visit the pilgrimage church of Święta Lipka (Heiligelinde) with an organ concert, the Wolf's Lair, hike through the Piska Forest (Johannisburg Heath), and take a punt boat trip on the Krutynia River. The trip concludes with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Malbork Castle.
Tour Code
Tour language
GermanItinerary
Day 1
Germany – Gdansk
Arrival in Poland • Self-arranged transfer • Goldwasser tasting
You'll depart on your flight to Gdańsk. Upon arrival, you'll make your own way to your hotel in Gdańsk city center. An optional transfer can be booked if needed. In the evening, you'll meet your tour guide and fellow travelers for an information session. As a welcome drink, look forward to the famous Gdansk "Goldwasser" (included), a spiced liqueur decorated with small gold leaf flakes. 3 nights in Gdansk. (Distance: approx. 18 km; Travel time: approx. 0.5 hours)
Germany – Gdansk
Day 1
Arrival in Poland • Self-arranged transfer • Goldwasser tasting
You'll depart on your flight to Gdańsk. Upon arrival, you'll make your own way to your hotel in Gdańsk city center. An optional transfer can be booked if needed. In the evening, you'll meet your tour guide and fellow travelers for an information session. As a welcome drink, look forward to the famous Gdansk "Goldwasser" (included), a spiced liqueur decorated with small gold leaf flakes. 3 nights in Gdansk. (Distance: approx. 18 km; Travel time: approx. 0.5 hours)
Day 2
Hel Peninsula
Museum of Fisheries • Seal Sanctuary Fokarium
You'll take the ferry to the Hel Peninsula on the Baltic Sea, known for its beautiful sandy beaches. Once there, you'll explore the town of Hel with your tour guide. They will gladly take you to the fishermen's huts, half-timbered houses, and small restaurants where you can sample traditional Polish dishes. First, you'll discover the Museum of Fisheries, housed in a former Gothic brick church. Here, you'll learn more about fishing and its importance to the local population. Afterward, you'll visit the island's seal colony, the Fokarium. At the university's grey seal breeding station, staff are dedicated to preserving the population of these marine predators native to the Baltic Sea. After an exciting day, you'll return to Gdańsk, where you can relax and unwind. (F) (Distance: approx. 127 km; Travel time: approx. 2.5 hours)
Hel Peninsula
Day 2
Museum of Fisheries • Seal Sanctuary Fokarium
You'll take the ferry to the Hel Peninsula on the Baltic Sea, known for its beautiful sandy beaches. Once there, you'll explore the town of Hel with your tour guide. They will gladly take you to the fishermen's huts, half-timbered houses, and small restaurants where you can sample traditional Polish dishes. First, you'll discover the Museum of Fisheries, housed in a former Gothic brick church. Here, you'll learn more about fishing and its importance to the local population. Afterward, you'll visit the island's seal colony, the Fokarium. At the university's grey seal breeding station, staff are dedicated to preserving the population of these marine predators native to the Baltic Sea. After an exciting day, you'll return to Gdańsk, where you can relax and unwind. (F) (Distance: approx. 127 km; Travel time: approx. 2.5 hours)
Day 3
Gdańsk
City tour • Amber Gallery • Free afternoon • Evening stroll
Today, you'll explore the many sights of the old Hanseatic city of Gdansk with your tour guide. You'll stroll through the Old Town, through the Golden Gate, along Long Street, and past the Old Town Hall. This 14th-century building has been repeatedly expanded and remodeled over the centuries and now houses the City Museum. Be sure to admire St. Mary's Church, the largest brick church in the world. Along the way, you'll stop at an amber gallery, which offers a glimpse into the exquisite craftsmanship surrounding this golden gemstone. Afterward, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Your local guide will be happy to suggest some activities. End the day with dinner at a traditional restaurant of your choice. (B)
Gdańsk
Day 3
City tour • Amber Gallery • Free afternoon • Evening stroll
Today, you'll explore the many sights of the old Hanseatic city of Gdansk with your tour guide. You'll stroll through the Old Town, through the Golden Gate, along Long Street, and past the Old Town Hall. This 14th-century building has been repeatedly expanded and remodeled over the centuries and now houses the City Museum. Be sure to admire St. Mary's Church, the largest brick church in the world. Along the way, you'll stop at an amber gallery, which offers a glimpse into the exquisite craftsmanship surrounding this golden gemstone. Afterward, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Your local guide will be happy to suggest some activities. End the day with dinner at a traditional restaurant of your choice. (B)
Day 4
Gdansk – Frombork – Elbląg – Osterode
Frombork Cathedral • Boat trip on the Oberland Canal • Herbal infusion
Today you'll leave Gdansk for the time being and head east. Your first stop is Frombork Cathedral, which was considered one of the most important examples of church architecture in East Prussia from early times. After visiting the cathedral, you'll continue to Elbląg. There, you'll learn why the city is so closely linked to the history of the Teutonic Knights. You'll also discover more about the city's rise to become the second most important port in East Prussia and how this status brought economic prosperity. Afterwards, you'll embark on a unique canal boat tour along the Oberländer Canal. Enjoy the panoramic journey and let your gaze wander through the natural paradise that provides a habitat for many animal species. The famous canal overcomes a difference in altitude of approximately 99 meters along its entire length and connects various cities and lakes. In the late afternoon, after an eventful day, you'll arrive at your Eco Natural Hotel in Ostróda. Before dinner, you can look forward to a special encounter with a herbalist who will introduce you to the herbs of Warmia. A homemade herbal infusion is, of course, included afterwards! 1 night in Osterode. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 198 km; Travel time: approx. 2 hours)
Gdansk – Frombork – Elbląg – Osterode
Day 4
Frombork Cathedral • Boat trip on the Oberland Canal • Herbal infusion
Today you'll leave Gdansk for the time being and head east. Your first stop is Frombork Cathedral, which was considered one of the most important examples of church architecture in East Prussia from early times. After visiting the cathedral, you'll continue to Elbląg. There, you'll learn why the city is so closely linked to the history of the Teutonic Knights. You'll also discover more about the city's rise to become the second most important port in East Prussia and how this status brought economic prosperity. Afterwards, you'll embark on a unique canal boat tour along the Oberländer Canal. Enjoy the panoramic journey and let your gaze wander through the natural paradise that provides a habitat for many animal species. The famous canal overcomes a difference in altitude of approximately 99 meters along its entire length and connects various cities and lakes. In the late afternoon, after an eventful day, you'll arrive at your Eco Natural Hotel in Ostróda. Before dinner, you can look forward to a special encounter with a herbalist who will introduce you to the herbs of Warmia. A homemade herbal infusion is, of course, included afterwards! 1 night in Osterode. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 198 km; Travel time: approx. 2 hours)
Day 5
Ostróda – Święta Lipka – Kętrzyn – Giżycko – Mrągowo
Holy Linden pilgrimage church with organ concert • Wolf's Lair • Port of Lötzen
Today you'll spend the day in the idyllic Masurian Lake District. Known for its many lakes, the region will also offer other cultural highlights. Your day begins with a visit to the pilgrimage church of Święta Lipka (Heiligelinde) in the Kętrzyn district. Enjoy the sounds of the organ concert! You'll learn all about the history of this pilgrimage site and its Baroque church. Afterwards, your journey continues to the Wolf's Lair Memorial. The site's memorial plaques commemorate Colonel von Stauffenberg's failed assassination attempt on Hitler as part of the resistance against National Socialism. Following a morning dedicated to exploring the region's history, you'll enjoy a lunch break in the port of Giżycko (Lötzen). This charming little town is idyllically situated in the Masurian Lake District and invites you to relax amidst the greenery. In the afternoon, you can take part in an optional excursion: Let your thoughts wander on a boat trip through the picturesque countryside and enjoy the tranquility along the unique waterways (optional, bookable on site, approx. €20 per person). In the evening, you will check into your hotel in Sensburg (Mragowo). 2 nights in Masuria. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 235 km; Travel time: approx. 3.5 hours)
Ostróda – Święta Lipka – Kętrzyn – Giżycko – Mrągowo
Day 5
Holy Linden pilgrimage church with organ concert • Wolf's Lair • Port of Lötzen
Today you'll spend the day in the idyllic Masurian Lake District. Known for its many lakes, the region will also offer other cultural highlights. Your day begins with a visit to the pilgrimage church of Święta Lipka (Heiligelinde) in the Kętrzyn district. Enjoy the sounds of the organ concert! You'll learn all about the history of this pilgrimage site and its Baroque church. Afterwards, your journey continues to the Wolf's Lair Memorial. The site's memorial plaques commemorate Colonel von Stauffenberg's failed assassination attempt on Hitler as part of the resistance against National Socialism. Following a morning dedicated to exploring the region's history, you'll enjoy a lunch break in the port of Giżycko (Lötzen). This charming little town is idyllically situated in the Masurian Lake District and invites you to relax amidst the greenery. In the afternoon, you can take part in an optional excursion: Let your thoughts wander on a boat trip through the picturesque countryside and enjoy the tranquility along the unique waterways (optional, bookable on site, approx. €20 per person). In the evening, you will check into your hotel in Sensburg (Mragowo). 2 nights in Masuria. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 235 km; Travel time: approx. 3.5 hours)
Day 6
Mikołajki & Wojnowo
Guided tour of Nikolaiken • Coffee break at the inn • Johannisburg Heath • Punt boat trip
In the "Land of 1000 Lakes," you'll discover the breathtaking natural beauty and warm hospitality of the people of this region. Your tour begins with a guided walk through the charming town of Mikołajki, named after Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of fishermen and waterways. You'll admire the ships in the harbor and hear the legend of the "Stinthengst," the king of all fish, from your guide. Afterward, you'll stop at the "Oberza pod Psem" inn. Enjoy a relaxing break and learn more about the philosophy of the two passionate innkeepers over a slice of homemade cake and a cup of coffee. Their love of art and nature is also reflected in the lovingly curated local history museum. Finally, you'll embark on a hike through the picturesque Johannisburg Heath (easy, 8 km, walking time: approx. 2 hours, +/- 50 meters elevation gain/loss). Poland's largest contiguous forest consists mainly of coniferous trees, encompasses several lakes, and boasts a unique landscape. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the wild horses, elk, or lynx that inhabit this beautiful corner of the world. After your hike, you'll continue to the village of Wojnowo, where you'll visit an Old Believer monastery. Here, you'll learn about the history and life of this religious community. Finally, you'll enjoy a punt boat trip through the idyllic scenery on the Krutynia River before returning to your hotel in Mrągowo. (B/D)
Mikołajki & Wojnowo
Day 6
Guided tour of Nikolaiken • Coffee break at the inn • Johannisburg Heath • Punt boat trip
In the "Land of 1000 Lakes," you'll discover the breathtaking natural beauty and warm hospitality of the people of this region. Your tour begins with a guided walk through the charming town of Mikołajki, named after Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of fishermen and waterways. You'll admire the ships in the harbor and hear the legend of the "Stinthengst," the king of all fish, from your guide. Afterward, you'll stop at the "Oberza pod Psem" inn. Enjoy a relaxing break and learn more about the philosophy of the two passionate innkeepers over a slice of homemade cake and a cup of coffee. Their love of art and nature is also reflected in the lovingly curated local history museum. Finally, you'll embark on a hike through the picturesque Johannisburg Heath (easy, 8 km, walking time: approx. 2 hours, +/- 50 meters elevation gain/loss). Poland's largest contiguous forest consists mainly of coniferous trees, encompasses several lakes, and boasts a unique landscape. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the wild horses, elk, or lynx that inhabit this beautiful corner of the world. After your hike, you'll continue to the village of Wojnowo, where you'll visit an Old Believer monastery. Here, you'll learn about the history and life of this religious community. Finally, you'll enjoy a punt boat trip through the idyllic scenery on the Krutynia River before returning to your hotel in Mrągowo. (B/D)
Day 7
Mrągowo – Malbork – Gdańsk
Marienburg (UNESCO) • Farewell Dinner
On your last day in Poland, you'll travel back towards Gdansk. En route, you'll stop at one of the largest Gothic brick buildings of the Middle Ages: the imposing Malbork Castle, situated on the right bank of the Nogat River. A tour of the extensive grounds will reveal everything you need to know about the history of this magnificent Teutonic Knights' castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. After this excursion into the Middle Ages, your journey continues to Gdansk. Look forward to a farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant in Gdansk's Old Town, where you can relax and reflect on your trip. Overnight in Gdansk. (B/D) (Distance traveled: approx. 300 km; travel time: approx. 3.5 hours)
Mrągowo – Malbork – Gdańsk
Day 7
Marienburg (UNESCO) • Farewell Dinner
On your last day in Poland, you'll travel back towards Gdansk. En route, you'll stop at one of the largest Gothic brick buildings of the Middle Ages: the imposing Malbork Castle, situated on the right bank of the Nogat River. A tour of the extensive grounds will reveal everything you need to know about the history of this magnificent Teutonic Knights' castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. After this excursion into the Middle Ages, your journey continues to Gdansk. Look forward to a farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant in Gdansk's Old Town, where you can relax and reflect on your trip. Overnight in Gdansk. (B/D) (Distance traveled: approx. 300 km; travel time: approx. 3.5 hours)
Day 8
Gdansk – Germany
Self-arranged transfer • Return journey
Today you say goodbye to Poland! You'll make your own way to Gdansk Airport for your return flight to Germany. An optional transfer can be booked if needed. (F) (Distance: approx. 18 km; Travel time: approx. 0.5 hours)
Gdansk – Germany
Day 8
Self-arranged transfer • Return journey
Today you say goodbye to Poland! You'll make your own way to Gdansk Airport for your return flight to Germany. An optional transfer can be booked if needed. (F) (Distance: approx. 18 km; Travel time: approx. 0.5 hours)
Services
What's included
Flight (economy) to Gdansk (GDN) and back, subject to availability; flight surcharge may apply.
7 nights in a double room with bath or shower/toilet
Daily breakfast (B), 4x dinner (D)
Transport in air-conditioned vehicles
German-speaking, local tour guides and local guided tours in Gdansk, the Wolf's Lair and Malbork Castle
Entrance fees
Encounters with local tastings, including in a traditional inn
Organ concert in the pilgrimage church of Heiligelinde
Boat trips on the Oberländer Canal and punt boat trips
Climate protection contribution
Small group with a maximum of 16 guests
Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 4 guests
What's not included
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
personal equipment
Tip
Feeder flights, other departure airports or Rail&Fly (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)
Airport transfers to and from the hotel can be arranged upon request.
Boat trip in Lötzen (Day 5), payable on site
Character of the trip
Fitness
Easy
Altitude
Low
Culture / nature
Culture-led
The tour does not require any special athletic abilities. A normal level of fitness is sufficient for city walks, some on cobblestones, sightseeing, and strolls. Sturdy footwear is recommended.
Dates and prices
Group dates
Single room supplement from 460 euros
