Today you fly to Gdansk. From the airport, you'll take public transport to your accommodation. Arrive at your leisure and look forward to your first dinner with your small group. Until then, you can explore the area a bit on your own, as your elegant city hotel is within walking distance of the Old Town. Your hotel is housed in a former granary. In the hotel's elegant restaurant, you'll have the opportunity to get to know the rest of the group and your tour guide over a select dinner. If you arrive at the hotel after 10:30 pm, dinner will be served as a cold platter. 3 nights in Gdansk. (D)

Today you'll embark on a journey of discovery through Gdansk, one of Poland's oldest cities. This morning you'll arrive in the heart of Gdansk. Enjoy an engaging guided tour through the romantic streets of this former Hanseatic city and explore its most beautiful squares. You'll pass not only the Crane Gate, Gdansk's iconic landmark, but also many other architectural masterpieces, such as the Old Town Hall on Long Market, which extends the grand Long Street. On the opposite side, it culminates in the famous Golden Gate. You can also look forward to the historic Uphagen House, the Neptune Fountain, and St. Mary's Church, considered the largest brick church in the world. The afternoon is yours to explore on your own. Your tour guide will be happy to offer suggestions for leisure activities. One option is to explore Gdansk by water on a relaxing boat trip along the Bay of Gdansk to the historically significant Westerplatte peninsula and back (optional, bookable locally, approx. €29 per person). Another option for relaxation and reflection on the day is your hotel's own wellness area, which invites you to linger. (F)

Begin your day with a refreshing walk in the salty sea air of the Polish Baltic coast. You'll be driven by electric vehicle to the shifting dunes of Słowiński National Park. Hike through the natural dune landscape and enjoy the unspoiled nature. Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1977, the park has always been a habitat for a rich diversity of native flora and fauna. Your guide will introduce you to the unique aspects of this region's biodiversity as you marvel at the dunes, some reaching up to 40 meters high. Immerse yourself in the animal kingdom and discover the more than 257 bird species that have found a habitat here for resting and breeding. With a little luck, you might also spot mammals such as deer, hares, wild boar, and raccoon dogs in the distance. Afterward, your guide will take you to the picturesque Kashubian region and the Krocków Castle. Following the fall of communism, the Foundation for European Encounters and the Krocków Kashubian Cultural Center were established here. You will visit the castle's old ballroom and gain insights into the way of life of the Kashubians, Poles, and Germans. The Kashubians are a West Slavic people settled in the Pomeranian Voivodeship. The castle also hosts rotating history and art exhibitions, and you will have the opportunity to learn about the Krockow family history. (F) (Distance: approx. 211 km; Travel time: approx. 4 hours)

After breakfast, your day takes you into the virtually untouched nature of the Masurian Lake District, a land of pristine lakes, dense forests, and picturesque villages. Follow in the footsteps of the Teutonic Knights in Malbork, who built their formidable fortress here in bygone times. At Malbork Castle (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), you'll immerse yourself in the era of knights and orders and listen to fascinating anecdotes. Afterwards, you'll visit Olsztyn, the former home and workplace of Nicolaus Copernicus. There, your journey leads you to a charming brewery, offering the opportunity to sample local beers. To conclude the day, you'll arrive at your stylish hotel in Ryn, a town nestled between two lakes. The hotel is located in the former castle of the Teutonic Knights, built in the 14th century. The historic building has been carefully restored and now houses an exceptional hotel that combines medieval ambiance with modern comforts. 2 nights in Ryn. (B) (Distance: approx. 390 km; Travel time: approx. 4 hours)

In the morning, your journey takes you to the popular Johannisburg Heath, the largest forest area in Masuria. A short hike awaits, where the sight of crystal-clear waters framed by lush nature will inspire daydreams (easy, 2.5 km, walking time: approx. 1 hour, +/- 5 meters elevation gain). Afterwards, a punt boat trip on the Krutynia River offers you the opportunity to explore the idyllic landscape from a different perspective. The boat will take you leisurely along the banks, where, with a bit of luck, you might spot a black stork or even a wolf in the distance. A picnic with regional delicacies awaits you in a picturesque setting. Your route then leads you to Eckertsdorf (Wojnowo), where you can visit the monastery and feel the spirit of its historic walls come alive. On the way back to Ryn, you'll make a short stop in the charming town of Nikolaiken (Mikolajki). With its maritime flair, picturesque lakeshore, and idyllic cafés, it's the perfect place to linger. (F/P) (Distance: approx. 110 km; Travel time: approx. 2 hours)

You begin your day with a visit to the imposing Church of the Annunciation, a jewel of Baroque sacred architecture, in the pilgrimage town of Święta Lipka (Heiligelinde). Explore the ochre-hued basilica and experience the unique sounds of the organ inside. The rest of the day is dedicated to the region's eventful history. You will visit the Wolf's Lair Memorial, a site marked by the military resistance of Colonel von Stauffenberg. Afterwards, you will visit the historic Krasicki Castle in Lidzbark Warmiński (Heilsberg). This landmark was once the prestigious residence of the Warmian bishops. The Gothic-style building not only houses a museum of regional culture and history, but also your stylish accommodation for the night. Your castle hotel offers an observatory, an expanded library, and a modern spa area with a pool, sauna complex, and jacuzzi. Overnight in Lidzbark Warmiński. (B) (Distance: approx. 143 km; Travel time: approx. 2.5 hours)

On this day of your journey, you bid farewell to the "Land of 1000 Lakes" and continue your travels to the Vistula Lagoon. Your first stop is Frombork, where you'll be introduced to the city's 700-year history and visit its impressive cathedral. The city also offers further connections to the renowned scholar Nicolaus Copernicus, who spent his most productive years here and is buried in Frombork Cathedral. Next, you'll travel to the former Hanseatic city of Elbląg, once one of East Prussia's most important ports. You'll arrive at the Oberland Canal, completed in 1860 and considered an engineering marvel. There, a canal cruise awaits you, one of Europe's longest inland waterways, amidst enchanting scenery. Afterward, you'll continue to Gdańsk, where you'll spend your final night. In the evening, you'll bring your 8-day journey to a close with your tour guide and fellow travelers. Overnight in Gdańsk. (FA) (Distance: approx. 110 km; Travel time: approx. 1 hr 45 min)

A journey full of new experiences is drawing to a close. You'll take public transport to the airport for your return flight. (F)