
Poland
Poland - Highlights
Poland - Highlights
Duration
12 days
Start/End
Posen/Breslau
Tour type
Group
Level
Easy
Accommodation
Hotels typical of the region
Overview
This tour combines Poland's history with its landscapes. You visit the old towns of Poznań, Toruń, Gdańsk, Warsaw, Kraków and Wrocław, Malbork Castle and the Church of Peace in Świdnica. In Masuria you glide by punt along the Krutynia, and in Kraków you spend an evening in the Kazimierz district.
This tour combines Poland's history with its landscapes. You'll visit the old towns of Poznań, Toruń, Gdańsk, Warsaw, Kraków, and Wrocław, Malbork Castle (a Teutonic Knights' castle), and the Church of Peace in Świdnica. In Masuria, you'll travel by punt boat along the Krutynia River and through the Piska Forest. The itinerary also includes a fruit tasting in Poznań's Old Market Square, an evening in Kraków's Kazimierz Jewish Quarter, and a lunch with beer tasting in Wrocław. Two nights in a country hotel in Masuria provide a relaxing break between the tours.
Tour Code
Tour language
GermanItinerary
Day 1
Germany – Poznan
Arrival • Transfer to the hotel • Group dinner
Today, after your flight, you will arrive in Poznan. From there, you will make your own way to your hotel. An optional transfer can be booked if needed. You will meet your tour guide and fellow travelers at an initial dinner together. If you arrive at the hotel after 8:00 p.m., dinner will be served at your hotel as a cold platter. 1 night in Poznań. (A)
Germany – Poznan
Day 1
Arrival • Transfer to the hotel • Group dinner
Today, after your flight, you will arrive in Poznan. From there, you will make your own way to your hotel. An optional transfer can be booked if needed. You will meet your tour guide and fellow travelers at an initial dinner together. If you arrive at the hotel after 8:00 p.m., dinner will be served at your hotel as a cold platter. 1 night in Poznań. (A)
Day 2
Poznań – Toruń – Gdańsk
Guided city tour of Poznań • Old Market with tastings • Toruń (UNESCO)
Your tour guide will lead you through Poznań today. Among the city's most visited and interesting sights is the magnificent Renaissance Town Hall, which you will explore from the outside. You'll also stop at the Old Market Square, which is particularly worth seeing for its historic patrician houses, the urban residences of the nobility. Here, you'll meet the gardener, Ms. Bogusia or Mr. Juliusz, for a personal chat and have the opportunity to taste fresh, local fruit before stopping at the Baroque parish church of St. Stanislaus. After experiencing all of Poznań's highlights, your journey continues to Toruń. This medieval city is one of the oldest in Poland, and its Gothic Old Town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Let your tour guide tell you more about the city – including its connection to the life of Copernicus. A culinary specialty of the city is Toruń gingerbread, which you can sample in one of the charming shops. After this eventful day, you will travel to Gdansk, where you will check into your hotel for the next two nights. (F) (Distance: approx. 337 km; Travel time: approx. 4 hours)
Poznań – Toruń – Gdańsk
Day 2
Guided city tour of Poznań • Old Market with tastings • Toruń (UNESCO)
Your tour guide will lead you through Poznań today. Among the city's most visited and interesting sights is the magnificent Renaissance Town Hall, which you will explore from the outside. You'll also stop at the Old Market Square, which is particularly worth seeing for its historic patrician houses, the urban residences of the nobility. Here, you'll meet the gardener, Ms. Bogusia or Mr. Juliusz, for a personal chat and have the opportunity to taste fresh, local fruit before stopping at the Baroque parish church of St. Stanislaus. After experiencing all of Poznań's highlights, your journey continues to Toruń. This medieval city is one of the oldest in Poland, and its Gothic Old Town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Let your tour guide tell you more about the city – including its connection to the life of Copernicus. A culinary specialty of the city is Toruń gingerbread, which you can sample in one of the charming shops. After this eventful day, you will travel to Gdansk, where you will check into your hotel for the next two nights. (F) (Distance: approx. 337 km; Travel time: approx. 4 hours)
Day 3
Gdańsk
Guided city tour • Free afternoon • Restaurant visit
Today you'll spend the entire day in Gdansk, beginning your visit with a guided city tour. Explore this former Hanseatic city and see all the major sights. You'll pass through the Old Town, see St. Catherine's Church, the historic and imposing mill, and the Town Hall. Afterward, you'll visit St. Mary's Church, the largest brick church in the world, which is truly impressive. Your tour then continues along Long Street, lined with historic patrician houses, to the Long Market. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Ask your tour guide for suggestions and plan your afternoon as you wish. Over a group dinner at a restaurant on the Motława River, featuring Polish specialties, you'll share your experiences in Gdansk. (B/D)
Gdańsk
Day 3
Guided city tour • Free afternoon • Restaurant visit
Today you'll spend the entire day in Gdansk, beginning your visit with a guided city tour. Explore this former Hanseatic city and see all the major sights. You'll pass through the Old Town, see St. Catherine's Church, the historic and imposing mill, and the Town Hall. Afterward, you'll visit St. Mary's Church, the largest brick church in the world, which is truly impressive. Your tour then continues along Long Street, lined with historic patrician houses, to the Long Market. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Ask your tour guide for suggestions and plan your afternoon as you wish. Over a group dinner at a restaurant on the Motława River, featuring Polish specialties, you'll share your experiences in Gdansk. (B/D)
Day 4
Gdańsk – Malbork – Frombork – Lidzbark Warmiński – Mrągowo
Marienburg (UNESCO) • Dom Frauenburg • Bischofsburg Heilsberg • Masuren
Today, follow in the footsteps of the Teutonic Knights and visit the impressive Marienburg (Malbork) castle complex. Marvel at the High and Middle Castles, St. Lawrence's Chapel, the Palace of the Grand Masters, and the surrounding grounds (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). After this visit, your journey takes you to Frombork (Frauenburg). A particular highlight of your visit will be the renowned Frombork Cathedral. Long considered one of the most important works of church architecture in East Prussia, it has lost none of its allure. Here, too, you will encounter the name of Copernicus. Afterward, you will explore Lidzbark Warmiński (Heilsberg) and get to know this historically rich town. The impressive Gothic Bishop's Castle, which, after Marienburg, is one of the most important secular buildings of former Prussia, also rises majestically in the townscape, and which you can admire from the outside. Following your exploration of the region's cultural treasures, you'll continue your journey to the Masurian Lake District. Take in the expansive forests and shimmering blue lakes. With a bit of luck, you might spot some of the local wildlife, such as wild horses, lynx, or moose. In the evening, you'll arrive in the town of Mrągowo and check into your hotel. Two nights there. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 220 km; Travel time: approx. 3 hours)
Gdańsk – Malbork – Frombork – Lidzbark Warmiński – Mrągowo
Day 4
Marienburg (UNESCO) • Dom Frauenburg • Bischofsburg Heilsberg • Masuren
Today, follow in the footsteps of the Teutonic Knights and visit the impressive Marienburg (Malbork) castle complex. Marvel at the High and Middle Castles, St. Lawrence's Chapel, the Palace of the Grand Masters, and the surrounding grounds (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). After this visit, your journey takes you to Frombork (Frauenburg). A particular highlight of your visit will be the renowned Frombork Cathedral. Long considered one of the most important works of church architecture in East Prussia, it has lost none of its allure. Here, too, you will encounter the name of Copernicus. Afterward, you will explore Lidzbark Warmiński (Heilsberg) and get to know this historically rich town. The impressive Gothic Bishop's Castle, which, after Marienburg, is one of the most important secular buildings of former Prussia, also rises majestically in the townscape, and which you can admire from the outside. Following your exploration of the region's cultural treasures, you'll continue your journey to the Masurian Lake District. Take in the expansive forests and shimmering blue lakes. With a bit of luck, you might spot some of the local wildlife, such as wild horses, lynx, or moose. In the evening, you'll arrive in the town of Mrągowo and check into your hotel. Two nights there. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 220 km; Travel time: approx. 3 hours)
Day 5
Pisz Forest & Krutynia
Johannisburg Heath • Punt boat trip on the Krutynia
Enjoy a walk in one of the most beautiful landscapes of Masuria, the Johannisburg Heath (approx. 1 hour). Be captivated by the dark forests and green meadows of Poland's largest forest area. Afterwards, you can admire the unique idyll and breathtaking scenery from the Krutynia River. A punt boat trip offers a truly authentic way to experience nature up close: while your boatman propels the vessel solely by pushing off the spar from the riverbed, you can gaze across the shimmering waters. With a bit of luck, you might spot one of the many animal species that call this area home. (F/A) (Distance: 53 km, travel time: approx. 1 hour)
Pisz Forest & Krutynia
Day 5
Johannisburg Heath • Punt boat trip on the Krutynia
Enjoy a walk in one of the most beautiful landscapes of Masuria, the Johannisburg Heath (approx. 1 hour). Be captivated by the dark forests and green meadows of Poland's largest forest area. Afterwards, you can admire the unique idyll and breathtaking scenery from the Krutynia River. A punt boat trip offers a truly authentic way to experience nature up close: while your boatman propels the vessel solely by pushing off the spar from the riverbed, you can gaze across the shimmering waters. With a bit of luck, you might spot one of the many animal species that call this area home. (F/A) (Distance: 53 km, travel time: approx. 1 hour)
Day 6
Sensburg – Heiligelinde – Allenstein – Warsaw
Holy Linden pilgrimage site • Organ concert • Allenstein Cathedral
Today you'll leave the Masurian Lake District behind and continue your journey south into Poland. On your way to Warsaw, you'll make a few short stops to admire the sights along the way. Your first stop is the pilgrimage site of Święta Lipka (Heiligelinde). Here you'll visit the Baroque basilica and enjoy an organ concert. Afterward, you'll continue your journey towards Warsaw. In the afternoon, you can stretch your legs with a stroll through Olsztyn (Allenstein). Take a look at the city's landmark, the High Gate, and admire the 14th-century Cathedral Castle. You'll arrive in Warsaw (Warszawa) in the evening and check into your hotel. In the evening, you'll enjoy Polish specialties at a local restaurant. 2 nights in Warsaw. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 305 km; Travel time: approx. 4 hours)
Sensburg – Heiligelinde – Allenstein – Warsaw
Day 6
Holy Linden pilgrimage site • Organ concert • Allenstein Cathedral
Today you'll leave the Masurian Lake District behind and continue your journey south into Poland. On your way to Warsaw, you'll make a few short stops to admire the sights along the way. Your first stop is the pilgrimage site of Święta Lipka (Heiligelinde). Here you'll visit the Baroque basilica and enjoy an organ concert. Afterward, you'll continue your journey towards Warsaw. In the afternoon, you can stretch your legs with a stroll through Olsztyn (Allenstein). Take a look at the city's landmark, the High Gate, and admire the 14th-century Cathedral Castle. You'll arrive in Warsaw (Warszawa) in the evening and check into your hotel. In the evening, you'll enjoy Polish specialties at a local restaurant. 2 nights in Warsaw. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 305 km; Travel time: approx. 4 hours)
Day 7
Warsaw
Guided city tour (UNESCO) • Afternoon at leisure • Powiśle
Today you'll spend the day in Warsaw, the Polish capital. You'll get to know Poland's largest city and its cultural and economic center on a guided tour. Your walk will take you through the beautiful Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. You'll discover the Royal Castle, the seat of Polish kings until the 18th century, Łazienki Park with its Palace on the Water, and the famous Chopin Monument. You'll also see the city walls and walk through the Barbican, which connects the Old Town with the New Town. A stroll through the Powiśle district and along the Vistula Boulevards will give you a firsthand look at Warsaw's transformation. While the historic Powiśle district was once an industrial and somewhat neglected area, it has now become one of Warsaw's trendiest and most expensive neighborhoods. The Vistula Boulevards, which stretch along the river, are another fascinating example of the modernization of this exciting city. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Stroll through the narrow streets once more and admire the historic buildings. Have a coffee in one of the old street cafes or visit one of the many small galleries. Your tour guide will be happy to give you suggestions. (F)
Warsaw
Day 7
Guided city tour (UNESCO) • Afternoon at leisure • Powiśle
Today you'll spend the day in Warsaw, the Polish capital. You'll get to know Poland's largest city and its cultural and economic center on a guided tour. Your walk will take you through the beautiful Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. You'll discover the Royal Castle, the seat of Polish kings until the 18th century, Łazienki Park with its Palace on the Water, and the famous Chopin Monument. You'll also see the city walls and walk through the Barbican, which connects the Old Town with the New Town. A stroll through the Powiśle district and along the Vistula Boulevards will give you a firsthand look at Warsaw's transformation. While the historic Powiśle district was once an industrial and somewhat neglected area, it has now become one of Warsaw's trendiest and most expensive neighborhoods. The Vistula Boulevards, which stretch along the river, are another fascinating example of the modernization of this exciting city. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Stroll through the narrow streets once more and admire the historic buildings. Have a coffee in one of the old street cafes or visit one of the many small galleries. Your tour guide will be happy to give you suggestions. (F)
Day 8
Warsaw – Częstochowa – Krakow
Pilgrimage site Częstochowa • Pauline Monastery • Jewish restaurant in Kazimierz
From Warsaw, you'll travel to Krakow today. En route, you'll visit Częstochowa, Poland's most important pilgrimage site. Around five million pilgrims come to the Pauline Monastery each year to venerate the Black Madonna. During a tour of the monastery, you too will have the opportunity to admire the world-famous image of the Black Madonna. Finally, you'll arrive in Krakow. You'll spend the evening with your tour group in Krakow's Jewish Quarter. After a stroll, you'll enjoy Jewish specialties for dinner at a local restaurant, accompanied by traditional Klezmer music. Look forward to experiencing Jewish culture; perhaps you'll have the chance to chat with some of the locals and exchange ideas about Jewish life in Krakow, both past and present. Two nights in Krakow. (B/D) (Distance traveled: approx. 361 km; travel time: approx. 4.5 hours)
Warsaw – Częstochowa – Krakow
Day 8
Pilgrimage site Częstochowa • Pauline Monastery • Jewish restaurant in Kazimierz
From Warsaw, you'll travel to Krakow today. En route, you'll visit Częstochowa, Poland's most important pilgrimage site. Around five million pilgrims come to the Pauline Monastery each year to venerate the Black Madonna. During a tour of the monastery, you too will have the opportunity to admire the world-famous image of the Black Madonna. Finally, you'll arrive in Krakow. You'll spend the evening with your tour group in Krakow's Jewish Quarter. After a stroll, you'll enjoy Jewish specialties for dinner at a local restaurant, accompanied by traditional Klezmer music. Look forward to experiencing Jewish culture; perhaps you'll have the chance to chat with some of the locals and exchange ideas about Jewish life in Krakow, both past and present. Two nights in Krakow. (B/D) (Distance traveled: approx. 361 km; travel time: approx. 4.5 hours)
Day 9
Krakow
Wawel Hill • Old Town (UNESCO) • Leisure activities • Auschwitz-Birkenau (optional)
In the morning, you'll stroll to the famous Wawel Hill, home to the cathedral of the same name. From there, you'll continue your walk into the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, where you'll explore the Gothic St. Mary's Basilica, the largest market square in Europe, and the iconic Cloth Hall. This single-story building on the market square is considered Krakow's oldest shopping center. Even in the Middle Ages, Krakow was renowned for its cloth trade. Your tour continues through the Old Town, passing the oldest building of the University (exterior view only). The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Those who wish can continue exploring the city or visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Holocaust Memorial (UNESCO World Heritage Site) (optional, €145 per person, minimum 4 people, please book this when registering). (F)
Krakow
Day 9
Wawel Hill • Old Town (UNESCO) • Leisure activities • Auschwitz-Birkenau (optional)
In the morning, you'll stroll to the famous Wawel Hill, home to the cathedral of the same name. From there, you'll continue your walk into the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, where you'll explore the Gothic St. Mary's Basilica, the largest market square in Europe, and the iconic Cloth Hall. This single-story building on the market square is considered Krakow's oldest shopping center. Even in the Middle Ages, Krakow was renowned for its cloth trade. Your tour continues through the Old Town, passing the oldest building of the University (exterior view only). The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Those who wish can continue exploring the city or visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Holocaust Memorial (UNESCO World Heritage Site) (optional, €145 per person, minimum 4 people, please book this when registering). (F)
Day 10
Krakow – Schweidnitz – Kreisau – Breslau
Friedenskirche Schweidnitz (UNESCO) • Schloss Kreisau
After breakfast, you'll have time to explore Krakow on your own and stroll through the historic Old Town. Alternatively, you could visit one of the city's important museums. For example, the Underground Museum (optional, bookable on site, approx. €14 per person) beneath the Main Market Square offers a fascinating journey into the past, where the history of medieval Krakow is brought to life through modern and interactive exhibits. Art enthusiasts can visit the Czartoryski Museum (optional, bookable on site, approx. €18 per person), which houses one of Poland's most important art collections. Among the highlights is Leonardo da Vinci's world-famous painting "Lady with an Ermine." Around midday, you bid farewell to the former royal city of Krakow and continue your journey towards Wroclaw. On the way, you make a stop to visit the Evangelical Church of Peace in Świdnica. Upon arrival, the Church of Peace is initially hidden behind old trees. However, as soon as you enter the sacristy and the nave, you will see the elaborately designed Baroque interior. The Church of Peace has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002. Then you and your group will travel to Wrocław, where you will spend the next two nights. (F) (Distance traveled: approx. 370 km; travel time: approx. 4.5 hours)
Krakow – Schweidnitz – Kreisau – Breslau
Day 10
Friedenskirche Schweidnitz (UNESCO) • Schloss Kreisau
After breakfast, you'll have time to explore Krakow on your own and stroll through the historic Old Town. Alternatively, you could visit one of the city's important museums. For example, the Underground Museum (optional, bookable on site, approx. €14 per person) beneath the Main Market Square offers a fascinating journey into the past, where the history of medieval Krakow is brought to life through modern and interactive exhibits. Art enthusiasts can visit the Czartoryski Museum (optional, bookable on site, approx. €18 per person), which houses one of Poland's most important art collections. Among the highlights is Leonardo da Vinci's world-famous painting "Lady with an Ermine." Around midday, you bid farewell to the former royal city of Krakow and continue your journey towards Wroclaw. On the way, you make a stop to visit the Evangelical Church of Peace in Świdnica. Upon arrival, the Church of Peace is initially hidden behind old trees. However, as soon as you enter the sacristy and the nave, you will see the elaborately designed Baroque interior. The Church of Peace has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002. Then you and your group will travel to Wrocław, where you will spend the next two nights. (F) (Distance traveled: approx. 370 km; travel time: approx. 4.5 hours)
Day 11
Wrocław
Guided city tour • Lunch at a brewery with beer tasting • Free afternoon • Farewell dinner
Today you'll spend in Wrocław. A guided city tour will provide you with all the essential information about this city on the Oder River. You'll explore the city using public transportation, giving you a chance to experience life in Poland's cultural center. Your tour will take you to the Market Square, which is particularly impressive with its late Gothic Town Hall and colorful burgher houses. The tour continues past the historic University with its Aula Leopoldina, which you'll view from the outside. Cathedral Island is considered the oldest part of Wrocław, and just a few meters away is the Church of St. Mary on the Sand. Together, Cathedral Island and Sand represent Wrocław's centuries-old history. Enjoy a delicious, traditional lunch at a brewery, where you can reminisce about your travel experiences. Toast your memorable time in Poland with locally brewed beer! In the afternoon, you're free to create your own itinerary. Take a leisurely stroll through the city and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. (B/L)
Wrocław
Day 11
Guided city tour • Lunch at a brewery with beer tasting • Free afternoon • Farewell dinner
Today you'll spend in Wrocław. A guided city tour will provide you with all the essential information about this city on the Oder River. You'll explore the city using public transportation, giving you a chance to experience life in Poland's cultural center. Your tour will take you to the Market Square, which is particularly impressive with its late Gothic Town Hall and colorful burgher houses. The tour continues past the historic University with its Aula Leopoldina, which you'll view from the outside. Cathedral Island is considered the oldest part of Wrocław, and just a few meters away is the Church of St. Mary on the Sand. Together, Cathedral Island and Sand represent Wrocław's centuries-old history. Enjoy a delicious, traditional lunch at a brewery, where you can reminisce about your travel experiences. Toast your memorable time in Poland with locally brewed beer! In the afternoon, you're free to create your own itinerary. Take a leisurely stroll through the city and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. (B/L)
Day 12
Wrocław – Germany
Transfer to the airport • Return journey
Goodbye, Poland! Today you say goodbye to Poland and your fellow travelers. Depending on your departure time, the morning is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Make some final discoveries or buy souvenirs or gifts for your loved ones back home. In time for your flight home, you'll travel to Wrocław Airport by public transport. An optional transfer can be booked if needed. (F)
Wrocław – Germany
Day 12
Transfer to the airport • Return journey
Goodbye, Poland! Today you say goodbye to Poland and your fellow travelers. Depending on your departure time, the morning is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Make some final discoveries or buy souvenirs or gifts for your loved ones back home. In time for your flight home, you'll travel to Wrocław Airport by public transport. An optional transfer can be booked if needed. (F)
Services
What's included
Economy flight to Poznań (POZ) and return from Wrocław (WRO), subject to availability; flight surcharge may apply.
11 nights in a double room with bath or shower/toilet
Daily breakfast (B), 1 lunch (L), 6 dinners (D)
Transport in air-conditioned vehicles
German-speaking, local tour guide
Entrance fees
Tasting of Polish specialties
Encounter with Jewish culture in Krakow's Kazimierz district
Punting boat trip on the Krutynia
Conversations with locals at the market in Poznań
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)
Excursion to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum (Day 9): approx. €145 per person
Character of the trip
Fitness
Easy
Altitude
Low
Culture / nature
Culture-led
This tour doesn't require any special athletic abilities. A normal level of fitness is sufficient for city walks (some on cobblestones), sightseeing, and leisurely strolls. Expect several longer driving days across Poland. Sturdy footwear is recommended.
Dates and prices
Group dates
Single room supplement from 590 euros
