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Highlights of Southern Poland

Sale!

Highlights of Southern Poland

Was From $ 2,295 AUD
Now From $ 1,951 AUD
Sale!

Description

Turn the pages of Poland’s story on this seven-day adventure, experiencing the heart and heritage in this captivating country. Admire the revived Jewish Quarter of Krakow, tour the classical architecture of Wroclaw, breathe the fresh air of Szklarska Poreba and finish in the cosmopolitan capital of Warsaw. Much like a good pierogi dumpling, the best bits of the country are found beneath the surface – with a local leader to guide the way, you’ll discover a side of Poland few get to see.

Trip Name
Highlights of Southern Poland
Last Updated
2024-04-29
Days
7
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Visit Krakow’s Jewish Quarter and see how the local community is re-establishing its cultural identity.
  • See Warsaw from a different perspective as you take in views of the River Vistula from the city’s highest garden.
  • Head out for a nature hike in Karkonosze National Park, admiring sweeping views from the Wysoki Kamien Observation Tower.
  • Explore the vibrant cultural scene of Wroclaw, the historical capital of Silesia and Lower Silesia, which dates back over 1000 years.
  • Experience Polish culture firsthand during a traditional pottery workshop in Wroclaw and a dinner in Szklarska Poreba.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES Many sites, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes Tuesdays). We recommend checking the opening times of anywhere you're interested to visit and making reservations where required/possible.

Day 1 - Krakow
Czesc! Welcome to Poland. Your adventure begins in Krakow with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive in the city a little early, why not use this time to get your bearings. Krakow is striking with contrasts – you’ll find a medieval Old Town with a large youthful influence, renowned fine dining restaurants side by side with food trucks, and a vibrant Jewish quarter with some elegant speakeasies and hidden bars nearby. After your meeting, you'll have an option to head out with your group to dinner – your leader will know of some great options.
Day 2 - Krakow
This morning, you’ll get to know Krakow a little better. Join your leader for a walk to the Jewish quarter and gain an appreciation for how the community have revived their cultural identity. Finish off your visit with a local delicacy – a zapiekanka (toasted baguette). Then, you’re free to choose how to spend your afternoon. You might take a leader-led walk around Krakow’s Old Town – Rynek (main square) is one of the oldest and most recognisable medieval squares in Europe. Or, you can take the opportunity to visit Auschwitz. A walk through the camp with a local guide is a truly sobering experience and helps to understand the sheer scale of the tragic loss of life that occurred here. Otherwise, you might decide to take a guided tour of Nowa Huta – a former communist town turned eastern Quarter of Krakow.
Day 3 - Wroclaw
Say farewell to Krakow as you board a morning train to Wroclaw. Wroclaw is the cultural centre of southwest Poland, sitting on the banks of River Oder for over 1000 years and shaped by influences of Czech, German and Polish rule. Arrive around midday, then follow your leader on an orientation walk to this city's medieval square. Maybe try a nearby basement brewery for lunch. In the afternoon, take part in a traditional pottery making workshop – trying your hand at hand moulding or on a potter's wheel. Then, spend the evening how you’d like. You might check out Ostrow Tumski (Cathedral Island), or wander around Old Town on a hunt for the numerous dwarf sculptures. Don’t miss out on appreciating Wroclaw from River Oder or experiencing the vibrant cultural scene – your leader will be on hand to give recommendations on local hotspots.
Day 4 - Szklarska Poreba
After breakfast, travel by train to Szklarska Poreba. Sitting in the Sudeten Mountains, Szklarska Poreba is a winter resort town, renowned for its mountain hiking, cycling and skiing. Once you’ve checked into your accommodation, you’re free to explore the town and its surroundings. Perhaps head to Szklarki Waterfall, known for both its beauty and for being where Wim Hof developed his famous cold temperature meditations. Or you might like to examine the more than 3000 artefacts in the Mineralogical Museum, encountering samples from outer space in a ski village. In the evening, your leader will be able to suggest local dinner spots.
Day 5 - Szklarska Poreba
Today, get set for a leader-led walk through the high peaks and dense green forests of Karkonoski National Park. Starting from your accommodation, you’ll hike along wide trails with a gentle climb – if needed, there are plenty of spots for a rest. The scenery will slowly unfold around you as you head towards Wysoki Kamien Observation Tower. Sitting on the eastern summit of the Izerskie mountains, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the national park and the Karkonosze mountains. Make your way back to town, then finish your day with an included traditional Polish dinner. Be sure to toast today’s efforts!
Day 6 - Warsaw
This morning, leave Szklarska Poreba and transfer to Jelenia Gora, before boarding a public bus to Warsaw. Poland’s capital has a rich history shown in its mix of Gothic, neoclassical and Soviet-era architecture, and also a new, cosmopolitan touch. After arriving in the early afternoon, why not head out to a local craft beer bar for lunch? Then, get your bearings during on orientation walk of the city, visiting the Warsaw University rooftop gardens, which demonstrate how creative architecture can make our cities green and friendly. You might decide to finish your day by sharing a final dinner with your fellow travellers – be sure to sample some of Poland’s signature dishes (and the local vodka, of course).
Day 7 - Warsaw
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay in Warsaw, just get in touch with your booking agent and they’ll be happy to arrange additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
02-06-202408-06-2024AUD $ 2,084-
16-06-202422-06-2024AUD $ 1,951-
14-07-202420-07-2024AUD $ 2,360-
28-07-202403-08-2024AUD $ 2,360-
11-08-202417-08-2024AUD $ 2,450-
08-09-202414-09-2024AUD $ 2,328-
11-05-202517-05-2025AUD $ 2,405-
01-06-202507-06-2025AUD $ 2,405-
15-06-202521-06-2025AUD $ 2,405-
13-07-202519-07-2025AUD $ 2,405-
27-07-202502-08-2025AUD $ 2,405-
10-08-202516-08-2025AUD $ 2,405-
24-08-202530-08-2025AUD $ 2,405-
07-09-202513-09-2025AUD $ 2,405-
21-09-202527-09-2025AUD $ 2,405-

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights)

Transport

Train,Local bus,Private vehicle

Map