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Europe | Cultural Exploration in Poland

Sample Itinerary

Destinations

Europe, Poland

Trip Duration

9 nights / 10 days

A parliamentary republic bounded by seven nations in the heart of central Europe, with northern shores along the Baltic Sea, discover a welcoming country steeped in a confluence of rich cultural heritage, unique traditions, thriving modern life and reverent history. Delight in tantalizing cuisines, diverse landscapes, enchanting medieval architecture, and bustling old towns in colorful metropolises including Gdansk and Krakow, and capital city of Warsaw, its Royal Route, triumphant post-war honors, and love of Chopin, for an all-encompassing experience.

Below is just a sample of the immersive itineraries our Destination Specialists can create. Click on the experiences links in the itinerary to see other curated excursion choices offered by Journese. Our Destination Specialists are happy to book our hotels and excursions highlighted in the itinerary below or let them know if you would like something customized. And, feel free to offer our non-hyperlinked suggestions to your clients to further explore the destination.

Itinerary

Day 1 |  USA / Warsaw, Poland

Arrive in Warsaw and meet your private transfer to the InterContinental Warsaw. Housed in a cantilevered tower in the heart of the city close to museums, shops, attractions and railway station, spend the next three nights in elegant sophistication. Savor curated culinary experiences in two chef-led restaurants featuring modern upscale international offerings with crafted Polish delicacies and classic flavors, paired with a choice of more than 100 wines from around the globe. Delight in a coffee cafe and +One Bar for tapas and signature cocktails, upper-floor RiverView Wellness Center, indoor lap pool and whirlpool.

This evening, step into the luxurious 19th century for the Chopin Concerto Experience at Warsaw's Fryderyk Concert Hall. A grand music venue created to feature intimate gatherings complete with opulent decor, enjoy a two-part recital of Chopin's most famous works performed by notable virtuosos, including a champagne intermission, and account of his life stories with your host, before the finale.

Day 2 |  Warsaw

Following a delicious specialty coffee from Sliska - The Lounge, get an introduction to the city with the Warsaw City Excursion. Stroll through this remarkable capital with your informative guide starting with Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as you learn about the city's rebirth following World War II. See sights of the Royal Castle, once the home of Polish monarchs, as well as Krasinski Palace and Supreme Court before ambling through the sublime Lazienki Park, iconic home of the Chopin monument, beautiful gardens and neoclassical buildings.

This evening, stroll along the lively, historic Nowy Swiat Street, also known as New World Street and part of the Royal Route, with a myriad of fine dining restaurants, designer boutiques, elegant cafes and many architectural wonders.

Day 3 |  Warsaw

After a delicious start to your day at DownTown Restaurant in the hotel, meet your guide for your private, half-day Warsaw Jewish Heritage Experience. Discover rich Jewish history, heritage and insight dating back to the 11th century, highlighting the tribulation of the Holocaust and Polish Jew survival. Visit the Nozyk Synagogue, the only remaining house of worship from the destruction of World War II, with a stop at the Okopowa Street cemetery, and Umschlagplatz Monument, memorializing the lost community, and brave the Warsaw Ghetto resistance, as a reverent glimpse into the past.

Day 4 | Warsaw / Gdansk

Depart the hotel this morning for your rail transport to Gdansk. Upon arrival, meet your private transfer to the Hilton Gdansk, where you will stay for three glorious nights in a river view suite. Set along the Motlawa River overlooking Old Town, minutes from a cluster of historic buildings, landmarks, shops, restaurants and entertainment offerings, bask in distinguished style with contemporary amenities, upscale dining options including a breakfast buffet, open-air terrace bar with city and river views, and full-service spa with indoor pool.

This afternoon, walk the cobbled streets of the Gdansk Old Town Excursion. Follow your guide to Dluga Street and its dazzling market, passing Town Hall, the 17th-century Neptune Fountain, Arthur's Court Museum, and Amber Chamber for an amber polishing display. Then, learn the history of the port crane, nestled between fortified towers and symbol of the city's trading history, plus St. Mary's Basilica, said to be the Europe's largest brick church.

Days 5 - 6 |  Gdansk

Lapping at the waters of the Baltic Sea, learn about the struggles and history of the Gdansk Harbor and Westerplatte Peninsula this morning on the Fighting for Freedom Excursion. Stand where the Polish military ardently fought the Germans in the first battle of World War II, and the site of the Communist resistance of 1970 at the Gdansk Shipyard, a place of solidarity and memorial monument to those who fought for democracy.

Spend the next day at your leisure exploring the Polish culture, go shopping at the Galeria Baatycka mall in the Wrzeszcz District, or utilize the hotel's wellness center with its extensive range of spa therapies and scenic indoor pool. In the evening, saunter the picturesque promenade on the waterfront, and imbibe in the lively nightlife, restaurants and activities as the sun sets on an exciting day.

Day 7 |  Gdansk / Krakow

Enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet before you depart the hotel and board your private transfer to the airport for your flight to Krakow. Upon arrival, meet your private transfer to whisk you away to Stradom House, Autograph Collection for three nights in a Heritage Junior Suite. Situated within a former 14th-century monastery and church, surrounded by attractions, immerse in modern mix of historic lifestyle with luxe elegance, upscale culinary adventures including Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, world-class bar with wine cellar, signature Sol SPA, and indoor pool.

Spend your afternoon exploring Krakow's Old Town and Rynek Glowny, its main market square, touted as one of the largest in Europe, as well as its incredible underground museum. With its many restaurants, be sure to sample a traditional Polish dinner including stuffed pierogi and Miodownik, a decadent honey cake for a sweet ending to your day.

Day 8 | Krakow

Savor a delectable breakfast buffet in the hotel before embarking on the Krakow Old Town Walking Excursion. Explore the highlights of this UNESCO Heritage site city with your informative guide, starting with the medieval St. Florian's Gate tower in Old Town. Then, walk through history to the Wawel Hill, and the residence of kings at Wawel Royal Castle, its cathedral and catacombs, followed by sights of St. Mary's Basilica, the Krakow Cloth Hall and the fortified Gothic Barbican.

Enjoy an afternoon carriage ride through the cobblestone streets of Old Town or climb St. Mary's Gothic tower for grand views over the city as the sun sets this evening. Then, enjoy a classic restaurant, jazz outlet, lively lounge or underground club for an exciting night in Krakow.

Days 9 - 10 |  Krakow / USA

Start your day at your leisure in Old Town, savoring an authentic Polish breakfast in a quaint cafe before venturing to the legendary underground Wieliczka Salt mine, its geological wonders dating back to the Middle Ages. Wander through Planty Park filled with scenic pathways, bridges and gardens or take one last look at Poland's past in the National Museum or Schlinder Factory Museum. Shop the modern Galeria Krakowska mall filled with scores of shops and restaurants, or simply relax in the wellness center of the hotel.

Celebrate a final evening reminiscing about your memorable days in Poland with a favorite varietal in the Wine Cellar, or sip a signature cocktail with light bites and live music at Hedwig's Club, followed by a succulent feast at your favorite dining hot spot in Old Town for a fond farewell. In the morning, board your private transfer to the airport for your comfortable homebound flight home. Do widzenia!

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