The Soul of Poland

You will be met and transferred to your hotel. There’s time to relax before meeting your fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner. (D)

After breakfast we take you to visit the Wieliczka salt mine is over 700 years old and is one of the largest and oldest working salt mines in Europe. It is on the UNESCO list of the 12 most priceless monuments in the world. An elevator will take you to the first level of the mine where you will be able to see the 180-foot chapel made from salt rock and lit with salt-crystal chandeliers. There are many other chambers carved out of a huge block of salt, underground museums, and even tennis and volleyball courts. Return to Krakow for some free time before we continue or exploration and visit the Jewish quarter of the city. Overnight in your hotel. (B)

A morning sightseeing tour starts with a visit to Wawel Hill, a viewing of the Royal Castle and visiting the Royal Cathedral. Next, take a walking tour of the Old Town where you will see the Main Market Square and Renaissance Cloth Hall, and visit St. Mary's Church. The afternoon is free to go for a stroll, browse through the shops, sample some “sernik” or “szarlotka”, or simply relax. (B)    

This morning join on a tour to Auschwitz-Birkenau, the notorious concentration camp from World War II and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Later, journey to Czestochowa and visit the Yasna Gora Monastery, known for the blackened picture of the Virgin Mary, popularly called the "Black Madonna." In the late afternoon, arrive in Poland's capital city, Warsaw. (B, D)

This 700-year-old capital is a symbol of Polish nationhood and the will to survive against great odds. Your sightseeing tour here includes a drive along the famous Royal Route from magnificent Castle Square to Lazienki Park and Palace, the summer residence of the last king of Poland. Pass by the Palace of Science and Culture (known as the “wedding cake”), the Saxon Gardens, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Monument to the Heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto, and Barbican. Continue with a walking tour of the Old Town, Old Market Square and St. John’s Cathedral. The rest of the day is free for shopping, a stroll through the city, relaxing in one of the many parks or gardens, or perhaps attending an optional late afternoon Chopin concert. (B)

Check out from your hotel. Departure transfer to Warsaw airport. (B)