Welcome to Krakow

Some of Europe’s most dramatic history throughout the last 1500 years is encapsulated in the very fabric and atmosphere of Krakow, Poland’s former royal capital.  In homage to its regal past, Krakow is now a charming cultural delight, a harmonious blend of past and present. Wander the charming streets and enjoy reasonably priced and hearty traditional food, alongside locally produced beer, wine and vodka. The region beyond Krakow boasts dramatic national parks and artistically crafted salt mines that we will have the chance to explore on our excursions. Our tour also includes Auschwitz-Birkenau, a harrowing but poignant visit to the site that witnessed one of the worst tragedies of the 20th century; a chilling testament to the impact of evil ideologies.

Tour Highlights

  • Explore Krakow’s charming streets on an intimate walking tour
  • Discover exquisitely carved artworks hidden inside the Wieliczka Salt Mines
  • Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau and the poignant Memorial Museum
  • Discover the magic of Krakow’s medieval charm and historic artefacts
  • Make and enjoy your own Pretzel’s
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  • Dates & Prices

    The prices shown below include return flights from a specified UK airport. If you are travelling from outside of the UK, please .

    August 5 - August 9, 2020 (5 days)


    Standard Blind Price: £999 Contact us for availability

    Discounted Sighted Price: £699 Contact us for availability

    The prices shown below are for non-UK travellers and do not include return flights and transfers. If you are travelling from within the UK, please .

    Standard Blind Price: 899 GBP Contact us for availability

    Discounted Sighted Price: 599 GBP Contact us for availability

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    Auschwitz Memorial at Birkenau in Poland
  • Cafes and restaurants at night in Krakow

    What's Included

    • Flights and transfers (UK prices only)
    • 4 nights' accommodation at Hotel Columbus in Krakow
    • All breakfasts and one dinner
    • Specified excursions
    • Services of local guides
    • Services of a Traveleyes tour manager

  • Excursions

    • Krakow city walking tour
    • Auschwitz-Birkenau (included, but optional)
    • Wieliczka Salt Mines
    • Pretzel making workshop
    • Folk show and dinner
    A polish church with a large clock tower illuminated at night.

Below is the itinerary for the holiday. Please click each day for more information.

Wednesday 5th August

We transfer to our central Krakow hotel after our flight.

Overnight in Krakow.

Thursday 6th August

Today we will visit one of Europe’s most haunting and historically important sites, the remains of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. A visit to Auschwitz is a moving way to pay personal respect to the tragic victims of history, and for humanity to reaffirm what must never be forgotten, lest it should ever be repeated. The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Museum was established in 1947 on the site of the largest concentration camp, established by Hitler in 1940 to house Polish victims of Nazi atrocities. The museum tells the moving story of the shared fate of up to six million innocent people at the hands of one of the most fanatical and diabolical regimes. The Auschwitz museum appears on the UNESCO World Heritage list and remains a stirring symbol of the indestructibility of the human spirit and of heroism, solidarity and resistance in the face of unspeakable injustice.

Please note, our excursion to Auschwitz-Birkenau is included, but you may opt out of the visit if you wish.

Alternatively, you can enjoy the day at leisure discovering the historic city of Krakow. A highlight you may wish to visit is the impressive Wawel Castle or you may wish to explore the city’s atmospheric churches and market-places.

This evening we shall all come together to enjoy an included dinner accompanied by a traditional folk show.

Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight in Krakow.

Friday 7th August

This morning we’ll set out on a walking tour to discover the very essence of Krakow! We’ll walk through the beautiful Old Town and Jewish Quarter, whilst our local guide tells us the stories that make the very fabric of Krakow. Home to a turbulent history mixed with an eclectic mix of architecture, from Gothic to Baroque, this is one city that captures the attention of all its visitors.

Later we’ll have the chance to participate in a pretzel making workshop. ‘Obwarzanek’ as it’s known in Polish is a braided ring-shaped dough, coated with salt, poppy seeds and other flavourings. For over 600 years Krakow has been perfecting this delicious snack, with it first appearing back in the medieval times!  We’ll learn about the history of the Obwarzanek whilst we get the chance to make our very own which we’ll, of course, get to enjoy later on!

 

Breakfast. Overnight in Krakow.

Saturday 8th August

After breakfast we’ll head out to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mines. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the historic Salt Mines at Wieliczka began production in the 13th century and produced table salt continuously until 2007, making it one of the world’s oldest salt mines. The fascinating attractions here include dozens of statues, three chapels and an entire cathedral, all been carved out of the solid rock salt by the miners. During the tour through the mine, we will find underground chambers hewn out of rock salt, statues sculpted from salt and serene saline lakes. Visitors are able to take a walk of 2.5 km which leads through three levels, the lowest of which is 136 metres below ground level.

Breakfast included. Overnight in Krakow.

 

Sunday 9th August

This morning we prepare for our journey home, having enjoyed a fascinating city break discovering the history, charms and culture of Krakow, Poland’s Royal City.

 

Breakfast included.

Single supplement – £170