Warsaw City Break

Thursday 4th June 

Fly to Warsaw in Poland and transfer to our accommodation.   

Dinner included. Overnight in Warsaw.

Friday 5th June

Today we’ll explore Poland’s capital city, almost completely devastated during World War II and reborn out of the ashes into a modern centre of culture, science and business. On a guided tour of the faithfully reconstructed Old Town, we’ll soak in the atmospheric market square, wander through narrow streets to the Medieval defensive walls, and discover the Cathedral of St John. We’ll finish at the magnificent Royal Castle, once the Polish royal residence and parliament. The castle was completely destroyed by German troops in the aftermath of the Warsaw uprising and its reconstruction was intricately completed to the highest standard, preserving many original furnishings, and now housing the Castle Museum.

Breakfast included. Overnight in Warsaw.

Saturday 6^th June

This morning, we board our vintage communist-era buses to learn more about what life was like under communist rule in Poland. We’ll learn about Stalin’s infamous ‘gift’ and the planned utopias as well as visiting key locations such as the Politburo House, Constitution Square and the Museum of Life Under Communism. Along the way, we’ll also have the chance to sample some snacks from those times including the curious pairing of vodka and pickled herring!

This afternoon will be spent at a more leisurely pace with a boat trip on the Vistula River. Split between two boats, we’ll relax with a drink, enjoy the sounds of the lapping water and take in Warsaw from this new perspective. The rest of the afternoon will be at your leisure – perhaps explore more of the old town, indulge in a spot of cafe culture or unwind back at the hotel.

Breakfast and snacks during tour included. Overnight in Warsaw.

Sunday 7^th June

We’ll start today with a guided walking tour of one of the most beautiful parks in Warsaw, Royal Baths Park. Formerly a hunting ground, it was transformed in the 18^th Century into a classical English-style landscape. In the park, we’ll discover the Orangery, the Observatory and the Greco-Roman inspired amphitheatre. Most impressive is the neo classical Lazienki Palace, with beautiful formal gardens, which sits on an island in the park’s lake – this really is a touch of paradise in the heart of Warsaw!

After our tour of the park, it’s time to enjoy a picnic in this idyllic setting whilst listening to professional musicians perform the music of Frederic Chopin. Every Sunday, during the summer, locals and tourists alike, gather at the Chopin memorial statue to appreciate the music of this Polish virtuoso.

The afternoon is yours to either continue to relax in the park, or should you wish, return to the city for some last-minute shopping, or further exploration. In the evening, we’ll dine together in a local restaurant to mark our final night.

Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight in Warsaw.

Monday 8^th June

Checking out of our hotel this morning, we’ll head to the area of Warsaw known as the Jewish Ghetto – once home to Europe’s largest Jewish population, with over 380,000 Jewish inhabitants living in and around the city by 1939. We’ll walk through this poignant district, learning of the ghetto uprising and visiting significant sites such as the moving Ghetto Heroes monument, the historic Jewish Cemetery and a tour of the acclaimed POLIN Museum which offers interactive exhibits on 1000 years of Polish Jewish history, culture and religion.

Later in the afternoon, we’ll transfer to the airport for our journey home, filled with rich memories of an unforgettable city and its remarkable stories.

Breakfast included.