Discovering Poland
The best of Poland's cultural and historical highlights with beautiful architecture, intriguing history and stunning scenery - and more soberly the dark narrative of Wolrd War 2
The best of Poland's cultural and historical highlights with beautiful architecture, intriguing history and stunning scenery - and more soberly the dark narrative of Wolrd War 2
Every country has been shaped by history – Poland seems to have the entire history of twentieth century European conflict packed into its constantly moving borders. The country’s position has much to do with this, and today’s Poland is still blinking away the sleep of 45 years of communist rule. For the traveller this means a mysterious country – one in which the locals are thrilled to meet tourists and show them the reality of their proud nation. With beautiful architecture, intriguing history and stunning scenery that can match anywhere else in Europe – Poland will delight and enthral you.
Our tour offers the best of Poland’s cultural and historical highlights - from the undiscovered gem of Wroclaw – the cultural city of Krakow – the truly unique and vibrant resort of Zakopane – the sparkling lakes and magnificent landscapes of the Tatra Mountains – and more soberly, the dark history of World War II.
ITINERARY
Monday - Early morning departure from Dorset via channel crossing to Calais and on into Belgium. Overnight at the 3 star Voco Ghent Hotel, Ghent with 3 course buffet dinner and breakfast.
Tuesday - Continue eastwards into Germany, crossing the mighty River Rhine and passing Hannover to Magdeburg for overnight at the 4 star NH Hotel Magdeburg - modern and comfortable with all expected facilities including sauna and gym. 3 course set dinner and breakfast.
Wednesday - Over the border into Poland and driving South-East to Wroclaw, one of Poland's most beautiful cities - having been completely destroyed during WWII it has been wonderfully restored and can be counted amongst the highlights of the country but is often overlooked by tourists. Stay for 2 nights at the Park Plaza Hotel conveniently situated for the old city. Set 3 course dinner on arrival night, choice menu for next evening. Buffet breakfast.
Thursday - A full day to explore Wroclaw - it boasts fascinating architecture, many rivers crossed by bridges and a lively cultural scene. See the town square - one of the largest in Europe surrounded by photogenic buildings and pavement cafes. The Town Hall houses a museum - don't miss the gothic Cathedral - see the massive Centennial Hall and illuminated Wroclaw Fountain.
Friday - Leaving Wroclaw this morning to Czestochowa with time to view the Jasna Gora Monastery, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Poland. A place where centuries of faith, incredible art and jaw dropping architecture create one of Europe's most moving spiritual experiences. Continue
to Krakow, one of the most impressive medieval locations in Europe and an obvious choice for UNESCO's World Heritage List. Set 3 course dinner each night with water/tea/coffee. Buffet breakfast.
Saturday - We are joined by a local guide who will escort a morning coach/walking tour of the beautiful sights of Krakow, the former Polish capital at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains and a renowned city of culture. The Old Town was built, legend says, on the cave of a dragon slain by King Krak. The city has been invaded, destroyed and rebuilt many times over history - since the fall of the communist government in 1989 it has undergone another period of regeneration with historic buildings being restored.
Sunday - A day discovering Zakopane - a climatic health resort amidst the Tatra Mountains that has proven popular with artists and writers. There are many fascinating museums, heritage centres and art galleries to visit, you can join a train ride up into the mountains, or go higher still by cable car. On our way back to Krakow we shall call into the traditional highland village of Chocholow - there are some places in the world that will stop you in your tracks - this is one of them! Looking like it has come straight out of a fairytale - the authentic wooden cottages have been bult by the indigenous Goral people and are effectively a living museum. A day of wonderful views, historic sites and traditions that will have you reaching for your camera time and again.
Monday - We make a harrowing pilgrimage to Auschwitz, with a guided tour of the concentration camp and an insight to the atrocities that took place here during WWII. The guide will recount past events in a respectful manner and you will walk the path of history with visits to the original barracks, gas chamber ruins and the iconic main gate, making your tour hauntingly memorable. Return to Krakow mid-afternoon with some final free time to explore.
Tuesday - Depart from Poland and cross back into Germany for overnight stay at the 4 star Ramada Hotel in Dresden - the Saxon capital that offers 800 years of history. 3 course dinner buffet and breakfast.
Wednesday - Continue westwards through the German countryside, entering Belgium and stay overnight at the 3 star Voco Ghent Hotel with 3 course buffet dinner and breakfast.
Thursday - Homeward bound via afternoon channel crossing and driving back to Dorset that evening.
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
HOTEL PARK PLAZA, WROCLAW
2 nights stay in this superb modern 4 star hotel situated close to the old city and overlooking the Oder River. All 170+ bedrooms have private bathroom, hairdryer, air-conditioning , safe, satellite tv, fridge, phone, tea tray and free wifi. The restaurant overlooks the river and serves European cuisine and there is a café/bar. Guests have use of the sauna, gym and can relax on an outdoor sun terrace. Lifts serve all floors and room service is available. All bedrooms are strictly non-smoking.
HOTEL WYSPIANSKI, KRAKOW
4 nights at this impressive 3 star hotel situated just 5 minutes walk from Krakow’s main market square and historical old town. Bedrooms are airy, light and brightly decorated with private bathroom with free toiletries, hairdryer, TV with satellite channels, phone, tea tray and free wifi. The elegant restaurant serves a generous buffet breakfast and European/Polish delicacies for dinner that will satisfy the most demanding of palates. There is a lively bar, a longe area and outside terrace where you can relax. The energetic can use the gym. Lifts serve all floors. All bedrooms are strictly non-smoking.
OVERNIGHT HOTELS IN BELGIUM & GERMANY
All are superb 3 or 4 star rated hotels providing high quality comfortable and well serviced overnight accommodation in rooms with private bathroom, hairdryer, satellite tv, mini-bar and telephone. Restaurants provide varied European cuisine and all have bars/lounge areas and some provide leisure facilities. All have lifts. All bedrooms are strictly non-smoking.
11 Days // £1495.00 Per person SRS : £375.00
Price Includes: All coach travel, Return channel crossings, 2 x overnight hotels in Belgium, 2 x overnight hotels in Germany, 2 nights hotel in Wroclaw, 4 nights hotel in Krakow, Half board meals throughout, Guided tour of Auschwitz camp. Local guide for Krakow city tour
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Beaminster Area | Convenient local point in Beaminster to be advised |
| Blandford Area | Convenient local point in Blandford to be advised |
| Bournemouth Area | Convenient point in Bournemouth to be advised |
| Branksome Area | Convenient point in Branksome to be advised |
| Bridport Area | Convenient local point in Bridport to be advised |
| Britannia Inn | Britannia Inn, Fortuneswell, Portland |
| Charlestown | The Alexandra Inn, Chickerell Road, Charlestown |
| Chickerell | Bluebird Garage, Chickerell Road |
| Corfe Castle | Convenient point in Corfe Castle to be advised |
| Courtlands | Portland, Courtlands bus stop |
| Dorchester South Station | Dorchester South Station bus stop |
| Dorchester TOT | Top O'Town Car Park (by cafe), Dorchester |
| Easton | Easton Square, Portland |
| Ferndown Area | Convenient local point in Ferndown to be advised |
| Foords Corner | Foords Corner bus stop, Wyke Regis |
| Jestys Avenue | Bus stop end of Jestys Avenue on Littlemoor Road |
| Littlemead | Broadwey, Littlemead bus stop (Swan Inn) |
| Littlemoor Road Finches | Littlemoor Road, The Finches bus stop |
| Lodmoor Hill | Lodmoor Hill Bus Stop (near Post Office) |
| Lyme Regis | Convenient local point in Lyme Regis to be advised |
| Lyndale bus stop | Wyke Regis, Lyndale Bus Stop |
| Nottington | Broadwey, Nottington Corner bus stop |
| Poole Area | Convenient local point in Poole to be advised |
| Poundbury QMSE | Poundbury Queen Mother Square bus stop (Coach heading into Dorchester) |
| Radipole | Spa Hotel bus stop, Radipole |
| Redlands | Redlands, Opposite Garage |
| Ringwood Area | Convenient local point in Ringwood to be advised |
| Rodwell | Rodwell Traffic Lights, Rodwell Rd/Rodwell Ave |
| Sgt Bunn | St Bunn Bakery, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| Sherborne Area | Convenient local point in Sherborne to be advised |
| Southwell | Portland, Southwell, Opposite Eight Kings Inn |
| St Edmunds Church | St Edmunds Church, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| St Johns Church | Weymouth, St Johns Church, outside Dentist |
| St Nicholas Church | Southlands Road bus stop on Buxton Road, Weymouth (former St Nicholas Church) |
| Sturminster Newton Area | Convenient point in Stur. Newton to be advised |
| Swanage Area | Convenient local point in Swanage to be advised |
| To be advised | To be advised - Approx. 2 weeks before travel |
| Upton Area | Convenient local point in Upton to be advised |
| Victoria Square | Victoria Square bus stop, Portland |
| Wareham Area | Convenient local point in Wareham to be advised |
| Westwey Road | Westwey Rd, Magistrates Court, Weymouth |
| Weymouth Bluebird | Weymouth, Outside Bluebird Office, K1 bus stop |
| Wimborne Area | Convenient local point in Wimborne to be advised |
| Wool Area | Convenient local point in Wool to be advised |
| Wyke Smuggler | Smugglers Inn, Wyke Regis |
| Yeovil Area | Convenient local point in Yeovil to be advised |
| From Price | Book Now | Call Back | Telephone | Favourites |
|---|
Keyword Search
Availability Search
European Holidays
A selection of Holidays to Europe
