Krakow & Warsaw

Day 1: UK/Warsaw
You will depart on your scheduled flight to Warsaw and on arrival transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Warsaw is a modern, thriving city with a strong history. Lunch at your hotel is included and we also include a sightseeing tour this afternoon, which will take you along the ‘Royal Route’, passing grand buildings, famous statues and historic churches. Your tour then continues to Warsaw Old Town, which dates back to the 13th century. Here you will see the Royal Castle with St Sigismund’s Column in front of it, St John’s Cathedral and the Market Square with its inviting shops, restaurants, cafés and workshops. This section of the city suffered significant damage in the Second World War, but many of the buildings were rebuilt so meticulously that it is almost impossible to tell they are reconstructions.

Enjoy a relaxed evening and dinner at your hotel.

Day 2: Czestochowa
You will travel from Warsaw to Krakow today, where three nights’ accommodation has been arranged. A stop will be made en route in Czestochowa where lunch is included. This important pilgrim city is home to the Jasna Gora Sanctuary, which houses the picture of Our Lady of Czestochowa, also known as The Black Madonna. This holy relic has become a symbol of Poland and although it has been damaged over the centuries, it is still a beautiful sight.

On arrival in Krakow, you can spend your evening at leisure. After dinner at your hotel, you may choose to seek out one of the many subterranean bars located in the main square.

Day 3: Krakow
Located in the south of Poland, Krakow is different to any other major Polish city in that it was largely unscathed by the Second World War. The city boasts countless architectural gems and a wealth of fascinating historical areas. Today we include a walking tour with a Local Guide who will share their knowledge with you.

You will spend time in the historic old quarter, which is a treasure trove of architectural works of art. Many of the buildings have been brought back to their former glory, thus offering visitors the chance to appreciate Krakow’s original charm. Your tour will take you past the university which is the oldest in Europe, dating back to 1364, then you will stroll along striking Kanonicze Street which is lined with Renaissance houses and is often referred to as one of the most beautiful streets in Europe.

Late morning you will head to the Market Square, the centre of all action in the city. The famous Cloth Hall, which dominates the square, still remains an important trading house, as it has done for several centuries. Look out for items typical of the region including amber, carved wooden boxes and pottery.

This afternoon your tour takes you to the Royal Castle and cathedral, where you will be able to admire the wonderful city views from Wawel Hill. The castle boasts inner halls full of priceless art, period furniture and ancient antiques. The cathedral is also an interesting place to explore – it houses an enormous bell, which is older and larger than London’s Big Ben. There is also an optional trip later this afternoon to the Wieliczka Salt Mines.

Day 4: Krakow
Enjoy a day at leisure in the city. Perhaps take the time to wander through the streets of the Jewish quarter, or step aboard a river cruiser to see the city from a different perspective. Alternatively, you may wish to join our optional full-day excursion to Auschwitz. The largest of the former Nazi concentration camps has been preserved so that the atrocities of the Second World War are never forgotten. It is a powerful and moving place to visit.

Enjoy dinner at your hotel with the rest of the evening free for you to sample more of the city’s colourful bar and café culture.

Day 5: Warsaw/UK
After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy free time before transferring to Warsaw airport for your return flight to the UK.

Please note
This holiday includes walking in areas of rough ground, gradients and steps.

Accommodation throughout is in hotels of a comfortable standard, typical of the hotels you will stay in are:

3-star Hotel Metropol in Warsaw
3-star Hotel Chopin in Krakow
The Metropol is centrally located, close to the Metro, with comfortable rooms and modern facilities. Both hotels have a restaurant and bar. The Chopin is located in the commercial district of Krakow and has a fitness studio and sauna. All bedrooms have en suite facilities, TV and telephone.

Hotels will be confirmed in your final documents

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Included excursions and visits

Warsaw sightseeing tour with a Local Guide (half day)
Czestochowa visit
Krakow walking tour and Royal Castle visit with a Local Guide (entrance included)

Optional excursions

Auschwitz (full day)
Wieliczka Salt Mines

Your holiday includes

Scheduled flights
Overseas transfers & other transportation
4 nights’ accommodation with breakfast, plus 2 lunches and 3 dinners
The services of a Travelsphere Tour Manager
Hotel porterage (one bag per person)
All airport taxes and security charges
UK Airline Passenger Duty
All state and local taxes

With 50 years’ experience in arranging escorted tours to exciting destinations across the globe, Travelsphere have built an excellent reputation founded on quality and value.

By choosing a Travelsphere escorted holiday you can travel with confidence, knowing that every aspect of your holiday has been carefully planned and arranged from start to finish. Further to this they are ATOL bonded and members of ABTA.

Travelsphere’s thorough planning of travel arrangements, itineraries and accommodation combined with the unique insight of their knowledgeable Tour Managers and Local Guides will enable you to experience the culture, traditions and hidden away places less accessible to other travellers.

Our Opinion
“Travelsphere are one of the biggest names in the Escorted Tour market. Finely tuned over the last 50 years their tours have been tried, tested and refined by thousands of customers.”