Panorama of Poland

Breakfast at the hotel, then we set off for Poland’s most beautiful city, Gdańsk. On our way to Gdańsk, we cannot miss a visit to Malbork Castle, located in Poland on the banks of the Nogat River in the Vistula Delta and the largest castle in the world by area. It was built in Prussia by the Teutonic Knights, who named it Marienburg, meaning “the castle of the Virgin Mary,” and its completion dates to 1406. The castle was expanded many times to accommodate the growing numbers of Knights and soon became the largest fortified Gothic building in Europe, covering 21 hectares—four times larger than the British castle of Windsor. With Hitler’s rise to power in the early 1930s, the Nazis used the castle as an annual pilgrimage destination for the Hitler Youth and the League of German Girls. In 1997, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the title “Teutonic Order Castle in Malbork.” We continue to the city, located on the shores of the Baltic Sea and the mouth of the Motlawa River, which developed between the 12th and 19th centuries and served as a commercial crossroads and meeting point for many cultures, ethnic groups, and religious denominations. The city has been under both German and Polish rule, which have imbued it with a unique culture. It is Poland’s main port and one of the largest in the Baltic, boasting a 1,000-year history marked by commercial successes, battles, and wars. The most defining part of Gdańsk’s history, however, is relatively recent, as this is where Germany launched its first attack in World War II. The modern city took shape after 1945, as much of it had been destroyed by bombing. After checking into the hotel, we’ll immediately begin our walk through Gdańsk’s Old Town. We’ll have free time for lunch and coffee.

We enjoy a hearty breakfast at our hotel and set out to explore this charming city. On our tour, we’ll see the pedestrianized avenue of the Old Town, lined with colorful houses and ornate facades. The impressive entrance to the Old Town, the Golden Gate, and the elegant monument with statues symbolizing virtues. The 14th-century Old Town Hall, seat of the local government, which houses the Gdańsk History Museum, a jewel of a building with a tower offering panoramic views, and the Neptune Fountain, a masterpiece of Baroque art and one of the city’s most famous symbols, designed by the Italian sculptor Tommaso Caccini and completed in 1633, honoring Gdańsk’s maritime history. We will admire St. Mary’s Church, a 15th-century Gothic cathedral, one of the largest brick churches in the world, featuring a magnificent 15th-century wooden astronomical clock inside. Next, we’ll walk down the picturesque Mariacka Street with its Gothic houses and stalls selling amber jewelry. Gdańsk is considered the world capital of amber; on Mariacka Street, we’ll also see the museum dedicated to amber. The exhibits on display in the museum range from resin nuggets to jewelry, cutlery, and chests. Along with the exhibits, the museum also explains how amber is formed, how it is mined, what its properties are, and how it has been worked over the centuries. Also of interest is the building that houses it, the historic Fore Gate complex on Dluga Street, which consists of the Torture Chamber and the Prison Tower. Free time for rest and lunch. Overnight stay.

Breakfast at the hotel, then we depart for Wrocław, which was once part of Bohemia, Hungary, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Prussia, and Germany. It became part of Poland in 1945, after the end of World War II, and is today a magnificent city of one million people, 130 bridges, and 12 islands, all on the Oder River that runs through it. With the influences of Bohemia, Austria, and Prussia still evident today, it is a paradise for architecture lovers, but it won’t disappoint those seeking a modern, interesting city with a lively nightlife. It is so much more than a colorful old town built around its dazzling medieval square. This exceptionally beautiful city offers a blend of art, history, and so much more. Its Gothic buildings, combined with the Oder River and the large parks, promise that your trip will be like a fairy tale. And because a fairy tale without dwarves isn’t a fairy tale, that’s why Wrocław is considered Poland’s premier colorful fairy-tale city, as it is surrounded by 163 dwarves. The bronze dwarves (krasnale or krasnoludki in Polish) are, of course, not placed randomly throughout the city. Legend has it that the dwarves drove the goblin Hohlik out of Wrocław when he arrived there by boat. They have remained ever since to guard the city. The real reason for their creation, however, was political. During the 1980s, the “Orange Revolution” (Pomaranczova Alternatyva) or “the revolution of the dwarves” took place. At that time, the resistance movement painted dwarves over anti-government graffiti. Next, we’ll see the City Hall, an elegant masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The oldest part of City Hall (the consistorium) was built in 1299 and consists of two sections: the cellar and the West Tower. Szcytnicki Park, the most significant park in this colorful fairytale city, spans 1,000 acres. It features the Japanese Garden, where the buildings and architecture reflect Japanese philosophy. There is also the pergola, Centennial Hall, and the zoo, all of which together make up this enchanting park. Arrival and check-in at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel, then we depart for beautiful Krakow. Our tour will begin at Krakow’s monumental main square, where we’ll have the opportunity to see the imposing St. Mary’s Basilica, (St. Mary’s Basilica) and learn the legend behind the bugle call that echoes throughout the city every hour. We will also see the ‘Cloth Hall,’ Europe’s oldest shopping mall. The next stops on our tour are the famous ‘Wawel Castle,’ with Krakow’s legendary dragon, and the ‘Cathedral,’ which is an architectural puzzle of different colors, shapes, and styles. Here, you’ll have the chance to take some of the most beautiful photos with views of the city or the castle, perfect for your photo album or social media stories. Check-in at our hotel and free time to relax. For the evening, we invite anyone who wishes to join us at the traditional restaurant Restauracja Galicyjska, where we will discover the rich culinary traditions of southern Poland, a warm and welcoming restaurant inspired by the traditions of historic Galicia. In Krakow, the restaurant offers guests an authentic journey into local Polish cuisine, within an atmospheric setting reminiscent of a 19th-century inn. The menu features traditional, homemade specialties prepared according to authentic recipes, ranging from aromatic soups and handmade pierogi to slow-cooked meats and classic Polish desserts. With its warm wooden decor, vintage touches, and attentive service, Restauracja Galicyjska offers not just a meal, but a complete cultural experience. Alternatively, you can take the time to explore the medieval square and the traditional restaurants serving Polish cuisine, such as pierogi, żurek, and bigos. Most are located in historic buildings with a cozy atmosphere, offering authentic flavors and a unique experience that combines food and history; You can also enjoy a drink at one of the many bars in the Jewish Quarter, which boasts a vibrant nightlife.