Poland: From the Baltic to the Carpathians

TOUR IN

09 Jun
-
18 Jun 2025
|
10 days

$3621

per person

Availability: 12 places

Extending from the Baltic Sea to the Carpathian Mountains, Poland once lay at the beating heart of medieval and Renaissance Europe. Its Golden Age saw it emerge as one of the continent’s most powerful states, before the horrors of the 20th century saw it engulfed by Nazi, and then Communist doctrine.

Today, Poland has emerged from those dark days to bask once more in the glory and grandeur of its historic past, providing us with a quite extraordinary journey through some of Central Europe’s most pivotal and poignant landscapes. Filled with stunning UNESCO treasures, glorious natural beauty and a cultural narrative that perfectly combines the old with the new, it provides us with a remarkable destination for this unique group adventure.

We will have an opportunity to enjoy the splendours of its old Hanseatic past, as we travel to Gdansk and Warsaw. We’ll also enjoy some breathtaking walking amongst the peaks of the Eastern Carpathians, before we have an opportunity to reflect on the country’s darker history amongst the poignant reminders of Krakow’s war years. This will be a journey of unforgettable contrasts.

Day 1

DAY 1: Tour starts in Gdansk

Lying along the Baltic coastline of northern Poland, the city of Gdansk provides the starting point for this fascinating adventure. An important trading port since the Middle Ages, it still retains much of the architectural grandeur and elegance that once defined its importance as a member of the medieval Hanseatic League. The suggested group flight arrives early evening.

Day 2

DAY 2: Gdansk: Maritime City

After breakfast this morning we will take a tour of the historic heart of the city, in the company of a local guide. A major maritime hub that once lay at the crossroads of trade between northern and western Europe and the countries that lay to the east and south, Gdansk’s waterfront is filled with countless architectural gems and delightful old merchants' houses. We’ll take a stroll along the Royal Way and the ‘Long Waterfront’, before paying a visit to the famous setting of the Amber Museum to learn of its significant place in Polish history and culture.

Day 3

DAY 3: Gdansk - Malbork - Warsaw: Teutonic Castle & Train Journey

Departing Gdansk this morning we head next towards the grand Teutonic Castle of Malbork, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is without doubt one of Poland’s finest fortresses. Built in the 13th century by German Teutonic Knights following the conquest of Old Prussia, the castle became the largest Gothic building in Europe and, even today, is considered the largest castle complex in the world by land area. After a chance to discover something of its medieval art and artefacts, we then take a train on to the city of Warsaw, Poland’s historic capital and largest city.

Day 4

DAY 4: Warsaw: Old & New City

A morning tour of Warsaw’s Old Town affords us an opportunity to explore a city that was built from the ashes of the Second World War. A vibrant mix of the old and the new, the city has reinvented itself as the country’s centre for culture, science and business and its Old Town has been beautifully reconstructed to faithfully represent its historic origins. At its heart lies the Market Square, whose narrow, cobblestone streets fan out to encompass the medieval walls of the old city, as well as St John’s Cathedral and the Royal Castle. This afternoon has then been left free to enjoy some personal exploration.

Day 5

DAY 5: Warsaw - Zamosc: Renaissance Town

Turning to the south east this morning our journey takes us next towards the Ukrainian border and the city of Zamosc, another of Poland’s remarkable UNESCO Heritage settings. Described as the perfect example of a late 16th century Renaissance town, Zamosc was designed by the architect, Bernando Morando and was modelled on the Italian theory of an ‘ideal city’. A striking blend of Italian and central European architectural traditions, Zamosc retains many of its original fortifications and characteristically distinctive buildings. We will discover the historic city centre on our tour today.

Day 6

DAY 6: Zamosc - Lancut - Ustrzyki Dolne: Aristocratic House

On a journey of architectural and historic treasures, today is the turn of Lancut Castle, one of Poland’s most beautiful aristocratic houses. Built in the French Neo-baroque style, its pavilions and farm buildings sit amidst enchanting parkland that is laid out in the early English landscape style. Filled with numerous works of art and home to an impressive collection of horse-drawn carriages, it was once considered one of the most luxurious residences anywhere in continental Europe. After our visit we then continue on to Ustrzyki Dolne, located in Poland’s south-eastern corner, where we spend the next two nights.

Day 7

DAY 7: Ustrzyki Dolne: Hiking in the Bieszczady Mountains

Crossing the extreme south-east corner of Poland, the Bieszczady Mountains form part of the outer edge of the Eastern Carpathians. Part of the Bieszczady National Park, these spectacular peaks provide the backdrop for a breath-taking hike that will take us up to the summit of Holica (761m) this morning. The hike will take some three hours in total and the start of the trail up leads us through forested pathways, to where an observation platform presents us with some wonderful panoramic views across the Carpathians.

Total distance 5km, 219m ascent, 219m descent. Approx 3hrs walking.

Day 8

DAY 8: Ustrzyki Dolne - Malopolska - Krakow: UNESCO Wooden Churches

From Ustrzyki Dolne we turn west this morning, heading towards the city of Krakow and the final leg of our journey. The road takes us by way of some quite contrasting diversions today, as we stop to visit the unique Paraffin Oil & Gas Industry Museum at Bóbrka, as well as the captivating wooden churches of Malopolska (Southern Lesser Poland). Outstanding examples of medieval church-building traditions, these stunning UNESCO churches include the Parish of St Michael the Archangel in Binarowa and the Roman Catholic Church of All Saints in Blizne. Day’s end then sees us in Krakow, where we spend the next two nights.

Day 9

DAY 9: Krakow: Old City & Pierogi

Escaping much of the damage inflicted on other parts of Poland during World War II, Krakow’s charming medieval heritage survived much of the war intact. Boasting the largest Market Square in Europe, the city’s historic centre is home to a stunning array of architectural gems including the Cloth Hall, St Mary’s Church and the Jagiellonian University. Our tour of the city today will also include a visit to the famous setting of Schindler’s Factory Museum, before we later immerse ourselves in a pierogi cookery workshop, where we will learn to make Poland’s famous dumplings.

Day 10

DAY 10: Morning Visit to Auschwitz - Return to Krakow Where Tour Ends

This morning provides an opportunity to pay a visit to the nearby setting of Auschwitz-Birkenau, a site synonymous with the horrors of the Holocaust and the brutality of the Nazi regime. A powerful memorial, its barracks, gas chambers and exhibits provide us with a poignant and unforgettable reminder of a dark chapter in human history, along with the chance to reflect on the hope for future generations. We then return to Krakow for some free time and the end of the tour. The suggested group flight departs in the evening.