Discovering Poland

by mreid | May 26, 2016

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Discovering Poland

$2,429.00

From $2,429* pp | 11 Days • 15 Meals *Rate is per person, land only, double occupancy.

Enjoy one of Europe’s great cultural centres. This comprehensive tour takes you through historic cities, seaside ports and medieval villages.

Visit the Jasna Góra monastery to witness the world-famous Black Madonna.
Explore the poignant history of Auschwitz.
The choice is yours in Gdansk: choose a trip to the resort town of Sopot or select a shopping excursion to learn about Polish amber.

An In Depth Exploration

Embark on an in-depth journey through Poland. Tour the thriving capital city of Warsaw. Reborn after World War II, it is again one of Europe’s great cultural centres. Walk the meandering lanes of historical Krakow, where you will see Wawel Castle; once home to the kings of Imperial Poland. The somber history and tragic reality of Auschwitz is unveiled during a moving visit. Behold the Black Madonna on a tour of Jasna Gora Monastery. Come to know the culture at a folklore dinner and show in Krakow. Make tasty gingerbread in Torun. Stand on the dock where union workers formed the Solidarity Anti-Communist movement in 1980 in Gdansk. The choice is yours in Gdansk: venture to the resort town of Sopot or enjoy a shopping excursion to learn about Polish amber. Explore the ancient city squares and UNESCO World Heritage sites of Torun, Wroclaw, Warsaw, Gdansk, and Krakow.

INCLUSIONS

Accommodation

Meals as per itinerary

Tour guide

Activities as stated

Please note: Accommodation is subject to change.

EXCLUSIONS

Flights

Meals not indicated on the itinerary

Drinks

Optional activities

Visas

Comprehensive travel insurance

Items of a personal nature – laundry, telephone, room service

Tips and gratuities

Itinerary

Day 1. Warsaw, Poland – Tour Begins

Your journey through Poland, a land of amazing castles, poignant history and welcoming culture, begins upon arrival in Warsaw! The city has a blend of old-word charm and a modern energy. Tonight, join your fellow passengers for a welcome dinner.

Dinner High 18° Low 8° Mercure Grand Warszawa Hotel

Day 2. Warsaw

Embrace the moving history of Warsaw, a city reborn after WWII, as you embark on a locally guided tour. Your journey through this capital city includes a stop at what remains of the Warsaw Ghetto. The afternoon is at leisure to take in the alleyways, the quaint cafés in Warsaw’s Old Town, explore a museum or simply relax.

Breakfast High 18° Low 8° Mercure Grand Warszawa Hotel

Day 3. Warsaw – Czestochowa – Krakow

Travel south to Krakow, an enchanting city famous for its well-preserved town centre. En route, stop in Czestochowa, the spiritual capital of Poland, where each year over 5 million pilgrims journey to pay their respects to the famous Black Madonna. Housed in the Jasna Góra monastery, journey inside for an up-close look at this miraculous image. Arriving in Krakow, enjoy some free time to get acquainted with the city. This evening you are introduced to traditional Polish culture during a folklore show and dinner, complete with wine and beer.

Breakfast & Dinner High 18° Low 9° Holiday Inn City Center Krakow

Day 4. Krakow

This morning we explore the city on a tour with a local expert that includes visits to Market Square, St. Mary’s Church and the university. You will also see the famous Wawel Castle, the former residence of Polish kings. The rest of your day is at leisure. Perhaps you’ll stroll the quaint side streets of Krakow’s famous Old Town, have coffee in one of the largest squares in Europe or walk along the river for views of the new sections of the city. You may also visit the Schindler Museum or join your fellow travellers on an optional excursion.

Breakfast High 18° Low 9° Holiday Inn City Center Krakow

Day 5. Krakow – Auschwitz – Wroclaw

Today you embark on a poignant journey through history as you travel to Auschwitz. A local expert guides you through the former concentration camp where you will learn firsthand about the terrors as well as the resilience of the human spirit that occurred within those walls. Later this afternoon, arrive in the ancient city of Wroclaw. Tonight, join your travelling companions for some locally-brewed beer and a traditional “home-style” dinner at a local restaurant.

Breakfast & Dinner Art Hotel

Day 6. Linz – Wroclaw

A morning tour of Wroclaw brings you up close and personal to this large and ethnically diverse city. It could be the only location where you can find a Stare Miasto (Old Town) with a Synagogue, a Lutheran church, a Roman Catholic church and an Eastern Orthodox church standing near each other. The remainder of the day is at leisure to savour Wroclaw’s idyllic parks and captivating culture.

Breakfast Art Hotel

Day 7. Wroclaw – Torun

Today you travel to the town of Torun, a UNESCO World Heritage site and birthplace of Nicolaus Copernicus, the famous astronomer. Torun remains one of the best-preserved medieval towns in all of Europe and is one of the “Seven Wonders of Poland.” On arrival, walk past Copernicus’s house before stepping back into history while baking and sampling your very own gingerbread according to a 500-year-old recipe.

Breakfast High 18° Low 9° Hotel Bulwar

Day 8. Torun – Gdansk

This morning, join a local expert for a walking tour of this unspoiled town. Next, travel to the port city of Gdansk. Make a stop at the Gdansk Shipyards, site of the creation of the anti-Communist Solidarity movement in 1980 that helped liberate Poland from Soviet rule.

Breakfast & Dinner High 17° Low 8° Radisson Hotel Gdansk

Day 9. Gdansk – Choice of Activity

This morning, join a local expert for an introduction to this strategic and remarkable city. Get to know its deep history on your tour which highlights City Hall and St. Mary’s Church. Later, the choice is yours. Perhaps you will choose to join your Tour Manager on an excursion to the seaside resort town of Sopot. Or, perhaps you’ll choose to remain in Gdansk and join a local guide on an educational shopping excursion during which you’ll learn about Polish amber at a demonstration, followed by the opportunity to purchase the stone. The evening is at leisure. Perhaps you will take a stroll through a beautiful square, shop for local handicrafts or soak in the seaside atmosphere.

Breakfast High 17° Low 8° Katarzyna Czaykowskaguide

Day 10. Gdansk – Marienburg Fortress – Warsaw

Your journey through Poland comes full circle with your return to Warsaw. En route, stop in the town of Malbork, home to Marienburg Fortress, the largest castle in the world. A guided tour of this 700-year-old structure introduces you to the world of the Knights of the Teutonic Order. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner celebrating a fantastic journey.

Breakfast & Dinner High 12° Low 4° Mercure Grand Warszawa Hotel

Day 11. Warsaw – Tour Ends

Your tour comes to a close today.

Breakfast

Poland is six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
The highest elevation on this tour is roughly 700 feet above sea level.
The currency in Poland is the Zloty.
The voltage in Europe is 220 Volts.
Why not consider a pre and post tour extension. Start and end your holiday rested.

This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, upstairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected

Aug 18, 2017 – Aug 28, 2017 SOLD OUT

Aug 25, 2017 – Sep 4, 2017 $2,779

Sep 1, 2017 – Sep 11, 2017 $2,779

Sep 8, 2017 – Sep 18, 2017 SOLD OUT

Oct 6, 2017 – Oct 16, 2017 $2,779

Oct 20, 2017 – Oct 30, 2017 $2,429 HOT DEAL

Nov 3, 2017 – Nov 13, 2017 $2,569

Mar 16, 2018 – Mar 26, 2018 $2,569

Apr 13, 2018 – Apr 23, 2018 $2,779

Apr 20, 2018 – Apr 30, 2018 $2,779

May 4, 2018 – May 14, 2018 SOLD OUT

May 11, 2018 – May 21, 2018 $2,989

May 25, 2018 – Jun 4, 2018 $2,989

Jun 8, 2018 – Jun 18, 2018 $2,989

Jun 15, 2018 – Jun 25, 2018 $2,989

Jul 6, 2018 – Jul 16, 2018 $2,989

Mar 8, 2019 – Mar 18, 2019 $2,579

Apr 26, 2019 – May 6, 2019 $2,989

Magnificent Cities of Central & Eastern Europe

by mreid | May 25, 2016

Magnificent Cities of Central & Eastern Europe

$3,469.00

From $3,469* pp | 13 Days • 18 Meals *Rate is per person, land only, double occupancy.

Visit Central and Eastern Europe and discover an array of Europe’s historic and culturally-rich cities in Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, and Poland.

Experience the cultures of Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary and Poland.
Take a poignant journey through history at the camps of Auschwitz.
Local experts provide informative guided tours of Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Krakow and Warsaw.

Europe’s Magnificent and Legendary Cities

Explore the historic and culturally rich cities of the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Hungary and Poland. Enjoy 2-night stays, guided tours and local restaurants in Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Krakow and Warsaw. Make the most of your adventure with a perfect balance of included sightseeing excursions and leisure time. You choose your tour in Berlin – a traditional city tour or a Cold War focused tour featuring “Check Point Charlie.” Walk across the spectacular Charles Bridge in Prague. Dinner in Prague is your choice: either a traditional restaurant that features a folklore show and dance lesson, or a tour of one of Prague’s most famous brewery pubs with favourite local fare. Discover the picturesque Hungarian countryside. Visit the former concentration camp of Auschwitz and conclude in Warsaw, a city with history both joyous and tragic. Explore some of Europe’s most magnificent and legendary cities.

INCLUSIONS

Accommodation

Meals as per itinerary

Tour guide

Activities as stated

Please note: Accommodation is subject to change.

EXCLUSIONS

Flights

Meals not indicated on the itinerary

Drinks

Optional activities

Visas

Comprehensive travel insurance

Items of a personal nature – laundry, telephone, room service

Tips and gratuities

Itinerary

Day 1. Berlin, Germany – Tour Begins
Arrive in Germany’s capital city of Berlin. This city blends a deep history, a modern flare and multi-cultural influences. Tonight, join your fellow passengers for a welcome dinner.
Dinner High 19° Low 10° Crowne Plaza Berlin Potsdamer Platz

Day 2. Berlin

Today, see Berlin your way! You may choose a city tour that introduces you to the city’s rich history: you’ll see Charlottenburg Palace, Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, Schoenberg City Hall, Kurfuerstendam and the Reichstag Building. Or, perhaps you’ll join a “Cold War”-focused tour that includes a visit to the Berlin Wall Museum followed by a walk through the area that was once “Checkpoint Charlie,” and see what remains of the Berlin Wall. This afternoon you have the opportunity to join an optional excursion outside the city to visit Potsdam and the famous Sans Souci Palace.

Breakfast High 19° Low 10° Crowne Plaza Berlin Potsdamer Platz

Day 3. Berlin – Dresden – Prague, Czech Republic

Ease your way into the local culture as your Tour Manager shares a few key phrases of the local language. Then, depart Berlin for the “Golden City” of Prague. En route, make a stop in Dresden, the capital of Saxony, with time to explore this lovely town on the banks of the River Elbe. This evening you choose your Prague dining experience. You may choose to get to know traditional Czech culture during a folklore show and dinner featuring local drinks. As a special treat, meet the dancers and learn some of the moves yourself during a private dance lesson. Or, dine at one of Eastern Europe’s oldest breweries. Take in the traditional ambiance as you dine while sipping on a pint. Then, tour the brewery to see the process of making this famous beer that has been brewed for 500 years.

Breakfast & Dinner High 18° Low 9° U Fleku Pivovar

Day 4. Prague

Your introduction to this fairy-tale city opens with a visit to the remarkable Hradcany Castle and the haunting St. Vitus Cathedral. Continue with a leisurely walking tour through the old town, showcasing the Golden Lane, the unique Astronomical Clock and the statue-lined Charles Bridge. The afternoon is yours to independently explore this great city.

Breakfast High 18° Low 9° Hotel Yasmin

Day 5. Prague – Vienna, Austria

Leaving the Czech Republic, arrive in colourful and vibrant Vienna, the “musical city.” After a short orientation drive through the city, your afternoon is at leisure to relax. Later, enjoy an evening in one of Vienna’s most beloved restaurants where dinner mixes with local cultural flavour to create an unforgettable night.

Breakfast & Dinner High 21° Low 12° Mercure Grand Hotel Biedermeier Wien

Day 6. Vienna

This morning, experience the city on a tour showcasing some of its architectural marvels, including the lavish Schoenbrunn Palace and the summer retreat of the Habsburg dynasty. The remainder of the day is yours to explore independently. Perhaps you will visit one of the famous museums, sip a Viennese coffee at a local coffee house, or simply relax in this capital of Austria. Tonight you may choose to enjoy an optional Mozart concert and dinner in the city.

Breakfast High 21° Low 12° Mercure Grand Hotel Biedermeier Wien

Day 7. Vienna – Budapest, Hungary

Sit back, relax and enjoy the picturesque Hungarian countryside en route to historic Budapest. Upon arrival, a local expert provides an informative city tour featuring Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, Old Buda, the New Parliament and Gellert Hill. A special stop is made at Heroes’ Square, a unique monument to the many diverse leaders of Hungary.

Breakfast & Dinner High 15° Low 6° Art Otel Budapest

Day 8. Budapest

The beautiful city of Budapest is often referred to as “the Queen of the Danube.” Today is yours to discover this city divided by the Danube with historic Buda on one side and cosmopolitan Pest on the opposite bank. Relax in the city or perhaps join an optional excursion to a traditional Hungarian horse farm where riders perform amazing feats, followed by a typical lunch in the “Puzsta.”

Breakfast High 15° Low 6° Art Otel Budapest

Day 9. Budapest – Donovaly, Slovakia – Krakow, Poland

Take in the picturesque landscapes en route to Poland. Make a stop in the hidden village of Donovaly, nestled in the Low Tatras mountain range of Slovakia. Your home for the next two nights is the lively city of Krakow, which still offers an old-world charm.

Breakfast & Dinner High 13° Low 4° Holiday Inn City Center Krakow

Day 10. Krakow

Discover Krakow’s historic Old Town on a city tour featuring stops at the Market Square, St. Mary’s Church and the University; you’ll also view Wawel Castle, a former residence of Polish kings. The afternoon is at leisure for you to enjoy the city on your own.

Breakfast High 13° Low 4° Holiday Inn City Center Krakow

Day 11. Krakow – Auschwitz – Warsaw

Today you embark on a poignant journey through history as you travel to witness the camps of Auschwitz. A local expert guides you through the former concentration camp where you will learn firsthand about the terrors as well as the resilience of the human spirit that occurred within those walls. Afterward, travel through the Polish countryside en route to Warsaw, the reconstructed and modern capital of this rejuvenated country. The evening is yours to relax or explore. Browse one of the city’s art galleries or fascinating museums, or simply relax at an outdoor café.

Breakfast High 12° Low 4° Westin Warsaw

Day 12. Warsaw

The moving history of Warsaw, both joyous and tragic, is yours to embrace as you embark on a locally guided tour of this capital city. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a memorable trip.

Breakfast & Dinner High 12° Low 4° Westin Warsaw

Day 13. Warsaw – Tour Ends

Breakfast

The countries on this tour are six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
The elevation on this tour is between 590 and 1,312 feet above sea level.
The currency in Hungary is the Forint, in Czech Republic is the Koruna, in Poland is the Zloty, and in Austria and Germany is the Euro.
The voltage in the countries visited is 230 Volts.
Why not consider a pre and post tour extension. Start and end your holiday rested.

To truly experience the programme and destination, you need to be able to participate in physical activities such as longer walking tours, walking over uneven terrain, climbing stairs and periods of standing. Some of the touring days may be longer, with select included activities occurring later in the evening.

Jul 17, 2017 – Jul 29, 2017 SOLD OUT

Jul 24, 2017 – Aug 5, 2017 $3,469

Aug 7, 2017 – Aug 19, 2017 $3,469

Aug 21, 2017 – Sep 2, 2017 $3,469

Sep 10, 2017 – Sep 22, 2017 $3,679

Sep 11, 2017 – Sep 23, 2017 $3,679

Sep 17, 2017 – Sep 29, 2017 $3,679

Sep 24, 2017 – Oct 6, 2017 SOLD OUT

Oct 2, 2017 – Oct 14, 2017 $3,679

Nov 5, 2017 – Nov 17, 2017 $3,469

Nov 6, 2017 – Nov 18, 2017 $3,469

Apr 9, 2018 – Apr 21, 2018 $3,609

Apr 16, 2018 – Apr 28, 2018 SOLD OUT

Apr 23, 2018 – May 5, 2018 $3,609