Your Local Guide will tell you about the tormented, often tragic history of this important gateway city between East and West. See the medieval Stare Miasto (Old Quarter) with its market square and 14th-century Cathedral of St. John, the “wedding cake” Palace of Culture and Science, neoclassical Lazienki Palace, and the remnants of the Jewish ghetto.

(B)

Day 3:WARSAW-POZNAN.

Today, drive to the university city of Poznan, where guided sightseeing features the major sites of this historic city, like the Old Market Square, the Town Hall, and the baroque ST. PETER AND PAUL CATHEDRAL. This evening, dinner with local specialties awaits at a local restaurant.

(B,D)

Day 4:POZNAN-WROCLAW.

Travel north and arrive in the historical capital of Silesia, Wroclaw. Through the ages, this impressive city belonged to Bohemia, Austria, Prussia, Germany, and (after 1945) to Poland. Hear about its turbulent history during your guided tour, and admire its highlights, such as the cathedral and the MARKET SQUARE with its fine patrician houses.

(B)

Day 5:WROCLAW-OPOLE-CZESTOCHOWA.

Stop in the Old Town of Opole, the historical capital of Upper Silesia, and one of the oldest cities in Poland. Then, continue to Czestochowa and prepare for a fascinating visit of JASNA GORA, the monastery near Czestochowa. Admire its BLACK MADONNA, which is venerated as the “Queen of Poland” and has become the country’s national symbol.

(B,D)

Day 6:CZESTOCHOWA-AUSCHWITZ-BIRKENAU-KRAKOW.

On the way to Krakow, visit Auschwitz and Birkenau, and see what is left of the notorious World War II CONCENTRATION CAMPS, chilling reminders of the Holocaust.

(B)

Day 7:KRAKOW.

In the morning, an optional excursion to the Wieliczka salt mines is available. Later, follow your Local Guide for a walk through Krakow’s historic Jewish centre, the KAZIMIERZ QUARTER, with its cosy art cafes, antique shops, and galleries. Also visit the REMUH SYNAGOGUE and 14th-century ST. MARY’S CHURCH with its uneven towers.

(B)

Day 8:KRAKOW-WARSAW.

Return to Warsaw, where a farewell dinner awaits at your hotel to celebrate your visit to Poland.

(B,D)

Day 9:WARSAW.

Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning.

(B)