Historic Warsaw & Krakow Discovery

DAY 1

Journey in First Class from your home station to London for an afternoon departure on the Eurostar, travelling in Standard Premier with a light lunch included via Brussels, before travelling First Class to Cologne. Arriving at the Hilton Hotel for our overnight stay, we enjoy our first evening meal together.

DAY 2

After breakfast this morning, we will depart Cologne by fast train to Berlin taking the Euro City train to Warsaw. Our private transfer will take us to the Mercure Centrum Hotel and, after settling into our new surroundings, we enjoy a 3-course meal.

DAY 3

Today, after breakfast, we will enjoy a guided city tour of Warsaw including the Old Town, which was reconstructed after World War II in a faithful rendering of the original. At the heart of Warsaw is the Market Square from which narrow streets lead to medieval defensive walls, the Barbican, St. John's Cathedral, and the Royal Castle plus a visit to the most beautiful parks in Warsaw city centre. We will also experience a vintage tram ride before departing on a mid-afternoon train travelling in First Class to Krakow. We will be staying in the stylish Mercure Stare Miasto Hotel for five nights with delicious 3-course meals served every evening.

DAY 4

This morning, we look forward to a guided city tour of Krakow. Having escaped destruction during World War II, Krakow has uniquely retained its charming medieval form. The central Market Square (the largest in Europe) is where several of the city's architectural and cultural landmarks can be found such as Cloth Hall and St. Mary's Church. We will walk up the impressive Warwel Hill passing the Royal Residence and Cathedral plus a visit to Kazimierz Jewish District including Szeroka Street, where the infamous "Schindler's List" was filmed. The afternoon is spent at leisure to relax or for further exploration before reconvening at the hotel for our evening meal.

DAY 5

After breakfast this morning, we travel by private coach to Zakopane, Poland's popular destination for winter sports, and the Tatra Mountains. We journey to the top of Mt Gubalówka - 3,500ft - on the funicular railway for incredible panoramic views of the Tatra Mountains. We enjoy free time to discover Zakopane's traditional mountain architecture, shops, the Tatra Museum, and much more before returning to the hotel for our evening meal.

DAY 6

Today we enjoy a full day excursion travelling by private coach. We begin with a moving and emotional tour of the Auschwitz-Birkenau complex which holds immense cultural and historical significance. Walking through Auschwitz-Birkenau offers a unique opportunity to learn the harrowing truths of the largest Nazi concentration camp whilst allowing for personal reflection to contemplate the importance of tolerance and compassion. Our afternoon tour sees us descend into the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978. We will discover the rich history of this salt mine dating back to the 13th century exploring the underground world of corridors, great chambers, and lakes plus the breathtaking salt sculptures, chapels, and intricate carvings.

DAY 7

After breakfast today we will travel to Chabowka Railway Museum to see the large collection of historical locomotives found on the site of the old steam depot constructed during World War II. Our exploration is followed by a thrilling two-hour steam hauled ride along the scenic route to Osielec and return. On return to Krakow, the rest of our day is free to relax before our evening meal together.

DAY 8

We will depart, after breakfast, in First Class on the mid-morning direct Euro City train to Berlin. Arriving at the InterCity Hotel for our overnight stay, located conveniently close to the railway station, we enjoy our evening meal together.

DAY 9

We begin our homeward journey travelling in First Class on board a fast train through Germany to Cologne, connecting onwards to Brussels. Travelling in Standard Premier on the Eurostar to London with a light lunch included and arriving in time for your onward trains to your home station.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner