September 21-28, 2023
From the towering Tatra Mountains to the gothic architecture of medieval cities, Poland is brimming with vibrant culture, rich history, and mouthwatering cuisine. Included on this exciting tour are five (yes, five!) UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Warsaw’s rebuilt Old Town, Krakow’s Main Square, Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, the Tatra Biosphere Reserve, and Wieliczka’s Royal Salt Mines. Catering to those who love stunning architecture and the history that goes along with it, Poland is a destination full of hidden gems.
Your tour starts in Warsaw, a determined metropolis that marries old with new. Awaken your taste buds with rich Polish cuisine before traveling to Krakow where history begs to be discovered around every corner. Get lost in the quaint corridors of Old Town in between visits to nearby landmarks such as the Royal Salt Mines, Auschwitz-Birkenau, and the beautiful Tatra Mountains. A unique combination of historical exploration and natural adventure, it’s time you explored Eastern Europe with WTA!
Note: We recommend leaving the US on September 20 so that your flight arrives the morning of September 21 – early enough to participate in Day 1’s activities. Should you wish to arrive on September 20 instead, pre-trip hotel charges will be added to your final bill.
- Activity Level
Travel
ITINERARY
DAY 1 – September 21 – Welcome to Poland! Arrive at Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW), and private transportation will take you to your accommodations. After settling into your hotel, your group will get to know each other over a fabulous welcome dinner.
Note: We recommend your flight from the US arrives before 2pm on September 21 to allow adequate time to join the day’s activities.
DAY 2 – September 22 – Explore Poland’s sprawling capital city, Warsaw, with an introductory tour. Known for its ultra-modern museums, you will have the opportunity to visit the Warsaw Uprising Museum to gain a better understanding of the underground combat operation against German occupation during World War II. Learn more about the post-war communist era that shaped much of Warsaw’s development through a guided walking tour throughout many influential neighborhoods, including Old Town. Indulge in an authentic Polish dinner while taking in the beautiful nighttime skyline of this tenacious city.
DAY 3 – September 23 – Enjoy a leisurely morning in Warsaw before traveling to Poland’s most recognizable city, Krakow. Take in the beautiful sights of the Polish countryside before arriving at your new accommodations for the next few days. Once the seat of Polish kings, Krakow has since been the leading center for Polish academia, culture, and art. This evening, learn the art of pierogi-making while learning stories about the history and culture of Polish cuisine.
DAY 4 – September 24 – Today, your group will explore the beautiful history found throughout Europe’s largest medieval square – Krakow’s Main Square – now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During your city tour, listen for the trumpeter at St. Mary’s Basilica as he plays a bugle call every hour on the hour. Tour through Wawel Royal Castle, situated on a hill towering over Vistula River, and learn of the many great kings now resting there. This afternoon, rest your feet at the hotel and indulge in some relaxation poolside.
DAY 5 – September 25 – FREE Day. Enjoy fabulous shopping throughout Old Town or book a spa treatment for some ultimate tranquility. If you are looking to learn more about the history of Poland, experience a moving (and optional) visit to the memorial and museum of Auschwitz-Birkenau with your hosts. In the evening, reconnect in Krakow for a dinner on the Main Square to prepare for an adventurous day ahead.
DAY 6 – September 26 – The Tatra Mountains are calling! This morning, journey to the adventure capital of Poland – Zakopane. Here, your group will have the opportunity to hike to the beautiful valleys of Tatra National Park. This natural wonder of Poland boasts a network of hundreds of miles of trails dotted with traditional mountain huts which make for the perfect feature of landscape photos. Fill up on a hearty dinner in Zakopane before returning to Krakow this evening.
Note: Today’s hiking will require some physical fitness and preparation. Sure-footedness and sturdy shoes are essential.
DAY 7 – September 27 – Visit the nearby town of Wieliczka to experience another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Wieliczka Salt Mines. Sodium chloride has been excavated from this salt mine for over 800 years to be used as table salt. At a depth of more than 100 meters, the Wieliczka Salt Mines are home to unusual places – everything is carved out of blocks of salt! Prayer chapels, chambers, and sculptures are created from the natural elements. This evening, join your fellow companions in Krakow to celebrate your week in Poland.
DAY 8 – September 28 – A private transfer will take you to John Paul II Kraków-Balice International Airport (KRK) for your connecting flight to the US.
Note: Your arrival and departure airports are different – you will need to book a multi-city ticket.
*Please note that this is a tentative itinerary and it is subject to change.
Ease
PRICING: $5,195
Comfort
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- 8 days & 7 nights’ accommodations
- Single occupancy, luxury hotels
- Airport transfer
- Local transportation
- Tour of Old Town Warsaw
- Visit to Museum of Warsaw Uprising
- Tour of Old Town Krakow
- Tour of Wawel Castle
- Visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp
- Guided Hiking in Tatra National Park
- Tour of the Wieliczka Salt Mines
- FREE DAY to explore
- Daily breakfast
- Daily group lunch (excluding FREE DAY)
- Daily group dinner
- COVID antigen testing for USA re-entry, if applicable
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
- Airfare to Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) (arrival airport)
- Airfare from John Paul II Kraków-Balice International Airport (KRK) (departure airport)
- Travel Insurance
- Items of personal nature
- Spa treatments
- Meals not listed above
- Optional excursions and tours not listed above
- Gratuities and tips for personal services
Style
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Your trip is a BIG investment. If you cannot afford to lose the money you have invested to travel, for whatever reason, WTA strongly recommends you consider travel insurance. We encourage you to do your due diligence by researching and finding the best plan for YOU.
Suggested Travel Insurance companies are below. Ensure you inquire about a “Cancel For Any Reason” plan.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
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Traveler must make a NONREFUNDABLE deposit payment of $400 at time of registration to secure her spot.
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Monthly minimum payment of $400 is required every month until paid in full to keep your reservations current.
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Trip balance must be PAID IN FULL by June 21, 2023.
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Penalty of $250 will be assessed on any balance due after the June 21, 2023 final payment deadline.
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Cancel by July 21, 2023 for a 50% refund (not to include your non-refundable deposit).
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NO REFUNDS after July 21, 2023.
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Please contact wtaadmin@womentravelabroad.com with any questions.