Krakow

Itinerary

1. 1
   Day 1

   THESSALONIKI – KRAKÓW – OLD TOWN – ROYAL ROUTE – WAWEL

   Meet at Thessaloniki “Makedonia” Airport early in the morning on Thursday, 24 December, for our direct flight to Kraków. Arrival at 06:25, baggage collection and transfer to the city centre. Our introduction to Kraków begins in the Old Town, where every street reveals a different chapter of the city’s history. We will see the Barbican and St. Florian’s Gate before following Floriańska Street to the main square, Rynek Główny. Here we will admire St. Mary’s Basilica with its distinctive unequal towers, the historic Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and the Town Hall Tower. We will also discover the story behind the famous Hejnał trumpet call, one of Kraków’s most recognisable symbols. Continuing along the Royal Route, we pass through Grodzka Street and the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, with its impressive row of statues of the Apostles. Our tour then takes us to Wawel Hill and the banks of the Vistula River for an exterior view of the royal complex, Wawel Castle and the Cathedral. Entrance to the castle exhibitions and Cathedral is not included. Transfer to the hotel and check-in. The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy Kraków’s wonderful Christmas atmosphere.

2. 2
   Day 2

   CHRISTMAS DAY – EXCURSION TO ZAKOPANE – THE WINTER CAPITAL OF POLAND

   Merry Christmas! After breakfast, spend the entire day enjoying Kraków’s festive atmosphere at your own pace. Alternatively, join us for a special Christmas excursion to the foothills of the Tatra Mountains. We depart for Zakopane, known as the “winter capital” of Poland, where local traditions meet spectacular mountain scenery and distinctive wooden architecture. We will stroll along the famous Krupówki Street, the town’s main pedestrian promenade, and discover the unique character of this popular resort. Around Kościeliska Street, we will explore glimpses of old Zakopane, with traditional wooden houses and architectural details showcasing the craftsmanship of local artisans. Weather and visibility permitting, the peaks of the Tatra Mountains provide a magnificent backdrop to our excursion. Those who wish can also sample regional specialities such as stuffed pierogi and warming kwaśnica soup. Return to Kraków.

3. 3
   Day 3

   AUSCHWITZ–BIRKENAU – KRAKÓW – ST. MARY’S BASILICA

   After breakfast, we depart for the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, one of the most important sites of Holocaust remembrance. The visit is conducted by an official Memorial guide and includes both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II–Birkenau. Through the preserved buildings, historical evidence and guided commentary, we learn about the history of the Nazi concentration and extermination camp and the fate of those who were imprisoned and murdered here. This is a visit of profound historical and human significance, requiring respect and time for reflection. We return to Kraków and, subject to the confirmed festive opening hours, plan the included visit to St. Mary’s Basilica. Inside, we will admire its rich decoration and the renowned carved altarpiece by Veit Stoss, one of the most important masterpieces of Late Gothic art. Free time follows in the Old Town for lunch, coffee and a stroll around the Main Market Square.

4. 4
   Day 4

   WIELICZKA SALT MINE – KAZIMIERZ

   After breakfast, we depart for Wieliczka, where an impressive underground world awaits us. During our guided tour, we will walk through historic galleries, learn about the work of the salt miners and admire chambers, sculptures and chapels carved from salt. Underground lakes and wooden support structures add a distinctive character to the route. A highlight is the Chapel of St. Kinga, an impressive space featuring carved reliefs and chandeliers that showcase the artistic side of this historic mine. The tourist route reaches a depth of approximately 135 metres and includes numerous steps; comfortable footwear is recommended, and guests with mobility difficulties should advise us in advance. Returning to Kraków, we continue to Kazimierz, the historic Jewish quarter. Walking around Szeroka Street, viewing the exteriors of the synagogues and exploring Plac Nowy, we discover a neighbourhood with a strong cultural identity, centuries of history and a vibrant contemporary arts scene. There will be time for lunch and independent exploration. The afternoon is free. Those interested may visit the museum housed in the former Oskar Schindler Factory, dedicated to Kraków during the Nazi occupation.

5. 5
   Day 5

   KRAKÓW – COMPLIMENTARY EXCURSION TO WARSAW – RETURN FLIGHT

   After breakfast and check-out, we depart with our luggage for Warsaw. Our final day offers a different perspective on Poland: its capital, rebuilt after the devastation of World War II and today combining historic neighbourhoods with modern architecture. Upon arrival, we enjoy a panoramic introduction to the modern city, with the Palace of Culture and Science as a prominent landmark. We continue to the Old Town, where we will walk through Castle Square, see Sigismund’s Column and the exterior of the Royal Castle, before heading towards the Market Square with its colourful façades and famous Mermaid statue. Our tour continues towards the city walls and Barbican, followed by part of the Royal Route along Krakowskie Przedmieście, lined with historic churches, elegant buildings and the Presidential Palace. There will be time for lunch and a final stroll through the city centre. The Warsaw visit includes outdoor sightseeing and exterior views of the monuments. Transfer to the airport for our direct flight to Thessaloniki. We return home with memories of two remarkable Polish cities and experiences combining culture, history and a festive winter atmosphere.

6. 0
   Day 0

   The order of the itinerary may be adjusted according to circumstances, without omitting any of the scheduled visits.

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