Incoming - Polish Historical Cities Close Encounters - Experiencing Warsaw / 4 days

Warsaw is the political and administrative centre of Poland, the city of sky-scrapers but also historical buildings, palaces and mansions. During World War II it went through tremendous struggle with Nazi occupation. Almost 90 per cent of the architecture was destroyed. Great dedication and unequalled devotion of the citizens resulted in extensive reconstruction process which was undertaken. Therefore you can delight in sightseeing nowadays.

Day 1

Transfer to the hotel in Warszawa (Warsaw) and accommodation. Meeting with the Polish tour leader and description of the tour itinerary. An evening walk around the city centre. Welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2

Guided sightseeing tour of the city to show you the most valuable landmarks. The Castle which you are going to visit in the beginning will introduce you to the former royal and present administrative function of the city. Among the beautifully restored chambers you will visit: The Throne Room, Envoys’ Room, Senators’ Room. Many of them are decorated with exquisite paintings by Canaletto, Bacciarelli and Remrandt. The tour of the Castle will last about an hour. Next the guide will show you the Old Town which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The route starts near the Sigismund Column commemorating the ruler who moved the capital from Kraków on the turn of the 17th century. Burghers’ houses which you will see on your way were thoroughly reconstructed after the Second World War – the most destructive period for the capital. Almost 90 per cent of houses and buildings were torn down. Soon after the war came to an end the heroic process of reconstruction was undertaken. You will visit the Museum of Municipal History which can help you understand the destruction and massive reconstruction. St. John’s Cathedral – the coronation and burial church of kings, bishops and noble Poles is located within the Royal Tract. Following it you will get to the picturesque Main Market Square and finally to the defensive walls with the rounded building called “The Barbican”. After lunch we will walk along the city’s dignified corso – Krakowskie Przedmieście – the representative tract with mansions, churches and sumptuous buildings of public use. We will pass by the Grand Theatre, pay a visit to the Military Cathedral and then to the Piłsudski’s Square with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In the afternoon you will have the time to discover the beauty of Warsaw on your own.

Day 3

Further sightseeing of the city. Today is the time for exploring palaces of Warsaw. First of all we will go to “Łazienki” Palace on the Water. This peaceful and joyful location was the 18th century summer  residence of the last Polish king – Stanisław August Poniatowski. There is an interesting museum in the interiors. More than interesting is the English-style park with the romantic statue of Chopin depicted as sitting under a typical Mazovian willow. No matter what season it is, the whole complex is tranquil and worth taking a walk around. Later on you will go to Wilanów. The palace which is usually called “the Polish Versailles” is the 17th century splendid residence of king Jan III Sobieski – who defeated the Turks at the battle of Vienna in 1683. The richly decorated chambers (such as the Mirror Room, the Library, the Great Crimson Chamber) will amaze you owing to the abundance of baroque bits and pieces and various artefacts. Here you can feel the atmosphere of relaxation and relief while deep in your mind you will hear the silent baroque music. In the evening there will be a chance to see the panoramic view of the city from the balcony 114 metres (340 feet) above the ground. We will take you to the 32nd floor of the Palace of Culture and Science. The last attraction of the itinerary is attending a musical performance at “Buffo” theatre.

Day 4

Transfer to the airport or railway station.