Incoming - The Trail of Polish UNESCO World Heritigate Sities - Southern Alternative / 6 days

Day 1

Transfer to the hotel in Kraków (Cracow) 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 of the Royal Kraków – the former capital of the state, the time-honoured Polish capital of culture. Walk along the Royal Tract, from the remains of the medieval city defensive walls, the Main Market Square – which is said to be the largest medieval square of Europe with St. Mary’s gothic basilica (housing the extremely precious 15th century altar carved out of linden tree) and picturesque building of the Cloth Hall. Then the Jagiellonian University – the second oldest university in Central Europe where Copernicus and the Pope John Paul II studied. A visit to the Wawel Hill with the gothic Cathedral and the renaissance Royal Castle. In the Royal Chambers there is an exhibition of the 16th and 17th century Flemish tapestries depicting biblical stories, imaginary creatures, species of flora and fauna, coats of arms. This is an impressive “woven gallery” which was created by the finest craftsmen to fit the interiors of Wawel Castle. The Castle is recognised worldwide for this collection. Originally there were over three hundred pieces, nowadays one third survived the turbulent history of the state. The Cathedral with tombs of kings, bishops and poets is a place that has always been treated as a spiritual heart of Poland. The sightseeing will last until late noon, then you can have the opportunity for a shopping-afternoon and time to explore the city on your own (our suggestions available).

Day 3

Morning drive to Nowa Huta – the remaining ghost of communist regime. You will go on one-hour coach tour around the system of blocks of flats dominated by the industrial buildings of the steel works. You will see where Lenin’s statue stood for years and where it collapsed opening the gates of independence when  people could celebrate the freedom of speech, confession and press. Next you will go to Wieliczka to visit the Salt Mine. The route is well-prepared to service all visitors. Air-conditioning, lighting, handrails, even floors and lifts for the disabled make your visit a comfortable one. This is a superbly preserved world-class system of underground chambers and corridors. To get down you normally walk down a flight of stairs (380 steps), but if it seems tiring, you can order a lift descent (extra charged). The guide showing you around this unique place will tell interesting stories of geological origin, types of salt, customs and beliefs that miners practised and still do, as well as underground bungee jumps and balloon flights that took place in the mine. All your questions to arise during the subterranean visit will be answered. You will have enough time to consider organising your wedding ceremony and reception in certain chambers of the Mine. Abundance of salty statues, chapels, beautifully illuminated lakes and perfectly purified air make the 2,5-hour visit an unforgettable one. Lunch at “Halit Inn” in Wieliczka. Return to Kraków where you will have time for an individual visit to the fascinating museums the city is proud for. We strongly recommend the Czartoryski Museum exhibiting masterpieces of European paintings and Polish historical memorabilia The Jagiellonian University Museum will introduce you to the subject of medieval astronomy.

Day 4

Morning excursion to Auschwitz and Birkenau. These painful names bring back the memories of mass extermination. This was a “factory of death” where about three million people, most of them Jews, were killed during the Second World War. Before or after the sightseeing there is a possibility to see the picture filmed on the day of camp liberation. Return to Kraków. In the afternoon you will do the sightseeing of Kazimierz – the former Jewish district with its unequalled atmosphere. Not more than a century ago Kazimierz was a place of mutual coexistence of the Christians and the Jews. The heritage left behind consists of gothic shrines of St. Catherine’s and Corpus Christi, Polish oldest Judaic shrine – the Old Synagogue, the Remuh Synagogue with the old cemetery and the 16th century tombstones. Most of the venues were presented in Spielberg’s “Schindler’s List” (the tour of which you will partly follow). Dinner with Klezmer music in Szeroka Street – the heart of the Jewish Kazimierz will be a positive ending of the day.

 Day 5

Morning trip to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska. The 17th century Bernardine monastery was added to the List three years ago since it is a precious example of monastic architecture. During this year’s (2002) pilgrimage to Poland the Pope paid a special visit to the Sanctuary of Our Lady. Being a child he came here very frequently to pray and contemplate God. He says his faith and dedication to God grew stronger here. Apart from the main church there is a formerly common way of worshipping God. This is a complex of differently styled chapels on “the Way of The Cross” scenically set in the woods of delicate slopes of the Mount Żar. Once worshippers used walk along the paths stopping at every chapel and saying their prayers or attending a ceremony. The location imitates the topography of Jerusalem and invites for a tranquil contemplation. On the way back to Kraków en route passing through Wadowice – the birthplace of Pope John Paul II. In the evening we will have a good time for the farewell dinner in one of Kraków’s stylish restaurants.

Day 6

Transfer to the airport or railway station.