Incoming - The Trail of Polish UNESCO World Heritigate Sities - Northern Alternative / 7 days

Day 1

Transfer to the hotel in Warsaw (Warszawa). Check-in procedure and short rest. An evening visit to the Palace of Culture and Science to admire the night cityscape from the panoramic terrace situated  on the 32nd floor, 114 metres above the ground. Afterwards welcome dinner at a local restaurant during which your tour supervisor will describe the itinerary.

Day 2

Guided sightseeing of Warsaw – the capital of the state, the largest city in Poland. 1,6 million citizens make Warsaw a city densely populated and bustling with life. You will visit the most important landmarks, owing to which Warsaw became a member of UNESCO List. The five-winged Royal Castle evokes memories of former majesty and royal function of the city. The interiors of the Castle house a fine collection of paintings and furniture. St. John’s Cathedral was completely destroyed during World War II, but thoroughly rebuilt. This church is situated on the “Royal Tract” along which we are going to walk. It will lead you to the Main Market Square, surrounded picturesquely by houses with richly decorated gables and façades. If you are lucky, you will have a chance to listen to the joyful sound of street organ. Next we will take a walk through the remains of medieval defensive walls. Passing by the Grand Theatre and burghers’ mansions we will reach the Piłsudski’s Square. The predominating element is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Later on the Belvedere Palace which used to be the seat of the President and today is a place where distinguished guests are being accommodated.

Day 3

This day is dedicated to visiting palaces of Warsaw. First of all, the Palace on the Water – the late 18th century summer residence of the last Polish king. The palace is located scenically in the English-style park with romantic and tranquil atmosphere. Surrounded by trees you can find Chopin’s statue there. It is one of Warsaw’s characteristics, the great pianist and composer is depicted as sitting under a Mazovian willow. Later that day you will visit Wilanów. This is a lush green part of Warsaw with the most recognizable landmark known as “Polish Versailles”. The palace is worth visiting mostly because of the rich collection of artistic artefacts gathered in the representative rooms such as the Great Crimson Chamber. The palace was owned by king Jan III Sobieski who is famous for defeating the Turks at the Battle of Vienna in 1683. Enthusiasts of natural beauty will also be fully contented, as the spacious park shelters numerous examples of flowers, bushes and trees combined with little lakes. Transfer to Toruń for an overnight rest.

Day 4

Toruń is famous for two reasons – the birthplace of Nicolas Copernicus and delicious gingerbread. It is said to be the most “medieval” city in Poland, which is partly why it was registered on the UNESCO List in 1997. We will take you on sightseeing tour of the Old Town to admire the perfectly preserved medieval urban layout composed of gothic historical buildings. First of all you will visit the Town Hall – one of the finest European municipal buildings. This 14th century high-towered construction with interiors open to the public will introduce you to the atmosphere of the life in Middle Ages. Later on you will visit the 13th century St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist basilica with richly decorated interiors. We will show you two churches more: St. Jacob’s and Assumption of Virgin Mary’s. Exquisite façades of medieval houses are eye-catching, but the most intriguing ones are the 15th-century House of Copernicus where the world-known astronomer was born and the House under the Star. More medieval buildings like: Artus Court, Municipal Court, remains of defensive walls, towers, gates and warehouses will be seen along the way. Finally we will take you to the fragments of the medieval Teutonic castle. In the afternoon you will have the time for individual exploration.

Day 5

Drive to Malbork. You will go on a detailed tour of the largest Teutonic lowland castle in Europe. It is a complex of superbly preserved structures of the Upper, Middle and Lower Castles, the church and  the Palace of the Great Master, gates, towers and defensive walls all built in the 13th century. It was said to be unconquerable for almost two centuries. The scenic location on the bank of the Nogat river makes it look picturesque. It is one of the major tourist attractions in Poland and a compulsory landmark to visit when you are touring the northern part of the state. Transfer to Gdańsk and accommodation at the hotel.

Day 6

Guided visit to the city centre to see the most fascinating landmarks. Gdańsk was a member of the sea-trading corporation of European cities known as “The Hanseatic League”. It resulted in city’s wealth and power, as well as art and architecture. You will visit the gothic Town Hall with splendid interiors, Artus Court – one of the most spectacular and decorative mansions, the Old Crane – a unique example of medieval vertical transportation machines, which nowadays is a symbol of the city. We will take you to St. Mary’s basilica – the largest gothic church in Poland. Lunch can’t be a regional one without sea-food specialities. Finally we will take you to the amber polishing workshop Amber Manufacture Poland “Michel”. You will go on one-hour tour to get to know the history of “gold of the north”, visit the splendid collection, see how pebbles of amber turn to jewellery or try polishing them on your own. In the evening you will attend the special farewell dinner.

Day 7

Transfer to the airport or railway station.