Incoming - Off the Beaten Tracks - Special Inteterest Tours

Polish Subterranean Attractions

The great diversity of underground realms is ready to be explored. Limestone caves along the Kraków - Częstochowa Upland, with their carstic formations: stalactites, pot-holes, stalagmites and many more. The Neolithic flint mine as well as lead and silver ore mine offer underground boat crossings. The World War II concrete bunkers hiding mysterious stories and treasures are the evidence of history and interesting places to discover. The unique in Europe chalk-pit in Chełm operated since the Middle Ages. Close by there is "Guido" mining museum in Zabrze. Among its exhibits you can find various mining tools, pumps, horses' stables. Finally the unequalled Salt Mine in Wieliczka. For centuries generations of miners created a large system of chambers, chapels and tunnels. Over 700 years of continuous work resulted in salty lakes, sculptures and above all traditions.

Wooden Architecture of Polish Highlanders

South of Cracow there is the beautiful region of the Carpathians. The typical wooden architecture consists of huts, cottages, churches, chapels and similar buildings. Along our way we will visit the 15th century timber church and the 17th century landlord's mansion in Łopuszna. Outstanding wall-paintings can be  admired in Dębno where in the medieval church you will also see traditional wood-carvings. This church is a genuine example of local craftsmanship. Characteristic chapels, cottages and villas are the features of the "Style of Zakopane" which you will get to know during your visit to the capital of the Polish Tatra mountains. Obviously on your way you will have a chance to sample traditional Polish cuisine.

Castles, Palaces and Mansions

The position and wealth of Polish kings, aristocracy and noblemen resulted in splendid residences. They are scattered all around the country. Ranging from royal castles in Cracow, Warsaw, Pieskowa Skała, Książ, palaces in Łańcut, Rogalin and Kórnik to old wooden mansions we want to show you the rich diversity. In the recent times they had different functions: defensive, representative, tournament, etc. They were built in various architectural styles: gothic, renaissance, baroque, classicist. The best preserved ones have very interesting interior decorations and house collections of art. Each residence is different, each one is special, haunted by the ghost of time, full of mystery and legends.

Historical Cities' Tour

Located on the banks of rivers, set on the crossroads of trading routes, near the borders or close to the sea, Polish historical cities offer a wide variety of experiences. Sightseeing of Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław,  Poznań, Gdańsk and all the others will be a fascinating activity. Each city was individually shaped by the history. This is the reason why there are different museums, landmarks and cultural events. The atmosphere of each city is created by people, architecture, art collections, monuments, legends, local traditions and regional cuisine. The tour is aimed to give the full impression of Polish historical cities.

Jewish Heritage in Poland

The Jews migrated to Poland already in the 12th century. They played important part in the lives of cities, towns and villages. The rich heritage they left behind consists of synagogues, cemeteries, centres of Hasidism, Talmudic Academies, legends and beliefs. We will take you on a tour to show places connected with the famous Jews of Warsaw (Henryk Goldszmit), Kraków (Rabbi Moses Iserless), Łódź (Israel Poznański). The long lost atmosphere of former Jewish quarters in all big cities where they mingled with Christians brings back the memories of the fine past. However there is also the tragic and painful subject of concentration camps and extermination which is focused on Auschwitz and Birkenau.

Abbeys, Monasteries and Churches

It is up to your decision which venues you will choose. The baptism of Poland took place in 966 and since then places of religious worship originated in the country. They were built in different styles. The earliest romanesque ones are crude, heavy and made of stone, gothic basilicas are high, with spiking towers and  characteristic rib vaults. Baroque churches are extremely rich as their interior decorations are full of gold and marble. Different orders and convents settled in Poland throughout centuries: the Cistercians, the Dominicans, the Franciscans - they all left precious heritage that we want to show you.

Gothic Castles in Northern Poland

The Pomeranian and Mazurian lake districts are regions untarnished by modern civilization. The beauty of nature full of undulating hills, forests and above all lakes creates a tranquil atmosphere. The heritage left behind by the Teutonic order consists of numerous castles, fortresses and fortifications. They range from small, well preserved castles such as the ones in Bytów and Kętrzyn to complex strongholds with cathedrals, defensive walls, watch-towers such as Kwidzyn, Malbork, Nidzica. Some of them are living attractions since they serve as venues for organising tournaments, performances, competitions, reviews and concerts.

Breweries around Poland

Beer making has been a long Polish tradition. In the Middle Ages many abbeys, noble families or landlords had their own specific recipes for producing beer. They were subsequently taken over by companies such as Okocim, Żywiec, Warka, Piast, Tyskie which cultivate the tradition. They often exhibit collections of glasses and bottles. We will take you to the 19th century breweries in Brzesko and Żywiec. They produce  the best recognised and probably best-in-taste beers. But you will also have a chance to visit small, family-run breweries where you can sample beer straight from the vat.

Tracing Folklore

Poland is not only about the heritage of historical cities, modern life and industry. Traditional customs have roots in the country where they were born. Folk rhythms of krakowiak, kujawiak, oberek, mazurek are now internationally recognised. Thatched-roofed huts, barns and stables well preserved in skansens and open to the public as well as wooden churches and inns where you can admire the architecture and interior decorations. Poland is very rich in folklore, ranging from northern Kashubians, Lajkonik pageant in Cracow to violin-and-cello music and breathtaking dances of the Tatra highlanders. A crucial element of the whole tour is tasting local specialities: borsch, cabbage stuffed with meat, dried sausage (kielbasa), potato pancakes, highlanders' tea, shepherd cheese and many more. Without food, the folklore would be incomplete.