Itinerary:

B-Breakfast | L-Lunch | D-Dinner | WD-Welcome Dinner | T-Tasting

Day 1 – Arrive in Warsaw

Upon arrival at Warsaw Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy time to relax before meeting your fellow travelers and Tour Director for a Welcome Dinner at your hotel. (WD)

Day 2 – Warsaw

Begin today with a morning orientation tour in Warsaw. Your local guide will point out the Polish Christmas traditions and take you to the places where Christmas markets are in full swing. Afterwards, some free time to enjoy Warsaw on your own.  This evening, take an excursion to the baroque Wilanow Residence, to visit the “Royal Garden of Lights”, a fantastically illuminated castle and its gardens. Return to your hotel for the night. (B) 

Day 3 – Warsaw

The 700-year-old capital of Poland is a symbol of nationhood and the will to survive against great odds. A sightseeing tour here includes a drive along the famous Royal Route from Grand Castle Square to Lazienki Park and Palace, the summer residence of the last king of Poland. See the Palace of Science and Culture (known as a “wedding cake”), the Saxon Gardens, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Monument to the Heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto, and the Barbican. Then continue with a walking tour of the Old Town, Old Market Square, and St. John’s Cathedral. The rest of the day is dedicated to visiting the Christmas markets. (B)

Day 4: Warsaw to Krakow

This morning, the journey to Czestochowa, famous for the blackened picture of St. Mary in the Yasna Gora Monastery, popularly called the “Black Madonna.” Then continue on to Krakow for your overnight stay. (B)

Day 5 – Krakow

Sightseeing starts with a visit to Wawel Hill, where you’ll see the Royal Castle and visit the Royal Cathedral. Then, on a walking tour of the Old Town, visit the Main Market Square, Renaissance Cloth Hall, and St. Mary’s Church. The afternoon is free to visit and shop at the Christmas markets. (B) 

Day 6 – Krakow

A day to enjoy Krakow’s Christmas atmosphere and markets or take an optional tour to Wieliczka Salt Mine. The Wieliczka Salt Mine is over 700 years old and is one of the largest and oldest working salt mines in Europe. It is on the UNESCO list of the 12 most priceless monuments in the world. An elevator will take you to the first level of the mine where you will be able to see the 180-foot chapel made of salt rock and lit with salt-crystal chandeliers. There are many other chambers carved out of a huge block of salt, underground museums, and even tennis and volleyball courts. Return to Krakow. Some free time to enjoy the Christmas markets before your Farewell dinner this evening.  (B,D)

Day 7: Depart Krakow

Transfer to Krakow airport for your return flight home. (B)

NOTE: Because of the narrow and cobbled streets, walking is the primary way of getting around. Please make sure you pack comfortable walking shoes.