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. (D)

Day 2: Warsaw

Begin today with a morning orientation tour in Warsaw. Your local guide will highlight Polish Christmas traditions and take you to places where the Christmas markets are in full swing. Then, enjoy some free time to explore Warsaw on your own. In the evening, take an excursion to the baroque Wilanów Residence to visit the “Royal Garden of Lights,” featuring a fantastically illuminated castle and 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 resilience against great odds. A sightseeing tour includes a drive along the famous Royal Route from the grand Castle Square to Łazienki Park and Palace, the summer residence of Poland’s last king. 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 Kraków

This morning, journey to Częstochowa, famous for the blackened picture of St. Mary in the Jasna Góra Monastery, popularly called the “Black Madonna.” Then, continue to Kraków for your overnight stay. (B)

Day 5: Kraków

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, the Renaissance Cloth Hall, and St. Mary’s Church. The afternoon is free to visit the Christmas markets. (B)

Day 6: Kraków

Enjoy a full day soaking in Kraków’s festive atmosphere and Christmas markets, or take an optional tour to the Wieliczka Salt Mine. The Wieliczka Salt Mine, over 700 years old, is one of the largest and oldest working salt mines in Europe and is listed among UNESCO’s 12 most priceless monuments. An elevator will take you to the first level of the mine, where you can see the 180-foot chapel made of salt rock, illuminated by salt-crystal chandeliers. There are also many other chambers carved out of solid salt, underground museums, and even tennis and volleyball courts. Return to Kraków, with some free time to enjoy the Christmas markets before your Farewell Dinner this evening. (B, D)

Day 7: Depart Kraków

Transfer to Kraków 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.