Poland: A Medieval History Journey

Highlights

Take a deep dive into the culture and early history of an undiscovered jewel – the Central European country of Poland. During your trip, you’ll become thoroughly acquainted with the original capital, Krakow, and its 1000+ year history, including exquisite medieval and renaissance architecture and art, soaring religious structures, and an intimate introduction to traditional Polish cuisine. Then travel to other notable medieval cities – Warsaw, Torun, and Gdansk – that offer fairytale landscapes, labyrinthine byways, and astonishingly varied architecture, from Warsaw and Gdansk’s phoenix-like rise from the ashes of World War II to the breathtaking Order of the Teutonic Knights Castle at Malbork.

Here’s a sample itinerary for a two-week tour, but we’ll tailor a customized plan specifically for your desires and timeframe. Contact us for specific pricing and details.

Day 1

Arrive in Krakow, enjoy getting acquainted with your Old Town lodging, and start deepening your understanding of the city with a walk through the Rynek Underground archeological museum and Krzysztofory Palace museums as you amble around Rynek Glowny, Old Town’s main square.

Day 2

This morning, meet your personal guide and enjoy a half-day history ramble around Old Krakow. In the afternoon, explore more of Old Town and further afield on your own- consider the Old Synagogue, Oskar Schindler’s Factory, and the City Defense Walls archaeological museum. This evening learn about historical Polish cuisine with a tasting menu at Pod Aniolami.

Day 3

Today, you’ll get a personal guided walk through the Wawel Castle and district, including the cathedral and the Dragon’s Den – a series of vertical limestone caves with a path from a castle district tower to the Vistula River, and a dragon sculpture that breathes fire. Optionally, in the afternoon or evening, cap your stay in Krakow with a seasonal Vistula River Cruise (additional fee applies).

Day 4

Depart early morning from Krakow to venture to Wieliczka Salt Mine. Explore the 3 kilometers long (and 800 stairs) walk through the salt mine rooms, then head back to Krakow and take the fast train to Warsaw in the late afternoon.

Day 5

This morning, you will explore Old Town and learn more about Warsaw on a 3-hour personal guided walk. In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy exploring on your own. End the day with a late afternoon view from the 30th floor of the Palace of Culture and Science, the highest viewpoint in Warsaw.

Day 6

Today, you’ll head to the Royal Castle to explore. You’ll see among many other works, the 26 Warsaw vedute (cityscapes) painted by Bernardo Belloto in the 18th century for King Stanislaus Augustus Poniatowski- the collection used by Warsawians to recreate much of the city destroyed during World War II. Afterward, you’ll head to the National Museum of Warsaw, which boasts more than 830,000 pieces of art from ancient to present day, to complete your art-rich day. 

Day 7

Your last full day in Warsaw, you can choose admission to one of two local palaces: Wilanow or Lizienki and continue deepening your acquaintance with Poland’s current capital.

Day 8

You’ll take the early train to the medieval city of Torun – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After checking into your lodging, enjoy a walk around this remarkably well-preserved former administrative and trading center. In the afternoon, you’ll learn how to bake the famous Torun gingerbread.

Day 9

In the morning, you’ll tour astronomer Nicholas Copernicus’ home, then visit both the “leaning tower of Torun” and Torun Castle ruins in the afternoon.

Day 10

Get an early start via train to the Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork, a well-restored castle, and the largest in the world measured by land area. Enjoy exploring this incredible castle and its museums, then head to Gdansk. (Optional private tour of the castle available – ask us.)

Day 11

Embark on a 4-hour personal walking tour of this intriguing former Hanseatic League city, visiting Old Town, Long Market, St. Mary’s Church, Wyspa Spichrzow (Granary Island), Baltic Symphony Hall and St. Bridget’s Church, which has a spectacular amber altar. Enjoy an afternoon of unstructured sightseeing and exploring.

Day 12

After an unstructured morning, you’ll experience a Gdansk food tour in a group setting, learning more about Polish food in general, and foods from Gdansk specifically on this midday amble about Old Town. The evening is free for wandering or relaxing. 

Day 13

Bid Poland “do widzenia” (goodbye) as you depart Gdansk in a private car to the airport.

Price

From $2,700 for a solo traveler, not including airfare, but we’re happy to book that as well!

As always, Dragon in Your Pocket’s pricing is transparent, with no hidden fees. As such, pricing is based on one person per room. Pricing is typically less with 2 or more persons per room.