Sep. 3/Mon – USA – WARSAW – KRAKOW.

This evening, we board an overnight transatlantic flight for Krakow with meals and movies on board.

Sep. 4/Tue – KRAKOW.

Upon arrival at the Balice Airport, we’ll be met by our guide and settle-in at the comfortable hotel in city center. Time to unpack, change money and relax. (D)

Sep. 5/Wed – KRAKOW.

On our first day in Poland we will discover the medieval treasures of Krakow, city of legends and traditions which was spared destruction of World War II. Walking tour of the Old Town includes the impressive Wawel Hill with the Coronation Cathedral from where Polish kings ruled for four centuries. You can spend an afternoon at leisure or take an optional tour to Wieliczka Salt Mines, the oldest in Europe, and discover its underground world of wonders carved from salt. For dinner we invite you to a local restaurant were we’ll be entertained by a folklore ensemble. (B, D)

Sep. 6/Thu – KRAKOW.

Today we enjoy a whole day at leisure to spend as we please, shopping for souvenirs at the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) dating back to the 14th century, relaxing in a sidewalk cafe, or visiting world class museums. An optional excursion to Auschwitz, former Nazi concentration camp, now a martyrdom museum, will be offered. (B, D)

Sep. 7/Fri – KRAKOW – ZAKOPANE.

After breakfast we depart to the resort of Zakopane hidden in the majestic Tatras to relax in our SPA Hotel. Our route leads through the picturesque Chocholow village with unique architecture. This evening dinner is in a typical mountaineers cottage were we join the local “Gorale” ensemble. (B, D)

Sep. 8/Sat – ZAKOPANE.

Our exciting tour continues with an enjoyable day in this charming resort area. A funicular will take us to the Gubalowka mountain peak for a breathtaking views of the Tatras where we have time to browse a local bazaar for souvenirs. For dinner in a local restaurant, we are going in style, by horse drawn carriages. (B, D)

Sep. 9/Sun – ZAKOPANE.

Today we drive to Pieniny National Park for a nine-mile musical fun ride on rafts down the Dunajec River. After delicious lunch we return to Zakopane for evening at leisure. (B, L)

Sep. 10/Mon – ZAKOPANE – Czestochowa – WARSAW.

This morning we journey to Czestochowa, pilgrimage center of Poland. We gather for an emotional Mass in the shrine of the miraculous icon of the Black Madonna. Pauline Father will give us a special tour of the Jasna Gora Monastery and its treasures. Then on to the Polish capital and settle-in at our deluxe hotel a short walk to the old town. (B, L)

Sep.11/Tue – WARSAW.

After buffet breakfast, a half day city tour of Warsaw, includes the colorful Old Town with St. John’s Cathedral and the Royal Castle Square. Royal Route leads us to the beautiful Lazienki Park with the famous monument of Polish composer, F. Chopin. This evening’s dinner is planned in a local restaurant with more entertainment and a folklore performance. (B, D)

Sep. 12/Wed – WARSAW – GDANSK.

After breakfast we journey for the Baltic Coast and the city of Gdansk, maritime center of Poland. (B, L)

Sep. 13/Thu – GDANSK.

Start the day with a visit to the amber factory and do some shopping at factory prices. Return to Gdansk for a comprehensive tour of this beautiful city, splendidly restored to its former glory when it was one of the most prosperous ports of Europe in the middle ages including a newly opened Museum of WWII. Lunch is planned especially for us on the “Pirate” ship as we sail to Westerplatte where first shots of WWII were fired. Balance of the day is at leisure. (B, L)

Sep. 14/Fri – GDANSK.

This morning you may choose an optional excursion to the Malbork Castle. This fascinating medieval structure, is the biggest brick castle in Europe, built according to the most modern defense methods of the times. Highlight of the day is the Chopin music concert in Jan’s family home with champagne and Polish doughnuts, “paczki”. Return to Gdansk via Lenin’s Shipyard, the birthplace of Solidarity. At this evening’s farewell dinner we will enjoy a performance by the Kaszuby ensemble presenting folklore of the region. (B, D)

Sep. 15/Sat – GDANSK-USA.

After buffet breakfast, we depart for the airport, bid “do widzenia” to our guide and fly home. (B)