You will depart on your scheduled flight to Warsaw and on arrival transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Warsaw is a modern, thriving city with a strong history. Lunch at your hotel is included and we also include a sightseeing tour this afternoon, which will take you along the ‘Royal Route’, passing grand buildings, famous statues and historic churches. Your tour then continues to Warsaw Old Town, which dates back to the 13th century. Here you will see the Royal Castle with St Sigismund’s Column in front of it, St John’s Cathedral and the Market Square with its inviting shops, restaurants, cafés and workshops. This section of the city suffered significant damage in the Second World War, but many of the buildings were rebuilt so meticulously that it is almost impossible to tell they are reconstructions.

Enjoy a relaxed evening and dinner at your hotel.

You will travel from Warsaw to Krakow today, where three nights’ accommodation has been arranged. A stop will be made en route in Czestochowa where lunch is included. This important pilgrim city is home to the Jasna Gora Sanctuary, which houses the picture of Our Lady of Czestochowa, also known as The Black Madonna. This holy relic has become a symbol of Poland and although it has been damaged over the centuries, it is still a beautiful sight.

On arrival in Krakow, you can spend your evening at leisure. After dinner at your hotel, you may choose to seek out one of the many subterranean bars located in the main square.

Located in the south of Poland, Krakow is different to any other major Polish city in that it was largely unscathed by the Second World War. The city boasts countless architectural gems and a wealth of fascinating historical areas. Today we include a walking tour with a Local Guide who will share their knowledge with you.

You will spend time in the historic old quarter, which is a treasure trove of architectural works of art. Many of the buildings have been brought back to their former glory, thus offering visitors the chance to appreciate Krakow’s original charm. Your tour will take you past the university which is the oldest in Europe, dating back to 1364, then you will stroll along striking Kanonicze Street which is lined with Renaissance houses and is often referred to as one of the most beautiful streets in Europe.

Late morning you will head to the Market Square, the centre of all action in the city. The famous Cloth Hall, which dominates the square, still remains an important trading house, as it has done for several centuries. Look out for items typical of the region including amber, carved wooden boxes and pottery.

This afternoon your tour takes you to the Royal Castle and cathedral, where you will be able to admire the wonderful city views from Wawel Hill. The castle boasts inner halls full of priceless art, period furniture and ancient antiques. The cathedral is also an interesting place to explore – it houses an enormous bell, which is older and larger than London’s Big Ben. There is also an optional trip later this afternoon to the Wieliczka Salt Mines.

Enjoy a day at leisure in the city. Perhaps take the time to wander through the streets of the Jewish quarter, or step aboard a river cruiser to see the city from a different perspective. Alternatively, you may wish to join our optional full-day excursion to Auschwitz. The largest of the former Nazi concentration camps has been preserved so that the atrocities of the Second World War are never forgotten. It is a powerful and moving place to visit.

Enjoy dinner at your hotel with the rest of the evening free for you to sample more of the city’s colourful bar and café culture.

After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy free time before transferring to Warsaw airport for your return flight to the UK.