Southeastern Poland is a region of remarkable cultural, architectural, and historical wealth. On this art and culture tour, you will discover magnificent castles and palaces, outstanding Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, and the rich heritage of the region.
Our journey begins in royal Krakow, the former capital of Poland, with a visit to Wawel Castle, the former residence of Polish kings, and its Gothic cathedral. We continue through Galicia, a region shaped by Polish, Jewish, and Ruthenian traditions, exploring the noble residences of Łańcut and Krasiczyn, the fortified castles of Dubiecko and Baranów Sandomierski, and the historic towns of Przemyśl, Zamość, and Lublin.
Designed for lovers of art, architecture, and history, this tour also offers insights into the region's diverse cultures, traditions, and religions. Along the way, your tour guide will introduce you to the works of Galician authors such as Joseph Roth and Bruno Schulz.
The journey concludes with a visit to the residence of the aristocratic Czartoryski family in Krakow, where you will have the opportunity to admire Leonardo da Vinci's Lady with an Ermine, one of the world's finest Renaissance masterpieces.
Itinerary: Krakow – Tarnów – Łańcut – Dubiecko – Krasiczyn – Przemyśl – Zamość – Kozłówka – Lublin – Kazimierz Dolny – Sandomierz – Baranów Sandomierski – Krzyżtopór – Wiślica – Krakow
Duration: 8 days
Morning: Arrival at Krakow Airport. Meeting with the Cracovia Reisen tour guide and transfer to the accommodation.
Lunch at a selected Old Town restaurant featuring regional cuisine.
Afternoon: Discovery Tour of Krakow
The afternoon is devoted to a guided tour of Krakow, including Wawel Castle and Cathedral, the historic Royal Route, the Main Market Square, St. Mary’s Basilica with Veit Stoss’s famous wooden altarpiece, the Cloth Hall, the university district, and the charming Old Town.
Evening: Dinner.
Morning: Excursion to Tarnów, known for its Galician charm. Guided walk through the picturesque Old Town, including the imposing 14th-century St. Mary’s Cathedral, the historic Market Square with the Town Hall, elegant townhouses, and the remains of the Old Synagogue.
Afternoon: Transfer to Łańcut followed by a lunch break. Guided tour of the magnificent Łańcut Palace – one of the most magnificent aristocratic residences in Poland – including its elegant state rooms and renowned collection of historic horse-drawn carriages.
Evening: Transfer to Dubiecko. Dinner and overnight stay at the historic 16th-century Dubiecko Castle.
Morning: After breakfast, the program includes a visit to the impressive Renaissance castle of Krasiczyn. This architectural gem from the turn of the 16th to the 17th century, built by Stanislaw Krasicki and his son, impresses with its historical significance and picturesque park grounds. A guided walk through the magnificent gardens offers fascinating insights into the history and culture of the region.
Afterwards, the journey continues to the thousand-year-old city of Przemyśl, a historic fortress town and important stop along the Via Regia trade route connecting Russia with the Iberian Peninsula. A city walk explores its diverse sights, followed by a visit to the National Museum, showcasing the rich history of Przemyśl and the surrounding region.
Afternoon and Evening: After the lunch break, the journey continues to Zamość, known for its unique old town. Here, dinner at a selected restaurant in the historic old town is planned. Afterwards, overnight accommodation is provided in a comfortable hotel.
Morning: Tour of Zamość, the “Padua of the North”, a UNESCO-listed Renaissance town designed by an Italian architect. On the itinerary: city's beautifully preserved Old Town, including the Zamoyski Residence, St. Thomas Church, the Town Hall, the former synagogue, and the Rotunda memorial site. Lunch break.
Afternoon: Visit to Kozłówka Palace, the magnificent former residence of the Zamoyski family and a fascinating example of aristocratic architecture. The tour then continues to Lublin.
Evening: Dinner.
Morning: The day begins with a guided tour of historic Lublin. The Old Town, the neo-Gothic castle with its Byzantine Chapel of the Holy Trinity, the old Jewish cemetery, and the former yeshiva are among the highlights of the program.
The tour continues to Kazimierz Dolny, a picturesque small town that has long inspired artists. Lunch break.
Afternoon: In the afternoon, the tour continues to Sandomierz, a historic trading centre on the Vistula with centuries of significance. The well-preserved medieval townscape, dating back to the 14th century, offers an authentic glimpse into the past. Highlights include the cathedral, the town hall, the late Romanesque Church of St. James, as well as the remains of the city walls and historic city gate. The day concludes with the journey to Baranow Sandomierski.
Evening: Dinner.
Morning: After breakfast, the tour continues to the Renaissance castle on the Vistula, known as “Little Wawel”. Surrounded by a 14-hectare park, this impressive 16th-century residence is one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in Europe. The program continues with a visit to Krzyżtopór Castle, a monumental Baroque ruin and former residence of the Voivode of Sandomierz. Once among Poland’s most magnificent noble residences, the 17th-century complex remains an impressive testament to its past despite later destruction by Swedish troops.
Afternoon: After lunch, the tour continues towards Krakow with a stop in Wiślica, one of Poland’s oldest settlements, with origins dating back to the 10th century.
Evening: Arrival in Krakow followed by dinner.
Morning: Visit to the Czartoryski Museum, a branch of the National Museum in Krakow, home to Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece “Lady with an Ermine” and a remarkable collection of Renaissance and Baroque artworks. Lunch break.
Afternoon: The afternoon is reserved for leisure time. Optional: excursion to the UNESCO-listed Wieliczka Salt Mine, a unique medieval site and outstanding example of European industrial heritage.
Evening: Dinner.
Morning: Breakfast and free time to enjoy the last moments in Krakow.
Afterwards, transfer to Krakow-Balice Airport for the return flight.
The program may be subject to change.
Services included in the price:
Price on request. Please complete the non-binding enquiry form below to receive your personalised offer.
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