Day 1: Krakow
Morning: Arrival in Krakow. At the airport, the group will be warmly welcomed by our tour representative. Transfer by coach to the accommodation located in the city centre. Check-in.
Afternoon: At leisure to explore the charming Old Town independently.
Evening: Dinner.
Day 2: Krakow – Old Town – Concert
Morning: A guided tour of Krakow, the former capital of Poland. During this approximately three-hour tour, participants will discover some of the city’s most important sights: St. Mary’s Basilica with its precious medieval masterpiece, the altarpiece by Veit Stoss; the Cloth Hall and the historic 15th-century Collegium Maius of the Jagiellonian University. Then follows the Gothic Franciscan Church with its remarkable stained-glass windows, the picturesque Kanonicza Street that leads to the majestic Wawel Royal Castle, the former residence of the Polish kings, with its impressive three-storey arcaded courtyard and magnificent cathedral, the site of royal coronations and the final resting place of Polish monarchs.
Afternoon: Possibility to hold a rehearsal before the scheduled concert.
Evening: The choir's concert in an agreed performance venue followed by dinner.
Day 3: Wieliczka Salt Mine – Concert
Morning: Visit to the famous medieval Wieliczka Salt Mine. This impressive underground labyrinth of kilometres of tunnels, chambers and intricately carved salt chapels offers an unbealiveable expierience. A particular highlight is St. Kinga’s Chapel, located 150 metres underground, famous for its remarkable acoustics.
Afternoon: Afterwards, the journey continues to a nearby town, where the concert is planned. In these smaller communities, cultural performances are especially appreciated, as visiting artists are relatively rare. Depending on the location selected, the concert venue may be a historic castle cellar, the interior of a wooden chapel, a monastery refectory or a hall in a local cultural centre.
Evening: Dinner.
Day 4: Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial
Morning: The day begins with a journey to the former Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration and extermination camp.
Optional: On the way, there is an opportunity to stop in Wadowice to visit the birthplace of Karol Wojtyła, the future Pope John Paul II. A short concert can also be arranged in the local basilica.
After arrival in Oświęcim, the group will visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum. The guided tour of the memorial site lasts approximately 3.5 hours.
Afternoon: Return to Krakow, followed by leisure time.
Optional: A guided tour of Kazimierz, Krakow’s historic Jewish quarter.
Evening: Dinner in one of the Jewish restaurants in Kazimierz, accompanied by a Klezmer music concert.
Day 5: Krakow
Morning: Departure.
For those who would like to extend their stay, the following options are available:
- Pilgrimage to Częstochowa - a visit to Poland’s spiritual centre, the Pauline Monastery at Jasna Góra, home to the famous icon of the Black Madonna. There is also the possibility of arranging an informal concert there.
- Rafting on the Dunajec River - scenic rafting trip on the Dunajec River offers unforgettable views and beautiful landscapes. A concert for visitors can also be arranged in one of the picturesque spa towns in the area.
- Visit to Zakopane and the High Tatras - the famous resort beneath the High Tatras offers a ride on the funicular railway to Gubałówka, where a magnificent panoramic view of the Tatra Mountains awaits. A visit to the traditional wooden highlander village of Chochołów completes the experience. There will also be enough time for a relaxed stroll through the town. Optionally, a concert can be arranged in one of Zakopane’s churches.
