Day 1: Krakow - Old Town
Morning: Arrival in the fascinating city of Kraków, regarded as the cultural heart of Poland. A guided walking tour through the historic Old Town. Highlights include the impressive Market Square, the magnificent St. Mary’s Basilica, the tradition-rich university, and charming lanes that vividly tell the story of Kraków’s history and culture.
Afternoon: Guided exploration of the Wawel Hill with the majestic Wawel Royal Castle / representative chambers / and the Wawel Cathedral with royal tombs and the Sigismund Bell, which offers in-depth insights into Poland's rich history.
Evening: Dinner.
Day 2: Krakow - jewish quarter - ghetto
Morning: A guided exploration of the former Jewish quarter of Kazimierz leads through a history full of contrasts. As one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in Europe, it offers visitors a chance to admire examples of pre-war Jewish architecture and historic synagogues, such as the "Remuh" synagogue. A visit to the Centre for Jewish Culture enables a direct exchange with a staff member who provides insights into contemporary Polish-Jewish relations.
Afternoon: A guided visit to the former ghetto area in the Podgórze district, where the Eagle Pharmacy is located / viewed from the outside /, which served as the heart of the Kraków ghetto during the Nazi occupation. This district was used as a filming location for scenes in Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-winning film "Schindler’s List".
Evening: Dinner in a Jewish restaurant in Kazimierz, accompanied by an atmospheric klezmer concert.
Day 3: Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum
Morning: Transfer to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, located in the city of Oświęcim, about 60 kilometres from Kraków. An in-depth guided tour consisting of two parts: a visit to the blocks at Auschwitz I – Stammlager, which includes the "death block", the execution wall, a gas chamber and a crematorium – the only ones to have been preserved, and a tour of Auschwitz II – Birkenau, the site of the extermination of the Jews: the prisoners’ barracks, the ruins of the gas chambers and the memorial to the victims. Return journey to Kraków.
Evening: Dinner.
Day 4: Krakow - Collegium Maius - Wieliczka salt mine
Morning: A guided tour of the Collegium Maius, the oldest building of the Jagiellonian University and now a university museum, takes you into the history of science.
Afternoon: A guided visit to the medieval Wieliczka Salt mine, a unique attraction of European industrial culture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located around 10 kilometres from Kraków, promises a fascinating underground experience.
Evening: A varied cultural program featuring classical music or a visit to a jazz club. Dinner.
Day 5: Krakow - Nowa Huta - Czartoryski Museum
Morning: Exploration of the socialist model city of Nowa Huta, offering a fascinating insight into Poland’s contemporary history. An expert-guided tour highlights the origins and significance of this industrial district, including underground nuclear bunkers, built in the 1950s, which evoke the atmosphere of the Cold War and the communist era in Poland. A visit to a model flat entirely furnished with items and equipment typical of the People’s Republic of Poland era provides an authentic step back in time.
Afternoon: Visit to the Princes Czartoryski Museum, one of Poland's oldest museums. It houses an exceptional collection of European art from the 13th to the 18th century, the most valuable piece being Leonardo da Vinci's "Lady with an Ermine".
Evening: Dinner at a restaurant in the Old Town, serving Polish specialities in a cosy atmosphere.
Day 6: Krakow
