Poland's Jewish heritage: 9-day cultural tour

Warsaw

Day 1: Welcome to Warsaw

Welcome to Poland. Your driver will collect you from Warsaw Chopin Airport to transfer you to your city centre hotel.

Once you’ve checked into the hotel, feel free to freshen up and relax before enjoying the rest of the day at your own pace, leisurely discovering the city.

Warsaw

Day 2: Jewish heritage in the city

After breakfast, get ready for your first day exploring the country. Meet your private guide and get to know the country's capital. Visit the POLIN Museum, which stands as a significant cultural institution, contributing to the understanding and appreciation of the rich history of Polish Jews and their enduring legacy, presenting their 1,000-year history. 

Next, take a trip to the only surviving pre-war Jewish house of prayer in Warsaw, the Nożyk Synagogue, built in 1898-1902 and restored after World War II. It’s still operational today and currently houses the Warsaw Jewish Commune, as well as other Jewish organizations.  

In the evening, enjoy the vibrant and diverse food scene of Warsaw, tasting a mix of traditional Polish cuisines.

Warsaw - Lublin

Day 3: Travel to the city of Lublin

After breakfast today, transfer to Lublin, a city that reflects the development of Poland’s diverse Hebrew heritage. Flourishing Hebrew sciences caused the city to be labelled the ‘Jerusalem of the Polish Kingdom’. Highlights include Lublin Castle, a medieval fortress that has undergone various reconstructions over the centuries, and the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with cobblestone streets and colourful buildings. 

Venture just beyond Lublin to Majdanek, a poignant site that bears witness to the solemn history of a former Nazi concentration and extermination camp. It stands today as a memorial and museum, solemnly preserving the memory of the Holocaust. 

After a day of reflection and profound historical exploration, let the evening unfold as you choose, offering you the opportunity to immerse yourself in Lublin's vibrant atmosphere at your own pace.

Lublin - Wieliczka - Krakow

Day 4: Down into the salt mine

It’s time to make your way to Krakow after breakfast this morning. 

On your way, visit the town of Wieliczka. Wieliczka's identity is intricately tied to its historical association with salt mining, and the Wieliczka Salt Mine remains a central feature that defines the town's character and attracts visitors interested in exploring its unique underground world. Take a tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the world's oldest operating salt mines.  

In the evening, you’ll arrive in Krakow and check into your hotel, ready for an evening of rest before another day of exploration tomorrow.

Krakow

Day 5: The Jewish quarter of Kazimierz

After breakfast, meet with your private guide for a tour of Krakow, the cultural capital of Poland. Highlights of the tour include the Barbican, St Florian's Gate, St Mary's Basilica and the Bishop’s Palace.

You’ll then venture to creative Kazimierz, Krakow’s historic Jewish quarter. It's home to an abundance of markets, synagogues and kirkuts (Jewish cemeteries) which, over centuries, have shaped this part of the city. Kazimierz gained international attention due to Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory, featured in Steven Spielberg's Schindler's List.

The rest of the evening is free for you to explore at leisure, perhaps dining at one of the city's Jewish restaurants, listening to klezmer music. 

Krakow

Day 6: A day of reflection

Wake up early for an excursion to Auschwitz-Birkenau, a complex of concentration and extermination camps located near the town of Oswiecim (Auschwitz) in southern Poland, standing as a solemn reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust. The site serves as a place of remembrance, education and reflection on the consequences of hatred and discrimination. 

After a day of contemplation, spend your last evening in Krakow exploring its medieval squares, numerous restaurants and bars, and architectural treasures.

Krakow - Wroclaw

Day 7: A walking tour of Wroclaw

After breakfast this morning, it's time to take your transfer to Wroclaw, the City of 100 Bridges. After checking into your hotel, you’ll meet with your expert guide this afternoon to discover the hidden gems of the Old Town. 

The tour starts at the 13th-century cathedral of St John the Baptist, nestled in Ostrów Tumski, the oldest part of Wroclaw. Meander along the picturesque Odra riverbank, before ascending the 'Polish Hill' for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. Nearby, you’ll visit the Panorama of the Battle of Racławice, a monumental cycloramic painting depicting the Battle of Racławice, during the Kościuszko Uprising.  

After your tour, take the evening to further explore the city, often referred to as the ‘Venice of the North’.

Wroclaw - Lodz - Warsaw

Day 8: A rich tapestry of culture in Lodz

On your final full day in Poland, enjoy breakfast then embark on a brief journey back to Warsaw, with a stopover in Lodz. This sizeable Polish city offers a tapestry of Polish, Jewish, German and Russian influences, which have harmoniously converged over the years. Explore key attractions such as the historic Old Town, the renowned Manufaktura complex, and Piotrkowska Street. This bustling street is not only adorned with captivating sculptures paying homage to Lodz's notable figures, but also hosts a vibrant array of pubs and restaurants, providing a delightful taste of the city's culture and history. 

Enjoy your final evening in the country’s capital, soaking in the rich culture, tantalizing food scene and historic architecture. 

Warsaw

Day 9: Goodbye Poland

Today marks the end of your Polish adventure, exploring the rich Jewish heritage this country has to offer. After breakfast in your hotel, your driver will collect you to transfer you to the airport for a safe journey home!