Highlights of Poland
From CAD $3487 Was CAD $3875
Guarantee
Group Tour
Easy
Rating
(10 reviews)
Plunge into an adventure across Poland as you shop for folkloric fare in Krakow and sample traditional dumplings in Warsaw. Your vacation begins with a day of dedicated Krakow sightseeing as your Local Expert guides you to Wawel Royal Castle and through Podgorze to Ghetto Square. In the cradle of the Polish nation, enjoy the Poznań Choice: unveil the secrets of the local delicacy, the St. Martin’s croissant, or uncover the city’s history on a walking tour with a Local Expert. Travel to the foot of the Tatra Mountains for a Zakopane dinner of delicious local dishes, accompanied by the soul-rousing folklore entertainment of the Goral Highlanders.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Poznan: Join a Local Resident to explore Poznań’s Old Town, pausing at the Renaissance town hall, rebuilt after the 16th-century fire, and the adjoining market streets. You’ll see facades restored after wartime damage and note how the square links to the streets leading towards the university quarter.
- Poznan: Take part in a St. Martin’s croissant tasting and learn how the protected regional recipe is prepared, from the layered dough to the poppy-seed filling. You’ll hear how the pastry became tied to Poznań’s 11 November tradition while sampling a croissant made to the certified specification.
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Authentic Dining
- Kraków: Dine in a local restaurant with your Travel Director and fellow travelers, enjoying regional dishes and relaxed conversation that marks the beginning of your travels together.
- Zakopane: Enjoy dinner accompanied by Góral Highlander music and dance, with performers using regional instruments such as the fiddle and shepherd’s flute. You’ll hear the sharp, rhythmic patterns typical of the Tatra Highlands and see dance steps rooted in local mountain traditions.
- Warsaw: The Polish capital is currently enjoying a culinary renaissance - find out what the buzz is all about during your end-of-tour dinner with wine at a favorite restaurant.
Insight Choice
- Poznan: Join a Local Resident to explore Poznań’s Old Town, pausing at the Renaissance town hall, rebuilt after the 16th-century fire, and the adjoining market streets. You’ll see facades restored after wartime damage and note how the square links to the streets leading towards the university quarter.
- Poznan: Take part in a St. Martin’s croissant tasting and learn how the protected regional recipe is prepared, from the layered dough to the poppy-seed filling. You’ll hear how the pastry became tied to Poznań’s 11 November tradition while sampling a croissant made to the certified specification.
Make Travel Matter
- Toruń: Meet an artisan baker to learn how Toruń gingerbread is shaped using carved wooden moulds associated with the city’s historic guilds. You’ll observe how the dough is prepared and pressed before tasting gingerbread made on-site, prepared according to regional methods passed down through specialist workshops. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Top Rated Highlights
- Kraków: During your orientation with your Travel Director, walk around the beautiful town square, Rynek Glówny. See the famous Sukiennice Cloth Hall, St. Mary's Basilica and the many historic townhouses, palaces and churches.
- Kraków: Join your Local Expert to trace Kraków’s development around Rynek Główny and the streets that formed the city’s medieval core. You’ll see the layers of architecture shaped by royal patronage, mercantile guilds and university life, noting how each period left its mark on the Old Town’s pattern.
- Kraków: Visit Wawel Cathedral with your Local Expert, stepping inside the burial place of Poland’s monarchs and statesmen. You’ll see chapels added across successive dynasties and the cathedral where Karol Wojtyła, later Pope John Paul II, served as Archbishop of Kraków.
- Zakopane: Explore Zakopane with your Travel Director, moving along Krupówki Street to see examples of the Zakopane Style, developed in the late 19th century from local timber-building methods. You’ll pass stalls selling Highlander woodcarving and textiles, and view the market area that continues to draw craftspeople from the surrounding Tatra villages.
- Auschwitz: Visit the Auschwitz Memorial and Museum with a Memorial Guide Educator, viewing preserved barracks, guard towers and the barbed-wire perimeter of the former German Nazi concentration and extermination camp.
- Wrocław: Explore Wrocław with your Local Expert, moving through the Rynek to see its restored facades and the adjacent Plac Solny, known for its long-standing flower market. You’ll also encounter several of the city’s bronze gnomes, originally installed in the 1980s and now scattered across the center.
- Gniezno: Visit Gniezno Cathedral to see the monumental bronze doors cast around 1175, noted for their detailed panels showing scenes from the life of St. Adalbert. Inside, you’ll also view chapels and crypts that reflect the cathedral’s long association with Poland’s earliest rulers and archbishops.
- Toruń: Explore Toruń with your Local Expert, moving through streets lined with Gothic brickwork shaped by the Hanseatic League. You’ll see the market square, the leaning tower, and sections of the medieval walls that still outline the town’s original plan.
- Gdańsk: Join your Local Expert to view the harbourfront, including the vantage point towards Westerplatte, before stopping at the shipyard gates linked to the Solidarity movement of the 1980s. Continue into the medieval streets where Hanseatic brickwork and merchant houses define Gdańsk’s historic layout.
- Malbork: Explore Malbork Castle with your Local Expert, walking through one of Europe’s largest medieval brick fortresses. You’ll see the High Castle with its cloisters and chapter house, the Middle Castle’s great refectory, and the defensive walls that reflect the Teutonic Order’s building program from the late 13th century.
- Warsaw: Your Local Expert will show you the city's highlights. See the Old Town, Palace of Culture and visit the Chopin Memorial in the Lazienki Park before paying your respects at the Ghetto Heroes Memorial.
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Trip Details
Product Code: 19615
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Explorer, Budget
Tour Operator:
Insight Vacations (CA)
Supplier Code: 97.221A
Starts: Krakow, Poland
Finishes: Warsaw, Poland
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3487 ($349 /day)
Itinerary
Your journey through Poland begins in picturesque Krakow. Meet your Travel Director at 17:00 for a walk around the Rynek Główny, Europe's largest and most beautiful town square. See the famous Sukiennice Cloth Hall, St. Mary's Church and the many historic townhouses, palaces and churches. Be sure to listen for the trumpeter's call! Later, enjoy getting to know your fellow guests over a fabulous dinner.
Accommodation: Vienna House by Wyndham Andel's Cracow
Meals: Dinner
This morning, you can join an Optional Experience to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine. In the afternoon, ascend Wawel Hill to see the Renaissance castle with a Local Expert. Visit the cathedral, the final resting place of the Kings of Poland and the former seat of Archbishop Karol Wojtyła, later known to the world as Pope John Paul II. Head across the former Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz, and then to Podgórze to see Ghetto Square.
Accommodation: Vienna House by Wyndham Andel's Cracow
Meals: Breakfast
Journey into the Tatras, the highest range of the Carpathian Mountains. Stay in the resort town of Zakopane, famous for its wooden houses and winter sports. On arrival, join your Travel Director for an orientation of the town. Spend free time shopping for local specialties in the markets of Krupówki Street or ascend a nearby mountain for panoramic views across the Tatras into Slovakia. In the evening, enjoy a rousing dinner, accompanied by Goral Highlander folklore entertainment at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Radisson Blu, Zakopane
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Traveling past the birthplace of Pope John Paul II to your first stop, the city of Oświęcim, better known throughout the world by its German name, Auschwitz. With a Memorial Guide-Educator, experience a moving visit to the Auschwitz Memorial and Museum. Continue along the Oder River to the city of Wrocław, known in Polish as Miasto Spotkań, or the meeting place. Throughout its long history, Wrocław has belonged to Poland, Bohemia, Austria, Prussia and Germany. With your Local Expert, see the brightly colored facades of the noble mansions and the flower markets at Plac Solny. Take in the Baroque splendor of the Rynek, and be introduced to Wrocław's cheeky gnomes. This evening, join your Travel Director for a craft beer at the Piwnica Świdnicka, the oldest restaurant/cellar in Poland, founded in 1273.
Accommodation: Wyndham Wroclaw Old Town
Meals: Breakfast
Continue on to Poznan where you will drive out to Ostrów Tumski, known as Cathedral Island. It's considered as the birthplace of Poland in the 10th century and is a fascinating place of legend, often overlooked by other visitors. Explore Poznan with Insight Choice. Choose to immerse yourself in the history of the city and enjoy a walking tour. Alternatively, learn the secrets behind the St. Martin’s croissant, a local delicacy, and enjoy a tasting.
Accommodation: Sheraton Poznań
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Stop at Gniezno to visit the cathedral and see the famous two-winged bronze doors. Then continue to Toruń, founded by the Teutonic Knights in 1233 and birthplace of astronomer, Nicolaus Copernicus. Join a Local Expert to discover this outstanding example of medieval architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, meet an artisan baker for a taste of gingerbread, baked following a traditional recipe and using only locally sourced ingredients. Spend time exploring at your own pace. Follow the Vistula River north to magnificent Gdansk, Poland’s Baltic trading port with more than 1000 years of history. As evening descends, a dinner of Baltic specialties is highly recommended, followed by a walk through Gdańsk's illuminated historic district.
Accommodation: Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk
Meals: Breakfast
Spend the morning with a passionate Local Expert and learn captivating and fun facts about the city. From across the harbor see Westerplatte, the scene of the first fighting between Polish and German troops in 1939, and stop at the Gdańsk Shipyards, where Lech Wałęsa formed the anti-Soviet Solidarność in 1980. Continue through the medieval city, where buildings date back to the time of the Hanseatic League. Enjoy a free afternoon and perhaps choose to visit the elegant seaside town of Sopot.
Accommodation: Radisson Hotel & Suites Gdansk
Meals: Breakfast
With a Local Expert, visit the Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork, founded in 1274 by the Teutonic Knights on the banks of the Nogat River. The castle is a stunning example of a medieval fortress and the largest brick Gothic castle in the world. Next, travel south to the capital of Warsaw. With the rest of the day at your leisure, perhaps attend an evening concert of Poland’s best-loved composer, Frédéric Chopin?
Accommodation: The Westin Warsaw
Meals: Breakfast
See the Palace of Culture and the Chopin Monument in Łazienki Park with a Local Expert. Visit the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes, followed by a walk through Warsaw’s Old Town, entirely rebuilt since World War II. At your dinner, enjoy a fine selection of local dishes at a cozy Warsaw restaurant.
Accommodation: The Westin Warsaw
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Time to say goodbye to your new friends as your journey through Poland comes to an end.
Meals: Breakfast
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Insight Vacations (CA)
Part of The Travel Company (TTC) family of brands, Insight Vacations began operations in 1978 and is based in Cypress, CA. Journeys are featured to destinations, such as the U.S. and Canada, Europe, Latin America, North Africa, Asia, the UK and Ireland. The company offers are a variety of tours under the classifications of Regional Journeys, Country Roads, Discovery Journeys, Easy Pace trips, and Special Interest tours. Insight is the ideal name for the tour operator, as the journeys provided by Insight Vacations allow travelers to gain further insight into whatever destination they wish to explore. For example, Discovery Journeys are the ideal choice for first-time visitors to Europe. Itineraries include Dine-at-Home or Farm-to-Table experiences so travelers can learn more about how locals live and dine. Regional Journeys allow trip-goers to see a specific location in Europe that they have always wanted to see – Poland, Switzerland, Italy, etc. The carefully planned trips enable customers to immerse themselves in one specific region or country and to become acquainted with its culture, traditions, and people. For anyone seeking travel off the beaten track, Insight Vacations offers Country Roads – trips that lead travelers off the well-tread tourist trail to explore hidden gems where visitors can savor the local produce with Farm-to-Table dining. Some trips are offered under the Easy Pace travel style – the ideal trip choice for trip-goers who wish to slow their pace during their vacation. During these tours, vacationers stay at least 3 nights at each destination, giving them some additional time to explore a place and enjoy it. Regardless of the travel style, many of the vacations offered by Insight Vacations begin with Relaxed Starts – giving travelers time to sleep in a little, spend more time at breakfast, or explore an area on their own. The tour company prides itself on providing business class tours that features luxury coaches with 40 seats. While most coach touring operators provide vehicles with 53 seats, Insight Vacations has re-configured its motor coaches to hold up to 40 guests. This gives passengers extra leg room while traveling and offers them more space and privacy.
In Business Since 1978
Reviews
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2024
Unusual experiences great local guides who know the history of their country and are proud of their country My tour guide was the best. This was my fifth tour with insight and she is the only one who sent out a recap of our entire experience which is invaluable to catch up travel diary and organize pictures. It was packed with interesting, educational and fun activities. Each city was unique and beautiful and wished I had more free time to explores the hotels were great and good locations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/08/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, October 2024
I would happily travel with insight again. The hotels were of a very good standard with rooms and en-suites of a good size. The croissant in Poznan was dry and was not freshly made. While enjoying these cities with their cafe street culture, it is disappointing to be taken down a long set of stairs to a basement for a food related planned activity. Our tour director would frequently buy local treats to share with the group. Poland was a beautiful country to explore. It's major attractions were its magnificent cities with so much ambiance and charm. The old cities with their cobbled streets, the expansive town squares surrounded by colourful buildings, often offering a variety of styles as well as the street culture with cafe's, restaurants and bars. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and extremely capable of dealing with the large group of such varied personalities. The local tour guides were also professional, adding another dimension of culture and history to our trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/08/2024
Irena M. - Traveled, June 2024
Very, detailed, helpful & professional. Definitely booking insight tours again. Busy schedule but very informational. A real “taste of Poland “, keep your walking shoes close by. Were fabulous. Very professional and yet fun! Wonderful hotels! The breakfasts were delicious. Except Warsaw, the hotel was lovely but the location was far away from the town center. Looking to book another insight tour next year, no wonder we were with a group that booked insight numerous times and keep coming back. Definitely recommending insight to my family & friends.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/08/2024
Margaret F. - Traveled, August 2024
Tour leader looked after us well, hotels were great and bus driver was amazing, in awe of how he manoeuvred that bus. Did not like the one nighters. Get to a place in afternoon and gone early next morning.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/08/2024
John P. - Traveled, July 2024
The tour is very well planned, and the hotels and restaurants are of good quality. It was a fast paced tour of many of the historical sites of Poland. I liked that we also had some free time in the main cities we visited to sit in the old town square and enjoy the atmosphere and the culture of the city. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and competent. Be ready for a lot of walking. Below the photo shows one of the folk bands and dance groups that performed at one of the restaurants.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/08/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, October 2024
The variety of places was comprehensive with good yours included.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/08/2024
CARLOS J. - Traveled, October 2024
The service was very good. It was well planned and the guides were able to manage through some unplanned conditions due to weather and other transportation issues very smoothly. It is well designed and we were able to see quite a bit of the country.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/08/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, April 2025
Insight was very organized, our Tour Director was nothing but professional, organized and made our trip seamless. Our driver was very good at his job and I always felt safe while he was driving. (even in very tight spots!!!) I liked that during our travel throughout Poland, we were given so much history, seen so many different parts (from mountain regions to rivers and even the Baltic Sea) and seen such beautiful sights. It was so great to see that despite everything Poland got handed to them, they were able to rebuild and prosper.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/05/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, April 2025
Tour guide very organized. Full of history and culture of Poland.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/04/2025
Leah K. - Traveled, April 2025
Absolute 5 star 10/10. Professional, fun and organised. The team went above and beyond for all of us. Extremely well run, we seen seen we wouldn’t have known about if we had done it ourselves. Explored some beautiful spots and would do it again tomorrow!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/04/2025
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