Group Tour Operator for Holidays to Gdansk, Poznan and Berlin
Gdansk, Berlin and Poznan – A Tale of European History
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Gdansk, Poland © Gdansk Tourism Organization
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Gdansk Shipyard © Gdansk Tourism Organization
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Royal Route, Gdansk © Gdansk Tourism Organization
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Neptune Fountain in Gdansk © Gdansk Tourism Organization
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Malbork Castle © Gdansk Tourism Organization
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Brandenburg Gate ©visitBerlin, Dagmar Schwelle, GNTB
Take your group on a winding tour through Berlin and Poznan to Gdansk. The Polish city of Gdansk has a fascinating history – passed from Prussia to Poland and occupied by both Nazis and Soviets, the echoes of its history reverberate through the charming city facades. Still emerging as an undiscovered Baltic Sea gem, Gdansk is often overlooked for the grandeur of Krakow or Warsaw, however, it is a city with so much to offer.
Your first stop is the wonderful capital city of Berlin. A city in need of no introduction. A city of life, culture, history and innovation, Berlin is always worthy of your time. Afterwards, head towards the Polish city of Poznan, a well-off city that will amaze you with its traditions dating back to the very beginning of Poland’s history. With a mix of modern and classic architecture and outstanding gastronomy. Poznan is the perfect destination for a quick stop off or a weekend break.
Read MoreBerlin
Writing about Berlin – like the city itself – is a contradiction. It is both dream and nightmare – unending inspiration to write on and never enough words to cover it. From the ashes of division and the clutches of evil, Berlin has risen from Reich to ruin to remarkable to be one of the world’s most uniquely impressive cities.
Berlin has a unique style – outfits that would raise eyebrows in evem the most avant-garde of cities pass by practically unnoticed on the city’s U-Bahn. This is echoed across the city’s past and present – events and landmarks that would put other cities on the map co-exist in Berlin as part of the furniture.
Perhaps what is most incredible about Berlin is not the political artistry of the East Side Gallery, the brutalist architecture of Alexanderplatz TV Tower or the stately charm of Charlottenburg Schloss but just how normal the city is in spite of its many reasons to boast. Grab yourself some Vietnamese food, a Döner or a Currywurst and lean into Berlin, a city where everyone is home.
Gdansk
The history of Gdansk ensures that it is no typical Polish city. Passed between the Slavic Poles and Teutonic Prussians for centuries, Gdansk (or Danzig if you’re Prussian) was given to Poland after Germany’s defeat in WW1 only for further occupations under the Nazis and Soviets to clutch the city.
Air raids during the WW2 levelled much of the city. However, the post-war rebuild sought not to replace each brick but to instead scrub the city of Germanic influence, replacing traditional German architecture with Flemish, Dutch, French and Italian styles. The result is a city of eclecticism.
The grand facades lining the 500-metres of the Royal Way tell of the city’s past grandeur while the European Solidarity Centre showcases the harsher realities of Poland’s fight for independence and subsequent shipyard strikes.
Malbork Castle & Elbag Canal
Set on the banks of the slow-moving River Nogat, Malbork Castle dates back to the Teutonic Knights of the 13th century, acting as their headquarters for around 150 years. As the centuries passed, Malbork has grown, adding extra sections split apart by moats and towers until its lands stretched across 20-hectares.
Between Gdańsk and Malbork lies the 19th Century Elblag Canal, an amazing feat of world-class hydro-technology. It is both a tourist attraction and a technical marvel. Elbląg Canal is 83.3 km in length, more than half of which is an artificial waterway.
Poznan
As mentioned, Poznan is known as a well-off city in Poland and this is clear to see when taking in the sights of the city. Mieszko I, Poland’s first prince took a shining to this city and built the biggest castle in the country standing proudly since the 10th Century. You will be sure to find some hidden gems all over Poznan, but be sure not to miss the bustling Old Town and see Market Square and the Town Hall.
As well as this, the people of Poznan are known for their sweet tooth and their sweetest symbol is the St. Martin’s Croissant, a white poppy-seed filling traditionally prepared in many patisseries across Poznan are a Protected Geographical Indication of the European Union and is only available from designated producers, making it a rare gem and a must try when visiting Poznan.
Be sure not to miss the delights of Western and Northern Poland on this fantastic trip.
Dates
Dates throughout 2025
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1-2
Depart UK
Head across the Channel, continue through Germany, stopping for an overnight before arriving in Berlin on Day 2.
Day 3
Berlin Sightseeing
Considered to be one of Central Europe’s most important and exciting, modern cities, Berlin has a fascinating past and a lot to offer to all visitors. Visit key attractions such as the Brandenburg Gate, Bundestag, TV Tower and Alexanderplatz. Discover some of Europe’s finest palaces and gardens as well as many famous museums and monuments.
Day 4
Poznan
Upon arrival in Poznan, enjoy a guided tour of the city, visiting the Old Town, Market Square and many more highlights. In the evening enjoy some free time to explore the city at leisure.
Day 5
Arrive in Gdansk and Walk the Royal Route
After breakfast, check out of your hotel in Poznan and travel to Gdansk. In the afternoon, get acquainted with this city by enjoying a walking tour of Gdansk to see the city’s highlights. Walk the Royal Route, which once served as the path for parades and ceremonies, to pass many of Gdansk’s treasures. Beginning at the Upland Gate fortification, pass through Gold Gate and amble past the Lion Court and Town Hall. Your base on the Baltic coast for the next three nights.
Day 6
Malbork Castle & Elbląg Canal
Today, visit Malbork Castle, a UNESCO heritage site which dominates the surrounding countryside. Situated on the banks of the River Nogat, this impressive gothic structure was built by Teutonic knights, who called it Marienburg. It consists of three castles separated by multiple moats and towers, with the oldest part dates to the late 13th century. Visit one of the castle’s restaurants for lunch at leisure.
Afterwards, perhaps continue onto Elbląg to see the Elbląg canal (approx 4 hrs boat trip, only available May-September). The 19th Century Elblag Canal is an amazing feat of world-class hydro-technology. It is both a tourist attraction and a technical marvel. Elbląg Canal is 83.3 km in length, more than half of which is an artificial waterway.
Day 6
Sopot & Gydania
Today, head to Sopot, a beach resort near Gdansk. Arriving in the chic resort Sopot, admire the sea views while strolling along the longest wooden pier in Europe. Enjoy the fresh Baltic air with a walk on the beach before finding a cosy place to enjoy some lunch. Afterwards, we continue on to Gydania, the harbour here is home to many famous ships open to public. This includes the destroyer ‘Błyskawica’, a national relic and the only remaining Polish ship that was built before WWII.
Day 7
Depart Poland and head to Hanover
The time has come to depart from Gdansk. Make your way back through Poland to Hanover in northern Germany. Here, check in to your hotel for 2 nights accommodation.
Day 8
Historic Hanover
Today explore charming Hanover, a largely underrated delightful town. Stroll through the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen or along the promenade of Maschsee Lake. In the Old Town Quarter, wander through narrow, medieval streets or the modern, pedestrian zone with its elegant arcades and shopping malls. There’s an option of taking a guided walking tour. Then continue to Marienburg Castle for a guided tour. This fortress-like castle was built as a birthday present from the King of Hannover to his wife, Queen Marie.
Day 9-10
Return to the UK
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and make your way back towards Calais, stopping for an overnight in Belgium or France before taking the short sea crossing to the UK on Day 11.
Greatdays can offer a selection of 3* and 4* hotels throughout
| Departure date | 10 days / 9 nights |
| 2025 dates | Price on request |
