Group Travel Tour Operator for holidays to Wrocław & Kraków, Poland
Kraków & Wrocław – Southern Poland’s Historic Cities
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Krakow ©Polish Tourist Organisation
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Krakow ©Polish Tourist Organisation
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Wieliczka salt mine, Krakow ©Poland Tourist Organisation, Fotopolska
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Auschwitz, Birkenau, Poland ©Poland Tourist Organisation, K Kobus
Head to Southern Poland to visit Wrocław & Kraków
Southern Poland has all the cultural attributes and entertainment offerings found in all popular destinations however, there are some real gems waiting to be discovered here. Wrocław (pronounced vrots-wahf), the capital of Lower Silesia and the historic city of Kraków have such appealing characters, many whom visit, often return! As the only major Polish city which survived being reduced to rubble during World War II, Kraków is bursting with history. Its beautiful old buildings remain and its museums host collections of priceless artefacts. Whereas,Wrocław itself is a priceless artefact. Set on the banks of the Odra River, the city is actually made up of 12 small islands thus featuring an abundance of bridges and pristine green areas. As well as this, the city’s close location to border meant historically, the city has been the gateway to western European and it is clear to see cultural influences of Bohemia, Austria and Prussia all over the city.
Read moreFascinating Wrocław
Your first stop on your Polish adventure is the city of Wrocław. A city whose history is closely intertwined with the European heavy-weights of history and the fate of the Habsburgs, Prussia and Germany in particular. The city’s uniqueness lies in its canals, local tributaries of the River Odra and more than a hundred bridges, which have earned it the name “the Polish Venice”. Whilst here, visit Ostrów Tumski Island – the oldest part of Wrocław. Legend has it that the island was one of the first fortified settlements in Poland. Across the river stands the Baroque University building whose Aula Leopolidina Auditorium is a masterpiece of decorative art. The Old Town is an essential part of any tour of Wrocław. The Old Market Square and its Gothic City Hall form a wonderful heart to the city, and the splendid facades of former burgher houses make the whole area an interesting architectural attraction and focal point of artistic life. The city’s special atmosphere makes it a very popular destination for city breaks and short stays en route to other interesting destinations, including Zakopane, Prague, Berlin and of course, Kraków.
Historic Kraków
The charming town of Kraków, complete with cobbled streets and horse-drawn carriages. Poland’s ancient capital is famous for its beautiful old town with spectacular architecture, rich in Gothic churches and Baroque palaces. The beautiful old buildings remain and its museums host collections of priceless artifacts. Follow in the footsteps of kings on the ‘Royal Route’ – the coronation path of Polish monarchs – from Florianska Gate to Wawel Castle. Then visit the castle complex which contains a wealth of vibrant treasures. Perhaps catch a glimpse of the crown jewels.
Auschwitz-Birkenau
A visit to historic Kraków isn’t complete without an excursion to Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and Memorial. Here you can explore one of modern history’s darkest periods. Learn about the realities of the lives and deaths of the people detained in this most notorious concentration camp. A truly sobering place to visit, nothing can prepare you for the plethora of emotions the old site evokes. As you meander through the rooms of the former death camp, you will witness evidence of one of the greatest crimes in human history. To pay a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau is to truly attempt to fathom the magnitude of the crimes perpetrated here. All tours here are led by an experienced and local guide, allowing you to thoroughly explore this deplorable part of European history.
Discover these southern beauties and See these fascinating historic cities like never before, as well as paying your respects to those we won’t forget. To incorporate Krakow into a longer coach tour with a visit to the Polish Capital, why not check out our Discover Poland tour.
Dates
Dates throughout 2025
Suggested itinerary by coach
Days 1-2
Depart the UK
Travel to Dover for the crossing to Calais, then onto the Cologne area for an overnight stop before continuing next day towards Dresden area for a second overnight stop. (599 miles)
Day 3
Arrive in Wrocław
Continue across the border into Poland, upon arrival enjoy a half day tour Wroclaw. – the main city of Lower Silesia in the south-west Poland. Due to its location Wrocław’s history is closely bound up with European history in general and the fate of the Habsburgs, Prussia and Germany in particular. The city’s uniqueness lies in its canals, local tributaries of the River Odra and more than a hundred bridges, which have earned it the name “the Polish Venice”. You will also visit Ostrów Tumski Island – the oldest part of Wrocław. Also, you will visit . One of the city’s distinctive gems is the Japanese Garden, which mimics the gardening arts of Japan down to the smallest detail. A walk along its charming paths amidst a variety of plant life and delightful cascades offers an excellent opportunity to wind down before the next day.
Day 4
Auschwitz – Birkenau
Full day excursion to learn more about the realities of the lives and deaths of the people who were detained here. The tour includes a visit to Auschwitz I and II.
Day 5
Krakow Sightseeing
In the morning we will take you on a sightseeing tour of the Old Town during which you will discover the beauty of magical Kraków. As you walk along the Royal Way you will observe how Polish culture was shaped over long centuries. You will marvel at the Market Square, the biggest of its kind in Europe, the Sukiennice Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s church, the Jagiellonian University and Wawel Hill. At noon exactly you will hear the Kraków Hejnał (bugle call) played by a fireman trumpeter, who can be seen in a gothic window in the highest tower of St. Mary’s Church.
In the afternoon, enjoy some leisure time or why not visit Schindler’s Factory,? Here you can visit the exhibition “Krakow Under Nazi Occupation 1939-1945. The exhibition is the story of Krakow and the fate of its Polish and Jewish citizens during World War II, but it is also about the German occupiers, who arrived here on 6 September 1939 and brutally interrupted the centuries-old history of a Polish-Jewish Krakow. Here, the grand history of WWII intersects with everyday life… private life – a tragedy that affected the entire world.
Day 6
Wieliczka Salt Mines
In the morning you will go to Wieliczka, Europe’s oldest salt mine still in operation today and recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. A three-mile-long guided tour of its chambers and corridors, richly decorated with sculptures and figures, is an unforgettable experience.
In the afternoon, enjoy some leisure time to explore Krakow. In the evening, perhaps enjoy a folklore dinner in a local restaurant for your final night in Poland.
Days 7-8
Travel to Germany
Trace your steps through Germany for an overnight stop in the Dresden area. The journey continues with a final overnight stop in the Cologne area.
Day 9
Return to the UK
Travel to Calais for the return ferry crossing to the UK and journey home.
We can provide a wide selection of 3 and 4 star hotels to suit your budget.
| 9 days / 8 nights | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 dates | Price on request | Price on request |
