Poland
A journey through Poland is one of powerful contrasts—where somber history meets age-old traditions. Reflect at Auschwitz-Birkenau, a moving memorial to the past, then descend into the remarkable underground world of the Wieliczka Salt Mines. Discover the cultural heart of Poland in Krakow and the resilient spirit of Warsaw. Gothic castles, baroque monasteries, and wooden mosques reflect the country’s religious diversity. And from the birthplace of vodka to a growing craft beer scene, Poland offers plenty of surprises.
Tours & Packages
- Destinations: Poland
- including closed packages
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Highlights
- Kraków
Step into Kraków, a city where every cobblestone has a story and the skyline is stitched with spires and centuries-old charm. Lose yourself in the historic Old Town, where time seems to pause amid bustling squares, hidden courtyards, and the echoes of horse-drawn carriages. Climb up to Wawel Castle and soak in the legends and royal intrigue that still linger within its stone walls. Wander into Kazimierz, the city’s soulful side, once the heart of Jewish life and now a creative pocket of indie galleries, cozy cafés, and quiet corners that invite you to linger. In Krakow, the past isn’t just preserved; it’s alive and well, humming through the streets.
- Warsaw
Warsaw is a city that doesn’t just remember its past; it has rebuilt itself from the ground up to honor it. Nearly leveled during World War II, the city rose again with great resilience, carefully reconstructing its Old Town using original architectural plans, paintings, and photographs. Today, that same spirit pulses through its streets, where sleek skyscrapers stand beside centuries-old churches. Walk through the somber remnants of the Warsaw Ghetto and witness the powerful memorials that mark a painful but pivotal chapter in the city’s story. And as Poland’s only city with a metro system, Warsaw moves forward with energy, offering a striking blend of innovation, remembrance, and reinvention at every turn.
- Auschwitz-Birkenau
A visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau is a profoundly moving and sobering experience. Located near the town of Oświęcim, this former Nazi concentration and extermination camp stands as a powerful reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust. Walking through the preserved barracks, gas chambers, and watchtowers, visitors are confronted with the scale of the atrocities committed here and the immense loss of life. Today, the site serves as a museum and memorial, dedicated to honoring the victims and educating future generations.
- Cuisine
Polish cuisine is hearty, comforting, and deeply rooted in tradition, with flavors that reflect the country’s agricultural heritage and multicultural influences. At the heart of it all is the beloved pierogi, Poland’s unofficial national dish. These hand-folded dumplings come stuffed with a variety of fillings, from savory potato and cheese to sauerkraut and mushroom, or sweet versions filled with fruit. Often boiled and then pan-fried for a golden finish, pierogi are a staple at family tables and festive gatherings alike. Whether served with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crispy onions, they offer a delicious glimpse into the soul of Polish cooking.
- Czestochowa
Czestochowa is one of Poland’s most important spiritual destinations, drawing millions of pilgrims each year to the revered Jasna Góra Monastery. At the heart of this sacred site is the icon of the Black Madonna, a revered image of the Virgin Mary believed by many to have miraculous powers. Housed within a richly adorned chapel, the Black Madonna has become a symbol of faith, resilience, and national pride for generations of Poles. Beyond its religious significance, the monastery is a treasure trove of history and art, with centuries-old artifacts, impressive fortifications, and a deep sense of reverence.
Step into Kraków, a city where every cobblestone has a story and the skyline is stitched with spires and centuries-old charm. Lose yourself in the historic Old Town, where time seems to pause amid bustling squares, hidden courtyards, and the echoes of horse-drawn carriages. Climb up to Wawel Castle and soak in the legends and royal intrigue that still linger within its stone walls. Wander into Kazimierz, the city’s soulful side, once the heart of Jewish life and now a creative pocket of indie galleries, cozy cafés, and quiet corners that invite you to linger. In Krakow, the past isn’t just preserved; it’s alive and well, humming through the streets.
Warsaw is a city that doesn’t just remember its past; it has rebuilt itself from the ground up to honor it. Nearly leveled during World War II, the city rose again with great resilience, carefully reconstructing its Old Town using original architectural plans, paintings, and photographs. Today, that same spirit pulses through its streets, where sleek skyscrapers stand beside centuries-old churches. Walk through the somber remnants of the Warsaw Ghetto and witness the powerful memorials that mark a painful but pivotal chapter in the city’s story. And as Poland’s only city with a metro system, Warsaw moves forward with energy, offering a striking blend of innovation, remembrance, and reinvention at every turn.
A visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau is a profoundly moving and sobering experience. Located near the town of Oświęcim, this former Nazi concentration and extermination camp stands as a powerful reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust. Walking through the preserved barracks, gas chambers, and watchtowers, visitors are confronted with the scale of the atrocities committed here and the immense loss of life. Today, the site serves as a museum and memorial, dedicated to honoring the victims and educating future generations.
Polish cuisine is hearty, comforting, and deeply rooted in tradition, with flavors that reflect the country’s agricultural heritage and multicultural influences. At the heart of it all is the beloved pierogi, Poland’s unofficial national dish. These hand-folded dumplings come stuffed with a variety of fillings, from savory potato and cheese to sauerkraut and mushroom, or sweet versions filled with fruit. Often boiled and then pan-fried for a golden finish, pierogi are a staple at family tables and festive gatherings alike. Whether served with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crispy onions, they offer a delicious glimpse into the soul of Polish cooking.
Czestochowa is one of Poland’s most important spiritual destinations, drawing millions of pilgrims each year to the revered Jasna Góra Monastery. At the heart of this sacred site is the icon of the Black Madonna, a revered image of the Virgin Mary believed by many to have miraculous powers. Housed within a richly adorned chapel, the Black Madonna has become a symbol of faith, resilience, and national pride for generations of Poles. Beyond its religious significance, the monastery is a treasure trove of history and art, with centuries-old artifacts, impressive fortifications, and a deep sense of reverence.Fast Facts
Already booked on one of our packages to Poland? See everything you need to know before you go.
| Overview | Capital: Warsaw |
| Entry requirements | Please see our Entry Requirements page. |
| Staying Healthy | There are no health requirements or precautions. |
| Weather | The best time to visit is May-September. Summer days can be hot, but take a sweater for evenings. Winters are wet, cold, dreary and not a great time to visit unless you're interested in skiing (December-April). In May and June, the fields are overrun by wildflowers: poppies, cornflowers and daisies. October is also a good time to go, because the weather is mild and there are no crowds. |
| Tipping | Tip 10% in cabs, restaurants and bars if the tip is not already included in the bill. Tip luggage handlers 5 Zl per bag. |
| Money & Credit Cards | Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card while traveling. |
| Shopping | In Poland, shop for local arts and crafts including dolls, peasant rugs, embroidery, lace, glass and crystal, wood carvings, amber (only if you know what to look for), chessboards, woven items, wooden plates, silver, wooden eggs, religious paraphernalia, native costumes, and antiques since 1945 (anything before cannot be exported). |
| Electricity & Power Adapters | 230 volts. Plugs C & E. You will need a voltage converter and plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances. We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit. Learn more about electrical standards around the world. |
| Cell Phones & Internet | Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Read up on using your cell phone abroad and the top 5 ways to get Internet abroad. |
| Did you know? |
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