Upon arrival at Warsaw’s Chopin Airport, you will be warmly greeted by a representative from History Explorer and transported in comfort to the luxurious 5-star Hotel Bristol. Situated on the prestigious Royal Route, next to the Presidential Palace and only steps away from Warsaw’s charming Old Town, Royal Castle, National Theatre, and Opera, your accommodations offer the perfect blend of history and elegance.

After settling in, you’ll have time to relax after your journey or begin exploring Poland’s dynamic capital – a city uniquely rebuilt from the ashes of World War II, where the past beautifully intertwines with sophisticated style and modern energy.

In the evening, you are invited to a special welcome dinner at the hotel’s exquisite restaurant, giving you the wonderful opportunity to meet your fellow travelers and share your anticipation for the exciting days ahead.

Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast before setting out for an enchanting walk through the magnificent Royal Baths Park, the largest park in Warsaw and one of the most beautiful palaces and garden complexes in Europe. Admire the harmonious blend of stunning 18th-century classical architecture and lush historical gardens, a true oasis in the heart of the city.

Next, visit the deeply moving Warsaw Rising Museum, dedicated to the brave souls who fought and died for Poland’s freedom in 1944. Explore vivid exhibits and gain insights into the dramatic events that left Warsaw devastated during World War II.

Enjoy lunch at a highly recommended restaurant favored by Warsaw locals, where you’ll sample authentic and delightful Polish culinary specialties.

In the afternoon, journey to the historic Wilanów Palace, often called the “Polish Versailles,” which once served as the residence of Polish kings. Tour the splendid interiors of this grand palace, including royal chambers, opulent apartments, private dens and grand ballrooms. Wander through the elegant pathways of Wilanów Park, admiring the beautifully landscaped gardens and vibrant floral displays.

Conclude your fascinating first day of exploring Poland back at the hotel with a fine dinner featuring local dishes paired with carefully selected wines in a cozy and inviting restaurant. 

After breakfast, begin the day with a visit to the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, an extraordinary institution celebrating and preserving Poland’s rich Jewish heritage and history.

VIP EXPERIENCE

Next, experience an exceptional highlight specially arranged for our group – a private concert featuring the timeless compositions of Poland’s beloved composer Fryderyk Chopin, performed exclusively for you by a highly regarded Polish pianist at the Chopin Museum. This intimate performance, set within one of Warsaw’s historic buildings, promises to be a truly unforgettable moment.

Following lunch, continue your exploration with a leisurely stroll through Warsaw’s picturesque Old Town. Visit the iconic Royal Castle on Castle Square, a magnificent symbol of Polish heritage dating back to the 13th century. Walk along the historic Krakowskie Przedmieście Street, home to landmarks such as the Presidential Palace, the University of Warsaw, the Nicolaus Copernicus Monument and the Church of the Holy Cross, where Chopin’s heart rests. 

As evening arrives, wander through the Old Town Market Square, where another VIP experience awaits – a royal feast.

VIP EXPERIENCE SPECIAL GUEST

Step inside the iconic U Fukiera, Warsaw’s oldest and most prestigious restaurant, beloved by royalty, artists and world leaders for generations. On this unforgettable evening, Magda Gessler – Poland’s undisputed culinary queen, star of Polish MasterChef and national treasure – will personally welcome you to her legendary establishment, renowned by the prestigious Michelin Guide.

In this intimate and elegant setting, savor an exceptional dinner curated by Gessler herself, featuring dishes that masterfully blend centuries-old techniques with her celebrated creativity and flair. Immerse yourself in the luxurious atmosphere as you become part of an illustrious tradition – joining the distinguished patrons who have made U Fukiera synonymous with sophistication and prestige.

After this unforgettable dining experience, return to the hotel or enjoy the beautifully illuminated streets of Warsaw and perhaps browse for memorable souvenirs.

After breakfast and checking out of the hotel, depart Warsaw and journey to Poland’s stunning Baltic coast, arriving in the historic city of Gdańsk – renowned as the amber capital of the world and famed for its charming Hanseatic architecture. During medieval times, Gdańsk was one of the largest and most important ports on the Baltic Sea.

Upon arrival, you’ll check into the luxurious 5-star Hilton Hotel, acclaimed by the New York Times as one of Europe’s must-visit destinations. Perfectly situated on the picturesque Motława River, surrounded by yachts and historic landmarks, the Hilton Gdańsk is known as one of Europe’s premier hotels, ranked among the world’s best.

VIP EXPERIENCE

After settling into your luxury accommodations, prepare yourself for another unforgettable highlight: an exclusive private cruise on the picturesque Motława River aboard a stylish vessel. From this dramatic vantage point, admire the breathtaking beauty of Gdańsk, a city whose striking architecture and storied past unfold gracefully along the waterfront. On board, indulge in a sumptuous lunch crafted specially for the occasion, a culinary experience as memorable as the views themselves.

Your cruise journey culminates at the historic peninsula of Westerplatte – the evocative place where the very first shots of World War II were fired in 1939. From the boat, you will view this deeply symbolic site and reflect on the history of the event that changed the world forever.

Following the cruise and a short rest at the hotel, you begin your exploration of Gdańsk’s historic Old Town. Enjoy a guided walk along the Royal Route, starting from the Golden Gate through the historic Długa Street, past the Town Hall and onto the bustling Long Market featuring the Artus Court and Neptune Fountain. Continue to the remarkable St. Mary’s Basilica, Europe’s largest brick church, home to a replica of Hans Memling’s masterpiece, The Last Judgment. Explore St. Bridget’s Church, which is renowned for its magnificent Amber Altar and which provided sanctuary to striking shipyard workers during the historic protests of 1970 and 1980. It has also welcomed world leaders such as Margaret Thatcher, Ronald Reagan and François Mitterrand. Conclude the walk with a stroll down Mariacka Street, known as “Amber Alley” for its charming boutiques showcasing the Baltic’s prized gemstone.

End this memorable day with an exclusive dinner, savoring the city’s culinary excellence.

After breakfast, begin your day exploring the renowned Museum of the Second World War, an exceptional institution dedicated to presenting the profound global impact and personal stories from the most significant conflict of the 20th century.

Following lunch, you will drive to the historic Gdańsk Shipyard area, where in 1980 Lech Wałęsa’s Solidarity movement courageously challenged communist rule and helped change the course of history. While there, you will visit the European Solidarity Centre, where this extraordinary story is brought vividly to life.

VIP EXPERIENCE SPECIAL GUEST

At the European Solidarity Centre, an iconic museum dedicated to Poland’s triumphant journey toward freedom and democracy, you’ll have the extraordinary honor of meeting personally with the legendary Lech Wałęsa – Nobel Peace Prize winner, former President of Poland and courageous leader of the historic shipyard strikes that changed the world. Listen firsthand as President Wałęsa shares powerful insights and personal stories during a private lecture, engage directly with him in an intimate Q&A session and perhaps discover details he’s never revealed publicly before. During this unforgettable experience, you have the extraordinary opportunity to connect personally with President Walesa in a relaxed and sophisticated setting – an undisputed highlight of the journey you’ll cherish forever.

As evening falls, travel to Oliwa, an enchanting district gracefully nestled within lush, forested surroundings – a place once praised by the legendary explorer Alexander von Humboldt as one of the most beautiful sites in the world. At its heart lies the magnificent Oliwa Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece blending Baroque grandeur with Rococo elegance, whose history reaches back to the 13th century. Within its soaring walls stands one of the world’s most extraordinary pipe organs, containing nearly 8,000 pipes, celebrated globally for its breathtaking power and beauty.

VIP EXPERIENCE

Here, you will enjoy the rare privilege of a private organ concert, performed solely for your group. Let the majestic music wash over you, resonating within centuries-old walls, creating an experience that will surely remain among your most treasured memories of Poland.

After breakfast, set out on a scenic drive through the captivating landscapes of the Pomerania region toward Malbork Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest Gothic brick fortress in the world. Built in the late 13th century by the legendary knights of the Teutonic Order using millions of locally produced rich red bricks, this imposing medieval masterpiece radiates majesty, power and grandeur.

Enjoy a private, guided tour of the castle’s immense halls, royal chambers, elegant bedrooms and historic service rooms. Admire meticulously preserved armor, medieval ceramics, intricate furnishings, rare sculptures and distinctive military artifacts, each with its own fascinating story.

VIP EXPERIENCE

Yet your visit includes something even more extraordinary – an exclusive VIP invitation to step through locked doors and explore secret chambers and hidden passageways closed to the public. Walk through rooms not seen by ordinary visitors and uncover mysteries known only to historians and curators. You will feel the thrill of discovery that accompanies this special access, and we promise it will elevate your tour from enjoyable to unforgettable.

After this magical experience, delight in a lunch at the castle’s atmospheric restaurant, which serves dishes inspired by historic recipes.

In the afternoon, journey to Toruń, an enchanting medieval city founded by the Teutonic knights, renowned for its magnificent Gothic architecture and as the birthplace of the famed astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. Wander the beautifully preserved Old Town – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and discover landmarks such as Copernicus’ house, the majestic Town Hall, the Leaning Tower and the Gothic cathedral with its historic bell tower. A visit to Toruń would not be complete without tasting its world-famous gingerbread, crafted according to a cherished 16th-century recipe.

Conclude this memorable day with a delightful dinner in one of Toruń’s finest restaurants, savoring the culinary excellence of the city’s historic Old Town.

VIP EXPERIENCE SPECIAL GUEST

Begin your day with an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime invitation into the private world of Anne Applebaum, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, writer for The Atlantic and internationally acclaimed journalist and scholar. Anne welcomes you personally to her charming 19th-century manor house in picturesque Chobielin, where she resides with her husband, Radosław Sikorski, Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. As you explore the beautiful gardens, browse the impressive library and visit the very rooms where Applebaum wrote her award-winning books, you’ll sense the intellectual energy that has shaped influential discussions and decisions. Following this intimate exploration, Applebaum will share her insights in a private talk, discussing history, politics and contemporary world affairs. 

Afterward, journey through time at Biskupin, known as the Polish Pompeii, the oldest preserved archaeological site in Poland, dating back 2,700 years. Discover carefully reconstructed ancient dwellings and gain fascinating insights into early human civilization at one of Central Europe’s most significant archaeological sites.

The next stop on the itinerary is Gniezno, the historic first capital of Poland and the cradle of the Polish nation. Here, you’ll explore the magnificent cathedral renowned for its winged bronze doors and discover the city’s rich heritage and significance in shaping Polish history.

Continue your journey to Poznań, a vibrant city steeped in history and charm. In the evening, explore the bustling Old Market Square, the heart of this beautiful city for centuries, surrounded by elegant architecture and filled with inviting cafés and shops. After exploring its historic streets, step back in time as you visit Cathedral Island – the city’s oldest district, gracefully situated between the Warta and Cybina Rivers. This remarkable place, once the stronghold of Poland’s first rulers, holds profound significance in Polish heritage and offers you an intimate glimpse into the nation’s ancient past.

Another outstanding day concludes as you settle into luxurious accommodations and enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel's restaurant.

After breakfast, depart Poznań for Wrocław, stopping en route to visit the magnificent Church of Peace in Świdnica. This remarkable UNESCO World Heritage treasure, built in the mid-17th century, is the largest timber-framed religious building in Europe. Admire the ornate interiors of this masterpiece celebrated for its extraordinary architecture and profound historical legacy.

Continue today’s journey at Książ Castle, a majestic fortress gracefully perched above the lush hills. As Poland’s third-largest castle, built at the close of the 13th century, Książ exudes grandeur and intrigue, from its elegant baroque salons to its hidden chambers and secret tunnels – once used as the clandestine headquarters for Nazi leadership during World War II.

VIP EXPERIENCE

An extraordinary privilege awaits you here: a private meeting with a historian renowned for unmatched expertise on Książ Castle and the intriguing secrets of the surrounding region. Through an intimate, personal conversation, discover fascinating tales of the castle and its mysterious setting. Enjoy exclusive access to the castle’s oldest chambers, secret passageways and hidden rooms – typically locked and unseen by ordinary visitors – and feel the thrill of uncovering history’s long-held secrets firsthand.

Next, you visit the Palm House at Książ, an experience unlike any other. Encased in an elegant glass-and-metal structure, this elegant botanical garden has features sculpted from lava from Sicily’s Mount Etna, creating an atmosphere of refined luxury and timeless sophistication. Within this spectacular setting, you’ll wander among more than 250 rare and exotic plant species from around the world.

After your immersive exploration, continue to Wrocław, the enchanting capital of Lower Silesia, fondly called the “Venice of Poland” for its charming canals and bridges. Settle into your luxurious 5-star palace hotel, conveniently located near Wrocław’s captivating Old Town.

Your day in Wrocław, a captivating city famed for its 12 islands and 112 charming bridges, begins with admiring the breathtaking "Panorama Racławicka". This monumental painting vividly depicts the heroic victory of Polish troops, led by General Tadeusz Kościuszko, over Russian forces in the 18th-century Battle of Racławice. Created in the late 19th century by a team of nine distinguished artists, the painting is an astounding 15 meters high and 114 meters wide, weighing an impressive 3.5 tons, with 750 kilograms of paint used in its creation. Renowned guests from around the world, including Pope John Paul II, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, Chinese Premier Zhao Ziyang, King Albert II of Belgium and Nobel Laureate Czesław Miłosz, have visited to appreciate its majestic splendor.

Photo by Gorofil, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Following your viewing of this breathtaking artwork, embark on an exclusive luxury cruise along the picturesque canals of the Odra River, leading to the historic Ostrów Tumski – Wrocław’s oldest district, originally founded in the ninth century. From the comfort of your elegant boat, admire iconic landmarks including the stunning Wrocław Cathedral, the charming bridges and the prestigious University of Wrocław. Glide past the colorful Tumski Bridge, adorned with thousands of love locks, symbolizing countless romantic promises.

After cruising along the serene river, stroll through Wrocław’s enchanting Old Town, where Renaissance and Baroque buildings frame one of Europe’s largest and most beautiful market squares. Marvel at the impressive Old Town Hall, discover the vibrant flower market on Solny Square and keep an eye out for Wrocław’s famous dwarves – quirky bronze sculptures scattered throughout the city, each with a unique story to tell.

As evening approaches, you’ll be treated to dinner at the legendary Piwnica Świdnicka, one of Europe’s oldest restaurants, nestled inside the historic Old Town Hall.

Begin your day with a powerful journey into history as you depart from Wrocław after breakfast and travel to the town of Oświęcim, site of Auschwitz-Birkenau – the largest and most notorious Nazi concentration and extermination camp. This UNESCO World Heritage Site stands as a solemn memorial to the unimaginable suffering endured by over 1.5 million victims, primarily Jews, during the atrocities of the Holocaust. During your visit, you will enter the museum and grounds with an official guide and gain deeper insight into one of the darkest chapters in human history.

Following this emotional exploration and a thoughtful lunch break, continue your journey toward the enchanting city of Kraków. Arriving at your luxurious five-star palace hotel located in the historic heart of the city, you’ll have some time to rest and refresh before an evening filled with wonder.

As night falls, prepare yourself for an extraordinary VIP experience at the legendary Wieliczka Salt Mine. Established in the 13th century, Wieliczka is one of the world’s oldest continuously operating salt mines and one of the Seven Wonders of Poland. As one of the first 12 sites ever inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, this majestic underground labyrinth has fascinated visitors from every corner of the globe. It attracts over 1.2 million visitors each year, but with us you will experience it like no one else.

VIP EXPERIENCE

With History Explorer, you’ll be granted exclusive, after-hours access to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, where you have the rare privilege of exploring this underground marvel privately, away from the crowds, and fully immersing yourself in its breathtaking beauty.

Descend into a sparkling subterranean world and discover enchanting salt-carved chapels, historic sculptures and tranquil underground lakes. You’ll marvel at awe-inspiring salt formations, including a massive 15-ton sculpture, as large as three elephants stacked upon one another.

Your unforgettable visit culminates in an exquisite private dinner held within one of the mine’s most magnificent chambers, located an astonishing 125 meters beneath Earth’s surface. Here, surrounded by shimmering walls carved from pure salt crystals, in an atmosphere of refined elegance, you will enjoy a carefully curated feast, prepared using the mine’s famous salt to create a culinary experience like no other. Once an honor strictly reserved for royalty, world leaders and distinguished guests, this remarkable experience is now yours to treasure.

After such an extraordinary day, we will return to Kraków and your luxurious hotel, where you’ll have leisure time to relax and unwind.

Today you explore Kraków, a city that for centuries proudly served as Poland’s capital and the very heart of the nation’s political, cultural and scientific life. With its intellectual atmosphere and stunning beauty, Kraków is widely regarded as one of Eastern Europe’s greatest treasures, earning a rightful place on the first-ever UNESCO World Heritage List. Discover its majestic monuments, wander along picturesque cobbled streets, admire priceless historic townhouses and immerse yourself in architectural splendors – each echoing the grandeur and legacy of Poland’s legendary kings.

Your exploration begins at the iconic Wawel Royal Castle, one of Europe’s most remarkable medieval fortresses. Visit the breathtaking Wawel Cathedral, home to Poland’s royal coronations and housing the lavish tombs of kings, queens and national heroes. Marvel at the splendor of the intricately decorated Sigismund Chapel and see the monumental Sigismund Bell, an iconic treasure requiring 12 strong hands to ring. Venture into the mysterious underground crypts where Poland’s greatest leaders and cherished heroes rest in eternal peace. 

Next, delight in a vibrant cultural experience at the enchanting Polish folk show Polka, featuring lively traditional music, dynamic dances, colorful costumes and authentic performances that capture the heart and spirit of Polish heritage.

Following this memorable experience, stroll through Kraków’s historic Old Town, home to Europe’s largest medieval market square, alive with bustling cafes, talented street musicians, and exquisite artisan shops. Admire the magnificent 13th-century Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), the awe-inspiring St. Mary’s Basilica, and gaze at the soaring historic Town Hall Tower and appreciate the countless picturesque Renaissance and Baroque buildings that surround you.

Your stroll culminates in an exceptional dining experience at the legendary Wierzynek restaurant, one of the oldest restaurants in the world, founded in 1364. It was here that European kings and queens gathered over 650 years ago to celebrate a prestigious royal wedding. Savor an extraordinary lunch while surrounded by centuries of elegance and history.

Afterward, explore the trendy Kazimierz district, Kraków’s historic Jewish Quarter. Wander its atmospheric streets, discovering historic synagogues, quaint churches, cozy cafés and vibrant local eateries serving traditional Jewish and Polish culinary delights. Soak in the unique blend of culture, history and lively local atmosphere that has made Kazimierz famous across Europe.

Another splendid day ends back at your luxurious hotel, where a special farewell dinner awaits. Gather with your fellow travelers to toast your extraordinary tour of this fascinating country, reminisce over shared memories and celebrate the countless unforgettable experiences you’ve enjoyed throughout your remarkable adventure in Poland.

After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers and check out of your luxurious hotel. You’ll be comfortably transferred to Kraków Airport for your onward journey. For guests who prefer to depart from Warsaw, where the tour began, a convenient transfer by train can be arranged at no additional cost.

For those wishing to extend their unforgettable Polish adventure, an extraordinary optional 3-day add-on tour to the stunning Polish mountains is available.