A Polish Experience in Krakow, Poland

Poland’s former capital and oldest university town lies in a valley beside the Vistula River, and is a treasure house of national culture. Its elegant Old Town centre has been placed on the UNESCO list of World Historic Sites. Krakow, in contrast to Warsaw, is a human-scale, medieval town at the hub of which is a market square that bustles with music, cafes, restaurants, market stalls and students. St Mary’s Cathedral, located in one corner of the square, has ceiling decorations that stun even the most jaded of cathedral visitors.

The irony of gorgeous Krakow is its proximity to Auschwitz-Birkenau. The 2 camps are just 50 km’s away, in the countryside. A visit is essential but a return to Krakow in the evening is a necessary balm to the harsh reality of the camps. Krakow was the headquarters for the Gestapo and it was therefore not destroyed in WWII. For accommodation, it is best to select hotels that are slightly removed from, but still within easy walking distance of the main square – it tends to be a source of youthful exuberance into the small hours of the morning. From Krakow, Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains on the border with the CzechRepublic are less than 2 hours away. Zakopane is one of Poland’s premier ski and spa towns and it boasts hotels, former palaces that stand amongst beech trees, perfect for relaxation. From Krakow to Warsaw takes just a few comfortable hours by train.

Krakow to Krakow 5 Nights Package includes a Jewish Heritage Tour. For more information and other touring programs in Poland contact John Chekian on 1800 047 07 or email jchekian@conciergetraveller.com.au