Known as the ‘Paris of the East’, Warsaw is one of Europe’s most dynamic metropolitan cities. The city serves as the capital and largest city of Poland. It rose like a phoenix from the ashes after World War Two, which destroyed 85 percent of its buildings. Today, it features a wide array of interesting architectural styles from Soviet-era blocks and modern skyscrapers to restored Gothic churches and Neoclassical palaces. Warsaw boasts a charming Old Town complete with cobblestoned streets fringed by pastel coloured buildings and open-air cafes. Visitors can look forward to a wide variety of activities and attractions including: strolling through the Old Town’s market square to view the Monument of the Warsaw Mermaid, visiting the medieval Barbican, one of the few original remaining relics and exploring the impressive Baroque Krasinski Palace.
Resting on the banks of the Vistula River, near the border of the Czech Republic, Krakow is the second-largest city in Poland. Affectionately known as the 'Magical City', Krakow is best known for its impressive array of architectural styles exhibited in the Jewish quarter and the well-preserved medieval heart of the city. Krakow, which served as the former royal capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts a harmonious blend of past and present. It is popular with tourists seeking old-world fairytale charm. Visitors can enjoy a wonderful day exploring the Rynek Glowny, the market square in the old town filled with countless restaurants, cafes and bars and home to the ancient St. Mary's Basilica, a 14th-century Gothic church; and Cloth Hall, a Renaissance-era trading outpost. Don't miss Wawel Castle, the crown jewel of Krakow's architectural treasures.
Resting on the banks of the spectacular Oder River, Wroclaw is the largest city in western Poland and the fourth largest in the entire country. Elegant houses line the streets of this picturesque city, which served as the historic capital of the medieval Silesia and Lower Silesia territories. This thriving multicultural centre serves as the commercial and cultural hub of the region. Wroclaw hosts a variety of popular musical and theatrical events each year. Visitors can explore the pedestrianised market square fringed by the Gothic-style Old Town Hall, which houses the Museum of Wroclaw. Admire the large domed Centennial Hall declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique Expressionist architecture. Explore the twelve islands that dot the river, including Cathedral Island, known for its Gothic architecture.
Located on the banks of the magnificent Vistula River in northwestern Poland, the medieval city of Torun is one of the oldest in the country. It represents one of the only examples of authentic Gothic architecture in Poland as it escaped the destructive bombings of the war. This hidden gem is off the beaten track and retains its original Polish charm. Visitors can look forward to exploring a wide selection of historic attractions including, among others: Torun's medieval Old Town, declared a UNESCO World Heritage List, it was the birthplace of the world-renowned astronomer, Nicolaus Copernicus. Don't miss the opportunity to sample its locally made range of gingerbread.
Set along the beautiful Baltic Coast, the dynamic harbourside town of Gdansk is known as one of Poland's most picturesque cities as it beautifully blends rich history and charismatic modernity. The storybook Old Town was destroyed during World War One and has been rebuilt and restored to its former glory featuring red-brick churches, elegant buildings, quaint cafes and fascinating museums. This vibrant port city is also considered the centre of the world's amber trade, as numerous amber shops line its cobblestoned streets. Visitors can look forward to sipping on a cold beer at a dockside beer garden, enjoying a variety of leisurely boat cruises, and learning about the area's rich maritime history at several historic sites.
As previously described
