Poland in 10 Nights

About the destination: The image of Warsaw as a grey concrete jungle, a wasteland of homes in the Soviet era, does not match up with the reality of the last 15 years of this vibrant city. This metropolis has much more to offer, loads of things to visit, an impressive cultural scene and a lively nightlife. Warsaw is looking ahead leaving its Soviet past where it belongs. At the end of World War II, 85% of the city was in ruins and the city had to undergo a major reconstruction. The successful reconstruction received recognition in 1980 when UNESCO declared the Old Town of Warsaw World Heritage Site. Located in the Mazowieckie province, in central-eastern Poland, the city is unevenly divided by the Vistula River. Most tourist attractions are on the left bank of the river, while on the right bank we have the up and coming posh district of Prague. The epicentre of Warsaw for visitors is the so-called Royal Route (Trakt Królewski), which runs north-south from the New and Old Towns, past the posh Nowy Swiat shops, palaces that survived the war and the royal gardens Lazienki Park, before arriving at the Wilanów Palace, to the south of the city centre. The city also has many green spaces with lush lakeside parks where rowing boats sail during the sunny summer days and where visitors can find plenty of al-fresco cafes. In the parks, free classical music concerts are also held, with big audiences, a scene that is far from the somber images of communist-era Warsaw. Today the city offers an amazing nightlife, young locals dress smartly to head to the cool bars and groovy clubs in the city. It is definitely a city that comes alive as soon as the sun goes down. Although some people claim that Krakow has the beauty, Warsaw has the culture, the energy and the action.

About the destination: Krakow is beautiful, a gem among European cities. People have been living and building here since the 9th century. The Old Town historical district in the heart of Krakow is actually the medieval city established in 1257. Krakow remains the undisputed architectural capital of Poland and home to one of Europe’s oldest universities. The many parks and the Planty, the green belt surrounding the city centre, make Krakow a wonderful city to visit. Krakow’s entire stare miasto, old town, is lovely, every street worth a leisurely stroll. At its centre is the Rynek Glowny, one of the most beautiful market squares in Europe. The Kosciol Mariacki in its northeast corner, is a richly decorated cathedral, with a 500-year-old carved altarpiece. Diagonally across the square stands the solitary town hall tower spared when the rest of the building was demolished in 1820. Sitting on the Wista River, is the Wawel Castle, the finest surviving piece of Renaissance architecture in Poland. The castle was the royal seat of Poland, and is the city's main tourist attraction. The grounds consist of the palace, a massive Cathedral and a large garden. The Royal Cathedral dominates the Wawel complex. It was the coronation site and burial place of almost all of Poland's monarchs. Built in the early 11th century in Romanesque style its tower offers a splendid view of Krakow. The beauty of its old architecture, the atmosphere of great culture, art and literature, the charm of its numerous cafes, bars and pubs, always full of locals and tourists, makes this city one of the world's best tourist destinations.

About the destination: Zakopane is a very popular winter resort and summer retreat town in the Tatra mountains. Zakopane is somewhat like a large village, with wooden folk cottages next to Art Nouveau houses that remain from the town's popularity at the end of the 19th century. There are plenty of museums in the town, the most significant and oldest being The Tatra Museum. There is also the Natural History Museum of Tatra National Park and biographical museums of famous Polish artists.

About the destination: Wroclaw, is situated in Northern Silesia on the river Odra and is the fourth largest city in Poland. It's a unique European metropolis that has absorbed Bohemian, Austrian and Prussian influences, resulting in a city that showcases many artistic styles. During World War II, 75% of the buildings were destroyed, but reconstruction began immediately after the war, with efforts made to maintain the original style of the buildings. The Rynek, or Central Square, is the architectural focal point of Wroclaw. The Rynek is home to not just one, but two, Town Halls - the New Town Hall and the much older original one. The New Town Hall dominates the western part of the square and houses the city council and Mayor of Wroclaw, but it's the older one that is of most interest. Known simply as 'The Town Hall', it's the city's most iconic landmark. The flamboyant architecture of its exterior is enough to satisfy most, but it's also possible to visit the Museum of City Art and its stunning Gothic interiors. On the north-west corner of Rynek is the 14th-century St Elizabeth’s church with its 83-metre tower. The two small houses on the corner, connected by a gate, are known as Hansel and Gretel. The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, built in the 13th century, is the largest church in the city. It has three different chapels, each with a different style: Baroque, Gothic and Viennese. There's an elevator to the top, from where visitors can enjoy great river and city views. This enjoyable city by the Odra offers good museums, historic buildings, concert halls, theatres, parks and over 120 canals, plus a picturesque central square and a memorable cluster of churches by the river.

About the destination: Lying on the Bay of Gdansk and the southern coast of the Baltic Sea, Gdansk is a beautiful port city with a long history. It is a large centre of economic life, science, culture, and a popular tourist destination. As a port city and a major partner in the Hanseatic League, Gdansk has always been in contact with foreign countries. Today, Gdansk is the capital of the Pomeranian province and an important administration centre. After WWII Gdansk was largely in ruins, but the buildings underwent extraordinary restorations, it seems impossible to tell which facades are original and which have been restored. Gdansk’s market square, Dlugi Targ, is the centre of town. The Dwor Artusa, just opposite the Neptune Fountain, served as headquarters of the Hanseatic League; its original 16th century facade looms over the square and it is today a branch of the Historical Museum of the City of Gdansk. Gdansk is home to the largest Gothic church in Poland: St Mary's Basilica. Dominant over Gdansk’s skyline since its completion in 1502, St. Mary's has since become one of the iconic landmarks for the city. Climb the steeple for a panorama of the city. A trip up the tower of the Town Hall includes a series of photographs of Gdansk after the war. Ul Mariacka, behind Mariacki Cathedral, is perhaps Gdansk most beautiful street, with exquisite Hanseatic architecture. If you want to take a break from the big city, and relax a little bit, head to the Brzezno Park. This small city park is located on the coast, near Nowy Port. And if it’s sunny head down Stogi Beach, the city’s best. Stogi beach is large, has quite clean and fine sand, lifeguards, and several food stands and bars. Charming historic old town streets, many museums, and its excellent access to the popular coastline of the Baltic make Gdansk an energetic destination crammed with many ways to have fun.