Poland: From the Baltic to the Carpathians
Group Tour
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Overview
Extending from the Baltic Sea to the Carpathian Mountains, Poland once lay at the beating heart of medieval and Renaissance Europe. Its Golden Age saw it emerge as one of the continent’s most powerful states, before the horrors of the 20th century saw it engulfed by Nazi, and then Communist doctrine.
Today, Poland has emerged from those dark days to bask once more in the glory and grandeur of its historic past, providing us with a quite extraordinary journey through some of Central ...
Extending from the Baltic Sea to the Carpathian Mountains, Poland once lay at the beating heart of medieval and Renaissance Europe. Its Golden Age saw it emerge as one of the continent’s most powerful states, before the horrors of the 20th century saw it engulfed by Nazi, and then Communist doctrine.
Today, Poland has emerged from those dark days to bask once more in the glory and grandeur of its historic past, providing us with a quite extraordinary journey through some of Central Europe’s most pivotal and poignant landscapes. Filled with stunning UNESCO treasures, glorious natural beauty and a cultural narrative that perfectly combines the old with the new, it provides us with a remarkable destination for this unique group adventure.
We will have an opportunity to enjoy the splendours of its old Hanseatic past, as we travel to Gdansk and Warsaw. We’ll also enjoy some breathtaking walking amongst the peaks of the Eastern Carpathians, before we have an opportunity to reflect on the country’s darker history amongst the poignant reminders of Krakow’s war years. This will be a journey of unforgettable contrasts.
HIGHLIGHTS
At a glance
MEALS
TRANSPORT
GROUP SIZE
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
3 nights x Superior
ENTRANCE FEES
FITNESS RATING
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wherever possible we aim to use characterful accommodation that enhances the overall travel experience. This can obviously vary greatly across both countries and tours. On this particular trip we will be in hotels and a guesthouse. The number of rooms are limited at the guesthouse so depending on the make-up of the group it may be necessary for some rooms to share a bathroom. Please note that the accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is intended as a guide only and is always subject to availability.FITNESS RATING
LOW: You should be comfortable walking around towns and cultural sites. May include some optional walks (typically 1-2hrs).LOW/MODERATE: May be of a long duration and/or involve numerous border-crossings. May include easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-3hrs/day). You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle.
MODERATE: May include several easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-5hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle. Previous experience of similar trips helpful.
MODERATE/HIGH: May involve several days of moderate hiking (up to 3-6 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
HIGH: May involve several days of moderate/strenuous trekking (up to 4-7 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a very fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
Map & Itinerary
Individual departures may vary so please refer to the information in the tour specific links in the Dates and Prices section below
Day 1 Tour starts in Gdansk
Day 1 Tour starts in Gdansk
Lying along the Baltic coastline of northern Poland, the city of Gdansk provides the starting point for this fascinating adventure. An important trading port since the Middle Ages, it still retains much of the architectural grandeur and elegance that once defined its importance as a member of the medieval Hanseatic League. The suggested group flight arrives early evening.
Day 2 Gdansk: Maritime City
Day 2 Gdansk: Maritime City
After breakfast this morning we will take a tour of the historic heart of the city, in the company of a local guide. A major maritime hub that once lay at the crossroads of trade between northern and western Europe and the countries that lay to the east and south, Gdansk’s waterfront is filled with countless architectural gems and delightful old merchants' houses. We’ll take a stroll along the Royal Way and the ‘Long Waterfront’, before paying a visit to the famous setting of the Amber Museum to learn of its significant place in Polish history and culture.
Day 3 Gdansk - Malbork - Warsaw: Teutonic Castle & Train Journey
Day 3 Gdansk - Malbork - Warsaw: Teutonic Castle & Train Journey
Departing Gdansk this morning we head next towards the grand Teutonic Castle of Malbork, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is without doubt one of Poland’s finest fortresses. Built in the 13th century by German Teutonic Knights following the conquest of Old Prussia, the castle became the largest Gothic building in Europe and, even today, is considered the largest castle complex in the world by land area. After a chance to discover something of its medieval art and artefacts, we then take a train on to the city of Warsaw, Poland’s historic capital and largest city.
Day 4 Warsaw: Old & New City
Day 4 Warsaw: Old & New City
A morning tour of Warsaw’s Old Town affords us an opportunity to explore a city that was built from the ashes of the Second World War. A vibrant mix of the old and the new, the city has reinvented itself as the country’s centre for culture, science and business and its Old Town has been beautifully reconstructed to faithfully represent its historic origins. At its heart lies the Market Square, whose narrow, cobblestone streets fan out to encompass the medieval walls of the old city, as well as St John’s Cathedral and the Royal Castle. This afternoon has then been left free to enjoy some personal exploration.
Day 5 Warsaw - Zamosc: Renaissance Town
Day 5 Warsaw - Zamosc: Renaissance Town
Turning to the south east this morning our journey takes us next towards the Ukrainian border and the city of Zamosc, another of Poland’s remarkable UNESCO Heritage settings. Described as the perfect example of a late 16th century Renaissance town, Zamosc was designed by the architect, Bernando Morando and was modelled on the Italian theory of an ‘ideal city’. A striking blend of Italian and central European architectural traditions, Zamosc retains many of its original fortifications and characteristically distinctive buildings. We will discover the historic city centre on our tour today.
Day 6 Zamosc - Lancut - Ustrzyki Dolne: Aristocratic House
Day 6 Zamosc - Lancut - Ustrzyki Dolne: Aristocratic House
On a journey of architectural and historic treasures, today is the turn of Lancut Castle, one of Poland’s most beautiful aristocratic houses. Built in the French Neo-baroque style, its pavilions and farm buildings sit amidst enchanting parkland that is laid out in the early English landscape style. Filled with numerous works of art and home to an impressive collection of horse-drawn carriages, it was once considered one of the most luxurious residences anywhere in continental Europe. After our visit we then continue on to Ustrzyki Dolne, located in Poland’s south-eastern corner, where we spend the next two nights.
Day 7 Ustrzyki Dolne: Hiking in the Bieszczady Mountains
Day 7 Ustrzyki Dolne: Hiking in the Bieszczady Mountains
Crossing the extreme south-east corner of Poland, the Bieszczady Mountains form part of the outer edge of the Eastern Carpathians. Part of the Bieszczady National Park, these spectacular peaks provide the backdrop for a breath-taking hike that will take us up to the summit of Holica (761m) this morning. The hike will take some three hours in total and the start of the trail up leads us through forested pathways, to where an observation platform presents us with some wonderful panoramic views across the Carpathians.
Total distance 5km, 219m ascent, 219m descent. Approx 3hrs walking.
Day 8 Ustrzyki Dolne - Malopolska - Krakow: UNESCO Wooden Churches
Day 8 Ustrzyki Dolne - Malopolska - Krakow: UNESCO Wooden Churches
From Ustrzyki Dolne we turn west this morning, heading towards the city of Krakow and the final leg of our journey. The road takes us by way of some quite contrasting diversions today, as we stop to visit the unique Paraffin Oil & Gas Industry Museum at Bóbrka, as well as the captivating wooden churches of Malopolska (Southern Lesser Poland). Outstanding examples of medieval church-building traditions, these stunning UNESCO churches include the Parish of St Michael the Archangel in Binarowa and the Roman Catholic Church of All Saints in Blizne. Day’s end then sees us in Krakow, where we spend the next two nights.
Day 9 Krakow: Old City & Pierogi
Day 9 Krakow: Old City & Pierogi
Escaping much of the damage inflicted on other parts of Poland during World War II, Krakow’s charming medieval heritage survived much of the war intact. Boasting the largest Market Square in Europe, the city’s historic centre is home to a stunning array of architectural gems including the Cloth Hall, St Mary’s Church and the Jagiellonian University. Our tour of the city today will also include a visit to the famous setting of Schindler’s Factory Museum, before we later immerse ourselves in a pierogi cookery workshop, where we will learn to make Poland’s famous dumplings.
Day 10 Morning Visit to Auschwitz - Return to Krakow Where Tour Ends
Day 10 Morning Visit to Auschwitz - Return to Krakow Where Tour Ends
This morning provides an opportunity to pay a visit to the nearby setting of Auschwitz-Birkenau, a site synonymous with the horrors of the Holocaust and the brutality of the Nazi regime. A powerful memorial, its barracks, gas chambers and exhibits provide us with a poignant and unforgettable reminder of a dark chapter in human history, along with the chance to reflect on the hope for future generations. We then return to Krakow for some free time and the end of the tour. The suggested group flight departs in the evening.
ACCOMMODATION USED ON THIS TOUR
Sadova Hotel, Gdansk
In the heart of Gdansk, the Sadova is in an ideal location from which to explore the historic city. The rooms are bright and modern with colourful decor and are well equipped with modern amenities, some also have views out over the city. The restaurant serves meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients and the cider bar offers a wide range of ciders and is accompanied by its very own menu. Guests can also make use of the lobby bar for an afternoon coffee or evening cocktail and there is an indoor swimming pool and spa.
Polonia Palace Hotel, Warsaw
Since opening its doors in 1913, the Polonia Palace has been one of Warsaw's most iconic landmarks, now offering historic charm paired with modern luxury. Situated in the heart of the city, this grand four-star hotel is perfectly located for exploring the sights of Poland's capital. The hotel’s spacious rooms and suites are tastefully decorated in a blend of classic and contemporary styles, with many offering sweeping views of the city’s skyline. Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a fully equipped fitness centre, spa, and high-speed Wi-Fi. Polonia Palace’s renowned Strauss Restaurant serves a delightful mix of Polish and European cuisine, while the Lobby Bar is the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail or afternoon tea in an elegant setting.
Senator Hotel, Zamosc
Housed in a beautifully restored 16th-century townhouse, just steps away from the vibrant Market Square, with its colorful merchant houses and stunning Town Hall, the Senator Hotel offers guests a comfortable stay in a period building. Each room at Senator Hotel is uniquely designed, blending classic decor with contemporary touches to provide a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. The hotel offers a range of amenities, including complimentary Wi-Fi, a cozy bar, and an on-site restaurant that serves both traditional Polish cuisine and international dishes, ensuring a delightful culinary experience.
Mietowy Aniol, Ustrzyki Dolne
This wooden guesthouse set in a village in the mountains is run by a welcoming family and features cosy rooms with views of the forest and hills. Most of the rooms have an en suite bathroom and double beds, however some rooms do have a bathroom shared between two. The friendly owners offer an array of local cuisine with freshly baked bread and pastries, homemade honey and local products and liquers. Guests can also try out the wood fired sauna and Russian banya in huts set in the gardens as well as opting for a massage or joining a yoga session. Whilst a little rustic, the guesthouse offers visitors a delightful glimpse in to rural Polish life and the hospitality of the region.
Hotel Rubinstein, Krakow
Set in the Jewish Quarter of Krakow Hotel Rubinstein occupies a 15th century townhouse which has been restored to retain period charm and features. The hotel’s rooms and suites are thoughtfully designed, combining modern comforts with historic details, such as exposed brick walls and antique wooden beams, creating an atmosphere of refined elegance. Many rooms offer views of the lively Szeroka Street or the city’s rooftops, while all provide luxurious amenities, including complimentary Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and plush bedding. Guests can indulge in delicious Polish and international cuisine at the hotel’s stylish restaurant, or enjoy panoramic views of Krakow from the rooftop terrace.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation displayed here should be taken as a guide only. *Please refer to the Detailed Itinerary of your individual departure for more information.
PRIVATE HOLIDAYS: DATES DON’T FIT?
All group tours can be taken on a private basis.
Additional Details
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Reducing Single Use Plastic
We recognise the environmental issues and challenges around single-use plastic in many countries we visit and are actively working with our partners on the ground to reduce plastic waste on our tours and within the hotels and restaurants we visit. You can help to reduce your personal plastic waste by taking a refillable, filtered water bottle with you on your trip. Filtered water bottles can be refilled from water sources including your hotel room and restaurant taps, drinking fountains and refill stations. Every time you refill your bottle without the use of single-use plastic, you will be helping to reduce waste and protect the environment. Filtered Water Bottles | Wild Frontiers (wildfrontierstravel.com)
Getting There
For this trip our suggested flights from the UK (subject to change) are shown below. Unfortunately we are unable to book these flights on your behalf as Ryanair is an online, low cost, airline so you will need to book these yourself. However, we can arrange any transfers or supplementary accommodation that you may require. Please note that before making your own flight arrangements, we recommend that you first check with us to see if the trip is guaranteed. We then suggest that you purchase flights that are flexible and ideally refundable as due to the nature of adventure travel, itineraries and destination accessibility can change at any time. For more information, please refer to our booking conditions.
| Flight Code | Departing | Arriving |
|---|---|---|
| FR 533 | London Stansted (STN) 15:15 | Gdansk Lech Wałesa Airport (GDN) 18:20 |
| FR 2433 | Balice Airport (KRK) 21:25 | London Stansted (STN) 22:50 |
Visas & Vaccinations
VISAS
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact a reputable visa agency. More details can be found here - https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/visa
For this tour UK passport holders do not require a visa for Poland.
Passports must have been issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country and be valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave. Check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Please visit the FCDO website for more information.
From November 2024, the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) will apply for all non-EU nationals - including British nationals - travelling in or out of the Schengen area. As Poland is part of the Schengen area, you may experience longer queues at border control when the system starts. Read more information on the EU Entry/Exit System.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
VACCINATIONS & ADDITIONAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for travellers to Poland.
For all destinations, please make sure you are up-to-date with any standard vaccinations (e.g. MMR, Hepatitis A, Tetanus) as recommended by your local health care provider.
For the most up-to-date information on all vaccination requirements and the most suitable anti-malarial tablets, we strongly suggest that you seek advice from your local travel centre or consult an official travel health website such as www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
Covid Testing: No mandatory testing is currently required for vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers.
If necessary further details will be sent out to you upon booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas & vaccinations are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Extensions
If you have more time available, why not arrive early to adjust to a new time zone or just to get a feel for the country before your tour starts? Alternatively, you might choose to allow a few extra days after the tour to relax or to undertake some further exploration.
The choice is completely yours and we can usually arrange anything from simply additional accommodation and transfers to full tailor-made itineraries*. Please contact the office for more details and to discuss your requirements.
*Please note bespoke, tailor-made itineraries need to be a minimum of 7 days and we can only offer them in countries where we have a tailor-made expert
Governmental Travel Advice
Many governments issue advice which highlights potential hazards their citizens might experience when travelling abroad. We strongly suggest you refer to your country’s particular advisory site before booking and contact us if you have any queries or concerns. Click to follow links to the advice of the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or the US State Department.
Non-UK citizens should consult the travel advice of their respective governments.
Key Information
CLIMATE
Poland has a temperate climate with distinct seasons, featuring warm summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures range from 20° to 25°, while winters can drop below freezing, especially in the mountains, where snow is common. Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant, although rainfall is frequent, particularly in the autumn months.
IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?
It may sound obvious but Wild Frontiers tours are not always for everyone and it is important to us that the tour you choose is the most suitable. All our tours have a fitness rating as a guideline but you should check the day-by-day itinerary carefully. In certain instances we may ask you to complete a travel questionnaire before confirming your booking in order to ensure your suitability. Should you have any concerns about your ability to partake in any aspect of the tour then please contact the office.
KEY ASPECTS TO CONSIDER
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, however, please note there will be walking tours in the cities and we have included a 3 hour hike which includes some uphill sections in the mountains. There are two nights in more simple, characterful accommodation and some rooms do have shared bathrooms. Polish food is hearty and there is a strong emphasis on meat so whilst vegetarians can be catered for it may not have much variety.
RECCE TOURS
As we all know, the world is a constantly changing place - destinations & routes that were once cutting-edge now regularly find themselves appearing in mainstream brochures. Coming up with truly original tour ideas is a constant challenge but at Wild Frontiers we are committed to offering you a real alternative to the mainstream and each year we run a handful of new and original adventures. These are our so-called Recce Tours and since the very beginning have proven incredibly popular with those of you who like to act as our “guinea pigs” and join us on these tours. Fantastic fun and highly rewarding, Recce Tours will assuredly not go 100% to plan and it is not uncommon for clients to take an active role in tweaking the itineraries along the way. More challenging than our normal tours, these will often require a greater degree of flexibility...they will not be for everyone.
THE NATURE OF ADVENTURE TRAVEL
We feel that it’s worth pointing out that while we will always strive to stick as close to the stated itinerary as possible, it may be necessary from time to time to make changes to our itineraries or services (due to weather, political and religious influences etc.) and this can happen with little or no notice. This unpredictability can be one of the most exciting aspects of adventure travel and for many of our clients often leads to unexpected highlights as the tour-leader necessarily adapts the tour to the changing conditions. However we are aware that this lack of assuredness may not suit everyone. As such, with the greatest respect, if you are someone who needs to know that everything will happen exactly as planned, we would kindly suggest that perhaps our tours are not for you. Adventure travel can be infectious and once you’ve caught the bug, it is likely to never leave you, but especially if this is your first such tour we would strongly urge you to give us a call if you have any concerns whatsoever about your suitability for this trip.
TRAVELLING SOLO AND SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip. On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour, however rooms are limited in the mountains and depending on the make-up of the group it may be necessary for some solo travellers to share on these two nights. If this is the case on your departure you will receive a partial pro-rata refund of the single supplement.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
INSURANCE
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
General Information
TOUR PRICE
All our tours are priced on a land-only basis, giving you maximum flexibility when deciding how to get to and from your tour.
DEPOSIT
A 10% deposit is required to confirm your booking.
PROTECTION FOR YOUR MONEY
For further details please see our travelling with peace of mind page
WILD MILES
This tour will earn you 2050 Wild Miles
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
WILD FRONTIERS COMMUNITY
If you’re still not sure if this trip is right or just want to see get some different perspectives, then why not have a look at the wide variety of resources we have on our website? Browse our community section to read our blogs, watch videos and find out about our events.
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
We are frequently asked what makes Wild Frontiers different from other tour operators. Visit our Why Wild Frontiers page to find out.