POLAND – LITHUANIA

Day 1

Arrival to Krakow. Accommodation at the hotel.

Visit the old city of Krakow. The city’s classical buildings are filled with medieval customs, and there are many attractions worth visiting: the largest central square in Europe, the Renaissance architecture – the textile hall, the St. Mary’s Church, and the oldest Jagelon of Poland University, the cathedral, the palace museum.

Proceed to Wieliczka. It is one of the oldest salt mines in Europe and the crystallization of medieval labor and crafts. It is a salt mine that has been mined from the 13th century. There are many works of art, the altar and the statue of salt carving. Then drive back to Krakow.

Overnight in Krakow.

Day 2

Breakfast at the hotel. Trip to Auschwitz concentration camp.

The sombre highlight of the day is a visit to Oswiecim, better known by its German name of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the infamous network of concentration camps from World War II. It has since been turned into a museum by the Polish government and is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. After an introduction and historic film, the solemn visit includes a guided tour of the Auschwitz Concentration Camp Museum. Afterwards arrive in Krakow, former residence of the Polish kings for overnight. Tonight, perhaps join the optional festive dinner with a show of traditional Polish entertainment.

Overnight in Krakow.

Day 3

Breakfast at the hotel. Proceed to Warsaw. Accommodation at the hotel.

The tour of Warsaw includes both banks of the Vistula River. Visit Lazienki Park one of the jewels of the city, to view the Chopin Monument. Then travel along the Royal Route with its historic monuments and residences toward the Warsaw Ghetto. Stop at the inspiring Memorial that commemorates the Warsaw Ghetto uprising. Walk through the cobbled streets of the Old Town to Market Square. View the Cathedral of St. John and the Royal Castle. The balance of the day is at leisure or, joins the optional tour to Wilanow Palace. This former summer residence of the Polish kings was built at the end of the 17th century for King Jan Sobieski III and is situated just outside of Warsaw. The tour of the palace makes Polish history come alive.

Overnight in Warsaw.

Day 4

Breakfast at the hotel. Half-day leisure time  at Warsaw.

Proceed to Mikolajki.

Overnight in Mikolajki.

Day 5
Arrival to Vilnius. Accommodation. Panoramic tour of Vilnius.

You will start a tour at the Cathedral Square – the place full of myths and legends. Further you will visit Vilnius University  – the oldest university in the Eastern Europe – founded in 1579, the Town Hall of Vilnius, built in the end of 18th century, beautiful ensemble of Orthodox monastery, St. Theresa church and Gates of Dawn, with the holy image of the Virgin Mary. The city tour of Vilnius will be followed by St. Anne’s church, representing the peak of Gothic architecture in Lithuania and St. Peter and Paul’s church – the example of Lithuanian baroque.
Overnight in Vilnius.

Day 6
Breakfast at the hotel. Trip to Kaunas via Rumsiskes national museum.

Explore Lithuanian traditions at the open air museum. More then 174 hectares, more then 180 buildings and more then 80 000 items exposed.
After the excursion in an open air museum – Panoramic tour of Kaunas, visiting old town, with the remaining of the castle, cathedral, pedestrian avenue – Laisves – probably the most famous street in Lithuania. Visit to the museum of the most famous Lithuanian painter – M. K. Ciurlionis  and to Zilinskas Art gallery.
Overnight in Kaunas.

Day 7
Breakfast at the hotel.

Excursion to Trakai, the picturesque Trakai nationals park territory with pine forests and lakes, and the ancient Lithuanian capital – the residence of Grand Dukes of the country. Visit to the 15th century insular castle hosted the museum of Lithuanian history nowadays. Return back to Vilnius. Free time for your disposal.
Overnight in Vilnius.

Day 8

Transfer to the airport.
Departure.
End of the trip.