A City Speaks of Poland’s Past.

Krakow has been a significant centre of Polish culture and political power for over a millenium .  It stands as a living witness to the  country’s tumultuous history. We aim  use the backdrop of the  city as an introduction to the country’s history from the promotion  of dynastic power in the eleventh century,  the growth of commerce in the later middle ages,  and the  development  of learning ,(it is the  home town of Copernicus ) through to the destruction of the Polish state in the eighteenth century,  its re-emergence in the twentieth and the impact of the  Nazi and   Communist dictatorships  to the new post Soviet era.

We will be based in the vibrant Jewish quarter by the river.There  will be a conducted tour of the Old Town, which contains one of the finest town squares in Europe, and one of its most prestigious universities.  We will visit the Castle, the centre of royal power, and spend time in the  Cathedral, the  burial place of Polish Kings, and the Royal apartments .There will be a tour of the Jewish quarter, and also the area of the  Nazi Jewish ghetto where there will be an opportunity to visit the museum of the Nazi occupation, now contained in Oscar Schindler’s former factory. Outside Krakow there will be trips to the  magical Wieliczka Salt Mines and Nowa Huta,  a planned suburb constructed after the war   to reflect socialist values.    There will be time available for people  to visit  Krakow’s excellent museums and thus a  chance  to admire one of Leonardo’s most famous  pictures: the Lady with the Ermine.  On the free day there will be an opportunity to visit Auschwitz but this is not included in the cost of the tour.

Cost for two people  sharing £526           Single Person supplement £146

If you wish join this tour please complete the booking form. You can view and print a booking form by clicking here.