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5 nights from

£1345

Krakow Preserved

An intriguing, astonishing, affecting introduction to Kraków and its surrounds, this short break spans its historical and cultural spectrum, from an ancient salt mine to a royal palace, medieval old town, spiritual sanctuary, Schindler’s factory, and Auschwitz Museum

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Across the centuries, Kraków has led the country in artistic and academic culture. For five hundred years it was the royal capital of Poland; but in 1609, when the city lost that status, its reduced importance led to a loss of investment, restricting later development. It may have seemed like the worst of times, but this fate was to be the saving of the city, for it allowed its ancient centre to remain unspoilt and, centuries later, to be spared from the ravages of World War II. Now the nation’s ‘second city’, Kraków is still the jewel in Poland’s crown. Dozens of parks complement thousands of historic buildings. The basilica’s hourly trumpet call sounds in the huge Rynek Glówny square; and the picture-perfect old town, the first on UNESCO’s list, is a vibrant hub of bars and eateries. This tour takes you to iconic landmarks, from the city streets to the superb salt structures in the Wieliczka Mine; and to two sites, not far from Kraków, which could not be more different from each other. One is a peaceful place of pilgrimage, its monastery and churches beloved by Pope (now Saint) John Paul II, formerly archbishop of Kraków. The other is the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp.

Overview

  • Krakow  - 4 nights

Overview - 2025

  • Krakow  - 5 nights
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Tour Highlights

  • Cultural Short Break
  • Jules Verne Sightseeing
  • 4 UNESCO Heritage Sites
  • Local Expert Guide

An intriguing, astonishing, affecting introduction to Kraków and its surrounds, this short break spans its historical and cultural spectrum, from an ancient salt mine to a royal palace, medieval old town, spiritual sanctuary, Schindler’s factory, and Auschwitz Museum

Notes:

This is a full itinerary with most visits on foot including 800 sloping steps as you descend at the salt mine.

Accommodation

Vienna House by Wyndham Andel’s Cracow - Krakow

A contemporary 4-star hotel in the heart of Krakow, close to the railway station and ten minute’s walk from Market Square. Restaurant, bar, gym, sauna and WiFi (free). 159 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.

Extension Options

Warsaw Restored Extension

Add a stay in Warsaw, Poland’s capital since the 16th century. Largely destroyed during the Second World War but thanks to the boundless determination of its people the city was restored to its former glory. Breakfast daily. Flights are from Heathrow only with British Airways. 

Polonia Palace Hotel - Warsaw

The 4-star Polonia Palace Hotel is a historic hotel opened in 1913 in the heart of Warsaw on Jerusalem Avenue. Restaurant, piano bar, gym and WiFi (free). 206 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.

Extra Nights

Stay in Krakow before you start your tour or before flying back to the UK

Extra nights are on request, please call to discuss your requirements

Hotel Wyspianski (per night) £58
Single supplement £55

Vienna House by Andel’s (per night) £87 (2025 £95, Aug £78)
Single supplement £75 (2025 £82, Aug £67)

Hotel Wyspianski - Krakow

A central, friendly 3-star hotel five minutes’ walk from Market Square. Bar, restaurant and WiFi (free). 231 rooms with hairdryer and satellite TV.

Vienna House by Wyndham Andel’s Cracow - Krakow

A contemporary 4-star hotel in the heart of Krakow, close to the railway station and ten minute’s walk from Market Square. Restaurant, bar, gym, sauna and WiFi (free). 159 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.

Optional Excursions

From £120pp

Salt Mine Excursion

Join an optional late afternoon excursion to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine - 1,000-feet deep, and 1,000 years old. No longer a working mine, it is now a subterranean city of salt, and UNESCO World Heritage site, where a labyrinth of stairways and miles of tunnels link 3,000 chambers and chapels; several salt-laden lakes; shops, restaurants, and the Miners’ Tavern; astonishing salt statues of saints, soldiers, and workers; and the Salt Cathedral, where huge chandeliers highlight wall carvings and timber rafters, and weddings and concerts complement regular Sunday services.

From £160pp

Optional tour to Zakopane

Drive to Zakopane, known for the size and the beauty of its wooden villas, dating from the late 19th and early 20th century. The tour includes a visit to Oscypek Museum, where you will learn the secret of making the legendary sheep cheese. All stages of the production will be presented, and the final product will be tasted with a shot of Highlander Lemon Liquer. The full day tour includes lunch at a traditional inn.

Dates & Prices

per person in a twin/double room
Hotel Wyspianski (2025 - Vienna House by Andel’s)

Mon 09 Jun 2025
From London Heathrow
Mon 15 Sep 2025
From London Heathrow
Mon 06 Oct 2025
From London Heathrow
Price Includes:

Air travel and taxes, transfers, 4 nights’ accommodation (5 nights in 2025), breakfast daily, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.

Not Included:

Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.

Supplements per person

Single Supplement
  • Single Supplement
  • £405
Flight Options
  • British Airways from Heathrow (Included for 2025)
  • On request, please call
  • British Airways Club Europe
  • On request, please call
  • easyJet from Bristol
  • On request, please call
  • Ryanair from Manchester
  • On request, please call
Optional Excursions
  • Salt Mine Excursion (2025)
  • £120
  • Optional tour to Zakopane (2025)
  • £160
Tour Only
  • Save
  • up to £150
  • Arrival or departure transfer
  • £85 (2025 £95)
Extension Options
  • Warsaw Restored Extension - 2025 (3 nights)
  • 2025: May, Jun, Sep, Oct
  • £625
  • 2025: Aug 15
  • £595
  • Single Supplement
  • 2025: May, Jun, Sep, Oct
  • £205
  • 2025: Aug 15
  • £155

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