Sights and Soul Travels - The Soul of Poland

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The Soul of Poland - Overview

DATES & COST

May 15 - 25, 2021
11 Days / 10 Nights
Tour starts in Warsaw and ends in Krakow

$4,360 per person/double occupancy
$1,340 optional single supplement
$320 additional nights, single or double room (includes airport transfer)
Includes all fees and taxes

TOUR DIRECTOR

Marta Jochym

TOUR MAP

Click on the image to enlarge the map

This tour may be combined with:
the optional Auschwitz Holocaust Memorial Tour (post-tour extension) (May 25 - 26, 2021)

People are mesmerized with Poland because of its unique blend of "fairytale come alive" scenery, warm and passionate locals and the ever-present sense of history. The Soul of Poland tour offers a rich insight into European history: the Teutonic Knights, the Golden Age of the Renaissance, the Art Nouveau movement, and the bleak years of communism, but this journey will also delight you with the natural beauty of its mountains and the picture-perfect countryside.

The quintessentially Polish city of Warsaw, rising like a phoenix from the ashes, rebuilt itself from the rubble of World War II to become a modern and sophisticated metropolis, gleaming with the cutting edge architecture and stylish design, elegantly dressed locals, rich cultural scene, art galleries, gourmet restaurants and sidewalk cafes everywhere. The past has not been kind to Warsaw, so the city is focused on the future. Yet Warsaw is full of history: since it became the capital of Poland in 1596, it suffered wave after wave of foreign invasions. The tragic remains of the past are still scattered among the new, dynamic architecture of the city and among its miraculously saved palaces and parks. With this blend of old and new, both in spirit and in appearance, the city is respecting the tradition, but it's optimistically racing towards the future.

During our time in Warsaw, we’ll gain an insight into the city of complex, tragic and inspiring history, the city of Frederic Chopin and Marie Curie, the city which forged the enduring spirit of the Polish people. We’ll see the meticulously restored Old Town with the Royal Castle and the Lazienki Park enveloped in the music of Chopin. We'll tour the 1944 Rising Museum and visit the Jewish History Museum and other Jewish sites of the city, then spend the day touring the exquisite Wilanow Palace and Gardens, and finish with the controversial Palace of Science and Culture.

The ancient city of Krakow is Poland’s most visited city, with a vibrant art scene in a historic setting. The city is considered a gem of medieval and Renaissance architecture and a European cultural capital. It's a magical place where legends mix with reality and stories from the old times still find relevance in contemporary life. Established by Prince Boleslaw V in 1257, the well preserved original grid of streets with Europe's largest central square seems to be the last stage in the perfection of city-planning in the Middle Ages. In its long history, Krakow has seen many ups and downs. The proud capital of a mighty kingdom for centuries, it was turned into a sleepy borderland town of the Austrian Empire in the 19th century. Then, at the turn of the century, it became a vital center of Polish national awakening and the cradle of Poland's rebirth, only to be oppressed again under the Nazis, and then under the Communist regimes. Today, Krakow has been restored back to its well deserved status as one of Europe's great cities.

During our time in Krakow, we’ll experience European history and world-class art on a personal level. We'll take in-depth private tours of the medieval Old Town, visit the incomparable Wawel Royal Castle, the Collegium Maius of the Jagiellonian University, and the poignant Jewish Kazimierz, attend a Klezmer music concert, wander along the city's quaint medieval lanes and in the underground labyrinths of the ancient Wieliczka Salt Mine. We'll tour the communist utopia neighborhood of Nowa Huta, visit art galleries, museums and poignant churches and synagogues. We'll set out from the city to Pieniny National Park for a relaxing river rafting down the Dunajec River Gorge, visit an overloard's borderland castle and a royal castle, cook lunch with Highlanders over a bonfire, take a short hike in the Ojcow National Park, learn the intricacies of Polish cuisine during the traditional Polish cooking class and take a horse ridden carriage through the magic of the night-time Krakow.

We'll spend 5 days staying at a historic luxury hotel in the prime location in Warsaw's Old Town. In the medieval city of Krakow, we'll stay for 6 days at a stylish modern hotel, right in the Old Town. Both hotels' locations will place us right in the center of everything, allowing for easy individual exploration
Throughout the tour, we'll dine a la carte at carefully selected gourmet restaurants, serving Polish specialties served in elegant setting and with nouvelle flair

The focus of the tour is history and architecture, but also creating lifetime memories and connecting with like-minded women. We know that you will fall in love with Poland and its atmosphere of a constant celebration, its romantic sidewalk cafes, borderland medieval castles and Renaissance palaces. You'll delight in quaint, rustic landscapes of gingerbread cottages, storks' nests and roadside shrines bedecked with fresh flowers.

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

4 nights in a historic luxury hotel in Warsaw
6 nights in a stylish modern hotel in Krakow's Old Town
A la carte gourmet dining - traditional Polish or vegetarian menu: 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners, including drinks
Private, chauffeured airport transfers on arrival and on departure
All transportation in Poland by a spacious private bus
Professional local guides and an experienced, bi-lingual Tour Director
All sightseeing fees and admissions
Domestic flight between Warsaw and Krakow
Private, traditional Polish cooking class
All tours and cultural activities mentioned in the itinerary
All guides', driver's and restaurants' gratuities

NOT INCLUDED

Additional/optional costs may include: optional single supplement, optional early hotel check-in, optional travel insurance, telephone charges, room service, laundry, Tour Director's gratuity, personal expenses.

The cost does not include airfare to Poland.

HIGHLIGHTS

Warsaw’s Old Town
Jewish History Museum and Warsaw Rising Museum
Chopin concert in Lazienki Palace Rose Garden
Royal Palace of Wilanow and Palace of Science and Culture
Krakow's medieval Old Town
The rugged drama of the Pieniny National Park
Frozen in time villages with rich folk traditions
The ever-present sense of history
The underground maze of Wieliczka Salt Mine
The Jewish Kazimierz tour
Communism Utopia tour of Nowa Huta
Rafting in the Dunajec River Gorge
Klezmer music performance and Chopin's music concert
Traditional Polish cooking class
Paying respects at Auschwitz Holocaust Memorial (optional tour)

What Makes This Trip Special

Knowledgeable and passionate private guides who make Poland come alive
Carefully designed itinerary, including signature Poland experiences
Exclusive experiences, not available to larger groups
A small group of maximum of 16 like-minded women
Accommodations in upscale, perfectly located hotels
Dining at gourmet restaurants, including drinks
Being treated as special, welcome guests
Experienced, bilingual Tour Director
No forced shopping

Testimonials

I liked being able to see both a city and the country side. The Tatra Mountains were beautiful, and I probably never would have thought of going there on my own. Everything was very well coordinated. We had enough free time to relax and explore, and all of the planned activities went like clockwork. I really love not having to worry about anything. – Karen from New Hampshire

It was more than I’d even hoped for! I was thrilled to be immersed in the culture and history of my ancestors. Beautiful Poland! – Deb from Montana

Hotels were wonderful, restaurants were wonderful. Would love to go back there at Christmas! - Laurie from Texas

Poland exceeded all my expectations. The country was beyond beautiful, the history engrossing, and the people welcoming and proud. I can’t pick just one experience because it was all phenomenal. - Jessica from Washington, DC

I thought the tour was fabulous. I really, really fell in love with Poland. Thank you for the wonderful time. - Mary from Michigan

The best experience during the tour was meeting a fantastic group of well-traveled, open minded ladies who knew how to have a good time. Marta was the perfect guide. Her Polish lessons were fun, and she was flexible and fun too, and so this tour beat all expectations. What a wonderful country! We were able to meet its people, experience the culture, history and some nature too. - Diana from Washington

Poland was so much more than I thought it would be. It is not on most people’s travel list, and it should be. - Maria from North Carolina

Poland is a hidden gem. Marta is the best! - Kathy from Michigan

I loved everything! So much history! I am so glad I went since my father was born there, and this was the best trip ever. Marta and all the ladies were fantastic. - Barbara from Michigan

The tour was extremely well organized, offered unique experiences + had the exactly the right balance of activity and free time. Tour leader was excellent. I would definitely go back. - Barbara from Texas

Such a great tour!! Poland is a well-kept secret. Fascinating history, beautiful cities and countryside, delicious food, inexpensive shopping. Lovely group of women. And Marta is terrific! Warm, friendly and caring. I hope I get a chance to travel with her again. - Lynne from Massachusetts

Thank you for a fabulous trip, Marta is a wonderful guide and so was Greg, when my head clears I will write more (jet lag). You did not leave anything out. I have been on many tours this was one of the best. As were the guides. - Shirley from Maryland

I'm back in California... and sharing my memories of this most educational trip with friends and family. Who would have thought that Poland is a culinary destination! Marta did an outstanding job.... Everyone we met was friendly and hospitable. Loved the variety of experiences we had....rafting, horse and carriage rides, major cities and the gorgeous Tatra Mtns....lots of history... - Marna from California

Poland was fabulous. I was always reluctant to go on a group tour, but this was more like traveling with a bunch of friends. Thanks for planning such an excellent experience and thank you so much to Greg, and of course Marta, for being such outstanding guides and travel companions. - Debby from Maryland

My trip to Poland was wonderful, and I had a great time. It was exactly what I needed last summer. Poland was beautiful and Krakow was a charming city. I hope I can return someday. - Lois from New Jersey

Thank you for the most wonderful vacation of my life! The tour in Krakow and the Tatra mountains was magical and inspiring. Poland is a country everyone must visit. You made my vacation educational and insightful. - Lori from Arizona

What a once in a lifetime experience! You made this trip just perfect. I love your country! - Sandie from Maryland

Yolanta: It has been a great tour! Thank you for all the laughs and fond memories. - Patricia from British Columbia

I had a wonderful time. I was very impressed with Sights and Soul Travels and your ability to change plans as needed. - Carolyn from Massachusett

Thank you for sharing with us your passion for Poland. I love how the tour was put together and I especially loved all the music. - Karen from British Columbia

You and Kasia rewarded us with unique, meaningful experiences in a diligently fostered atmosphere of caring and personal attention, enriching our lives with your infectious enthusiasm, your consummate knowledge of the history, art and culture of the land - and, of course, the cuisine - each meal a delicious adventure! I should love to do another tour with you anywhere on this planet (or even outer space if that were possible) as I know you would be there for me, prepared to teach, to share, to exchange ideas and to enjoy many beautiful moments. - Lilian from Alberta

Thank you for bringing me to Poland. I have wanted to go for so long, and it was much better than I could've ever imagined. - Elizabeth from Maryland

Thank you for creating the most wonderful vacation I have ever had! The tour was just amazing and I really appreciate all your work to make sure every detail was covered for us. I can't wait to tell everyone I know about your business! - Carrie from Virginia

The trip was truly awesome. I will never forget the music, the architecture, the people, the beauty, and the excitement of Krakow and the majesty of the mountains, the peacefulness of the river raft and challenges met on our incredible hike in the Tatra Mountains. The food was delicious everywhere and the entire trip, start to finish was PERFECT! Thank you again. - Cathy from Maryland

We do a lot of traveling. We have traveled with many, many tour operators. S+S compares very favourably. Good planning info was provided. The guide was informed + welcoming, and she dealt with the inevitable “hiccup” very well. We would very much consider another S+S tour. - Kathy from Ontario

It was a wonderful and excellently planned tour of a beautiful and historic country. Good company, excellent tour guide and lots of fun. I will definitely consider S&S Tours for any future trips. - Rosemarie from Ohio

Thank you for this experience - I will never be the same. - Kathy from Pennsylvania

Again, I loved your tour the best and appreciated the combination of history, music and scenery. It was perfect in my opinion. Thanks, Yolanta and Kasia!!!! - Karen from British Columbia

Thank you so much for this awesome experience. These past 10 days were filled with memories I will remember for the rest of my life. - Kylie from Maryland

Wonderful tour - great traveling with a small group. I felt like I received very individual attention. - Kenda from Tennessee

Thank you for making this journey a meaningful experience for me; for putting together a great group of women; and for giving us such a rich itinerary. - Lita from Ontario

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