Our Experience At Exeter International we have been creating memories and crafting custom-designed journeys for 27 years. We are a team of specialists committed to providing the best travel experiences in our destinations. Each of our experts has either travelled extensively on reconnaissance trips, or has lived in their area of expertise, giving us unparalleled first-hand knowledge. Because we focus on specific parts of the globe, we return to the same destinations many times, honing our experience over the years. Knowledgeable Up-to-the-Minute Local Information We are best placed to give you advice about traveling to Europe and beyond; from logistics and new protocols in museums, hotels and restaurants in each country. We are here to expertly guide you through the new normal in travel. Original Custom Programs, Meticulously Planned Our experts speak your language both literally and culturally. Our advice and recommendations are impartial, honest, and always have the individual in mind. We save valuable time in pre-trip research and focus on developing experiences that enrich and enhance your experience. Once on your journey you will have complete peace of mind with our local 24-hour contact person who is on hand to coordinate any changes in your program or help you in the case of any emergency. Hand-Selected Guides We know that guides are one of the most important components of any travel experience. That is why we only use local experts who have a history of working with our guests and whom we know personally. We are extremely particular in selecting our guides and are confident that they will be one of the most memorable aspects of any of our trips. Flexible Deposit We prepay deposits for services so we can access the top guides, the best drivers and maintain preferred partnerships with our partner hotels. Our deposit to confirm services is 25% of the total trip cost. We want you to feel confident to book but also know that we are sensitive to current circumstances. Therefore, 15% of this deposit is refundable up to 31 days prior to departure if you are unable to travel for any reason. 10% of the deposit will be retained as a future travel credit for up to 3 years. Future travel will be priced at prevailing rates. If it is determined that you are unable to travel within 31 days of the start of services, all deposits paid will be converted to a future travel credit, less nonrefundable funds committed on your behalf and tickets such as train or theater tickets. This credit may also be applied to our sister travel companies: Almaz Journeys and Exeter Safari Company. Financial Stability We are proud to be recognized by Allianz Insurance on their list of covered travel suppliers to give you additional peace of mind. Upon your arrival in Krakow you will be transferred to your hotel, where the remainder of your day will be at leisure. The untouched medieval splendor of Krakow is a miracle for having survived unscathed during World War II, and in fact, some locals believe that Krakow has been divinely blessed with an aura of peace. Medieval buildings surround the cavernous market hall and the central square, where street musicians serenade you in the evenings with folksongs. Arrival Transfer Unicus Palace This morning meet your guide in your hotel lobby at 10AM for the short walk to Wawel Hill to visit the Renaissance Royal Castle and Cathedral. Converted from a Gothic style in the early 1500’s by a Florentine architect, the tiered courtyard of the castle is reminiscent of an opulent Italian palazzo. Inside the castle, view the State Rooms, which feature the splendid assembly of Flanders tapestries, scattered throughout the first and second floors. You may also visit Wawel Cathedral. The cathedral, as in few cathedrals of the world, speaks the history of Poland. Adorned with a mass of side chapels, endowed by subsequent Polish monarchs and aristocratic families too, the present brick and sandstone basilica is essentially Gothic, dating from the year 1306. This afternoon, your guide will introduce you to Krakow’s Old Town. The Gothic houses of the 13th-century burgesses still remain, although they were rebuilt and given Renaissance or neoclassical facades. You will see the medieval Sukiennice, rebuilt in the 1550’s, is one of the most distinctive sights in the country – a vast cloth hall, topped by a sixteenth-century attic dripping with gargoyles. Its commercial traditions are perpetuated by a covered market, which bustles with tourists and street sellers at almost every time of the year. Note: All touring today is on foot through mostly pedestrian areas. Please wear appropriate footwear. Guide (6 Hours) Unicus Palace This morning your driver and guide will meet you for your visit to the memorial at Auschwitz–Birkenau. Timing today is pending an appointment time at the camp. Auschwitz-Birkenau is located approximately 90 minutes outside of Krakow, near the industrial town of Oswiecim. Today it’s made of a series of barracks – each with its own displays – from luggage collected from prisoners, to seized prosthetics and more. You will see the somber and sometimes shocking exhibits located throughout the camp. After your tour of Auschwitz, you may also visit Birkenau, where the majority of captives lived and died. A few barracks remain, as well as the railroad track that brought the prisoners to the selection process. Do not miss the monument to the dead, inscribed in ten languages, located between the ruins of the gas chambers and crematoria. Finally, your guide will take you to pay a visit to one our favorite historical museums. The actual factory of Oskar Schindler has been opened as a branch of the Krakow History Museum. It’s now a moving timeline of the history of Krakow from 1939 through 1945. You will see the changes in the city brought on by the Nazi occupation. Vehicle, Driver & Guide (8 Hours) Unicus Palace You will meet you driver this morning to transfer to the airport to meet your departing flight. Departure Transfer Consider a castle stay in the Silesian countryside while you explore UNESCO-protected churches and local crystal factories or head to the mountains with a stay in our favorite mountain resort – the High Tatras. If you have an interest in Jewish heritage, we can arrange the entire program to focus on the best Jewish heritage sites throughout the country, including synagogues, camps, meetings with local JCC staff and more. If you have an interest in Catholicism in Poland, visits to pilgrimage sites like Czestochowa can be arranged, as well as a visit to Wadowice, Pope John Paul II’s birthplace. Many of our guests have familial heritage in Poland. We can put you in touch with an expert local genealogist who can discover your family’s roots. Poland is famous for their folk arts and we can introduce you to all the best artisans in each craft. From lacemaking in Koniakow to papercutting in Łowicz, we can introduce you to local craftspeople who are keeping these traditions alive. Meet the women who paint the village in Zalipie. Watch highlanders whittle wooden masterpieces in the Tatras. Learn the art of colorful Polish ceramics in Bolesławiec. Cost of the Program: From January – March November & December $1525 For two (2) guests traveling July & August From together $1600 April – June; From September & October $1550 January – March From November & December $950 From July & August For Four (4) guests traveling $950 together April – June; From September & October $1000 All pricing is per person and based on double occupancy. Airfare is not included. Accommodations Krakow Three (3) nights in a Deluxe Room at Copernicus Krakow; Tax and Breakfast included daily. The Hotel Copernicus is located just steps from the main attraction of Krakow, Wawel Royal Castle and on the oldest street of the city: Kanonicza Street. Believe it or not, Nicolaus Copernicus was once a guest in this house and its ancient history dates to the very early days of the city. It is in Old Town, but a few minutes on foot from Old Town Square, which gives it a quiet and peaceful location. The building itself is one of the most interesting Medieval residential monuments of the city. With just 29 elegantly furnished rooms and suites, the Copernicus is one of the leading hotels of the city. All rooms have dark wood furnishings and parquet flooring. Fully air-conditioned, with satellite television, internet connections, an elevator and even Jacuzzis in some rooms, this is our favorite hotel in Krakow. Deluxe Room: These rooms are the same size as the starting category, at approximately 280 square feet. Views are of the historic Kanonicza Street. Bathrooms are small and feature a power shower, but no tub. Meals No meals included, other than breakfast as described above. Your final documents will include our top recommendations. Your guides will recommend restaurants that fit your exact needs daily. Services Private vehicle, driver and guide at your service as described. The timing for each day is noted in your program. Exeter International’s local offices are available for your assistance 24 hours per day while you are traveling. Our local staff may also assist you with restaurant reservations and purchasing of additional theater and museum tickets at your request. Transportation Transportation is included in the program as noted. Timing for each day is noted in your program. Guides Hand chosen for their knowledge on local history, art & architecture. Guides are at your disposal as noted in your itinerary. Tickets All entrance tickets as described in the program. January – March No price difference (total for 3 nights) July & August; From $250 per person (total for 3 nights) November April – June; September & From $100 per person (total for 3 nights) October; December The Sheraton is ideally located near Wawel Castle on the bank of the Vistula River with stunning views of both.