Europe
Visting: Kalvaria Zebrydowska, Wadowice, Auschwitz-Birkenau, Zakopane, Dunajec, Niedzica Castle, Szcawnica, Poprod, Spiska, Mount Lomnicky, Wieliczka Salt Mines
We meet at Malta International Airport at 12:00 for flight FR7114 to Krakow, departing at 14:00 and arriving in Krakow at 16:35. Transfer by coach to the BW Old Town 3 Star+ hotel located in the city centre, room allocation.
Breakfast and City Tour, where we explore the city of Krakow and see its main attractions, including the Old Town, the Royal Road, Wawel Castle and Kazimierz (Old Jewish Quarter). The Sukiennice (Cloth Hall), as well as St Mary’s Basilica where we will see the famous altar of Veit Stoss. Free time for shopping. Evening outing with the leader.
After breakfast, a wonderful day discovering the beauty of places connected to the great Saint Pope John Paul II. We visit the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy, where Sister Faustina is venerated — an important place of devotion just outside Krakow. We continue through beautiful scenery leading us to the hill of Kalvaria Zebrydowska, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We also visit the monastery and the Sanctuary of the Miraculous Madonna, one of Karol Wojtyla’s favourite places. The highlight of the day will be the stop in Wadowice, the picturesque village where Saint Pope John Paul II was born. Among the most interesting places, we visit the basilica and his birthplace, now a museum. Return to Krakow.
A very interesting excursion to Auschwitz-Birkenau, where together we will experience one of the most memorable sites in modern European history. Today we visit the concentration camps of Auschwitz–Birkenau (entrance extra); a bitter reminder of the Holocaust, where millions lost their lives. Here we will see the national death memorials, the railway track, and the remains of hundreds of barracks. In the evening we go out for a drink.
After breakfast, departure to Zakopane to enjoy the beauty of the Polish Alps, where we will also visit the Tatra Mountains. These mountains extend along the border between Poland and Slovakia and are the highest section of the Carpathian Mountains. Zakopane is a very popular ski resort, busy both in summer and winter, with many tourists strolling along Krupowski Street — full of cafés, restaurants, boutiques and horse-drawn carriages driven by coachmen in traditional costume. We take a tour around Zakopane and visit the modern church dedicated to the Madonna, a gift to Pope John Paul II. We see the typical wooden houses and buildings of the region. Check-in at Hotel Logos 3*, located in the centre. Afterwards, we go up Mount Gubałówka by funicular (extra charge) for a beautiful view of the town.
Breakfast and today we enjoy a wonderful day in nature, as we head to Dunajec for a ‘Slow Rafting’ adventure! This is the region’s greatest attraction and one you simply cannot miss! The Dunajec Gorge offers beautiful landscapes, rich wildlife, and the relaxing sound of the river… We also visit Niedzica Castle and the lovely resort of Szcawnica.
Zakopane is the perfect departure point for a day trip to Poland’s southern neighbour — Slovakia. Today we enjoy wonderful views of the mountains and small villages — an unforgettable experience. First, we visit the medieval village of Poprad, known as the main “gateway” to the Tatra mountain range. We then continue to another medieval village, Spiska Sobota, where we take a tour around the village centre and enjoy some free time. Afterwards we proceed to Tatra Lomnica, where we will have the opportunity to go up to the summit of Mount Lomnicky — 2634m. Return to Zakopane.
Breakfast and afterwards visit the ‘Wieliczka Salt Mines’, also known as the Underground Salt Cathedral of Poland and one of the most spectacular mines in the world.
With the local guide, we explore the mines where we find several salt sculptures, small chapels including one dedicated to Saint Kinga, and corridors stretching around 300 kilometres. These mines are also listed on UNESCO’s First World List of Cultural and Natural Heritage. Afterwards, transfer by coach to Krakow Airport for flight FR7141 departing at 21:50 and arriving back in Malta at 00:25.
