Festive season
We meet at the airport at 04:00 for flight FR8795, departing at 06:00, and arriving in Krakow at 08:40. Transfer by coach to the city center, where we will go on a Krakow city tour to see the main attractions of this beautiful city. Afterwards, together with our tour leader, we’ll visit the famous Christmas Market, which remains open until the 1st of January. We then head to our centrally located hotel, Hotel Wyspiański (3 stars).
There are many reasonably priced restaurants around the hotel.
A beautiful day dedicated to discovering the charm of places connected to Saint Pope John Paul II. We visit the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy, where Saint Faustina is venerated. We continue through picturesque landscapes toward the Kalwaria Zebrzydowska Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We also visit the Monastery and the Sanctuary of the Miraculous Madonna. The highlight of the day will be the stop in Wadowice, a picturesque village where Pope John Paul II was born. We will visit the basilica and the house where he was born, now turned into a museum (entrance not included).
A fascinating half-day excursion to Auschwitz-Birkenau, one of the most memorable and somber places in modern European history. We visit the Auschwitz – Birkenau concentration camps, a stark reminder of the Holocaust, where millions lost their lives (entrance fees extra). We return to Krakow in the afternoon, followed by free time.
Join us in exploring the beauty of the Polish Alps as we visit Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains, along with the famous Christmas Market.
These mountains lie along the border between Poland and Slovakia and are the highest part of the Carpathians. Zakopane is a well-known ski resort, popular both in summer and winter. We stroll along the famous Krupówki Street, full of cafés, restaurants, boutiques, and horse-drawn carriages led by coachmen in traditional costume. We tour the area, admire the typical wooden architecture, and visit a small art museum.
Those interested can take the cable car (extra charge) for a breathtaking view over the town. We then visit the Christmas Market, full of festive spirit.
Return to Krakow.
After breakfast, we visit the world-famous Wieliczka Salt Mines (entrance not included), also known as the Underground Salt Cathedral of Poland, considered one of the most spectacular mines in the world. Together with a local guide, we explore the mine, which features salt sculptures and corridors stretching over 300 km. These mines are listed on the UNESCO First World List of Cultural and Natural Heritage. We return to Krakow and enjoy free time to further explore the city. In the evening, for those interested (optional, extra charge), we will organize a New Year’s Eve Dinner Party with live music, or you can join the public celebrations in the main square to ring in the New Year.
After breakfast, those who wish can start the new year with an optional River Cruise (extra charge) to continue discovering the beauty of Krakow from the water. Afterwards, we transfer by coach to Krakow Airport for flight FR7115, departing at 14:50, arriving back in Malta at 17:30.
