10 Nights in Poland

About the destination: The image of Warsaw as a grey concrete jungle, a wasteland of homes in the Soviet era, does not correspond with the reality of the last 15 years of this vibrant city. This metropolis has much more to offer, many things to visit, an impressive cultural scene and a lively nightlife. Warsaw is looking ahead leaving its Soviet past in the past where it belongs. At the end of World War II, 85% of the city was in ruins and the city had to undergo a major reconstruction. The successful reconstruction received recognition in 1980 when UNESCO declared the Old Town of Warsaw World Heritage Site. Located in the Mazowieckie province, in central-eastern Poland, the city is unevenly divided by the Vistula River. Most tourist attractions are on the left bank of the river, while on the right bank we have the up and coming elegant district of Prague. The epicentre of Warsaw for visitors is the so-called Royal Route (Trakt Królewski), which runs north-south from the New and Old Towns, past the elegant Nowy Swiat shops, palaces that survived the war and the royal gardens Lazienki Park, before arriving at the Wilanów Palace, to the south of the city centre. The city also has many green spaces with lush lakeside parks where rowing boats sail during the sunny summer days and where visitors can find plenty of al-fresco cafes. In the parks, free classical music concerts are also held, with big audiences, a scene that is far from the somber images of communist-era Warsaw. Today the city offers an amazing nightlife, young locals dress elegantly to head to the cool bars and groovy clubs in the city. It is definitely a city that vibrates as soon as the sun goes down. Although some people claim that Krakow has the beauty, Warsaw has the culture, the energy and the action.

About the destination: Krakow is beautiful, a jewel among European cities. People have been living and building here since the 9th century. The Old Town historical district in Krakow’s heart is actually the medieval city established in 1257. Krakow remains the undisputed architectural capital of Poland and home to one of Europe’s oldest universities. The many parks and the Planty, the green city belt surrounding the city centre, make Krakow, a wonderful city to visit. Krakow’s entire stare miasto, old town, is lovely, every street worth a slow stroll. At its centre is the Rynek Glowny, one of the most beautiful market squares in Europe. The Kosciol Mariacki in its northeast corner, is a richly decorated cathedral, with a 500-year-old carved altarpiece. Diagonally across the square stands the lonely town hall tower spared when the rest of the building was demolished in 1820. Sitting on the Wista River, is the Wawel Castle, the finest surviving piece of Renaissance architecture in Poland. The castle was the royal seat of Poland, and is the city's main tourist attraction. The grounds consist of the palace, a huge Cathedral and a large garden. The Royal Cathedral dominates the complex of Wawel. It was the coronation site and burial place of almost all of monarchs of Poland. Built in the early 11th century in Romanesque style its tower offers a splendid view of Krakow. The beauty of its old architecture, the ambience of great culture, art and literature, the charm of its numerous cafes, bars and pubs, always full of locals and tourists, makes this city one of world's best tourist destinations.

About the destination: Wroclaw, is located in Northern Silesia on the river Odra is the fourth largest city in Poland. It is a unique European metropolis having absorbed Bohemian, Austrian and Prussian influences the city displays many artistic styles. During World War II 75% of the buildings were destroyed but reconstruction began immediately after the war trying to keep the original style of the buildings. The Rynek, or Central Square, is the architectural centre-point of Wroclaw. The Rynek boasts not just one, but two, Town Halls. The New Town Hall and the much older original one. The New Town Hall dominates the western part of the square and is the home of the city council and Mayor of Wroclaw, but it is the older one that is of most interest. Known just simply as 'The Town Hall' is the city's most iconic landmark. The flamboyant architecture of its exterior is enough to keep most people happy but it's also possible to visit the Museum of City Art and its stunning Gothic interiors. On the north-west corner of Rynek is 14th-century St Elizabeth’s church with its 83-metre tower. The two small houses on the corner connected by a gate, are known as Hansel and Gretel. Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, built in the 13th century, is the largest church in the city. It has three different chapels with three different style: Baroque, Gothic and Viennese. There is an elevator to the top, from there visitors will get good river and city views. This enjoyable city by the Odra offers good museums, historic buildings, concert halls, theatres, parks and over 120 canal, plus a picturesque central square and a memorable cluster of churches by the river.

About the destination: Lying on the Bay of Gdansk and the southern cost of the Baltic Sea, Gdansk is a beautiful port city with a long history. It is a large centre of economic life, science, culture, and a popular tourist destination. As a port city and a major partner in the Hanseatic League, Gdansk has always been in contact with foreign countries. Today, Gdansk is the capital of the Pomeranian province and an important administration centre. After WWII Gdansk was largely in ruins, but the buildings underwent an extraordinary restorations, it seems impossible to tell which facades are original and which have been restored. Gdansk’s market square, Dlugi Targ, is the centre of town. The Dwor Artusa, just opposite the Neptune Fountain, served as headquarters of the Hanseatic League; its original 16th century facade looms over the square and it is today a branch of the Historical Museum of the City of Gdansk. Gdansk is home to the largest Gothic church in Poland: St Mary's Basilica. Dominant over Gdansk’s skyline since its completion in 1502, St. Mary's has since become one of the iconic landmarks for the city. Climb the steeple for a panorama of the city. A trip up the tower of the Town Hall includes a series of photographs of Gdansk after the war. Ul Mariacka, behind Mariacki Cathedral, is perhaps Gdansk most beautiful street, with exquisite Hanseatic architecture. If you want to take a break from the big city, and relax a little bit, head to the Brzezno Park. This small city park is located on the coast, near Nowy Port. And if it’s sunny head down Stogi Beach, the city’s best. Stogi beach is large, has quite clean and fine sand, lifeguards, and several food stands and bars. Charming historic old town streets, many museums, and its excellent access to the popular coastline of the Baltic make Gdansk an energetic destination crammed with many ways to have fun.