The Magic of Christmas Markets in Poland

Day 1 – Thursday – Warsaw
After breakfast we’ll be met by our local guide for a tour of Warsaw which will include the Old Town with Market Square, Barbican, Palace Square and the Royal Castle. We also get a panoramic view of Warsaw from atop the Palace of Culture and Science, weather permitting. During a short break from our sightseeing we stop at one of Wedel’s Chocolate Lounges to warm up with hot chocolate. Wedel is Poland’s oldest chocolate brand founded in Warsaw in 1851. The tour will end with visit to Warsaw’s smaller than in other cities Christmas Market with an Ice Skating Rink in the Old Town Square and along the Barbican. You will have time to stroll the stalls filled with Polish arts and crafts, locally made foods, drinks and spices all while listening to traditional Christmas carols. This evening we’ll be getting together for our Welcome Dinner at famous Polish restaurant, Ale Gloria.

Day 2 – Friday – Warsaw
This morning we head out to our cooking class with a local chef where we’ll learn how to prepare traditional “Wigilia” – Polish Christmas Eve dinner dishes. After cooking class, we continue touring Warsaw’s must-see sights. This afternoon we head out to tour the Warsaw Uprising Museum. The Warsaw Uprising Museum is one of the most visited places in Warsaw and was opened on 60th Anniversary of the outbreak of fighting in the city during WWII and a tribute to Warsaw’s residents who fought and died in the fight in 1944. This evening, enjoy and explore Warsaw as you wish. Go back to the Christmas Market in the Old Town Square or perhaps spend your evening relaxing and pampering yourself at one of Warsaw’s luxurious spas. Dinner on your own. We will have recommendations for you for both the spas, dining and other Christmastime activities happening in Warsaw.

Day 3 – Saturday – Poznan
After breakfast we leave Warsaw for Poznan in the Greater Poland region and the birthplace of Poland. While in Poznan, we’ll visit the Christmas Market there and the 16th International Ice Sculpture Festival. During Poznan City Tour we’ll have the opportunity to visit Poznan Cathedral and the Old Market Square among other important sites. We’ll attend demonstration style baking class where we learn how the famous St. Martin croissants are made at the Croissant Museum in Poznan. Before leaving Poznan for Wroclaw, enjoy shopping and early dinner on your own at Poznan Christmas Market’s many food booths, serving Polish and regional specialties. We’ll be leaving Poznan around six o’clock in the evening for Wroclaw. Overnight in Wroclaw.

Day 4 – Sunday – Wroclaw
This morning we meet in the lobby of our hotel and head out to visit Panorama Raclawicka in a rotunda building presenting the painting of the Battle of Raclawice in April 1794, in which Poles won over Russians as part of our Wroclaw city tour. The monumental picture is 374ft (114m) long and 49ft (15m) high and was painted on the 100th anniversary of the victory. From there, we’ll continue Wroclaw tour and visit the historic Old Town, including Market Square – with beautiful Christmas illuminations – Town Hall and the Salt Market. After Wroclaw city tour, we gather for a traditional Polish lunch at Pod Fredra restaurant located in Wroclaw’s Market Square. This evening, enjoy your free time. Wroclaw’s beautiful Christmas Market is only steps away from our hotel. Dinner on your own. We’ll have restaurant recommendations for you or you can sample delicious food offered at the many Christmas Market booths.

Day 5 – Monday – Wroclaw
The best way to enter into the rhythm of day-to-day life in Wroclaw is to tour and shop at Hala Targowa, a historic indoor fresh food market and a must-see place in Wroclaw. After touring and shopping at Hala Targowa, we head out to visit the UNESCO Centennial Hall in Wroclaw. This outstanding piece of architecture is over 100 years old and is surrounded by beautiful parks and gardens. Rest of the afternoon on your own. Head out to stroll Wroclaw’s Christmas Market one last time on your own or relax in our beautiful boutique hotel nearby. We will be leaving Wroclaw in the morning for Krakow. This evening, we meet to enjoy gourmet dinner at a local Polka Restaurant in the heart of Wroclaw’s Market Square serving traditional and new Polish cuisine dishes using fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Smacznego! – Enjoy!

Day 6 – Tuesday – Krakow
After breakfast we leave Wroclaw and drive south east to Krakow. On the way to Krakow, we make a stop and tour Tyskie Brewery and enjoy beer tasting in Tychy, Poland. After arrival and check in at our hotel in Krakow we meet in the lobby and head out together to Krakow’s Christmas Market to stroll and listen to Christmas carols before our group dinner. Tonight we dine on traditional Krakow cuisine at Biala Roza Restaurant.

Day 7 – Wednesday – Krakow
This morning we begin with Krakow city tour of must-see attractions. Krakow is Poland’s third largest city and escaped the devastation that obliterated other Polish cities during World War II. It’s perfectly preserved medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is on the itinerary for this morning’s tour. Today, we’ll also make a stop at Krakow Historical Museum to view the stunning exhibit of Krakow’s Traditional Christmas Creches, or “Szopki”, one of Europe’s most unique Christmas traditions. These glittering Nativity Scenes feature whimsical interpretations of iconic Krakow architecture and are a Christmas tradition found only in Krakow. After lunch, we head out to Christmas ornaments decorating class near Krakow. This evening, continue exploring the Christmas market on your own at Europe’s largest and most magnificent medieval Market Square.

Day 8 – Thursday – Zakopane
After breakfast, we head out to Zakopane, Poland’s Winter Capital to experience the vibrant highlander culture and Christmas traditions. We take a leisurely walk along the town’s famous Krupowki Street and stroll a few side streets on a short city tour. Lunch together at Sabala restaurant on Krupowki Street sampling delicious regional specialties, including “oscypek” cheese. After lunch, we visit colorful open market where locally made arts, crafts and foods are sold and then, weather permitting, ride a cable car up Gubalowka Hill to get the best panoramic view of Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains and other maintain ranges. Before we return to Krakow, enjoy free time in Zakopane. You may wonder back to the open market or have an early dinner or dessert at one of the many restaurants and coffee shops on Zakopane’s main street, Krupowki. We will head back to Krakow late evening.

Day 9 – Friday – Krakow
This morning we head to Christmas cookies baking class at a local culinary school. After baking class, we’ll tour UNESCO Wieliczka Salt Mine, a virtual underground city, with galleries, lakes, chapels and murals – all carved from salt – and a UNESCO World Heritage site. After our Wieliczka tour, you are free to enjoy the sights and shops of Krakow at the Christmas Market on your own. Our Farewell Dinner will be at Wesele restaurant, serving old Polish and Krakow delicacies and located in the heart of Krakow’s Market Square.

Day 10 – Saturday – Krakow
Depart for your home country after breakfast, or make your own arrangements to stay longer in beautiful Krakow.

Even though our vacations are leisurely, you may want to consider staying an extra night in Krakow. You may find that the extra time will make your week even more relaxing and enjoyable.

• Nine nights accommodations, double-occupancy, with en suite bathrooms in comfortable and conveniently located hotes in Warsaw, Wroclaw and Krakow
• Daily visits to Christmas Markets; opportunities to shop for Christmas gifts made by local artists
• Daily breakfast
• Lunches as outlined on itinerary
• Dinners as outlined on itinerary
• Local beer, house wine, tea, and coffee with all included meals (Please note that cocktail drinks and drinks consumed outside of mealtime are not included)
• Two hands-on and/or demonstration-style cooking/baking lessons
• Christmas ornaments factory tour and decorating class 
• White cooking apron with Poland Culinary Vacations logo
• Excursions to cultural sites, all entrance fees and food artisan visits
• Visit to 16th International Ice Sculpture Festival in Poznan (to be confirmed, as dates are subject to change by organizers)
• Transportation where specified
• Local English speaking expert guides
• All luggage transfers
• Taxes and service charges

What’s Not Included

• Airfare or other non-specified transportation to the trip starting point, and from the trip ending point
• Meals and alcoholic beverages not specified in the itinerary
• Personal expenses such as laundry or telephone calls
• Passport or visa fees
• End of vacation gratuities for guides (not required, but greatly appreciated)
• Insurance of any kind