Opals of Southern Poland 6-day tour by air: 6 to 11 August 2024

Name: Opals of Southern Poland 6-day tour by air: 6 to 11 August 2024
Start: 2024-08-06T03:45:00+02:00
End: 2024-08-11T22:30:00+02:00
Location: Kraków

Schedule

Tue Aug 06 2024 at 03:45 am to Sun Aug 11 2024 at 10:30 pm

UTC+02:00

Location

Kraków | Krakow, MA

Opals of Southern Poland 6 day tour by air: 6 to 11 August 2024
We are delighted to announce our Opals of South Poland 6 day tour by air.
Poland is a large country, situated in Central Europe, divided in 16 provinces, with a population of just over 38 million and a surface area of around 300,000 square kilometres. Poland is located at a geographic crossroad that links the forested lands of northwestern Europe and the sea lanes of the Atlantic Ocean to the fertile plains of the Eurasian frontier. Now bounded by seven nations, Poland has passed through various episodes over the centuries, buffeted by the forces of regional history. Poland has been a member of the European Union since May 2004. However, Poland does not form part of the EuroZone, and the local currency used is the Polish Zloty (PLN). You will find this currency in our local commercial banks and Exchange Bureaux upon prior order or else one can exchange at Exchange Bureaux in Poland.
This tour is aimed at those who wish to experience this magnificient country by exploring majestic Krakow but also other superb attractions such as the fun-filled Energylandia Theme Park & Water Park, the historic Schindler’s list Factory Museum, notable Auschwitz & Birkenau, the spectacular Wieliczka Salt Mines, the stunning Krakow Zoo, the beauty of Ojcow National Park and Boroniowka Milling Settlement, the Sanctuary of the Divine Mercy in Lagiewniki, Wadowice, the city where Pope John Paul II was born and several other attractions in the region.
We have chosen Krakow as our main stay. Krakow is the second-largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland. Situated on the Vistula River in Lesser Poland, this city dates back to the seventh century. The population of central Krakow is just under 800,000. Krakow was the official capital of Poland until 1596 and has traditionally been one of the leading centres of Polish academic, economic, cultural and artistic life. Cited as one of Europe's most beautiful cities, its Old Town with Wawel Royal Castle was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, one of the world's first sites granted this status.
On this tour, we will be flying directly to Krakow John Paul II Airport, which is located just around 25 minutes drive from Central Krakow. This will avoid unnecessary hours spent on the coach. We will also be travelling to and from Malta at highly convenient times which will maximise your holiday time, giving you 6 whole days.
In this way, you will relax and enjoy this sensational country full of history, natural countryside, mountains, art, music and delicious food. Cost of living is also highly affordable, making this a value-for-money holiday.
VISITING: Krakow, Lagiewniki, Energylandia Theme Park and Waterpark, Auschwitz & Birkenau, Wadowice and Pope John Paul II museum, Schindler’s Factory Museum, Krakow Zoo, Kazimierz District, Wieliczka Salt Mines, Galeria Kazimierz Shopping Mall, Ojcow National Park and Pieskawa Skala Castle

Tour Programme:

Day 1 – Tuesday 06 August 2024
Meet the Go Sicily Travel tourleader at 3.45am at Malta International Airport for check-in and embarkation on Ryanair flight FR7114 to Krakow departing from Malta at 5.45am and expected to arrive at Krakow John Paul II Airport at 08.20am. On arrival, we will board our private coach and head towards the Southern Krakow District of Lagiewniki. This short drive of around 45 minutes to Lagiewniki Hill will take us to one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in Poland. It is here, in the Monastery of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, that Sister Faustyna Kowalska, propagator of the cult of Mercy, lived and died. We will visit the Sanctuary of the Divine Mercy and the tomb of Suor Faustina. This is considered to be one of the most visited shrines around the world. The shape of the temple resembles a boat and hides relics of Saint Faustina. Lagiewniki Sanctuary was visited by Pope John Paul II twice during his pilgrimages to Poland in 1997 and 2002. Private coach transfer to our centrally-located hotel, the Hotel Logos Krakow Centrum, situated very close to the main square, the famous Rynek Glowny. Free time for lunch (not included in tour price) in a restaurant close to the Hotel. This afternoon you will join the tourleader for a city walking tour. We start with the Old Town and the majestic Main Square, known as “Rynek Glowny”. This is the largest medieval square in Europe, with an area of 4 hectares (40,000 square metres). The Rynek Glowny is the city’s hub of activity, both during the day as also in the evening, with several restaurants, bars and cafes. We will see St. Mary’s Basilica, also known as the Church of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven. This is a brick Gothic church built in the 14th century and situated in the main square. This church is 80m high and is particularly renowned for its wooden altar, decorated with Veit Stoss sculptures. Every hour, a trumpet signal, known as Hejnal Mariacki, is heard coming from one of the towers of St. Mary’s Basilica. We will also pass through the famous Cloth Hall, dating back 700 years, which is nowadays full of souvenir shops and outlets selling a wide variety of local products. We will then walk two main streets, Grodzka Street and Florianska Street, the main shopping street in Krakow centre. We will also pass by the Bishop’s Palace and the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. We will then visit Wawel Hill, Wawel and the Cathedral. Wawel Royal Castle was declared as the first UNESCO World Heritage site in the world in 1978. It represents all styles of architecture in Europe, including mediaval, renaissance and baroque. We will visit the Wawel Castle from outside, including its internal courtyards where you will admire the viewpoint overlooking River Vistula. You may also wish to join the tour leader for a relaxing one-hour cruise trip (boat ticket not included in tour price) along the Vistula River, giving you the possibility to admire stunning Krakow from the water perspective. This evening you may enjoy dinner in the various restaurants and pizzerias situated in the centre, within walking distance from the hotel. There are numerous bars and cafes where you may chill out, wrapping up a truly packed day.

Day 2 – Wednesday 07 August 2024
Buffet breakfast at the hotel. At around 9.00am we board our private coach and a short 20-minute drive will get us to Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory. Schindler's Factory, a former metal item factory in Krakow was the famous site of Oskar Schindler’s remarkable movement to save Jews from the atrocities inflicted by the Nazis during World War II. Under the cover of his enamel factory, he hired over 1000 Jewish workers and saved them from a grisly fate in the concentration camps. The site is now a historical museum that hosts exhibitions giving you an overview of life during the war. If you’re a fan of the movie Schindler’s List, visiting this historic site is a must. Our visit to Schindler's Factory (entrance ticket included in tour price) enables us to explore the museums on the premises that showcase different aspects of life in Krakow during the Nazi occupation through a series of immersive exhibits. Each room of the museum is meticulously designed to recreate specific places and streets in Krakow, such as a hairdresser’s salon, a railway station, a labour camp or a bustling street. The museum offers a visually immersive history lesson that visitors can stroll through at their leisure. You will also be able to view Schindler’s writing desk along with a list of Jews he was successfully able to save. We will also visit the Eagle Pharmacy and Pomorska Street (entrance ticket included in tour price). After this two-hour visit, we board our coach and proceed to the Kazimierz district which is a short 10 minute drive away. Kazimierz is a district south of the Old Town. This district was the centre of Jewish life in Krakow for over 500 years, before it was systematically destroyed during World War II. In the communist era, it became one of Krakow`s dodgiest districts while gradually falling into disrepair. Rediscovered in the 1990s, thanks to the fall of the communist regime and worldwide exposure through the lens of Steven Spielberg, Kazimierz has rebounded and is today Krakow’s most exciting district – a bustling bohemian neighbourhood packed with historical sites, atmospheric cafes and art galleries. Well-known for its associations with Schindler and Spielberg, traces of Kazimierz’s Jewish history have not only survived but literally abound in the form of the district’s numerous synagogues and Jewish cemeteries. In fact, no other place in Europe conveys a sense of pre-war Jewish culture on the continent better than Kazimierz. We will pass by the “Father Bernatek footbridge” that links the Kazimierz and Podgórze districts. The picturesque river crossing is popular with pedestrians and cyclists alike. It was built in 2010 at the site of the former Podgórski bridge and is named after Father Laetus Bernatek, founder of the hospital of the Brothers Hospitallers in Kraków. We will have a familiarization walk around this quarter. Free time for lunch (not included in tour price). It is suggested that you do not miss the chance to taste the traditional “Polish pizza” bread packed with toppings, called Zapiekanki. Later on in the afternoon, we will visit Galeria Kazimierz. This large 40,000 square metres shopping mall includes more than 160 retail stores. Here you will find major fashion brands such as Zara, Puma, Benetton, Ecco, Guess, H&M, Inglot, Swarovski and much more. You will also find several restaurants and major fast-food outlets such as McDonalds, KFC and Pizza Hut, among other cafes and restaurants. Late afternoon return to our hotel, followed by free time. In the evening you may join the tour leader for a typical Polish folklore evening with Goral music and singing in a typical Polish restaurant (not included in tour price). This will surely be an unforgettable evening.
Day 3 – Thursday 08 August 2025
Buffet breakfast at the hotel. At around 8.30am, our private coach will take us to the old town of Zator, situated on the Skawa river. At around 9.30am, we arrive at Energylandia Theme Park (entrance fee not included in tour price). This is the largest entertainment park in Poland, covering an area of 35 hectares and offering no less than 123 attractions. Energylandia is the first fully-fledged Amusement Park and Water Park in Poland, which offers world class highest quality services for all ages. It does not only have the best and most modern devices, but also plenty of great Broadway-style shows and attractions, suitable for all ages. Energylandia is divided into 6 zones; the Bajkolandia, the Family Zone, the Extreme Zone, the Dragon Castle, the Aqualantis and the Waterpark section. Do not forget to get your swimsuits so you can enjoy the various pools and water slides situated within the Waterpark section. This will surely be an unforgettable day for young and old alike. There are several restaurants and bars within the park where you can enjoy lunch (not included in tour price). Late afternoon coach transfer back to our hotel, arriving there at around 8.00pm. This evening you are free for dinner, which you may enjoy in the various restaurants and pizzerias close to the hotel. You may try the delicious fried or boiled traditional Polish “Pierogi” or the Georgian “Khinkali”.

Day 4 – Friday 09 August 2024
Buffet breakfast at the hotel. At around 8.00am we will board the coach and drive towards Auschwitz and Birkenau Memorial. Auschwitz&Birkenau was the principal and most notorious of the six concentration and extermination camps established by Nazi Germany to implement its Final Solution policy, which had as its aim the mass murder of the Jewish people in Europe. Built in Poland under Nazi German occupation initially as a concentration camp for Poles and later for Soviet prisoners of war, it soon became a prison for a number of other nationalities. Between 1942 and 1944 it became the main mass extermination camp where Jews were tortured and killed for their so-called racial origins. In addition to the mass murder of well over a million Jewish men, women and children together with tens of thousands of Polish victims, Auschwitz also served as a camp for the racial murder of thousands of Roma and Sinti and prisoners of several European nationalities. The Nazi policy of spoliation, degradation and extermination of the Jews was rooted in a racist and anti-Semitic ideology propagated by the Third Reich. Auschwitz&Birkenau was the largest of the concentration camp complexes created by the Nazi German regime and was the one which combined extermination with forced labour. At the centre of a huge landscape of human exploitation and suffering, the remains of the two camps of Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau were inscribed on the World Heritage List as evidence of this inhuman, cruel and methodical effort to deny human dignity to groups considered inferior, leading to their systematic murder. The camps are a vivid testimony to the murderous nature of the anti-Semitic and racist Nazi policy that brought about the annihilation of over one million people in the crematoria, 90% of whom were Jews. We will witness one of the most memorable lessons of modern European history. During our visit we will see the flower strewn Death Wall, the national memorials, the rail line and remains of the hundreds of barracks, a testimony to the number of lives lost through Nazi activities across occupied Europe. First we will visit Auschwitz (the main concentration camp), accompanied by the camp’s local guides. Later on we proceed to Birkenau with our coach (entrance to Auschwitz&Birkenau included in tour price). In the afternoon we board our coach and drive to Krakow Zoo. This is situated in the Wolski Forest in the city of Krakow. This is a beautiful forest park, uniquely set within a large urban area. The zoo was opened in 1929. With an area of about 20 hectares, it is one of the largest zoos in Poland. The Krakow Zoo is home to around 1,500 animals relating to more than 260 species, 100 of which are considered as endangered including Rothschild's giraffe, Przewalski's horse, pygmy hippopotamus, giant panda, snow leopard, Amur tiger, maned wolf, addax antelope, chimpanzee, wari and ring-tailed lemurs, Indian elephant, great condor and the Humboldt penguin. We will spend around two hours inside the Zoo (entrance ticket not included in tour price). In front of the entrance to the Zoo, as well as in the mini-Zoo area, there are food kiosks where you can purchase a hot meal. Late afternoon coach transfer to our Hotel. This evening you are free for dinner, which you may enjoy in the various restaurants and pizzerias close to the hotel. Today, we suggest that you finish off your dinner with the famous Polish dessert “Szarlotka” or the Polish Apple Crumb cake.

Day 5 – Saturday 10 August 2024
Buffet breakfast at the hotel. At around 8.30a.m. we board our coach and drive to the picturesque Ojcow National Park. This is one of the smallest and most beautiful parks in Poland, particularly famous due to its proximity to Krakow and the fact that it is part of the historic tourist route called Trail of the Eagle’s Nests, an ancient defensive line dotted with wonderful fortresses. Ojcow offers us an extremely wide range of possibilities. We are expected to arrive at around 9.15a.m. We will take a relaxing walk along the forest paths, admiring the beautiful countryside and the calming sound of river water. We will also see the famous chapel “On the Water” as well as the wooden buildings of the town. We will then proceed to visit the Pieskowa Skala Castle. Pieskowa Skala Castle is a major stop on the "Trail of the Eagles' Nests" in the Polish Jura. In this landscape of craggy hills, Pieskowa Skała stands out as a particularly beautiful example of a medieval castle set in a picturesque location. Although it still retains its medieval fortified castle structures, including its outer wall, Pieskowa Skala Castle was actually rebuilt at the end of the 16th century in the mannerist style: an aestheticized style dating from the end of the Renaissance and which is very widespread in the Lesser Poland region. There are therefore two main aspects to the castle: defensive and aesthetic; and this is particularly true of its central tower, with its arcaded terraces and its trompe-l’œil paintings. The castle interiors house permanent exhibitions: European Styles and Fashions in Art, Old Polish Culture, History of Pieskowa Skała, English Interiors with a Collection of Painting. (castle entrance ticket not included in tour price.) This will wrap up an unforgettable morning. In the afternoon we will board our coach and drive towards Wadowice. Wadowice is a city situated 50km southwest of Krakow. The population of Wadowice totals around 20,000 people. Wadowice is built on River Skawa, which finally meets Vistula River. There is no doubt that Wadowice is synonymous with Karol Woytyla`s or Pope John Paul II birthplace and childhood place. Upon arrival, we will visit the main square, known as Pope John Paul II square as well as the Minor Basilica of Virgin Mary, which was built in the 15th century, even though this was completely destroyed and re-built in the 18th century. We will then have time for lunch at one of the various restaurants situated in the main square (lunch not included in tour price). You may also taste the famous Kremowka, also known as the Papal Cream Cake which became famous when Pope John Paul II reminisced about the pastry from a bakery in his hometown of Wadowice. After lunch, we will visit Pope John Paul’s Museum( entrance included in tour price),which happens to be the building where Pope John Paul II was born and raised. The visit begins on the ground level and ascends by ramps to the top of the museum. The two main rooms of the original home are the central focus of the museum, with the multimedia exhibit constructed lovingly around them. The museum includes personal items that were meaningful in John Paul’s life, including the Vatican clock and the Polish bible, which was read to him by the sisters in his final moments. It is a modern, multimedia museum which immerses visitors in the great man's life and accomplishments. We will be provided with an English audio-visual guide. After this eventful trip, we will board the coach and drive back to our hotel in Krakow, arriving early evening. This evening you are free for dinner, which you may enjoy in the various restaurants and pizzerias in the Main Square area.
Day 6 – Sunday 11 August 2024
Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Free time for personal sightseeing or last-minute shopping, followed by late morning check-out from the hotel. At around noon, we will board our coach and drive towards Wieliczka. This short 35-minute drive will take us to the UNESCO-listed Wieliczka Salt Mines and the Museum of Saltworks located along the pilgrimage route. Wieliczka Salt Mines started being excavated in the 13th century, producing table salt continuously until 2007. Around 1.2 million people visit this true gem every year. We will descend a total of 800 steps, of which 380 are at the beginning (even though at intervals), accompanied by our salt mines local guide (if the group is made up of a minimum of 20 persons), who will give us detailed information in English. The temperature underground is 17 degrees Celsius. It is suggested that one wears adequate warm clothing and comfortable shoes. We will see the elaborate chambers carved in salt, the incredible underground lake, the majestic carpentry constructions and the unique salt sculptures. As we walk further down, at a depth of 135m, we will see the most incredible sights, where the salt stone used to be transformed by human hands. Halfway down the pilgrimage route, we will see the wonderful Chapel of St. Kinga, filled with state-of-the-art work made out of salt. Filming and photography during this 2.5 hours tour is allowed and free of charge. Midway throughout the tour, we will have a short break so you may enjoy a cold or hot drink and possibly a snack. You may also utilize the restrooms. At the end of this magnificent tour, we will return to the surface using a lift. Free time for a quick lunch (not included in tour price). Coach transfer at around 4.30pm to Krakow airport, arriving there in time for check-in and embarkation on Ryanair flight FR7115 departing at 7.55pm and arriving in Malta at 10.30pm.

Terms and conditions:
Price:
Persons aged 12 years and over: €995
Persons aged under 12 years over 2 years: €844
Persons aged under 2 years: €150

Price includes:
Direct Ryanair flight Malta - Krakow - Malta including one 10kg checked-in luggage maximum dimensions 55cm x 40cm x 20cm and one small bag (example: laptop bag or ladies handbag or small back pack) maximum dimensions 40cm x 20cm x 25cm
Taxes and airport charges
All transfers and excursions in Poland
Entrance ticket to Schindler’s Factory, Eagle Pharmacy & Pomorska Street
Entrance ticket to Auschwitz&Birkenau concentration camps
Entrance ticket to Pope John Paul II museum
Entrance Ticket to Wieliczka Salt Mines
5 nights Accommodation on Bed&Breakfast basis in double or triple room sharing, including buffet breakfast at 3 star superior Hotel Logos Krakow Centrum (or similar)
City tax on hotel stays
Insolvency Fund certificate
Service of Go Sicily Travel Poland experienced tour leader
Optional Extras:
Single room supplement: €30 x 4 nights = €120
Reserved seating on Ryanair flight: €10 per person per flight
Entrances as follows:
Krakow Zoo : Adults – 38 PLN, Children (under 16 years) 32 PLN.
Polish Folklore Evening with 3 course meal, mineral water and traditional bread included (menu to choose from will be provided closer to the departure): 150 PLN per person.
Energylandia Theme Park entrance : Adults 199 PLN,Children (under 10 years) 149 PLN
Entrance ticket to Pieskowa Skala Castle: 30 PLN Adults, Children (under 10 years) 22 PLN
Payment relative to the entrances is to be prepared in a sealed envelope with your name and surname and given to the tour leader on the first day of the tour.
Payment terms:
Deposit of €150 per person on confirmation
Balance by 10 July 2024 or immediately on booking for bookings made (subject to availability) after 10 July 2024
COVID-19 measures:
At www.gosicilytravel.com, we pride ourselves in offering quality experiences which are fully compliant with COVID-19 requirements whilst at the same time ensuring that our guests have an enjoyable experience.
COVID vaccination certificates or swab tests are not required to travel to Poland and back to Malta.
Insurance:
Tour guests are encouraged to affect their own travel insurance. www.gosicilytravel.com recommends Citadel Insurance and Atlas Insurance.
Terms and conditions:
Link: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2316066091759498&type=3
For enquiries and bookings please contact us on:
Mario Spiteri at
Go Sicily Travel
Mobile:79742459
Office: 21415137
E mail: [email protected]
Office (by prior appointment phoning on 79742459):
Go Sicily Travel, Cube Office Suites, Suite 2,
154, Eucharistic Congress Road, Mosta MST9037
(Around ten doors up from Partit Laburista club on the left hand side of the road facing Mosta Dome)