Southern Polish Explorer

It is clear to see why Southern Poland attracts more visitors than any other region in the country - from rejuvenated Wroclaw with its fine Gothic architecture and an idyllic location on the Odra River, to the sombre air of Auschwitz, the most notorious of the WWII concentration camps. And of course, the atmospheric former royal capital of Krakow, an architectural gem of a town with its soaring churches, vast market square and Kazimierz, the old Jewish quarter. This tour takes you on a Polish odyssey through charming cities and beautiful scenery of a warm and welcoming country. Included for 2024 is a centrally located hotel in Krakow Old Town just 10 minutes' walk to the famous Cloth Hall Market plus an authentic Jewish dinner one evening complete with mesmerising Klezmer music.

Departure points to suit you...
Crusader Holidays uses an interchange system, taking place at either Beaconsfield Services (M40), South Mimms Services (M25/A1M) or Thurrock Services (M25).

Here you may have to change to your holiday coach and we are renowned for ensuring that this is smooth and efficient.

The holiday coaches typically depart from Beaconsfield Services at 11.15, Thurrock Services at around 09.30 and South Mimms Services at 10.30. Some customers find it more convenient to join direct at the interchange, please let is know when booking if this is the case.

*Due to increased operational costs, from Monday 16th October 2023 Dover, Folkestone, Canterbury & Ashford joining points will be subject to a £25.00 per person supplement on all 2024 UK Tours.

NOTE: Pick up points are a guide so please refer to your holiday confirmation for specific locations as details are subject to change.Highlights
- Hotel for 4 nights with breakfast in Krakow- Porterage at main hotel- 2 hotel buffet dinners in Krakow with tea or coffee (one evening no included dinner)- Klezmer evening with return transfers, dinner and live music in Krakow's Jewish Quarter- Overnight hotel in Wroclaw with set dinner (incl tea / coffee) & breakfast- Overnight hotels in Germany for 3 nights with breakfast- Included excursions as stated- Guided tour of Krakow Jewish Quarter- Entrance to Remuh Synagogue & Cemetery- Entrance to Auschwitz with guide & headset- Guided walking tours of Wroclaw and Dresden

Your Itinerary
Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach, travel to Dover for the short sea crossing to Calais. Then continue into Germany for your overnight stop in the Dortmund area (3* Achat Hotel Bochum). BB

Day 2 - A big travel day today as you head to the city of Wroclaw, full of charm and appeal. Poland's fourth largest city has a unique architectural and cultural make-up having been influences by Bohemia, Austria and Prussia. Overnight in the 4* Novotel Wroclaw Centrum. DBB

Day 3 - Built on several islands, the unique character of Wroclaw is due in part to its long and entangled history with its neighbours and was only returned to Polish rule at the end of WWII. The Old Town boasts a huge market square, gothic churches, scenic waterways and lush parks. You can join a local guide who will show you the sights on an included guided tour of Wroclaw before departing for Krakow for your 4-night stay at the 3* centrally located Hotel Wyspianski with porterage. Two nights buffet dinner in the hotel, one night Jewish dinner at a local restaurant and one night on your own to explore Krakow and find a local restaurant of your choosing (own expense)

Day 4 - 6 At leisure in Krakow with two included excursions and one optional excursion
Your centrally located hotel makes it easy to explore Krakow, Poland's former royal capital during your leisure time - perhaps a visit to the museum housed in Oskar Schindler's former enamel factory (not included) or a meander through the magnificent Cloth Hall, arguably the world's oldest shopping mall or a visit to Wawel Castle, a potent symbol of the country's national identity. The Jewish Klezmer evening with set dinner menu takes place at the historic Klezmer Hois Restaurant in the heart of the Jewish District accompanied by phenomenal live Klezmer music (transfers by local coach)

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
KRAKOW'S JEWISH QUARTER
Enjoy a morning guided tour of Krakow's Jewish Quarter to gain more insight into the tragedy of 20th century and to see how this area has been revitalised in 21st century. The quarter used to be a separate town, Kazimierz, although these days it feels wholly integrated into Krakow itself. The German occupation during WWII led to the destruction of the Jewish community and after the war, Kazimierz fell into neglect and disrepair. It is only in the past couple of decades, that cafes and bars have returned to the area, bringing in a new population of students and professionals. A visit to the historic Remuh Synagogue & Cemetery is included where numerous tombstones with Hebrew inscriptions can be found, despite many having been destroyed in WWII

AUSCHWITZ
Time to reflect with an included visit to Auschwitz, the largest of the German Nazi concentration camps. Travel to the authentically preserved memorial near the industrial town of Oswiecim. The site now consists of two parts - Auschwitz 1 and Auschwitz 11 - Birkenau. The included entrance and guided tour (including an audio-guide) makes it possible to understand this unique place more fully and the enormity of what happened here

OPTIONAL EXCURSION
WIELICZKA SALT MINES
There will also be the opportunity to join an optional excursion to the UNESCO listed Wieliczka Salt Mines, one of Poland's most popular visitor attractions. Only a fraction of the miles of subterranean labyrinth of tunnels and vast chambers chiselled out of rock salt are open to the public and the 2-hour guided tour takes you via the extraordinary salt-hewn formations, chapels with altarpieces, chandeliers, statues and even underground lakes. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes as you will walk about 3km. The route includes approx. 800 stairs, 380 of which are at the start and the temperature underground falls within the range of 17- 18C

Day 7 - Head off today as you bid farewell to Poland and head to the dramatic city of Dresden on the banks of the Elbe and your central located overnight hotel, the modern 3* Achat Hotel Dresden Altstadt. Dinner is not included tonight but there is a micro brewery / restaurant next door to the hotel as well as a couple of restaurants within walking distance BB

Day 8 - You may like to join the included Dresden guided tour this morning to discover the secrets of this revitalised city, which was so badly damaged during WW2. The restoration is phenomenal and Dresden, 'Florence on the Elbe' is once again a magnificent 'jewel', full of rococo and baroque architecture and opulent buildings, not least the astounding Frauenkirche, the Zwinger Palace and the Semper Opera House. Continue on to the final overnight in the Dortmund area (3* Achat Hotel Bochum) BB

Day 9 - After breakfast, travel back through France to Calais for the return to England3* Hotel Wyspianski - Central Krakow
Just 500m from Krakow's historical and cultural centre, the Market Square, this 3* large, modern hotel offers a great base for exploring this fascinating city.

Contemporary, comfortable and somewhat compact guestrooms come with TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and WiFi. There is a restaurant serving Polish and international cuisine and a spacious bar with outdoor terrace.

The hotel also has a lobby gift shop plus a fitness room. There is a lift.