Warsaw, The Vistula River, Bielsko Biala, Auschwitz, Cracov, The Wieliczka Salt Mine, Sandomierz, Opatow, Kazimierz Dolny, Warsaw, Ciechocinek, Torun, Malbork, Gdansk, Warsaw

Cozy mountain guest houses, High standard hotels, Luxury quest houses

$2350

All fees and tickets for the events included in the program, transport in Poland, full room and board accommodation: breakfast, lunch, dinne, tips, taxes, highway tolls, professional equipment; a qualified English-speaking tour guide, the assistance of courier, superb atmosphere.

Excess luggage (over 45 lb / 20 kilos), alcoholic beverages, extra tips, personal daily expenses, additional attractions not included in the program.

4-9

15 days

1. Jun 19 - Jul 03

We will travel along the banks of the Vistula River. We will walk and do the sights a lot, therefore you need comfortable shoes. Brace up for all sorts of weather. Take an anorak and fleece. However, don't forget to pack sunglasses, camera, swimsuit & good humour.

You may wonder where the Vistula River is? As soon as you land and set your foot on the Polish soil we will show you this royal river. Then we will have a delicious, welcome traditionally Polish dinner. You will be introduced to your fellow travelers and our itinerary.

After enjoying a hearty breakfast we will set off south, where our guide, the Vistula, has its spring. We will cover lots of kilometers. There will be numerous attractions, magnificent views and unforgettable time in store for you. In the evening you can breathe the healthy mountainous air.

We will spend this day searching for the spring of the Vistula River. We will show typical houses of highlanders. You will be given an opportunity to taste genuine, traditional, Polish cuisine. In the evening you will get an insight into our vivid Polish customs and take part in traditional folk rites and ceremonies.

We steer due north. We will show how the Vistula changes on its journey. Later the same day an emotional experience not to be missed will be a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau, the museum of WWII holocaust. Later the same day we will reach Cracov, the historical and cultural center of Poland. We will spend quite a time exploring the city, because there is so much to see and do.

We will visit the Old Town, Wawel Hill, the Wawel Castle, Dragon's Cave, Barbakan, to name only a few attractions in store for you. The city was built by the banks of the River Vistula. In the evening we suggest a stroll through the city and dinner in an atmospheric Polish restaurant.

After breakfast and time to 'cool down' after yesterday's attractions, we will take you to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, the oldest operating enterprise. You will be amazed by 190 mi / 300 km underground tunnels, green lakes and beautifully carved salt sculptures. After the sunset we will continue our journey. The River Vistula is our guide.

This day we will explore picturesque towns. We want you to feel the ambiance of out-of-the-way sights that date 700 years back. You will have the opportunity to see defensive walls, fortified castles dating back to the 14th century and stroll down the streets where Polish kings used to walk. You will visit the old historical towns of Sandomierz, Opatow, Kazimierz nad Wisla.

We will take you to Warsaw, the capital city. As you know it lies on the River Vistula. You will explore two sites of Warsaw. The modern site includes the Presidential Palace, the Parliament building, and the leisure center. The historical one comprises the Old Town, "the palace on the water", the Royal Castle, and the remnants of socialist times. Expect some Trek-Surprise in the evening.

In the morning we will complete taking the sights and then set off to explore the Vistula River. This time we will head for the spa town of Czestochowa. You can visit the inhalation room built in the 16th century, have a walk in the park or drink healing water. So it will be a perfect retreat for you after intense sightseeing.

Relaxed and healthier, you will leave for Torun, the birthplace of Nicolaus Copernicus. This famous astronomer is said to halt the Sun and move the Earth. The city also claims its fame for having been a city of merchants and craftsmen in the past. It used to be an important trading center of grain along the Vistula. Today you can visit huge granaries where the grain was stored.

Following the Vistula, we will head for the seaside where the Vistula joins the Baltic Sea. This day we will reach the land of medieval knights and castles. We will take you to this fortress next day.

Straight after a hearty breakfast we will travel 500 years into the past. Imagine a castle that spreads over the area comparable to 28 soccry pitches (50 acres). You will feel this unusual atmosphere of the 16th century.

Finally we will reach our destination, the Baltic Sea, where the Vistula River ends its course. We will show you round the remarkable and beautiful city of Gdansk. You will be impressed by monuments and the harbor. The city's rich history adds to its unique atmosphere.

We return to Warsaw. In two days you are leaving, so it is the last chance to do souvenir shopping. In the evening we will all meet at a farewell dinner.

Last we say our fond farewells and wish you a safe journey home full of happy memories of an enjoyable visit.