Polish Luminaries: Copernicus, Hevelius & Curie

HOST: Fred Watson

DATES: 7 - 14 May 2025

STYLE: Backroads learning

Minimum/maximum numbers: 16/20 guests

BOOKINGS: Open 6 August 2024 / Close 7 March 2025

Day 1: Arrival in Krakow

Arrive in the beautiful city of Krakow and settle into your boutique hotel. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner featuring delicious traditional Polish cuisine and live folk music, setting the tone for an unforgettable journey. (D)

Day 2: Exploring Krakow 

Start your day with a guided walking tour of Krakow's Old Town. Marvel at the Main Market Square, St. Mary's Basilica, and Wawel Castle. In the afternoon, delve into history with a visit to Schindler's Factory Museum, then sit back and relax with a piana recital by Frederick Chopin. Enjoy some free time in the evening to explore or dine at a charming local restaurant. (B)  

Day 3: Wieliczka Salt Mines & Zakopane

After breakfast, embark on a fascinating tour of the Wieliczka Salt Mines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its underground chapels and sculptures. In the afternoon, travel to Zakopane, a picturesque town in the Tatra Mountains. Take a ride on the funicular to Gubałówka Hill for breathtaking views before spending the night in Zakopane. Maybe we'll see some stars from here that night! (B,D)

Day 4: Zakopane to Warsaw

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Zakopane, exploring the town's unique architecture and vibrant market. Later, travel by high-speed train to Warsaw. Upon arrival, check into your boutique hotel and unwind. In the evening, attend an enchanting Chopin concert, celebrating the works of Poland's most famous composer. (B,D)

Day 5: Discovering Warsaw

Begin your day with a visit to the Marie Curie Museum, dedicated to the life and achievements of the Nobel Prize-winning scientist. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of Warsaw's Old Town, exploring the Royal Castle, Market Square, and the city's rich history. The evening is yours to discover Warsaw's culinary delights. (B)

Day 6: Torun & Gdansk

Travel to the medieval town of Torun in the morning and visit the House of Copernicus, where the renowned astronomer was born. Explore Torun's charming streets before continuing to Gdansk. After checking into your boutique hotel, take a relaxing stroll along the Old Pier and enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant. (B,D)

Day 7: Malbork Castle & Gdansk

In the morning, visit the impressive Malbork Castle, the largest castle in the world by land area. Learn about the Teutonic Knights and the castle's storied past. Return to Gdansk in the afternoon for some free time to explore the city's vibrant streets and shops. Celebrate your final night with a traditional Polish dinner at a local restaurant. (B)

Day 8: Departure or on to Amsterdam

Spend your final morning in Gdansk at your leisure, taking in any last-minute sights or shopping for souvenirs. In the afternoon, depart for Amsterdam for "Celestial Canals & Tulip Trails" or your next destination, bringing with you cherished memories of your Polish adventure. (B)

Accommodations

- Krakow Dream Boutique Hotel

- Zakopane: Grand Hotel Stamary

- Warsaw: Polonia Palace Hotel

- Gdansk: Hotel Grand Cru

This tour is followed by a 11 day tour/cruise program  Telescopes, Tulips and Treasures from Amsterdam to Basel featuring the Rhine River, Wuppertal, Dusseldorf and Strasbourg Observatoies. Do both tours and receive a discount of $350 per person.

PARTICIPATION FEE

$4,995 per person

Single Supplement: $1495

Cost of both tours (Poland and Avalon Waterways Cruise - Telescopes, Tulips and Treasures)

$12,195 (based on Cabin B)

Inclusions:

· Tour Host – Fred Watson

· Tour Manager – Marnie Ogg

· 7 nights accommodation as listed

· Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner as listed (B,L,D)

· Entry to all sights listed

· Air-conditioned motorcoach and driver

· Local Guides​

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Not included:

· International / domestic Flights

· Tips

· Drinks

· Travel Insurance (Mandatory)

· Items of personal nature

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NOTES

Tour itinerary and pricing are subject to change and currency exchange at any time. Your place is confirmed on receipt of a non-refundable deposit. Deposits are transferable to new tours or other guests. Bookings close 90 days before departure of the first tour. Final payments are due 75 days prior to departure. Please see our terms and conditions for cancellation details. All prices are in Australian dollars.

If the minimum numbers (16 paying pax) are not met, alternative travel arrangements may be made, however in the instance that this is not possible, the tour may be cancelled. and your deposit returned. Please note twin rooms are based on two co-travellers sharing a room - if you choose this option as a single traveller, you may be required to pay the full supplement in the event no other single traveller wishes to share. There are only 10 rooms available throughout the journey and travel insurance is required to participate.