Cracow Incoming Poland / English

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KRAKÓW (CRACOW)

Capital, country, city of churches & … necropolis of polish kings

 

Cracow – this magnificent pearl in a Polish crown, one of the oldest European university cities – until almost XVIII century was the historical capital of the country. Almost since the same beginning of creating UNESCO′ remarkable List of World Culture and Nature Heritage, the old city of Cracow was recognized as unique and placed as part of it . The glamorous Old Town surrounded by Planty park complex with preserved fragments of mediaeval defense walls was established in 1257. Then, the biggest mediaeval Main Market in Europe was set up . It still houses numerous charming cafes, restaurants and galleries. Once, established in 1815 as The Free, Independent, and Strictly Neutral City of Kraków (a.k.a. the Free City of Kraków/Republic of Kraków) was the center of agitation for an independent Poland. The Cracow′ Barbican is leading to more than one story whispered among local people, concerning more than one of the dead kings buried there, looking for the eternal peace…

Day 1 - Arrival to Cracow

Day 2 - Visiting Cracow - All-day sightseeing

Time to see The History.

World famous Market Square and its Sukiennice (the Cloth Hall) offer not only charming scenery but also numerous beautiful handcraft souvenirs. St. Mary′s Church- famous for the high altar built by Wit Stwosz, the old Floriańska Street and Floriańska Gate, the remarkable Wawel Castle and the cathedral from the 14th century are leading to many secrets from the past. When the night comes the old Jewish district - Kazimierz- seduces us, alluring to its enchanting streets and cafes…

Day 3 -  Wieliczka

Time to see The Underground Kingdom of Salt.

Wieliczka – the town already known in the 13th century due to the remarkable salt mine - 2040 chambers carved at 9 levels , reaching 330 meters underground, linked with the 350 kilometers long system of adits and shafts. Unique chapel dedicated to St. Kinga, capable of housing 500 people, 55 x 17 m and 12 m high is a breath taking “must” of this trip. In the afternoon -free time that will let everyone rest a little or look on its own for more charm of this place.

Day 4 - Trip to choose:

Zakopane and Pieniny National Park

Time to see The Green.

Drive to Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains via the National Park in Pieniny, which is European nature and landscape wonder. Dunajec gorge is a perfect place to admire limestone peaks.

Zakopane – located at the Tatras′ feet (alpine type of mountains) is Poland winter capital that owes its charm to unique regional culture created by local highlanders.

or

Częstochowa

Time to see The Heart of Polish Belief.

Visit to the Pauline Monastry on Jasna Góra - one of the world′s greatest centre of religious cult and the

heart of the Polish Catholicism, famous also from its Siege of Jasna Góra. This complex includes the Pauline Monastery, Basilica of Our Lady′s Assumption and the Holy Cross, with its oldest part, dating back to the foundation of the monastery in 1382.

or

Oświęcim (Auschwitz)

Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum – placed on the grounds of the biggest Nazi concentration Camps (Auschwitz-Birkenau 1940-1944). The camp took a heavy toll of human life – more than one million people were killed there. Buried in massive graves, they died in gas chambers, under the Wall of Death, on the loading platform, in barrack and prisoner blocks that have remained untouched until today. In 1979 these objects were placed on the UNESCO List of World Heritage.

Day 5 -  Departure