Discover Historic Krakow

Discover Historic Krakow

tourhub | Riviera Travel | Discover Historic Krakow | K7
Krakow

Krakow, Poland

Days 1-3
Kraków
Kraków

Kraków

Day 4

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Discover Historic Krakow

4 Days Starting and ending in Krakow, Poland

Visiting: Krakow, Vistula River, Market Square, Krakow, Rynek Główny, Krakow, St. Mary's Church, Krakow, Florian Gate, Krakow, Wawel Castle, Krakow, Wieliczka Salt Mine, Auschwitz-Birkenau, Kraków

Tour operator:

Riviera Travel

Tour code:

K7

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

18-99

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through the historic city of Krakow, Poland, with our "Discover Historic Krakow" tour. This immersive experience offers a blend of cultural exploration and culinary delights. Begin your adventure with a guided walking tour of Krakow's medieval streets, visiting iconic sites like the bustling Rynek market square and the majestic Wawel Castle. Choose between a poignant visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau or enjoy free time to explore Krakow's rich history at your own pace. Indulge in a traditional Polish food tour, sampling local delicacies and beverages in the vibrant Jewish District. With return flights, three nights in four-star accommodation, and the expertise of a Riviera Travel tour manager, this small group tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Poland's former capital.

Highlights

  • Learn more about Poland's gastronomic heritage while sampling some of its best dishes and local beverages on a walking tour.

  • Embark on a guided walking tour of the medieval city and Poland’s former capital.

  • Visit Wawel, the castle district, one of Europe’s most striking royal residences straight out of a fairytale.

  • Choose to visit the harrowing Auschwitz-Birkenau or enjoy free time in Krakow, exploring more of this ancient city at your leisure.

  • Take an optional tour of the cathedral-like salt mines - a peculiar world of salt underneath the earth that demonstrates the evolution of European mining techniques.

  • Explore the iconic market square Rynek, lined with exquisite medieval buildings and vibrant stalls.

  • Discover the historic streets of the Jewish District while indulging in a traditional Polish food tour.

Itinerary

Expand All

DAY 1

Krakow, Poland

Location: Krakow, Vistula River, Market Square, Krakow

Accommodation: Hotel

Arrival in Krakow - After you arrive in Krakow, the city is yours to explore. You may wish to wander the ancient, cobbled streets, soaking in the sights of grand facades, or stroll along the edge of the Vistula River and watch as the sun dances on the water's surface. You could visit the market square to peruse the shops, relax in one of the cosy cafes, explore the local museum or enjoy a first taste of craft beer at the pub, surrounded by impressive architecture from the Middle Ages.

If you’d like some recommendations on how to spend your free time, our friendly expert Tour Manager is on hand at the hotel to give you advice on the must-see sights, restaurants and experiences to take full advantage of your time in Krakow.

DAY 2

Krakow, Poland

Location: Krakow, Rynek Główny, Krakow, St. Mary's Church, Krakow, Florian Gate, Krakow, Wawel Castle, Krakow, Wieliczka Salt Mine

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Krakow - After breakfast, we'll embark on a walking tour of Krakow with a small group of your fellow travellers, uncovering the city’s ancient secrets one cobblestone at a time as we navigate its intricate streets. During our tour, we'll visit the city’s iconic market square Rynek, a bustling area lined with exquisite medieval buildings.  In the centre of the square stands the Cloth Hall, which has been a hub for textile trading since the 16th century. Here, locals go about their day, chatting and enjoying coffee at the many street cafés.

We’ll get a feel of life as a local for ourselves as we stroll through the square, browsing vibrant stalls selling beautiful, locally-made amber jewellery.

Overlooking the square is St. Mary’s Church, richly adorned with fine paintings, gold leaf, and silverware -its opulence might even lead one to mistake it for a cathedral! The church features stunning 14th-century stained glass that creates a kaleidoscope of colours with striking beams of light in the chancel below. Since medieval times, a trumpeter has sounded a bugle call from the top of one of the church's two ornate spires – they sound the call four times in succession, to the north, east, south and west. Originally, it’s thought that it was sounded to signal the opening of the city’s four gates, but then it was used to warn of a potential attack, and to close the gates from invaders. It’s still played now, every hour on the hour, with the noon call broadcast on national Polish radio.

On our tour we will also see the impressive Florian Gate and the remnants of the medieval fortifications that defended the once-capital of Poland, as well as the church where Pope John Paul II held Mass for a grateful congregation. Other sights include the University and Collegium, where the famous astronomer Copernicus theorised that the Earth was not the centre of the solar system – this was extremely brave at the time, as it derailed centuries of scientific thinking, and went against the church’s beliefs that the Earth was the centre of the universe!
Later, we'll visit the 11th century Wawel castle district, a series of buildings which dominate over Krakow. This area, situated on a bend of the Vistula River, served as the political and cultural capital of Poland for over 500 years. Among the many buildings in the district are the Royal Palace, the Cathedral, the Senators’ Hall, the Treasury, and the Armoury.

We'll see the cathedral which is the final resting place of the Polish monarchs. You can tour the Palace and Royal Chambers which boast an impressive array of rooms restored to their original stunning Renaissance and Baroque state, filled with fine furniture, works of art, and Europe’s largest collection of tapestries. You'll have free time to explore the rest of the complex, including the wonderful three-tiered Renaissance courtyard.
This afternoon, you can either enjoy free time in Krakow or opt for a tour of the famous Salt Mines, a fascinating underground world that has been in production since the Middle Ages. Be awed by the chapels, chambers, and saline lakes as you explore this otherworldly site and uncover the truth behind its intriguing history. Your Tour Manager will provide information on the timing and costs of this optional tour.

DAY 3

Krakow, Poland

Location: Auschwitz-Birkenau, Krakow

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Auschwitz-Birkenau - Our destination for this morning requires no introduction: Auschwitz-Birkenau. We carefully considered whether it was appropriate to include this location as part of our itinerary, but our philosophy is to inform our travellers about all aspects of the countries we visit.

Auschwitz-Birkenau has been left virtually untouched as it was when it was liberated as a Nazi concentration camp in 1945. It is now a museum and monument, and this morning’s guided tour will be led by a local guide - many find it to be an extremely moving experience. In a small group of your fellow travellers, we'll first visit Auschwitz and then nearby Birkenau, where we can see the notorious watchtower and appreciate the sheer scale of the atrocities that took place.

Alternatively, you have the option to spend the morning in Krakow, where you can explore its beautiful attractions, sights, shops, museums, and galleries.

In the afternoon, you're in for a real treat as we indulge your taste buds with a traditional Polish food tour. Due to its turbulent history, Polish cuisine is rich and diverse, influenced by various cultures. During a walking tour through the historic streets of the Jewish District, we'll delve into the city's gastronomic heritage while sampling traditional dishes, including Polish vodka and craft beers. Our friendly and knowledgeable guide will introduce you to the best street food Krakow has to offer and will take you to the places cherished by locals. You'll learn about the cultural traditions and history behind the places we visit and the foods we sample. Be prepared—you're going to need a healthy appetite for this tour!

DAY 4

Kraków
Saint Mary's Basilica, Krakow
Kraków

Location: Kraków

Return home

What's Included

  • Return Flights

    Return flights to Krakow are included in the tour package.

  • Accommodation

    Three nights' stay in four-star accommodation is included.

  • Local Taxes

    All local accommodation taxes are covered.

show more

What's Not Included

  • Optional Tours

    Optional tours, such as the tour of the salt mines, are not included and may incur additional costs.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel with ease as the tour includes return flights to Krakow and return airport transfers, ensuring a seamless journey from start to finish.

Accommodation

Enjoy a comfortable stay in Krakow with three nights in four-star accommodation, complete with daily breakfast and all local accommodation taxes included.

Check out our Q&As

  • What can I expect from the walking tour of Krakow?

    The walking tour of Krakow will take you through the city's intricate streets, uncovering its ancient secrets. You'll visit the iconic market square Rynek, see St. Mary's Church with its stunning stained glass, and hear the bugle call from the church's spire. The tour also includes sights like the Florian Gate, medieval fortifications, and the University where Copernicus studied.

  • What is included in the visit to the Wawel castle district?

    The visit to the Wawel castle district includes exploring a series of buildings that served as the political and cultural capital of Poland for over 500 years. You'll see the Royal Palace, the Cathedral, the Senators’ Hall, the Treasury, and the Armoury. The cathedral is the final resting place of Polish monarchs, and you can tour the Palace and Royal Chambers, which are restored to their Renaissance and Baroque state.

  • What options do I have on the third day of the tour?

    On the third day, you can choose to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau for a guided tour of the concentration camp, or spend the morning exploring Krakow's attractions. In the afternoon, you will participate in a traditional Polish food tour in the Jewish District, sampling local dishes, Polish vodka, and craft beers.

  • Is there an optional tour available during the trip?

    Yes, there is an optional tour of the famous Salt Mines available. This tour takes you to an underground world with chapels, chambers, and saline lakes, showcasing the history and evolution of European mining techniques.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For almost 40 years

  • I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?

    We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns

  • Do I require travel insurance?

    It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.

  • What is my luggage allowance?

    You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.

Reviews of this operator

David Clarke (Google Reviewer)  

This review is for the...

08-Aug-2023

This review is for the italian Lake Como trip Aug 1-8 Wow what a trip. Riviera from start to finish were excellent the booking and help line answering questions were very good and clear. The travel booklet you get is laid out that it is simple to read and follow with step by step info from booking in to flights to meeting the guides. Our guide Matt Purse was just the best guide and real credit to Riviera with his knowledge and straight forward approach to running the trips. Matt kept us informed and told us all the sort of info you want to know without going over the top....This chap should teach other reps ..thank you so much. The coaches they use are all clean and well equipped with usb chargers and have aircon. The places chosen to visit were well researched even down to where coaches park or drop you off. The Bernina Express was the highlight for our family and matts photo tip was welcomed. The only down point was the hotel,a little dated and evening meal in main restuarant was a bit of a let down. I think we were lucky with our room on level 7 and with balcony as the walls are very thin and noise travels. We would book again with riviera

Sharon Wal (Google Reviewer)  

Riviera are amazing attention to...

24-Mar-2025

Riviera are amazing attention to detail fantastic, staff and crew can't do enough for you. Food excellent drinks package great, cannot fault, definitely cruise with them again

Barbara Shillaker (Google Reviewer)  

I have been on three...

11-Jan-2024

I have been on three trips with Riviera Travel so far, with two more booked during 2024. Highly recommended. Excellent tour guides. Great program of visits. Great hotels used.

Dawn Curzons (Google Reviewer)  

Just returned from my first...

18-Oct-2024

Just returned from my first Riviera tour ,Valencia and the orange grove coast for solo travellers an̈d despite challenges due to two public holidays and things closing, it was managed excellently by the tour manager. Would not hesitate to use Riviera again. Pleased to find a replacement after very bad service from Titan in the past.

Julie Berry (Google Reviewer)  

What a fantastic holiday to...

29-May-2024

What a fantastic holiday to Canada on the Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska Cruise. If you are thinking of booking this do it right now. From start to finish everything was great. The hotels, the transport and the cruise. The rep was absolutely fabulous. If you have ‘B’ as your rep you will make a friend. She is so full of knowledge. We went on this trip with strangers and left it as friends.

Mrs Bodnarec (Google Reviewer)  

Thankyou Riviera and all the...

28-Apr-2024

Thankyou Riviera and all the staff on the William Wordsworth Danube River cruise. My husband and i have just travelled on the Danube to celebrate my husbands 60th and we had such a lovely experience. We were younger than most of the travellers but we met so many lovely people so this wasnt a problem. The staff were so lovely and professional. The service we experienced was so high. The boat was beautiful, the food amazing and the excursions were informative and well managed. I would definately recommend riviera as a company. In fact we are now considering their Japan holiday.

David Chard (Google Reviewer)  

We have just returned from...

06-Feb-2025

We have just returned from the most wonderful holiday in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Sri Lanka is such a fascinating place to visit; the people, the sights, the food, the wildlife are extraordinary. Riviera have created a super itinerary which includes notable sights including visits to an Elephant Sanctuary and Yala National Park, whilst staying at top notch hotels. The Maldives leg - 7 days on a boat visiting numerous deserted islands and sandbanks, night time fishing expeditions, snorkelling, barbecue on the beach etc.....it was simply out of this world. i cannot praise Riviera too highly. Thank you.

Jean Libaert (Google Reviewer)  

Fantastic small boat cruise from...

29-Sep-2024

Fantastic small boat cruise from Split to Porec and then by catamaran to Venice. Well done Riviera for another wonderful holiday. Would recommend this company and all their small boat cruises (just completed our 3rd!).

Paul Carpenter (Google Reviewer)  

First River Cruise and the...

25-Aug-2024

First River Cruise and the first time with Riviera but it won't be the last. The holiday exceeded our expectations. From the reps we spoke to when booking, to the staff and crew on board, they were all very friendly and helpful. Nothing was too much trouble. Everything was well organised and made for a very enjoyable holiday. The boat was very clean, plenty of space in the cabin and on deck and the food was some of the best I have ever tasted. Plenty to see along the Rhine, with castles, towns passing by at a nice sedate pace and watching the other craft using the Rhine. Highly recommend.

Barbara Parkes (Google Reviewer)  

Presently in Croatia staying at...

22-Sep-2023

Presently in Croatia staying at Arauana Hotel, supposedly a 4 star property, but wouldn't give it any star rating. Rooms are small and dirty. Wallpaper blistering. Meals served in a shed like lean-to. Food like warm, greasy and always self service. Second holiday with Riviera this year and neither at standard advertised. Have travelled with them previously and everything was fine, but standards have really dropped. Have booked a holiday with them next year and now dreading it. Certainly don't provide the standard advertised. We have never stayed in such a hovel and have visited youngsters in back packers accommodation which was far better than this supposedly 4 star accommodation. There are no indoor bars or lounges only a shed as a so called restaurant. Absolutely disgusting. Won't be boking with them again

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Riviera Travel requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of riviera travel charges.

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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