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Judaism Past and Present in Poland and Lithuania

10 Days / 9 Nights

Krakow, Warsaw, Vilnius

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This sample 10 day (9 night) itinerary covers many of the key Jewish heritage highlights of Poland and Lithuania: Krakow, Warsaw, and Vilnius. The services we provide as part of our comprehensive packages include accommodations, private transfers, tickets for trains, buses, and intra-European flights, airport, bus, and train station transfers, and a rich program of activities, from scenic Trakai Castle to somber Auschwitz, to ensure your European vacation is memorable. All of our tours are custom, and this is just a sample meant to give an idea of what our trips are like, and the opportunities our destinations provide.
One of our team members in the region will be available to you leading up to and during your trip to answer any questions and arrange local services. You will receive access to your Guest Page, with its information on the best these destinations have to offer, including things to see and do, and other inside tips from restaurant recommendations to tipping advice. Upon arrival, we will provide you with a local SIM that you can use to reach your local JayWay contact (who you will meet in person) throughout your trip. In all of our destinations, we offer a variety of memorable 3-5 star accommodation options, including boutique hotels, charming B&Bs, and spacious apartments. With our firsthand experience, we can ensure they are all clean, comfortable, and centrally located, with local ambience.
Route for Krakow, Warsaw, Vilnius tour

3 Nights in Krakow

3 Nights in Krakow

4 days in Krakow
4 days in Krakow

3 Nights in Krakow

Krakow may not be the largest city in Poland, but it is by far the most popular with travelers. Less industrial than Warsaw, Krakow was once Poland’s royal capital, and unlike the rest of the country, came out of World War II with its gorgeous architecture mostly unscathed. One glance at the city’s perfectly preserved and restored Old Town and it will be abundantly clear why Krakow is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. This compact historical district houses the largest square in Europe, where you can stroll, shop from the market, and sample some tasty Polish delicacies. Krakow’s cultural life is rich and there are more than enough classical and jazz concerts to attend during your stay. Just walk through Old Town any evening and you’ll find warmly lit cafes, restaurants and bars. Some of the most prominent sites in and around the city are linked with the grim, albeit highly important historical facts, as evidenced by the memorials in the Jewish Kazimierz district and the Auschwitz concentration camp located nearby - chilling and vivid reminders of World War II. You can also explore Poland’s natural wonders from Krakow, with visits to the atmospheric Wieliczka Salt Mine, and the Tatra Mountains all comfortable day trips.

Krakow may not be the largest city in Poland, but it is by far the most popular with travelers. Less industrial than Warsaw, Krakow was once Poland’s royal capital, and unlike the rest of the country, came out of World War II with its gorgeous architecture mostly unscathed. One glance at the city’s perfectly preserved and restored Old Town and it will be abundantly clear why Krakow is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. This compact historical district houses the largest square in Europe, where you can stroll, shop from the market, and sample some tasty Polish delicacies. Krakow’s cultural life is rich and there are more than enough classical and jazz concerts to attend during your stay. Just walk through Old Town any evening and you’ll find warmly lit cafes, restaurants and bars. Some of the most prominent sites in and around the city are linked with the grim, albeit highly important historical facts, as evidenced by the memorials in the Jewish Kazimierz district and the Auschwitz concentration camp located nearby - chilling and vivid reminders of World War II. You can also explore Poland’s natural wonders from Krakow, with visits to the atmospheric Wieliczka Salt Mine, and the Tatra Mountains all comfortable day trips.

Day 1

Day 1 - Arrival in Krakow

Upon your arrival to Kraków Airport, our driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals and will take you to your accommodation in Krakow. The journey should take about 30 minutes.

Our representative will then meet with you to answer any questions you have and to get you settled for the rest of your trip.

Settle in and Enjoy

Suggestion to explore on your own

If you've just arrived, before starting on tours, head out and get a feel for this unique city. If you're staying near the main square ("Rynek,") take a leisurely stroll, visit the Cloth Hall, and have a coffee with a view at Cafe Szal. If you start near the Kazimierz district, treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Starka restaurant. Either way, let yourself get charmed by Krakow.

Settle in and Enjoy

Day 2

Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Krakow

Kazimierz Highlights of Jewish Heritage Private Tour

Kazimierz Highlights of Jewish Heritage Private Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

This three-hour excursion will show you some of the most important sites of Jewish culture in Krakow. These include seven synagogues (you'll go inside two of them), Helena Rubinstein House, "Schindler's List" film locations, and much more. We invite you to learn about the 800 years of Jewish history and discover what the Jewish community was before, during, and after the war.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 3 hours

Ghetto and Schindler's Factory Private Tour

Ghetto and Schindler's Factory Private Tour

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

This three-hour tour with an expert local guide will give you an immersion into Krakow's Jewish culture, centering around the tragic events of World War II. From the Jewish Ghetto to Schindler's Factory, you'll see all of the most significant sites of Jewish history here. Along the way your guide will answer your questions and tell you everything you need to know about the life, times and tragedies of the Jewish people in Krakow.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 3 hours

Day 3

Day 3 - Your Second Full Day in Krakow

Auschwitz-Birkenau Group Tour with a Private Driver

Auschwitz-Birkenau Group Tour with a Private Driver

Included in your vacation package price.

We invite you to visit one of the most expressive and symbolic locations in Poland. You'll explore the Auschwitz Museum and Birkenau Camp, a place that should be experienced and seen at least once in your lifetime. You'll have a private tour to the museum, where you'll join a group of about 30 people.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 6 hours

Jewish Dinner and Klezmer Concert in Kazimierz

Jewish Dinner and Klezmer Concert in Kazimierz

Included in your vacation package price.

In the heart of Krakow’s former Jewish district Kazimierz, you will find one of the most well-established restaurants in the city named "Klezmer Hois". Inside the sixteenth century building awaits for you an artistic and culinary offer referring to the pre-war Jewish Kazimierz. We invite you to discover the taste of Jewish cuisine and the charm of klezmer music.


Activity Level : Easy
Duration : 2 hours

Day 4

Day 4 - Traveling to Warsaw by Train

You'll be heading north to Warsaw today. There are frequent trains between Krakow and Warsaw, one every two hours or so. We will provide train tickets with seat reservations based on your preferred departure time and arrange for a transfer from your accommodation to the train station. The journey takes about 3 hours. If you'd like to take your time while enjoying more privacy, we can also organize a private transfer with stops along the way in Lodz or Czestochowa. It makes the journey longer but adds a visit to your choice of these remarkable destinations.

You can upgrade your transfer

Upgrade to Warsaw by Private Transfer with a Tour in Lodz

Warsaw by Private Transfer with a Tour in Lodz

Upgrade for an additional cost
We also offer the following excursions in Krakow

Auschwitz-Birkenau Group Tour
Moderate6-7 hours
Auschwitz-Birkenau Private Tour
Moderate6 hours
Auschwitz-Birkenau and Salt Mine Group Tour
Strenuous10 hours
Chopin Music Concert
Easy1 hour

3 Nights in Warsaw

3 Nights in Warsaw

4 days in Warsaw
4 days in Warsaw

3 Nights in Warsaw

Warsaw, the capital of Poland and its largest city, has bounced back from the devastation of World War II, reconstructing the historic center, and earning UNESCO World Heritage status in the process. This is a bustling metropolis with a charm that’s distinct from other cities in Poland. Here you’ll find art museums and theaters galore, with lively performances and exhibitions throughout the year, as well as frequent festivals of all sorts. The culinary scene here is top-notch, with several well-respected restaurants offering classics of Polish cuisine and modern masterpieces from European gastronomy. Warsaw has distinct neighborhoods that are perfect for exploring on foot, but it’s also fun to get an appreciation for the size of the city by being chauffeured. You can explore different layers of Warsaw’s history, from World War II to its Jewish heritage and communist past. You’ll definitely want to sample the local cuisine while you explore the city, and there’s no shortage of opportunities to do so, from street stalls to fine dining. When you’re ready to go farther afield, the region surrounding Warsaw offers gorgeous lakes, castles and other notable cities and villages. There is no shortage of ways to enjoy your time in this vibrant city.

Warsaw, the capital of Poland and its largest city, has bounced back from the devastation of World War II, reconstructing the historic center, and earning UNESCO World Heritage status in the process. This is a bustling metropolis with a charm that’s distinct from other cities in Poland. Here you’ll find art museums and theaters galore, with lively performances and exhibitions throughout the year, as well as frequent festivals of all sorts. The culinary scene here is top-notch, with several well-respected restaurants offering classics of Polish cuisine and modern masterpieces from European gastronomy. Warsaw has distinct neighborhoods that are perfect for exploring on foot, but it’s also fun to get an appreciation for the size of the city by being chauffeured. You can explore different layers of Warsaw’s history, from World War II to its Jewish heritage and communist past. You’ll definitely want to sample the local cuisine while you explore the city, and there’s no shortage of opportunities to do so, from street stalls to fine dining. When you’re ready to go farther afield, the region surrounding Warsaw offers gorgeous lakes, castles and other notable cities and villages. There is no shortage of ways to enjoy your time in this vibrant city.

Day 4

Day 4 - Arrival in Warsaw

When you arrive at the Warsaw train station, a driver will meet you there and take you directly to your accommodation in the city center.

The Phoenix City

Suggestion to explore on your own

Warsaw has been nicknamed "The Phoenix City" since its rebirth following Hitler's systematic destruction of the city. It has since become a booming economic center, but traces and remains from WWII remain easy to find. From internationally famous museums like the Uprising Museum, or POLIN, to monuments such as the Warsaw Nike Statue and the Ghetto Heroes Monument and Warsaw Nike Statue, there are plenty of commemorations and sources of knowledge covering the city's darkest period.

The Phoenix City

Day 5

Day 5 - Your First Full Day in Warsaw

Jewish Warsaw Walking Private Tour: Umschlagplatz

Jewish Warsaw Walking Private Tour: Umschlagplatz

Included in your vacation package price.

Take a walk through Warsaw to get a good look at the artifacts, relics, and remainders of the city's Jewish community, once the second largest on the planet, after New York. It all changed after Hitler's army decimated the city. The tour covers important sites, plus hidden places that are skipped by many tours.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 3 hours

Understand Poland's History Through its Key Museums

Suggestion to explore on your own

One of the indisputable truths about Warsaw is that it is the home of some of Poland's most impressive and innovative museums. Be sure to visit the POLIN Museum, which celebrates the long history and continued heritage of the Jewish community in Poland, the Warsaw Rising Museum that commemorates the 1944 Warsaw Uprising, and the National Museum, famed for its extensive art collection.

Day 6

Day 6 - Your Second Full Day in Warsaw

Majdanek and Lublin Group Day Trip

Majdanek and Lublin Group Day Trip

Included in your vacation package price.

Visit one of the best preserved Nazi concentration camps, Majdanek. This silent memorial is an antidote to the loud crowds of Auschwitz. The tour then continues on with the stop at the stunning Lublin's Old Town, full of charming historical buildings, and a unique neoclassical castle.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 11 hours

Homage to Chopin: Lazienki Sunday Concerts

Suggestion to explore on your own

Chopin is Poland’s most beloved classical composer and each Sunday during the spring and summer concerts of his music are held in Lazienki Park next to the impressive Chopin statue. The concerts begin at noon and 4 pm, and entrance is free. This is a beloved local tradition stretching back to 1959. Bring a picnic lunch and something to drink and relax. If you haven’t explored the park yet – the largest in Warsaw – this is the perfect opportunity to do that as well.

Day 7

Day 7 - Traveling to Vilnius by Airplane

Today you're saying 'do widzenia' to Warsaw as you're off to the Lithuanian capital Vilnius. We'll arrange for a driver to take you to the airport in plenty of time for your departing flight. We've included economy one-way tickets to Vilnius on a short direct flight in your package price.


Please note that the flight included in your package is non-refundable. In case you would prefer more flexibility, we can check the flexible fares for you and let you know about the price difference. In addition, the price of the flights is subject to change until we receive your deposit.

We also offer the following excursions in Warsaw

Best of Warsaw Private Tour in a Luxury Vehicle
Light3 hours
Best of Warsaw Private Walking Tour
Moderate3 hours
Chopin Concert Tickets
Easy1 hour
Classic Warsaw Private Tour by Communist Minibus
Moderate3 hours

3 Nights in Vilnius

3 Nights in Vilnius

4 days in Vilnius
4 days in Vilnius

3 Nights in Vilnius

With one of the oldest surviving Old Town neighborhoods in Europe, as well as a collection of classic architecture from Baroque to Gothic and everything in between, Vilnius is sure to astound you. Walking around the city and marveling at the sites is a pleasure in itself, but there’s much more to do here because Vilnius is also a vibrant cultural epicenter, with concerts and art exhibitions happening regularly. There are also numerous outdoor activities and day trips to enjoy while you stay in the city. It might surprise you, but hot air balloons are a popular pastime in and around Vilnius, and the city is one of the few in Europe that allows hot air balloons to float directly over the city, so you’re guaranteed a spectacular view whether you opt for a flight over the city or nearby Trakai. There’s also a rich Jewish heritage to explore here, including the former synagogue and the larger and smaller ghetto. We’d also recommend delving into the darker areas of the city’s past and exploring the communist era and the history of the KGB in Vilnius at the KGB Museum. Don’t miss Uzupis, a bohemian neighborhood of galleries, restaurants, and cafes that doubles as a tongue-in-cheek sovereign state, complete with its own charming constitution, three-boat navy, and flags (one per season).

With one of the oldest surviving Old Town neighborhoods in Europe, as well as a collection of classic architecture from Baroque to Gothic and everything in between, Vilnius is sure to astound you. Walking around the city and marveling at the sites is a pleasure in itself, but there’s much more to do here because Vilnius is also a vibrant cultural epicenter, with concerts and art exhibitions happening regularly. There are also numerous outdoor activities and day trips to enjoy while you stay in the city. It might surprise you, but hot air balloons are a popular pastime in and around Vilnius, and the city is one of the few in Europe that allows hot air balloons to float directly over the city, so you’re guaranteed a spectacular view whether you opt for a flight over the city or nearby Trakai. There’s also a rich Jewish heritage to explore here, including the former synagogue and the larger and smaller ghetto. We’d also recommend delving into the darker areas of the city’s past and exploring the communist era and the history of the KGB in Vilnius at the KGB Museum. Don’t miss Uzupis, a bohemian neighborhood of galleries, restaurants, and cafes that doubles as a tongue-in-cheek sovereign state, complete with its own charming constitution, three-boat navy, and flags (one per season).

Day 7

Day 7 - Arrival in Vilnius

A driver will be waiting to meet you at the airport and take you to your accommodation in the center of Vilnius.

Unique Uzupis

Suggestion to explore on your own

Take the opportunity to explore one of Vilnius’ most colorful neighborhoods, Uzupis. It goes back to 1995, when a group of artists erected a statue of Frank Zappa in the area and declared Uzupis an independent republic. Soon flags were being created and the energy of the place seemed to attract eccentrics from all over the country. Today the mayor of Vilnius actively supports the republic and often takes part in the many activities going on there. There’s plenty to do in the neighborhood, so don’t be afraid to explore, here you’re bound to find some very photogenic people and places.

Unique Uzupis

Day 8

Day 8 - Your First Full Day in Vilnius

Vilnius Private Jewish Driving and Walking Tour

Vilnius Private Jewish Driving and Walking Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

This is an ideal tour for those interested in Vilnius' Jewish culture, which dates back to the 8th century and took off during Lithuania and Poland's golden ages. You'll learn about the highs and lows of the Jewish history of this "Jerusalem of the North." After a 3.5-hour walking tour around Vilnius' Jewish district, you'll have a break for lunch, followed by a driving tour of housing for poor Jews, a WWII labor camp, and the Holocaust memorial at the execution grounds in the Ponar Forest, making for a full day.


Activity Level : Strenuous
Duration : 7-8 hours

Day 9

Day 9 - Your Second Full Day in Vilnius

Soviet Vilnius Private Walking Tour

Soviet Vilnius and the KGB Museum

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

Communism is an important part of Lithuania’s history, even if it was a dark time. If you’re interested in learning more about this aspect of Lithuania’s recent past, the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights is a place you need to see. Today we recommend exploring it, combined with a 3-hour private walking tour led by a local guide who will show you the main places relevant to communism. You’ll get a better idea of what it was like to live under communism as the past comes alive for you. Your guide will pick you up and drop you off at your accommodation.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 3 hours

Jewish Kaunas Private Day Trip

Jewish Kaunas Private Day Trip

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

Upon reaching Kaunas, the second largest city of in Lithuania you will take a walking tour of the Old Town of Kaunas with its Catholic churches and beautiful town hall square then walk along Vilnius street towards A. Mapu and L. Zamenhof streets, the Synagogue and Talmud Torah buildings, which testify to Kaunas' massive prewar Jewish community. Your walking tour concludes in the main pedestrian street, with its restored prewar Functionalist buildings. The tour continues with a drive through Slobodka, a Jewish neighborhood since the 1500s, home to the famous Slobodka Yeshiva. You'll see the gate to the Ghetto and learn its story, and also visit Butcher street and other places of relevance to Jewish history. The final stop on the tour is the History Museum and the Memorial in the Ninth Fort, the place where Nazis and their collaborators killed over 50,000 people, most of them Jews.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 7-8 hours

Day 10

Day 10 - Departure Day

Based on your flight time, we'll have a driver meet you at your accommodation and take you to the airport.

Departure By Air from Vilnius Airport
We also offer the following excursions in Vilnius

Christmas Spells Private Tour
Moderate3 hours
Dzūkija National Park Private Adventure
Moderate8 hours
Food Tasting Private Tour
Light3 hours
Kaunas Private Day Trip
Strenuous7-8 hours

What's Included

Here are all the services provided as part of your complete vacation package. See what every JayWay trip includes.
Please let us know if you'd like to upgrade any transfers or add any additional tours or excursions to your itinerary.

Krakow

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Krakow Airport Transfer
Kazimierz Highlights of Jewish Heritage Private Tour
Auschwitz-Birkenau Group Tour with a Private Driver
Jewish Dinner and Klezmer Concert in Kazimierz
Krakow - Warsaw Train
Krakow Train Station Transfer

Warsaw

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Warsaw Train Station Transfer
Jewish Warsaw Walking Private Tour: Umschlagplatz
Majdanek and Lublin Group Day Trip
Warsaw Airport Transfer (Chopin Airport)
Warsaw - Vilnius Flight (Non-Refundable)

Vilnius

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Vilnius Airport Transfer
Vilnius Private Jewish Driving and Walking Tour
Vilnius Airport Transfer

package excludes:


  • Flights to and from Europe.
  • Tips for Tour Guides, Drivers and Local Reps.
  • Meals (other than breakfast if included in room rate and meals listed as included in food tours and excursions, unless explicitly stated otherwise).
  • Parking fees for your Rental Car (if you are booking one with us) unless otherwise indicated. Some hotels provide free parking facilities.
  • Travel Insurance. See the insurance link on our website
Benefits of Traveling with JayWay

A JayWay vacation is more than the sum of its parts. Our team work tirelessly to ensure your experience is memorable for all the right reasons. Your trip is personalized to maximize your enjoyment. You're taken care of every step of the way.

A Travel Advisor who speaks your language

We will make sure that all your requirements and interests are taken into account in preparing your itinerary.

A totally tailored itinerary for your vacation

Your trip is customized for you by  an experienced trip planner and an expert on the region.

A choice of hand-picked hotels and excursions

We've personally inspected and tested all the hotels and local tour providers we work with to ensure quality.

Detailed pre-trip preparation to make the most of every day

Your Europe-based Tour Manager will be in touch by email and phone a month before you arrive to finalize timings.

On-trip Concierge Service to smooth out any bumps in the road

Your tour manager is at your service throughout your journey. We'll provide a local SIM so you can stay connected.

Personalized Guest Page to make sure you're not missing out

Packed with detailed information and recommendations curated by locals on the best things to do, see and eat.
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