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A Peek Behind the Iron Curtain

16 Days / 15 Nights

Berlin, Prague, Bratislava, Budapest, Krakow, Warsaw

from$4,150 per person

Travel and LeisureFodorsUSA TodayNew York TimesNational GeographicWashington PostVogue

“From Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic, an iron curtain has descended across the Continent.” So spoke Winston Churchill in 1946 and this trip will give you an insight into the countries whose borders and territory were just behind that iron curtain.

This particular Central European tour is a trip back in time. Fly over the ocean and imagine your plane as a time machine that lands in 1970. You will travel in a retro car in Budapest and visit Memento Park, the first political propaganda statue collection established after the fall of communism. Another bite of commie vehicle experience awaits you in Warsaw. Bunkers, nuclear shelters, subways will open up for you to unveil secret emergency and evacuation plans in Berlin, Prague and Krakow. In Bratislava, we showcase some striking examples of the architecture which characterized the era, Socialist Realism. This era, though, has more than just physical remnants. On the walking tours you will learn about the political and social challenges post-communist countries combat to this day. Prepare for an exciting, moving, but anyhow, cheerful vacation.

We’ve included themed walking tours and other, more leisurely and entertaining excursions to strike a balance. Accommodations in centrally located hotels, transportation by private car and train are also included in this unique and comprehensive package. Learn while traveling and choose Central Eastern Europe's communist past as your next specialist subject.

In addition to the tours included we can arrange a number of excursions based on your own interests. 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 during and leading up to the trip to answer any questions and arrange additional 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 your arrival, we will provide you with a local SIM that you can use to reach your local JayWay contact 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 first-hand experience, we can ensure they are all clean, comfortable, and centrally located, with local ambience.

Route for Berlin, Prague, Bratislava, Budapest, Krakow, Warsaw tour

3 Nights in Berlin

3 Nights in Berlin

4 days in Berlin
4 days in Berlin

3 Nights in Berlin

A vibrant cosmopolitan city that’s rich in history and contemporary culture, Berlin is constantly evolving. From the ruins of World War II to the Cold War division of the Berlin wall, Berlin has always managed to rebuild. Germany's largest city, this sprawling (by European standards) metropolis has excellent public transportation, from subways to an official rowboat ferry. You’ll find a little of everything here, from history to high gastronomy, art museums to palaces, and plenty of lively bars and nightclubs. The nightlife here is world-class, but there’s more than enough to see during the day. Berlin is made up of distinctive neighborhoods, each with a different character. We recommend several ways of exploring the city, from a Cold War walking tour to a bike tour to see all the must-see sights in a simple and easy way. An exploration of the long and volatile history of Jewish culture in the city is eye-opening as Jewish life in Berlin has been meticulously documented. Many of the city’s art and culture museums offer unforgettable glimpses into history. Potsdam offers the perfect diversion for an afternoon, and Sanssouci Palace, with its well-tended gardens, is a beautiful reminder of the city’s impressive past. The past comes alive in Berlin, but the present is very much alive as well.

A vibrant cosmopolitan city that’s rich in history and contemporary culture, Berlin is constantly evolving. From the ruins of World War II to the Cold War division of the Berlin wall, Berlin has always managed to rebuild. Germany's largest city, this sprawling (by European standards) metropolis has excellent public transportation, from subways to an official rowboat ferry. You’ll find a little of everything here, from history to high gastronomy, art museums to palaces, and plenty of lively bars and nightclubs. The nightlife here is world-class, but there’s more than enough to see during the day. Berlin is made up of distinctive neighborhoods, each with a different character. We recommend several ways of exploring the city, from a Cold War walking tour to a bike tour to see all the must-see sights in a simple and easy way. An exploration of the long and volatile history of Jewish culture in the city is eye-opening as Jewish life in Berlin has been meticulously documented. Many of the city’s art and culture museums offer unforgettable glimpses into history. Potsdam offers the perfect diversion for an afternoon, and Sanssouci Palace, with its well-tended gardens, is a beautiful reminder of the city’s impressive past. The past comes alive in Berlin, but the present is very much alive as well.

Day 1

Day 1 - Arrival in Berlin

Welcome to Berlin! You will be met at the Berlin Brandenburg airport and have transport arranged to your centrally located accommodation.

Follow the Berlin Wall

Suggestion to explore on your own

The Berlin Wall Memorial explains the infamous barrier's history with plaques, art, museums, and a rebuilt section of the wall complete with a viewing platform. Don't confuse it with the distant East Side Gallery near the Spree, which has the wall's most famous murals. At the memorial you'll find excavations of buildings destroyed by the wall’s construction, giant murals, and a modern church built on the grounds of an older temple destroyed for the wall. The route ends near Mauerpark, a “Wall Park” that turns into one of the city’s most popular spots every Sunday, when crowds flock to its flea market, grassy lawn, and karaoke amphitheater.

Day 2

Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Berlin

Cold War Group Walking Tour

Cold War Group Walking Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

This tour with a professional guide will take you to the historical sites of Berlin during the Cold War. Besides the sights, your guide will also share some interesting and shocking stories and facts of espionage, street art, and the wall's death strip.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 3 hours

Bunkers, Subways, and the Cold War Private Tour

Bunkers, Subways, and the Cold War Private Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

History buffs will love this private tour under Berlin. The city's development from a small village to the German capital has been Germany's biggest metropolis is visible in its underground spaces and infrastructure, like its public transportation, and utilities networks. This tour, led by a guide from an organization devoted to researching and promoting Berlin's underground history, will reveal to you its Cold War past, including nuclear bunkers, air-raid shelters, and the stories behind their construction and use.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 1 hour 30 minutes

Day 3

Day 3 - Your Second Full Day in Berlin

Trabi Safari Group Tour

Trabi Safari Group Tour

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

Drive through Berlin in the unofficial car of the DDR. Squeeze yourself behind the wheel of a the comically idiosyncratic Trabant and drive around the German capital, seeing its sights and getting a Trabant driver's license to take home.


Activity Level : Easy
Duration : 1 hour 15 minutes

The Palace of Tears

Suggestion to explore on your own

The Tranenpalast ("Palace of Tears,") was one of the few border crossings between East and West once the Berlin Wall went up (Checkpoint Charlie was closed to Germans). The place where those who somehow got permission to emigrate left East Berlin for the first time, and where visitors from the West bid adieu to their friends and family, this place saw many painful farewells. Today, the former border crossing hall, next to the Friedrichstrasse train station, documents those moments of separation, as well as life in the DDR, and connections between Germany's two halves.

The Palace of Tears

Day 4

Day 4 - Traveling to Prague by Train

Sit back and relax as we whisk you from Berlin to Prague by train. You'll glide through the picturesque German countryside, and the journey moves riverside once you enter the Czech Republic. We will arrange for a transfer to the Berlin train station as well as second class tickets with seat reservations. Regular train connections between the two cities means departure times are flexible. The journey lasts about 5 hours and first class tickets can be arranged for an additional fee. For the chance to visit another city on your journey, choose our private transfer option. Your driver will pick you up in Berlin and deliver you to your centrally located Prague accommodation. Along the way however, you'll enjoy a stop in the beautiful and historic city of Dresden, about halfway between Prague and Berlin.

Prague by Train with Private Dresden Suggestion

You can upgrade your transfer

Upgrade to Prague by Private Transfer with a Stop in Meissen

Prague by Private Transfer with a Stop in Meissen

Upgrade for an additional cost

2 Nights in Prague

2 Nights in Prague

3 days in Prague
3 days in Prague

2 Nights in Prague

“The Golden City,” “The City of 100 Spires,” “The Mother of Cities,” Prague has no shortage of nicknames paying homage to its charm and beauty. Prague’s winding cobblestone streets, gorgeous architecture and atmospheric bridges are fabled. Get up early and stroll across the statue-lined Charles Bridge. Soak it from the magnificent Old Town Square with its 600-year old astronomical clock. From exploring history and modern culture on foot, to traveling farther afield to take in the picturesque countryside and fairytale villages, you’ll have an itinerary full of adventure and relaxation. Besides the city’s history, evident on every street, especially in the beautifully preserved former Jewish Quarter, you can delve into the city’s gastronomy. You can literally dive into some of Europe’s best beers by visiting a beer spa, or explore its beloved breweries with walking tours, or enjoy a dinner cruise. Day-trip destinations include scenic castles, the perfect spa town, and Kutna Hora with its “bone church” and gothic cathedral. Prague is a city of history that comes to life for every visitor, no matter their interests.

“The Golden City,” “The City of 100 Spires,” “The Mother of Cities,” Prague has no shortage of nicknames paying homage to its charm and beauty. Prague’s winding cobblestone streets, gorgeous architecture and atmospheric bridges are fabled. Get up early and stroll across the statue-lined Charles Bridge. Soak it from the magnificent Old Town Square with its 600-year old astronomical clock. From exploring history and modern culture on foot, to traveling farther afield to take in the picturesque countryside and fairytale villages, you’ll have an itinerary full of adventure and relaxation. Besides the city’s history, evident on every street, especially in the beautifully preserved former Jewish Quarter, you can delve into the city’s gastronomy. You can literally dive into some of Europe’s best beers by visiting a beer spa, or explore its beloved breweries with walking tours, or enjoy a dinner cruise. Day-trip destinations include scenic castles, the perfect spa town, and Kutna Hora with its “bone church” and gothic cathedral. Prague is a city of history that comes to life for every visitor, no matter their interests.

Day 4

Day 4 - Arrival in Prague

When you arrive at Prague's train station, we will have a driver there to meet you and take you to your accommodation.

Cold War Reminders

Suggestion to explore on your own

The neighboring Lennon Wall and Memorial to the Victims of Communism commemorate resistance to communist authorities, and its victims, while the nearby Andel subway station is the best preserved part of the Prague Metro from the Cold War. Designed by Soviet architects (Moscow has a similar station designed by Czechs), this piece of the Moscow Metro has reliefs of astronauts, and inscriptions in Russian. If you're lucky enough to be in Prague for the second or third Saturday of the month, be sure to visit the Folimanka shelter. Prague's largest Cold War fallout shelter, this facility was designed to save 1300 civilians from destruction.

Cold War Reminders

Day 5

Day 5 - Your First Full Day in Prague

Communism and Nuclear Bunker Group Tour

Communism and Nuclear Bunker Group Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

On this tour, you'll learn about life in communist Czechoslovakia. Your guide will explain how people struggled though daily lives tinged with Communist propaganda and fears of nuclear war. Paranoia, spying, regular nuclear attack drills, and massive bunker construction projects were constant aspects of life in the 1950s. You'll end this tour by visiting a nuclear bunker so well-preserved, that it is still ready for emergency use.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 2 hours

Vitkov Hill's National Memorial

Suggestion to explore on your own

Originally built to celebrate Czechoslovakian statehood, the National Monument atop Vitkov Hill was transformed after the 1948 communist coup. Today it is featuring lovely views and a gigantic statue of Jan Zizka, who led a 15th century army at the hill to victory against Catholic forces. If you're interested in the Cold War, visit the "Laboratory of Power" exhibition focusing on the propaganda that once covered the monument, and shows how the rooms containing the communist mummy looked.

Vitkov Hill's National Memorial
Beer Tasting Group Tour

Beer Tasting Group Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Do you know the difference between ales and lagers or stouts and porters? Learn about different types of beer, how they're made, and how best to taste them. Your guide will also shed light on the brewing traditions that create such a wide and rich variety of the Czech national drink, as you enjoy 11 samples of local craft beer, plus traditional beer delicacies and appetizers.


Activity Level : Easy
Duration : 1 hour 45 minutes

Day 6

Day 6 - Traveling to Bratislava by Train

Prague's little sister is next up on your tour as you head to the Slovak capital of Bratislava. There are a few connections daily between the two cities so we will book second class tickets with seat reservations based on your preferred departure time. First class tickets can be arranged for an additional fee. The journey takes just over 4 hours. We can also arrange a private car and driver for an extra fee. They'll pick you up at your Prague accommodation and deliver you straight to your accommodation in Bratislava. This gives you a bit more comfort and flexibility and saves time.

Bratislava by Train

You can upgrade your transfer

Upgrade to Bratislava by Private Transfer with a Stop in Mikulov

Bratislava by Private Transfer with a Stop in Mikulov

Upgrade for an additional cost

1 Night in Bratislava

1 Night in Bratislava

2 days in Bratislava
2 days in Bratislava

1 Night in Bratislava

The capital of Slovakia and the largest city in the country, Bratislava is the political and cultural epicenter of the region. It has quickly joined the ranks of modern EU capitals, sitting at the crossroads of German, Slovak, Hungarian, and Jewish influences. You’ll see this reflected in the architecture and design of the city, as well as in its cuisine. A true city of culture, Bratislava boasts numerous theaters, museums, galleries, and concert halls. In the past, giants of classical music including Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Rubinstein, and Hummel have composed and performed here. Step through a gateway into the walled-in Old Town and you’ll find cobblestone streets, pedestrian alleys and plazas, 18th-century rococo buildings, and lively bars, restaurants, and cafes, from the traditional to the hip and modern. There is deep Jewish history here to explore. The most prominent site in the city is Bratislava castle, which sits stately on a hill overlooking the city on the Danube. Memorable excursions to wine country outside of Bratislava are available, where you can sample some of the region's finest wines. Bratislava’s compact size, combined with its variety of local activities and excursions, and its proximity to Vienna and the beautiful High Tatra mountains, make it a perfectly inviting destination.

The capital of Slovakia and the largest city in the country, Bratislava is the political and cultural epicenter of the region. It has quickly joined the ranks of modern EU capitals, sitting at the crossroads of German, Slovak, Hungarian, and Jewish influences. You’ll see this reflected in the architecture and design of the city, as well as in its cuisine. A true city of culture, Bratislava boasts numerous theaters, museums, galleries, and concert halls. In the past, giants of classical music including Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Rubinstein, and Hummel have composed and performed here. Step through a gateway into the walled-in Old Town and you’ll find cobblestone streets, pedestrian alleys and plazas, 18th-century rococo buildings, and lively bars, restaurants, and cafes, from the traditional to the hip and modern. There is deep Jewish history here to explore. The most prominent site in the city is Bratislava castle, which sits stately on a hill overlooking the city on the Danube. Memorable excursions to wine country outside of Bratislava are available, where you can sample some of the region's finest wines. Bratislava’s compact size, combined with its variety of local activities and excursions, and its proximity to Vienna and the beautiful High Tatra mountains, make it a perfectly inviting destination.

Day 6

Day 6 - Arrival in Bratislava

Welcome to the capital of Slovakia! A private driver will greet you upon arrival at Bratislava's main station and take you to your accommodation.

Post-Communist Bratislava Private Tour

Post-Communist Bratislava Small Group Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

This two-hour tour will show you another side of Bratislava, specifically the remnants of Soviet architecture and the influence of communism on Bratislava. An expert local guide will pick you up at your accommodation and take you through the city center and beyond, showing you some of the most striking examples of buildings and monuments wrought by the communists, as well as the pre-WWII Czechoslovak fortification system and the border with Austria known as the Iron Curtain.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 2 hours

Catch the View from a UFO

Suggestion to explore on your own

For your first night in Bratislava, pay a visit to the iconic UFO bridge, which provides the city's best views, and is home to a restaurant and bar. The food's quality is decent, and the cocktails excellent. So climb the bridge, get your bearings, try the drinks at its two bars, or in summer, visit the beach bar below.

Catch the View from a UFO

Day 7

Day 7 - Traveling to Budapest by Train

It's time to explore another country and a fascinating capital city. Today, you will depart Bratislava's main train station and head to Budapest. There are a few daily train connections between Bratislava and Budapest, so you can choose your departure time for the 2,5-hour journey. Second class tickets with seat reservations are included in your package, and we can arrange first class tickets for an additional fee.

Budapest by Train

You can upgrade your transfer

Upgrade to Budapest by Private Transfer

Budapest by Private Transfer

Upgrade for an additional cost

3 Nights in Budapest

3 Nights in Budapest

4 days in Budapest
4 days in Budapest

3 Nights in Budapest

The Paris of Central Europe, Budapest is the Queen of the Danube, a sprawling, regal city split in two halves by the mighty river. The city’s two UNESCO-listed halves, ancient Buda and modern Pest both have their charms and are linked by numerous picturesque bridges. From the Buda Castle to the Danube Embankment and the sprawling Andrassy Avenue, with its impressive architecture, there is plenty to keep you busy here, exploring and discovering this atmospheric city. It’s a little too big to explore only on foot, but the Pest side of the city is well laid out with broad avenues of the Parisian system, so it’s hard to get lost, and the public transportation, including the world's second oldest subway system, works well. Budapest has all the charm of Western Europe at a fraction of the price. Here you can taste excellent wines produced throughout the region, and even enjoy Michelin-star dining in various locations. We can offer you more than enough exciting activities in the city, from a visit to the incredible Parliament building to a boat cruise with dinner, or an exploration of Budapest’s communist past. The city also has a rich Jewish heritage, so you’ll find the perfect balance of history and modern culture here. Voted Best City in Europe in 2013 by Condé Nast Traveler readers and a regular in their top 3, Budapest really is a special city with activities to cater to every interest.

The Paris of Central Europe, Budapest is the Queen of the Danube, a sprawling, regal city split in two halves by the mighty river. The city’s two UNESCO-listed halves, ancient Buda and modern Pest both have their charms and are linked by numerous picturesque bridges. From the Buda Castle to the Danube Embankment and the sprawling Andrassy Avenue, with its impressive architecture, there is plenty to keep you busy here, exploring and discovering this atmospheric city. It’s a little too big to explore only on foot, but the Pest side of the city is well laid out with broad avenues of the Parisian system, so it’s hard to get lost, and the public transportation, including the world's second oldest subway system, works well. Budapest has all the charm of Western Europe at a fraction of the price. Here you can taste excellent wines produced throughout the region, and even enjoy Michelin-star dining in various locations. We can offer you more than enough exciting activities in the city, from a visit to the incredible Parliament building to a boat cruise with dinner, or an exploration of Budapest’s communist past. The city also has a rich Jewish heritage, so you’ll find the perfect balance of history and modern culture here. Voted Best City in Europe in 2013 by Condé Nast Traveler readers and a regular in their top 3, Budapest really is a special city with activities to cater to every interest.

Day 7

Day 7 - Arrival in Budapest

When you arrive at Budapest’s Keleti Train Station, there will be a driver there to meet you and bring you to your accommodation located in Budapest's city center.

Evening Sightseeing Group Cruise

Evening Sightseeing Group Cruise

Included in your vacation package price.

You're invited for a panoramic boat ride at night, when the city will be beautifully lit up for your pleasure. Glass in hand, you will be able to experience how the legends of Budapest come alive. Look behind the walls of the Royal Palace, the Parliament, the bridges, and other splendid sights all bathed in light.


Activity Level : Easy
Duration : 1 hour

Day 8

Day 8 - Your First Full Day in Budapest

Retro Trabant Private Tour to Memento Park

Retro Trabant Private Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Chug along the streets of Budapest in a tiny, idiosyncratic East German Trabant car. You'll visit Memento Park, a famous collection of communist statues, where you'll spend an hour with an expert guide, and drive to the panoramic Citadel, high above the Danube, which offers perhaps the best views of Budapest.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 4 hours

Hammer and Sickle Private Tour

Hammer and Sickle Private Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Enjoy this truly interesting walking tour, focused on Hungary's communist era. Together with your private guide you will learn more about life under Big Brother, the Hungarian Uprising, and visit a museum showing life in a totalitarian state.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 2 hours

Day 9

Day 9 - Your Second Full Day in Budapest

After Darkness Comes Light

Suggestion to explore on your own

Budapest has a lot of museums to offer. Some harken back to the city's darker days, while some work well for people of any age. As the name implies, The House of Terror is one of the heavier destinations. It documents the fascist and communist regimes that so damaged the nation, but is renowned for its presentation and one of the city's most popular attractions. The Hospital in the Rock, a medical bunker cut into the side of Buda Hill, while connected to the darker days of WWII, is a bit surrealistic, but well worth a visit. And in case you are looking for a happier and more easily
digestible museum, we recommend the Budapest History Museum, or even the House of Houdini, housed within the walls of Buda Castle.

After Darkness Comes Light

Bathe with the Locals

Suggestion to explore on your own

Is there anything more quintessentially Budapest than a visit to one of the legendary baths? With more hot springs than any other capital, the city lets you take your pick of various styles, from the old school Turkish Rudas Baths to the Art Nouveau Gellert Baths on the Buda side of the city, or even the Neo-Baroque Szechenyi Baths with a large outdoor pool in Pest’s City Park. These are very much for locals, don't expect day-spa luxury! We've written a handy roundup of Budapest's best baths here.

Bathe with the Locals

Day 10

Day 10 - Traveling to Krakow by Private Transfer

A private driver will pick you up in Budapest and bring you to your accommodation in Krakow. The ride will be a lovely one through the mountains and the Hungarian and Slovakian countryside. The drive takes around seven hours but along the way, you will stop at the UNESCO-listed Banska Stiavnica, an ideal place to get lunch. It's a medieval town with a silver mining museum and not one but two castles. Please note that this is a non-guided transfer. The vehicle used for your transfer will be a standard sedan, station wagon, or minivan. We can arrange for an upgrade to a more luxurious class of vehicle for an extra fee. If you prefer to save some time, we can look into a direct flight instead.

Krakow by Private Transfer with a Stop in Banska Stiavnica

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 10

Day 10 - Arrival in Krakow

When you arrive in Krakow, your driver will bring you straight to your centrally located accommodation.

Day 11

Day 11 - Your First Full Day in Krakow

Private Nowa Huta Communist Tour

Private Nowa Huta Communist Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Take a peek into the lives of everyday works in socialist Poland. Nowa Huta, the focus of this tour, where this tour takes you, was built as a utopian residential area, surrounding the country's largest steelworks, and is a fusion of popular ideas at the time. Brutalist architecture, enough nuclear shelters for the entire population, and socialist realism create the background for a trip to a time when a pair of jeans cost half an average salary, and television commercials promoted products widely unavailable for the average consumer.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 2 hours 30 minutes

Nowa Huta's Museum of Communism and Nuclear Shelters

Suggestion to explore on your own

Amid the grand Socialist Realism buildings and parks of the Nowa Huta district, built under communism as a utopian model of the future, you can find the Museum of Communism, inside a former cinema. The museum focuses on the culture, politics, propaganda, and daily life in communist Poland. Beneath the theater is the largest of the district's 250 nuclear shelters, which could house every resident. Naturally, the shelter has an exhibition devoted to Nowa Huta's bunkers, and plans for responding to a nuclear attack. In a nearby shelter, you can find a related exhibition, titled "Nowa Huta Underground: State of Emergency."

Nowa Huta's Museum of Communism and Nuclear Shelters

Day 12

Day 12 - Your Second Full Day in Krakow

Krakow Private Walking Tour

Krakow Private Walking Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Today you’ll get a feel for the story of the city with a private tour with a local expert. There's much to discover as you walk the famed Royal Route through the city's heart, on this tour filled to the brim with historical facts and anecdotes. You'll wander from the Barbican and St. Florian's Gate to the spectacular royal hilltop Wawel Castle, visiting the Main Square with its Cloth Hall and St. Mary's Basilica along the way.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 3 hours

Chopin Music Concert

Chopin Music Concert

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

To any classic music aficionado, concerts of the Chopin's musical works present themselves as a real treat. Here, you will have the opportunity to appreciate a Polish musical genius in the unique atmosphere of Krakow's Market Square. We invite you to listen to Chopin's most famous piano pieces performed by talented and award-winning young pianist.


Activity Level : Easy
Duration : 1 hour

Day 13

Day 13 - 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

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 13

Day 13 - 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.

Views and Foods

Suggestion to explore on your own

If you've just arrived, we suggest visiting the Krakowskie Przedmiescie, a famed street that forms the northern end of the Royal Way. Here, you can climb to the top of the St. Anna's Church Bell Tower, which provides an amazing view of the Royal Castle and the Old Town. After this not insignificant exercise (there are 150 steps to climb), treat yourself to a nice dinner at the nearby U Fukiera restaurant. Through delicious Polish cuisine, you'll start immersing yourself in the local culture. Smacznego!

Views and Foods

Day 14

Day 14 - Your First Full Day in Warsaw

Private Communism Tour by Retro Minibus

Private Communism Tour by Retro Minibus

Included in your vacation package price.

Begin with the closing days of WWII, and continue through Warsaw's postwar reconstruction, with plans for monumental and spacious neighborhoods, followed by the hard reality of life in the 50s and 60s. Finally, you'll see how imported goods improved living conditions, while strikes and the Solidarity movement brought about martial law, but ultimately defeated communism and brought about the return of democracy. Along the way, you'll see the city's landmarks, learn about the city's citizens, and ride around in a Communist-era minibus.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 3 hours

Life under Communism

Suggestion to explore on your own

When it comes to museums dealing with the era of the Peoples' Republic of Poland, Warsaw has plenty to offer. The "Museum of Life Under Communism" is a must, serving as a great introduction to everyday life from the 60s to the 80s. Another crucial element of Polish culture, especially in hard times, is vodka. The "Museum of Polish Vodka" familiarizes visitors with the drink's production process, various flavors, and the raw materials needed to produce them. Last but far from least is the "Neon Museum," devoted to preserving the creative neon lights authorities used in abundance to demonstrate Poland's postwar prosperity.

Life under Communism

Day 15

Day 15 - Your Second Full Day in Warsaw

Open Air: Lazienki Park and the Banks of the Vistula

Suggestion to explore on your own

Warsaw may appear especially urban, but it has numerous outdoor areas worth checking out. Lazienki Park is the city’s largest park, complete with ponds, palaces, villas, and a surprising number of squirrels. It’s probably the most popular place in the city for a Sunday stroll. On the banks of the River Vistula (especially in the hip disctrict Praga), you’ll find numerous beach bars and snack shacks, making it the perfect destination for an outdoor day, especially if the weather is cooperating. There are also ample places (nearly 400 in fact) to pick up a bike via the city's Veturilo public bike program.

Open Air: Lazienki Park and the Banks of the Vistula

Day 16

Day 16 - Departure Day

Based on your flight time, we'll arrange for a transfer from your accommodations to Warsaw's main airport.

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.

Berlin

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Berlin Airport Transfer
Cold War Group Walking Tour
Bunkers, Subways, and the Cold War Private Tour
Berlin Train Station Transfer
Berlin - Prague Train Ticket

Prague

2 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Prague Train Station Transfer
Communism and Nuclear Bunker Group Tour
Beer Tasting Group Tour
Prague Train Station Transfer
Prague - Bratislava Train Tickets

Bratislava

1 Night Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Bratislava Train Station Transfer
Post-Communist Bratislava Small Group Tour
Bratislava Train Station Transfer
Bratislava - Budapest Train

Budapest

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Budapest Train Station Transfer
Evening Sightseeing Group Cruise
Retro Trabant Private Tour
Hammer and Sickle Private Tour
Budapest - Krakow Private Transfer with a stop in Banská Štiavnica

Krakow

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Private Nowa Huta Communist Tour
Krakow Private Walking Tour
Krakow Train Station Transfer
Krakow - Warsaw Train

Warsaw

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Warsaw Train Station Transfer
Private Communism Tour by Retro Minibus
Warsaw Airport Transfer (Chopin Airport)

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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