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Budapest and Poland's Best

10 Days / 9 Nights

Budapest, Krakow, Warsaw

from$2,650 per person

Travel and LeisureFodorsUSA TodayNew York TimesNational GeographicWashington PostVogue

This 10 day Budapest, Krakow, and Warsaw itinerary will show you three very different cities that all enjoy places on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Begin your tour of Central Europe in buzzing Budapest. The Hungarian capital is frequently top of travel press must-see lists and you'll quickly see why. It's packed with things to do, from arts and museums to a thriving food scene. After a few days there your private driver will take you to historic Krakow in Poland, stopping for lunch in Slovakia. Krakow's old town will capture your imagination but there are also worthwhile day trips to the Auschwitz memorial and Wieliczka salt mine to consider. A high-speed train will take you to the last destination on your tour, the Polish capital Warsaw. Here you'll find a city heroically rebuilt from the ashes of WWII. Along the way you'll find a wealth of sites of significance to people of Jewish heritage and if this interests you, we can include these activities in the customized trip plan we will prepare for you. We recommend booking open-jaw flights, usually the same or only slightly more than a simple return you won't waste time or money doubling back. 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 Budapest, Krakow, Warsaw tour

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 1

Day 1 - Arrival in Budapest

When you arrive at Budapest’s Ferenc Liszt Airport, a private driver will greet you and take you to your centrally located accommodation.

Evening Sightseeing Group Cruise

Evening Sightseeing Group Cruise

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

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 2

Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Budapest

Pest Private Walking Tour

Pest Private Walking Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

When arriving at a new capital for the first time, it's best to have a knowledgeable local show you around. On this tour, an expert local guide will take you around the Pest side of Budapest, home to most of the city's landmarks and history, showing you not just the big-name sights, but introducing you into the everyday lives of the city's citizens.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 3 hours

Buda Private Tour

Walk on the Buda Side

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

If you've seen enough of the Pest side of the city, walk across the river and explore the Buda side of Hungary's capital. In hilly Buda, you'll find several amazing baths, such as the famous Gellert Baths or the more hidden and local Kiraly Baths. Visit the Matthias Church, where Franz Joseph I and Elisabeth were coronated and stop at the Royal Palace, the home of Hungarian National Gallery. Don't forget to take a ride on the Buda Castle Funicular!


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 3 hours

Venture Within Budapest’s Signature Sights

Suggestion to explore on your own

Although a walking tour of the city will show you its highlights, there’s just not enough time to go inside all the buildings it covers. If you have just a few days in Budapest and you want to focus on the must-sees, we recommend exploring the Great Market Hall to try local delicacies and maybe purchase some souvenirs, the Parliament to see the most fabulous building in Budapest with breathtaking interiors, and finish your day with a trip to Budapest's grand Opera House for a performance.

Venture Within Budapest’s Signature Sights

Day 3

Day 3 - Your Second Full Day in Budapest

Culinary Walk: Food and Wine Tasting Small Group Tour

Culinary Walk: Food and Wine Tasting Small Group Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

On this walking tour you will be introduced to the drinking and eating habits of the Hungarian people, shown why the Hungarian cuisine is one of a kind. We provide insights into the latest local food trends, and food shops of Budapest, as well as tasting some of the traditional drinks and food. We show you old and historical, but also new and hipster. Between the stops we spice up the tour with interesting historical facts and legends, and by the end of the tour you will be familiar with some great Hungarian inventions as well.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 4 hours

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 4

Day 4 - 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
We also offer the following excursions in Budapest

Alternative Budapest Small Group Tour
Moderate3 hours
Budapest Christmas Markets Private Tour
Moderate3 hours
Budapest Market, Food, and Coffee Private Tour
Moderate3 hours 30 minutes
Budapest Private City Tour by Car
Light3 hours

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 4

Day 4 - Arrival in Krakow

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

Chopin Music Concert

Chopin Music Concert

Included in your vacation package price.

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 5

Day 5 - Your First 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

Explore Krakow's Jewish Legacy

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Discover the atmosphere and the spirit of Jewish life in Krakow. Before WWII, Jews made up 25% of Krakow's population, helping create the city's unique identity. Delve into this heritage by seeing some of the most significant sites related to Jewish culture and life. Kazimierz is Krakow’s most unique neighborhood, combining its heritage as the Jewish Quarter with a more recent reinvention as the city’s bohemian headquarters. You can also explore food and music at the Klezmer Hois, where you can enjoy a three-course authentic Jewish meal, complete with a live Klezmer band.

Kazimierz Highlights of Jewish Heritage Private Tour

Kazimierz Highlights of Jewish Heritage Private Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

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

Jewish Dinner and Klezmer Concert in Kazimierz

Jewish Dinner and Klezmer Concert in Kazimierz

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

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 6

Day 6 - Your Second Full Day in Krakow

Wieliczka Salt Mine Group Tour

Wieliczka Salt Mine Group Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

This Salt Mine is one of the oldest in the world and was established in the 13th century. Today salt is no longer mined in Wieliczka, but this original underground complex is preserved in a great condition, making it a world-class monument. This astonishing place was recognised in the UNESCO’s World Cultural and Natural Heritage List due to its breathtaking underground chambers carved entirely in salt. Wieliczka Salt Mine tours rank among the most popular day trips from Krakow and draws attention of over one million visitors each year.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 4 hours

Auschwitz-Birkenau Group Tour

Auschwitz-Birkenau Group Tour

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

See in person the place where some of the most gruesome atrocities of World War II were carried out. Auschwitz was the biggest Nazi concentration and death camp in occupied Europe. On July 2, 1947 Memorial Museum was created on its site by an act of the Polish parliament. Situated about an hour from Krakow, the Auschwitz Memorial Museum is included in UNESCO's World Heritage List.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 6-7 hours

Day 7

Day 7 - 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 with a Private Driver
Moderate6 hours
Auschwitz-Birkenau Private Tour
Moderate6 hours
Auschwitz-Birkenau and Salt Mine Group Tour
Strenuous10 hours
Dunajec Gorge River Rafting with Private Transportation
Light7 hours

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 7

Day 7 - 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 8

Day 8 - Your First Full Day in Warsaw

Best of Warsaw Private Walking Tour

Best of Warsaw Private Walking Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Taking this tour first thing after your arrival in Warsaw is going to acquaint you with most of the fabulous, historical and important sites of the city. Besides that, you will find plenty of hidden parts that are rather off the standard route. It’s an excellent option for the first day in Warsaw or if you are limited by time.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 3 hours

Explore Warsaw's Jewish Heritage

Suggestion to explore on your own

Warsaw has a rich Jewish history, and we highly recommend exploring it while you're visiting the city. The most significant historical monument to local Jewish culture is the Warsaw Ghetto. On Prozna Street you'll find the ghetto's surviving tenements covered in an artistic memorial to the victims of Nazism. There are also numerous statues, including the Monument to Ghetto Heroes, and the Monument to Mila 18, which was the headquarters of the ghetto's resistance fighters. The Nozyk Synagogue was once one of 400 synagogues in the city. Today it is the only one that survived World War II. It's certainly worth visiting, if only to marvel at the architecture and the interior. The POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews is also a must-see. The museum's postmodern exterior is striking in itself, but inside you'll find truly breathtaking exhibitions that reveal the rich history of Jewish life in Warsaw. Please note that the museum is closed on Tuesdays.

Day 9

Day 9 - 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

Warsaw Food Tasting Group Tour

Warsaw Food Tasting Group Tour

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

Today you'll find that Polish food is far more than just famous pierogi, during this in depth exploration of the local cuisine. You will also learn interesting stories behind the dishes you discover. You'll get to know why Poles complain about the quality of their bread, why people often long for food from the 70s, and why you can't always trust an invitation "for a cup of coffee." This tour will make for a full meal, as you'll try a dozen different dishes in several quaint eateries, representing both modern and traditional food. This is a great way to combine lunch with active city exploration.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 4 hours

Day 10

Day 10 - Departure Day

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

We also offer the following excursions in Warsaw

Best of Warsaw Private Tour in a Luxury Vehicle
Light3 hours
Chopin Concert Tickets
Easy1 hour
Classic Warsaw Private Tour by Communist Minibus
Moderate3 hours
Classic Warsaw Walking Private Tour: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Moderate3 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.

Budapest

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Budapest Airport Transfer
Pest Private Walking Tour
Culinary Walk: Food and Wine Tasting Small Group Tour
Budapest - Krakow Private Transfer with a stop in Banská Štiavnica

Krakow

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Chopin Music Concert
Krakow Private Walking Tour
Wieliczka Salt Mine Group Tour
Krakow - Warsaw Train
Krakow Train Station Transfer

Warsaw

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Warsaw Train Station Transfer
Best of Warsaw Private Walking Tour
Majdanek and Lublin Group Day Trip
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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