Essential Poland in a Week

8 Days / 7 Nights

Zakopane, Krakow, Warsaw

Average Guest Rating 4.9 / 5

This sample one week itinerary will show you three different sides of Poland. Busy capital city Warsaw, rebuilt after the devastation of WWII, history-packed Krakow, and the peaceful mountain town of Zakopane in the Polish Tatras. This trip could also be taken in reverse. 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 also 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.

2 Nights in Zakopane

2 Nights in Zakopane

Three million visitors can’t be wrong. That’s how many people come to Zakopane every year, making it Poland’s most popular holiday destination. Many come for skiing, but this is a natural paradise all year round. You’ll find hiking trails and ski slopes, and opportunities for climbing, ice skating, rafting and paragliding. Even just walking through the hills and into the charming little town of Zakopane is an enchanting experience in itself. It will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The center of the city is where the most commercial shops are, and it can be a bit hectic compared to the surroundings. But besides enjoying nature, there are numerous cafes and bars to help you get into the spirit of the nightlife. Zakopane also has several museums as well as villas and mansions that are built in the unique local style. If you’re looking for authentic Polish cuisine, you’ve come to the right place, as you’ll find several themed restaurants serving up classic dishes.

Day 1

Day 1 - Arrival in Zakopane

Upon your arrival at Krakow's airport, a driver will pick you up and take you to your accommodations in Zakopane. The journey should take about two hours, depending on traffic.

Day 2

Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Zakopane

Zakopane Private Walking Tour with Gubalowka Funicular Ride and Oscypek Cheese Tasting

Included in your vacation package price.

Zakopane, known as the "Winter Capital of Poland" is a delightful town situated at the foot of the grandiose Tatra mountains. Through centuries this region attracted the most prominent Polish artists, writers, poets, painters, musicians and composers. It is a place where culture meets nature. Get to know this unique place during a 4 hour private walking tour.

Activity Level : Moderate

Duration : 4 hours

Close to Nature

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Zakopane is the perfect alternative to bustling big city scenery. It abounds in of scenic trails offering beautiful vistas. Koscieliska Valley, considered by many to be the most beautiful valley in the High Tatra mountains, features an easy, comfortable trail, and memorable sights, including many mysterious caves (some of which can be safely entered). At the end of the valley, there is a mountain hut where you can rest and have a lunch. On the other hand, you can visit much higher ground by taking a cable car up to the summit of Kasprowy Wierch. From the very top, you can enjoy amazing views of the Polish High Tatreas, and the entire Podhale region.

Kuznice And Kasprowy Private Walking and Cable Car Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Zakopane has much more to offer beyond its main promenade, Krupowki Street. Your guide will take you to the the upper part of Zakopane from where very exciting cable car trip to Mount Kasprowy awaits you! After getting to the very top, enjoy amazing views of the Polish High Tatra mountains peaks and the whole Podhale region.

Activity Level : Moderate

Duration : 4 hours

Koscieliska Valley Private Hiking Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Koscieliska Valley is a great idea for the hike. The trail is not difficult at all and will provide you with amazing views. Weather permitting, you will be able to enter a few caves along the way. The pleasant walk ends at the cosy mountain shelter, ideal place for a lunch.

Activity Level : Moderate

Duration : 5 hours

Day 3

Day 3 - Traveling to Krakow by Private Car

Off to Krakow! Your private driver will pick you up from your accommodations based on your chosen departure time. Then you'll head north to Krakow, which generally takes less than two hours, depending on traffic. 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.

We also offer the following excursions in Zakopane

Dunajec Rafting and Czorsztyn Castle Trip with Private Transportation

Moderate5 hours

Zakopane Full Day Tour Focused on Folklore and Tradition

Moderate7 hours

3 Nights 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.

Day 3

Day 3 - Arrival in Krakow

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

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

Jewish Dinner and Klezmer Concert in Kazimierz

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

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 - Your First Full Day in Krakow

Exploring Krakow

Included in your vacation package price.

Today you’ll be getting 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 hilltop royal Wawel Castle, visiting the Main Square with its Cloth Hall and St. Mary's Basilica along the way.

Activity Level : Moderate

Duration : 3 hours

Wieliczka Salt Mine Group Tour

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

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

Day 5

Day 5 - Your Second Full Day in Krakow

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

Classical Krakow: Chopin Concert

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

Chopin is one of Poland’s most renowned composers, and today we suggest taking in a recital of his music in the Old Town's Chopin Concert Hall.

Activity Level : Easy

Duration : 1 hour

Day 6

Day 6 - Traveling to Warsaw by Private Transfer

Today you're off to Warsaw, your private driver picks you up at your accommodations and along the way, you will stop in the town of Czestochowa to see the famous Jasna Gora Monastery. There's a special atmosphere here that you can't help but notice. You will have some free time to visit the Monastery on your own. For an additional fee, we can arrange a private tour. Please note that this is a non guided transfer.

Warsaw by Private Transfer with a Stop in Czestochowa

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

Dunajec Gorge River Rafting with Private Transportation

Light7 hours

2 Nights in Warsaw

2 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.

Day 6

Day 6 - Arrival in Warsaw

Welcome to Warsaw! Our driver will take you to your centrally located accommodation.

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!

Day 7

Day 7 - Your First Full Day in Warsaw

Classic Warsaw Private Tour by Communist Minibus

Included in your vacation package price.

Explore Warsaw's history, culture, architecture, and more with an expert local guide, as they take you through the city's most important historical sites, from the Royal Castle and Old Town, to the Palace on the Isle and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Warsaw can be sprawling, so you'll save plenty of time and energy by traveling aboard a communist-era minibus.

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 8

Day 8 - 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

Best of Warsaw Private Walking Tour

Moderate3 hours

Chopin Concert Tickets

Easy1 hour

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.

Zakopane

2 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Krakow Airport Transfer

Zakopane Private Walking Tour with Gubalowka Funicular Ride and Oscypek Cheese Tasting

Zakopane - Krakow Private Transfer

Krakow

3 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Krakow Private Walking Tour

Auschwitz-Birkenau Group Tour with a Private Driver

Krakow - Warsaw Private Transfer with a Stop in Czestochowa

Warsaw

2 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Classic Warsaw Private Tour by Communist 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.

Glowing Reviews from Our Guests

4.9 / 5

Average of our Guest's Ratings of vacation packages including these destinations

Lewis & Sheila

New York

Extremely well planned, well executed, safe, educational and totally enjoyable tour. JayWay made this trip a perfect vacation. We never would have seen as much or learned as much on our own. Having your own guides meant we could focus on our interests. On the free time in our itinerary, the website, our tour manager and local guides all gave us suggestions that filled our days. We have been to 33 countries and this is the best way to see everything without the hassles and restrictions of large groups. We certainly will be using JayWay again.

Year : 2023
Visited : Poland
Itinerary : Krakow, Warsaw, Gdansk
Rating :

5 / 5

Alexis, James & Deborah

Massachusetts

I appreciated JayWay's personalized trip itinerary that was specific to my family's interests/connections to Poland and having less stress about having to book each activity/coordinate travel. The guided tours in each city made for a memorable trip where we were able to connect with each city, its history, and the culture better than if we were exploring on our own.

Year : 2023
Visited : Poland
Itinerary : Gdansk, Krakow, Zakopane
Rating :

5 / 5

Paul, Carole, Christopher, Laura, Christoper, Linda, Patrick, Andrea & Peter

Michigan

Excellent operation in all respects. Very kind and concerned about our well-being at all times. Our family was treated very well with lodging, transfers, tours and guides, breakfasts and we really felt welcomed to Poland. Excellent being with our family and reconnecting with the roots of our Polish heritage.

Year : 2022
Visited : Poland
Itinerary : Warsaw, Warsaw, Krakow, Krakow
Rating :

5 / 5

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