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WWII Tour of Poland

12 Days / 11 Nights

Gdansk, Warsaw, Lublin, Krakow

from$3,725 per person

Travel and LeisureFodorsUSA TodayNew York TimesNational GeographicWashington PostVogue
World War II touched almost every country on earth, yet Poland especially has been deeply affected by the way the war started, was carried out, and ended. All over Poland, you'll find the evidence, traces, and ghosts of WWII. Start your journey in Gdansk, once Danzig, where the first shots of WWII were fired at Westerplatte. Continue on to Warsaw. The city is rebuilt and reconstructed now, but the scars of war and the ghosts of the country's Jewish community are still to be found. The POLIN museum provides a detailed account of the war years. The museum of the Warsaw Uprising is another important place to visit.

In Lublin, as in Warsaw, the Jewish ghetto was a scene of horrific tragedy. Your tour ends in Krakow, where the Jewish district of Kazimierz, revitalized and gentrifying, still speaks of its former inhabitants. A trip to Auschwitz is a somber reminder of the extent of the Nazi evil, and the Schindler Factory Museum a more uplifting evocation of the kindness and compassion that ultimately triumphed.
Route for Gdansk, Warsaw, Lublin, Krakow tour

3 Nights in Gdansk

3 Nights in Gdansk

4 days in Gdansk
4 days in Gdansk

3 Nights in Gdansk

Gdansk has a rich and volatile history, due mostly to its position at the mouth of the Vistula River on the Baltic Sea. That has been bad news for the city’s inhabitants throughout history, but today it’s good news for visitors. With its rare blend of historic architectural styles from varied cultures, Gdansk offers reminders of Polish, Prussian, and Napoleonic rulers. While some of the city recalls Poland, other parts will remind you of Amsterdam and other port cities from the north of Europe. You’ll have a great time exploring all the various corners of the city on foot, but there’s much more to do here than just look at interesting buildings. Old Town and Westplatte are two areas you won’t want to miss. Don’t forget to pay a visit to Long Market, where you can find many local arts and crafts. And outside of the city, Malbork Castle is one of the most popular day trips. History will come alive for you here as you explore the different tours and museums on the castle grounds. Or you could go a little farther afield with a tri-city day trip including visits to Gdansk, Sopot and Gdynia, all of which have a unique charm that’s even more impressive when compared with the other nearby cities.

Gdansk has a rich and volatile history, due mostly to its position at the mouth of the Vistula River on the Baltic Sea. That has been bad news for the city’s inhabitants throughout history, but today it’s good news for visitors. With its rare blend of historic architectural styles from varied cultures, Gdansk offers reminders of Polish, Prussian, and Napoleonic rulers. While some of the city recalls Poland, other parts will remind you of Amsterdam and other port cities from the north of Europe. You’ll have a great time exploring all the various corners of the city on foot, but there’s much more to do here than just look at interesting buildings. Old Town and Westplatte are two areas you won’t want to miss. Don’t forget to pay a visit to Long Market, where you can find many local arts and crafts. And outside of the city, Malbork Castle is one of the most popular day trips. History will come alive for you here as you explore the different tours and museums on the castle grounds. Or you could go a little farther afield with a tri-city day trip including visits to Gdansk, Sopot and Gdynia, all of which have a unique charm that’s even more impressive when compared with the other nearby cities.

Day 1

Day 1 - Arrival in Gdansk

Upon your arrival to Gdansk Airport, you will be picked up and taken to your accommodation in Gdansk. The journey should take about 30 minutes.

Walk the Royal Way

Suggestion to explore on your own

Follow the steps of kings by taking the Royal Way through the center of the city, from the Green Gate to the Golden Gate. This route will take you down Ulica Dluga and Dlugi Targ, the "Long Lane" and "Long Market" that many of the city's and landmarks are arranged along, offering the most direct way to get to know, and fall in love, with Gdansk.

Walk the Royal Way

Day 2

Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Gdansk

World War II in Gdansk Private Tour

World War II in Gdansk Private Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

This four-hour tour will open your eyes to one of the many difficult episodes for Poland during World War II. Your guide will pick you up at your accommodation and take you to Westerplatte, one of the earliest battlegrounds of World War II. Here you'll learn more about what life used to be like for locals, and see the remnants of the fighting. It's a fascinating tour that will change your point of view on Poland's history.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 4 hours

Stutthof Concentration Camp Private Tour

Stutthof Concentration Camp Private Tour

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

Learn the horrowing tale of Stutthof Concentration Camp, the first and longest operating concentration camp in Polish territory. Hear the story of the place where thousands of people from more than 25 countries were tortured and murdered until its liberation in 1945. Please note that the camp can only be visited by persons over 13 years of age.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 5 hours

Day 3

Day 3 - Your Second Full Day in Gdansk

Wolf's Lair Private Tour

Wolf's Lair Private Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Sign on this full day private tour to The Wolf’s Lair and discover Hitler's first Eastern front military headquarters, a historical place located in the Masurian woods. It is where he spent over 800 days during World War II and is also the deeply hidden location of the failed assassination attempt on his life that took place in 1944. Additional attraction on this tour will be visiting the most beautiful baroque church in northern Poland, sanctuary of St. Marry, place of miracle from IV centrury, where you will have opportunity to see the church and listen to an organ concert.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 10 hours

Day 4

Day 4 - Traveling to Warsaw by Private Transfer

Today you'll be driven from Gdansk to Warsaw, the trip is just under four hours. Our driver will pick you up at your accommodation in Gdansk and take you directly to the capital of Poland. If you'd like to extend the journey for an extra fee you'll have the opportunity to see Malbork, the world's largest castle, or the lovely Torun, one of the oldest cities in Poland.

We also offer the following excursions in Gdansk

Elblag Canal Group Tour with Private Transportation
Moderate6 hours
Gdansk Food Tasting Small Group Tour
Moderate4 hours
Gdansk Old Town Private Tour and Westerplatte by Public Boat
Moderate6 hours
Gdansk Private Walking Tour
Moderate3 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 4

Day 4 - Arrival in Warsaw

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

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

WWII Buffs Private Tour by Communist Minibus

WWII Buffs Private Tour by Communist Minibus

Included in your vacation package price.

Investigate the remains of WWII era in Warsaw on this 3 hour private tour in the company of professional guide and on board of a unique communist retro minibus that has been designed just few years after WWII. This tour will cover the time frame from 1939 Nazi invasion on Poland, beginning of the occupation of the country, the birth of local resistance, Ghetto Uprising, Warsaw Uprising and, finally, 1945 arrival of the Soviet army.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 3 hours

A Millenia of Jewish History

Suggestion to explore on your own

Standing on the site of the former Warsaw Ghetto, the relatively new POLIN Museum has become one of Europe's most famous museums devoted to Jews. There, you can explore over a millennia of Jewish history, from Poland's first Jewish settlers, to the period just after World War II. It's a vast place, with impressive architecture and plenty of content to read, watch, and interact with. After you've delved into the past, fill yourself up at the museum's restaurant, which offers Jewish, Polish, and international dishes, some kosher.

Day 6

Day 6 - Your Second Full Day in Warsaw

Treblinka Camp Private Tour

Treblinka Camp Private Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

After you have seen some of the landmark places inside Warsaw, we encourage you to book a trip to Treblinka. It's the second largest Nazi extermination camp located just 100 kilometers (62 miles) away from Warsaw. At the beginning of the tour you will also see, still in Warsaw, important sites, such us, the memorial to Janusz Korczak, an educator, children-author and pedagogue, who went to Treblinka with his children students, and Umschlagplatz, place where Warsaw Jews were were assembled for deportation to Nazi death camps.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 6 hours

Day 7

Day 7 - Traveling to Lublin by Private Transfer

Today our driver will pick you up from your accommodations in Warsaw and take you to Lublin. The non-stop journey would take around 2 and a half hours but for an additional fee, we can include a stop on the way in the idyllic town of Kazimierz Dolny for a couple of hours some sightseeing, and perhaps lunch. Please note this is a non guided transfer.

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

2 Nights in Lublin

2 Nights in Lublin

3 days in Lublin
3 days in Lublin

2 Nights in Lublin

Lublin's Old Town may not be as its neighbor to the west, but "The Little Krakow" still punches above its weight, charming with its cobbled streets and preserved architecture. This "Capital of Festivals" has always been a cultural center, and continues to add festivals to its already jam-packed calendar. The Market Square's Old Town Hall is surrounded by merchant's homes and winding lanes, while the castle (which mixes 12th century architecture with a 19th century English Neogothic style provides excellent views. Historically one of Poland's most important cities (especially during the country's golden age), Lublin became famous as a center of Jewish learning and mysticism, granting it a reputation as "the Jewish Oxford," in part because its main yeshiva had the rights and privileges of a university. With its ten universities, Lublin remains a center of learning. With students making up 35% of the population, Lublin has a young feel, with thriving nightlife and an excellent music and arts scene.

Lublin's Old Town may not be as its neighbor to the west, but "The Little Krakow" still punches above its weight, charming with its cobbled streets and preserved architecture. This "Capital of Festivals" has always been a cultural center, and continues to add festivals to its already jam-packed calendar. The Market Square's Old Town Hall is surrounded by merchant's homes and winding lanes, while the castle (which mixes 12th century architecture with a 19th century English Neogothic style provides excellent views. Historically one of Poland's most important cities (especially during the country's golden age), Lublin became famous as a center of Jewish learning and mysticism, granting it a reputation as "the Jewish Oxford," in part because its main yeshiva had the rights and privileges of a university. With its ten universities, Lublin remains a center of learning. With students making up 35% of the population, Lublin has a young feel, with thriving nightlife and an excellent music and arts scene.

Day 7

Day 7 - Arrival in Lublin

On your arrival at Lublin train station we will arrange taxi to wait for you and drive you to your hotel.

Life Centers Around the City Center

Suggestion to explore on your own

There’s a bunch of interesting landmarks to discover in the city of Lublin. Chiefly around the Old Town Market Square area, the historical Center of Lublin. Grodzka Gate, The Krakowska Gate, Cathedral of St John the Baptist and of course, the majestical Lublin Castle adjacent to the Old town district, are all literally stone's throw away from one another, providing for a convenient and utterly pleasant walk.

Life Centers Around the City Center

Day 8

Day 8 - Your First Full Day in Lublin

Lublin Private Walking Tour

Lublin Private Walking Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Get acquainted with historical landmarks and fascinating places in Lublin's Old Town with a walking tour. Don’t expect a monotonous tour with lots of detailed information. The guide's aim is to entertain you with arresting accounts, legends, and anecdotes. You'll hear inspirational and memorable stories covering the town’s history from the dark ages until today as you walk through Lublin's historic center.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 3 hours

Jewish Lublin Private Full Day Tour including a visit to Majdanek

Jewish Lublin Private Full Day Tour including a visit to Majdanek

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

Lublin, cited as the “Little Krakow” is a vibrant place steeped with historical importance, evident by the various landmarks spread throughout the city. Being a home to the Jewish community for centuries, the connections to the settlements formerly inhabited by Jews, can be easily traced in the today's city. Lublin also carries a weight of housing the location of the former nazi camp - Museum Majdanek.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 7 hours

Day 9

Day 9 - Traveling to Krakow by Private Transfer

In the morning you'll be met at your accommodation by our driver to be taken to Krakow. Along the way, we included a 3-hour long stop in Kazimierz Dolny, where you can have a stroll in this lovely city and some free time to enjoy lunch. The duration of the journey is around 8 hours including free time in Kazimierz Dolny. Please note, that this is a non-guided transfer, we can include a guided tour of Kazimierz Dolny for an additional fee.

Krakow by Private Transfer with a Stop in Kazimierz Dolny
We also offer the following excursions in Lublin

Lublin Food Tour
Moderate5 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 9

Day 9 - Arrival in Krakow

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

Krakow Private Walking Tour

Exploring Krakow

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

Krakow is a gem among Polish cities and there’s just so much to see, so we recommend you don’t waste any time. Today we propose a 3-hour private guided walking tour. You’ll have a local guide show you around to the most important monuments throughout the city. The past will come alive as you stroll the cobblestone streets and hear about the history that has made Krakow what it is.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 3 hours

Day 10

Day 10 - Your First Full Day in Krakow

Ghetto and Schindler's Factory Private Tour

Ghetto and Schindler's Factory Private Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

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

The Communist District of Nowa Huta

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

For a touch of communist history, the Nowa Huta district is definitely worth a visit. "Stalin's Gift to Krakow," this utopian planned area is a classic example of Socialist Realism and Classicism, offering buildings and experiences you can't find back home. Take one of the following tours to learn about this absurd part of history and peek into a socialist's life.

Communism Small Group Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Take a ride in an East German Trabant and visit Nowa Huta, the old Communist district built around the steelworks, have fun at an authentic Communist Disco and Crazy Communist Farm. Our energetic Crazy Guides will get you off the beaten path and show you the true sights that most visitors only read about.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 2 hours 30 minutes

Private Nowa Huta Communist Tour

Private Nowa Huta Communist Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Take a peek into the lives of everyday works in socialist Poland. The neighbourhood of Nowa Huta, the focus of this tour, 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 Nuclear Bunker Private Tour

Nowa Huta Nuclear Bunker Private Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Ride a genuine vintage car to Nowa Huta, a showcase district full of parks, centred around steelworks, and outfitted with enough fallout shelters to host nearly everyone. You'll visit a Cold War command bunker at the former Lenin Steelworkers, then visit the plant's abandoned, palatial Socialist-Realist administrative complex, with its decorative staircases, banquet hall, and secret tunnels. The tour also includes a lunch in an authentic old-school 'Milk Bar' canteen.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 4 hours

Day 11

Day 11 - 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

Day 12

Day 12 - Departure Day

Our driver will pick you up in from your accommodation and take you to Krakow Airport in plenty of time for your departing flight.

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

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.

Gdansk

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Gdansk Airport Transfer
World War II in Gdansk Private Tour
Wolf's Lair Private Tour
Gdansk - Warsaw Private Transfer

Warsaw

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
WWII Buffs Private Tour by Communist Minibus
Treblinka Camp Private Tour
Warsaw - Lublin Private Transfer

Lublin

2 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Lublin Train Station Transfer
Lublin Private Walking Tour
Lublin - Krakow Private Transfer with a Stop in Kazimierz Dolny

Krakow

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Ghetto and Schindler's Factory Private Tour
Auschwitz-Birkenau Group Tour with a Private Driver
Krakow 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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