Discover Poland

We meet at London St Pancras and take the Eurostar to Brussels, continuing by rail to Berlin for two nights.

• Eurostar Meal

We set out on a guided walking tour of Germany's capital to uncover its fascinating history, contrasted with its vibrant present. We see the remains of the Berlin Wall - a poignant reminder of the city's turbulent past, now decorated with colourful street art - and the Brandenburg Gate. A spectacular 18th century neoclassical monument, this is the city's oldest surviving gate and a symbol of unity in Germany. With a free afternoon, you could visit the Reichstag and Checkpoint Charlie - which details the history of the Berlin Wall - or head to Potsdam, home to the Baroque flower gardens of Park Sanssouci.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We leave Berlin, travelling by rail to Wroclaw - our base for two nights.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Our day begins with a guided walking tour of Wroclaw, introducing us to the city's sprawling canals, beautiful bridges and historic Old Town. We explore the most historic part of the city, Ostrow Tumski Island. We cross the river to the university, where we visit the Aula Leopoldina ceremonial hall, home to Baroque-Rococo embellishments and traditional Polish frescoes. We also stop by the Market Square where we see the city hall and some impressive burgher houses built for the wealthiest citizens of medieval Wroclaw.

• Breakfast

We take the train to Krakow, where we stay for four nights. The city is filled with beauty, much of it original as Krakow survived World War II largely unscathed. After checking into our hotel, we head out for a guided tour of the cobbled streets of the Old Town. Dating back to the 7th century, Krakow is one of Poland's oldest cities and rich in cultural heritage, much of which we see with our local guide. We visit the former royal residence at Wawel Hill, one of the first sites to be inducted into the UNESCO Heritage list and once the residence of Polish royalty, as well as St Mary's Church - a fantastic example of Polish Gothic architecture. This evening we walk through Krakow's Jewish District, Kazimierz, where we dine at a local restaurant.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today you are free to explore this beautiful city at your own pace. You may like to revisit one of the interesting areas we were introduced to on our guided tour - or maybe take a slow river tram along the Vistula River to enjoy different views of the city from the water. There are a number of sightseeing cruises that depart from a central point along the river, during the day and at night. There's also a daily one-hour cruise to the ancient Tyniec Monastery. You have plenty of dining choices in Krakow, from street food and old fashioned 'milk bars' to fine restaurants.

• Breakfast

Today includes a visit to Oswiecim, the infamous concentration camp of Auschwitz. We take a moving tour of the Auschwitz-Birkenau museum; Nazi Germany's infamous concentration camp which has been preserved as a poignant reminder of the crimes against humanity committed here. We understand that this excursion may be too upsetting for some people, so alternatively, you could spend the day exploring Krakow at your own pace.

• Breakfast

We leave Krakow by coach, bound for the Salt Mines of Wieliczka, the oldest operational mines in Europe and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. We take a guided tour of the intricately carved underground chambers, including a magnificent cathedral and impressive statues. Everything we see within the mine is the handiwork of the original salt miners, an amazing feat of engineering that showcases our human ability to shape the natural world. We then enjoy a uniquely Polish experience, a private pierogi making class. These delicious dumplings are a Polish staple - commonly filled with cheese, potato and onions before being fried in butter. Besides pierogi we also sample other local delicacies and a variety of sweet treats.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Catching the train to Warsaw, we arrive at our hotel for a three-night stay. A city where stylish glass structures and Baroque mansions stand beside the architecture of communist Poland, Warsaw's eclectic architecture tells a captivating story about the nation's history. This 'phoenix city' has certainly risen from the ashes, and is a thriving hub of culture with a beautiful UNESCO-listed Old Town, excellent museums and plenty of enticing places to eat.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We enjoy a sightseeing tour of Warsaw this morning, seeing the historic market square, St John's Cathedral and Castle Square, which sits in front of the red-brick Royal Castle.

• Breakfast

Your morning is free in Warsaw. If you're looking for an authentic experience that gives you a snapshot of Polish history, try a milk bar, or bar mleczny. Popular during the 1930s as no-frills canteens serving government-subsidised, hearty food, they're enjoying a revival. Milk bars these days attract all sorts of people, so grab a bowl of tasty goulash and enjoy some of the best people-watching in the country. This afternoon we enjoy a highlight of our tour, an outdoor Chopin Concert in the Royal Łazienki Park, a lovely way to end our holiday in Poland.

• Breakfast

Leaving the Polish capital by rail, we journey to Bielefeld, in Germany, for an overnight stay.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Continuing to Brussels after a final breakfast, we connect with the Eurostar back to London St Pancras.

• Breakfast
• Eurostar Meal