House of travel Northern, Central & Eastern Europe Brochure 2017 | Page 29

Warsaw & Krakow Poland is a country with a 1000 year history, rich traditions and abundant cultural heritage. Despite the vast destruction during World War II, a lot of cultural wealth remains. The capital, Warsaw, went through huge reconstruction and is now bustling and lively, full of cafés, restaurants, galleries and the walled UNESCO Old Town. Stooge through antique shops and luxurious boutiques, enjoy a reflective coffee amongst the bookshelves in a café-bookshop. Somewhat miraculously, Krakow emerged from WWII totally unscathed, its eclectic mix of cobbled streets, castles and church spires – and the largest medieval square in Europe – stand perfectly preserved. The tree-lined promenade encircles the centre of the city, leading from the ancient Florian gate down to Wawel Castle. There is a whimsical charm existing across the city for your discovery. Our favourite things to see and do Wieliczka Salt Mine – This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most fascinating Polish monuments. The underground trails lead through numerous drifts, galleries and chambers, where traces of mining activity have been preserved. Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial and Museum Guided Tour – Learn about Auschwitz, one of the most well-known concentration camps in the world; approximately 1.5 million people were killed here during WWII. Every year, millions of visitors walk through the gate bearing a fallacious inscription: Arbeit macht frei -Work sets one free. Wieliczka Salt Mine Warsaw Walking Tour – Enjoy a more intimate look at this vibrant city on a walking tour. Explore the Old Town, admire the Royal Castle and pay a visit to the former Jewish ghetto whilst hearing of the history and the imprint left by the communist era and WWII. Warsaw’s Jewish Heritage by Retro Fiat – Discover Warsaw’s Jewish heritage from the seat of a Fiat 125p. A local guide will lead you on your adventure abroad your vintage vehicle to see the Jewish Cemetery, Nožyk Synagogue and the Ghetto Wall. Bike Tour of Warsaw – Ride at leisurely pace following a guide to see attractions such as Warsaw Old Town, the Palace of Culture and Science and the Vistula River. Visit Zakopane and Tatras Mountains from Krakow – Escape the bustle of the city and head to the top Our favourite places to stay: Warsaw • Polonia Palace Hotel • Mamaison Residenza Diana Apartments Krakow • Andels Hotel • Senacki Hotel Warsaw of Mt Gubalówka on the funicular railway for incredible views. Discover Zakopane’s traditional mountain architecture, shops and the Tatra Museum. Taste Krakow Street Food – A great way to discover the culinary delights around Rynek Główny is on a walking tour with a guide. Check out eateries, cafés and local stalls to sample Polish favorites, including ‘pierogi’ (stuffed dumplings), ‘obwarzanek’ (an Eastern European spin on the bagel), sour rye soup, pickled cucumber and cabbage and homemade liquor. Old Town of Gdansk Krakow Wawel Castle, Krakow 25