To enjoy Krakow must be like digging into a layered mazurek cake in which you get a sweet treat of different but all alluring flavours in one single forkful. Medieval Krakow births from the splendour of the Old Town while Wawel crowns all of Poland’s glories in one massive mecca of pride; Art Nouveau Krakow celebrates the city’s revival in the 19th century when museums, theatres and liberal arts flourished stamping the city once again as Poland’s cultural heart; later came the weights of history at Kazimierz, formerly an important Jewish centre, now resonating Jewish Krakow together with a modern renaissance of art galleries and cosy cafes; and then Communist Krakow sprawls out at Nowa Huta with sharp lines and rigid concrete steely representing the Cold War years. Delve into these intriguing layers of Poland’s second city with a customised Krakow tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours and feel the pulse of the Polish nation and its people today.
A prehistoric angle
For a rewarding detour from the well-trodden path, and at the same time a chance to marvel at incredible views of the city without the usual massive sunset crowd, Krakus Mound is a no-brainer proposition. One of two prehistoric monumental mounds in the city and the oldest structure in Krakow, its exact origin is still unknown but according to legend, it was the burial site of King Krak, the city’s founder, while other rumours credit a Slavic or Celtic past. Climb the 16-metre mysterious mound and gaze at the 360-degree panoramic views of Krakow all in one single swoop, while standing on a piece of puzzling history.
The world remembers
Located about 80 kilometres west of Krakow lies Auschwitz and Birkenau, the devastatingly brutal death camps where between 1.1 million to 1.5 million people were exterminated during the Nazi occupation, one of the darkest periods of humanity known to mankind. Walk around the austere grounds surrounded by barbed wires and imagine the brokenness of those that were transported and marched into their death, contemplate the atrocities at the ruins of gas chambers and old barracks, and spend a sobering time at the museum going through the haunting memories of a horrific time that the world should never forget.
Go strange underwater Much of the attention on Krakow circles around its history and culture but that doesn’t mean the city is lacking in the outdoor and adventure department. Zakrzowek, a fantastic reservoir of impossibly blue water surrounded by limestone bluffs and wooded forests, seeks to further debunk the notion. Serendipitously created when a former limestone quarry operating here accidentally pierced the water table, this accidental diving site now clutters with sunken boats, quarry vehicles and equipment, as well as the former changing rooms of the quarry workers. A popular site for locals to swim and dive in, the surrounding cliffs are also favourite stomping grounds for local rock climbers. Sign up with a scuba diving school right at the site and dive into the seemingly bottomless water of this strange underwater world.
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Dive into Poland’s cultural capital with a customised Krakow tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours and get to meet its many faces today. Call 6212 9935 or email privatetours@chanbrothers.com.sg to find out more.
Highlights
Every itinerary can be fully customised according to needs, special interests, personal preferences and defining style of just about anyone who wants to travel privately and exclusively.
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to Warsaw. Upon arrival at the airport, meet your driver and enjoy a private airport transfer to your hotel.
Today, proceed to the impressive Palace of Culture and Science followed by a visit to Ghetto Heroes Monument and Historical Museum. Then, saunter past Warsaw’s gorgeous Old Town, entirely reconstructed after WWII. After lunch, head to Lazienki Park and explore its alluring gardens and palaces, along with a glimpse of Chopin Monument. Spend the rest of the day at leisure at Old Town.
Ghetto Heroes Monument
After breakfast, embark on a private transfer to Torun, home to famed astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. Upon arrival, linger at Market Square and admire each of its brilliant brick buildings, from the old post office to Artus Court. In the centre of it all, the Town Hall hosts an enlightening city museum and its narrow tower provides spectacular city views. Other noteworthy landmarks down the charming medieval streets include Copernicus House, multiple renowned churches and cathedrals. Did you know that Pisa is not the only city with a leaning tower? Follow the remains of the town walls south from Luk Cezara Gate and soon you will face the Leaning Tower of Torun. Follow the walls to find other old city gates and Teutonic Castle. With a visit to the ruins, you will get to learn more about the city and how the locals fought to gain independence for themselves.
Torun Town Hall
Today, depart Torun for the wonderful city of Gdansk. Unlike many European destinations, the most interesting part of this city is not its oldest district. Instead, visitors flock to the heavily reconstructed city centre that had to be rebuilt after WWII. The perfect place to start any visit to Gdansk is the picturesque Long Lane that spans the city centre. As you stroll along, the street will present you its scenic landmarks. Both Golden Gate and Green Gate that bookend the street are pure works of art, just like almost every house that lines along Long Market. Wander northward and you will be treated to the beautiful Ulica Piwna, Beer Street, Ulica Mariacka and Amber Street with its numerous amber jewellers. Next, marvel at Basilica of St Mary, where its stunning tower offers unparalleled views of Gdansk.
Gdansk City Center
Today, bid farewell to the north with a private transfer to the elegant city of Wroclaw, home to some of the most beautiful and pleasantly kitsch attractions, such as the city’s Market Square that centres on the elaborate and the Town Hall. Make your way south to take in impressive landmarks like Royal Palace of Wroclaw, Opera House and Corpus Christi Church.
Market Square
Today, embark on awalking tour to get up to speed on the history of Wroclaw. The tour will take you through other pockets of the city centre, like the grand old buildings of the city’s university and the local delights of Fair Market. Admire Oder River, Ostrow Tumski and its wealth of churches and cathedrals. If you have a spare padlock and a romantic soul, why not leave it on Most Tumski with the thousands of other trinkets? While walking around the city, you may notice and wonder about the small bronze gnomes around. Fret not, let the local guide share with you the amazing story of these small bronze gnomes.
Bronze Gnomes
Today, head to Krakow, the exquisite city and darling of Poland. It is almost impossible to hear a bad thing said about this delightful, historic city. Unscathed physically through WWII, Krakow is an authentic, yet an often troubled slice of history. A true highlight of Krakow is the city’s Main Square that lies at the heart of the wonderfully preserved Old Town. You will be introduced to some of the city’s most superb icons such as the grand Cloth Hall and St Mary’s Basilica with its hourly trumpet call. There is even an underground museum beneath the Main Square for those who are not claustrophobic.
City Theatre
Today, travel to Zakopane by train. Visit Wieliczka Salt Mine and Ojcow National Park. You will also get to visit the courtyard of the Royal Castle at Wawel Hill. At the Church of Virgin Mary, hear a trumpeter play from the tower window on the hour and immerse yourself in the area’s awe-inspiring Gothic architecture. If time permits, visit Jagiellonian University, one of the first universities in Europe.
Wieliczka Salt Mine
Today, travel to the west of Krakow in southern Poland to visit Auschwitz Concentration Camp, which serves as a chilling reminder of the Holocaust during WWII. Thereafter, return to Krakow to continue your sightseeing tour that includes the tallest structures of Krakow's skyline and the spires of old churches. One of your photo stops will be the Jewish quarter, where the movie “Schindler’s List” was filmed.
Krakow Town Hall
Enjoy a private airport transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight home.