Warsaw could be an enigma to first-time visitors – splendid Baroque palaces and a meticulously reconstructed old town mix bizarrely with grey sprawling communist-era tower blocks while gleaming modern office buildings cast their urban shadows over the moving remnants of the Polish Jews; at the same time as monuments, statues and museums paint a sober reminder of the horrors of war, progressive young Poles arrive in droves with an eager drive to work, live and party well into a hopeful future. Indeed, Warsaw is a story of rebirth as much as a chronicle of poignant memories. Meet the Polish capital with a customised Warsaw and Poland tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours and understand the complexities of a two-dimensional Warsaw that are poles apart.
Royal revival
The Royal Castle of Warsaw is the pride of the city and a symbol of the Poles. More a palace than a castle, it was painstakingly rebuilt from a pile of rubble between 1971 and 1984. Dating back to the 14th century, the castle had been the abodes of Polish kings; and fast forward to more modern times when it was reduced to close to nothing by the deeds of World War II. Now, it stands proud and strong once again as a display of the resurgent spirit of the Poles. Walk through the kings’ former apartments and private chambers, marvel at the massive canvases depicting Poland’s glory days, and strike gold at the magnificent Great Assembly Hall where gilded stucco and golden columns bedazzle all gazes.
The world of Chopin Fryderyk Chopin is Poland’s greatest composer and is revered in admiration across the nation. Known as the poet of the piano, Chopin’s creations are known to be romantic, emotive and ethereal which sound like musings to the ears. For classical fans, proud Poles or anyone who wishes to pay homage to one of the world’s greatest musicians, the best place to do so is at the Fryderyk Chopin Museum in Warsaw. Enter into a world of serenades going through the largest collection of Chopin memorabilia in the world and explore the sights, sounds and smells that inspired his cherished works.
Walk the life of Jews
At the time of Hitler’s Nazi when the dictator chose Warsaw as an additional and favourable “living space” for the German people, over 380,000 Warsaw Jews were forcibly penned into a ghetto in the heart of an already Jewish-populated area of the city. Over the course of the holocaust, these Jews in Warsaw underwent a systematic starvation plan derived by their perpetrators and ultimately, most of them died from severe malnutrition and surviving ones were sent to be annihilated in the gas chambers. For an understanding of this heart-rending moment in human history, a walking tour through the Jewish Ghetto is an unmissable highlight. While the majority of the wall that rounded the ghetto was destroyed, three sections still stand and are not to be missed. Other important sites include the Monument of the Killed, the Warsaw Uprising Monument and the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes.
For more destinations in and around the region, try:
Get to know both sides of the Warsaw complex with a customised Warsaw and Poland tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours today. Call 6212 9935 or email privatetours@chanbrothers.com.sg for more information.
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 transfer to your hotel.
After breakfast, go on a morning city tour of Warsaw. Visit Old Royal Castle, Praga district, Old Town, Old Market Square and Royal Park. Thereafter, transfer back to your hotel and spend the rest of your day at leisure.
Warsaw
This morning, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Krakow. Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel to check in. Next, proceed for your half-day guided walking tour with your English-speaking local guide. Points of interest include the Jewish district of Kazimierz, Synagogue, Royal Route, Florian’s Gate, St Mary’s Church, Tower Hall and Sukiennice. Visit the exterior of Dragon’s Den. Thereafter, return to your hotel.
This morning, check out of your hotel and proceed to Wieliczka Salt Mine for a group-guided tour. This afternoon, transfer to Zakopane to check in to your hotel.
Today, proceed for a full-day tour of Tatra National Park with your English-speaking park guide, which includes a walk to Dolina Koscieliska. There will be a lot of snow and ice, hence a pair of good walking boots and warm clothing are recommended. Thereafter, transfer back to Krakow.
This morning, spend your time at leisure. This afternoon, visit Wawel Royal Castle with a local English-speaking museum guide. Next, proceed for a private transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Gdansk. Upon arrival, meet your English-speaking driver and transfer to your hotel.
Today, head for a full-day tour of Slowinski National Park with your English-speaking park guide. There will be a lot of snow and ice, hence a good pair of walking boots and warm clothing are recommended. Thereafter, transfer back to Gdansk.
Today, hop on a private transfer to the airport for your domestic flight back to Warsaw. Upon arrival, meet your local driver and transfer to your hotel.
This morning, spend your time at leisure. Thereafter, transfer to the airport for your flight home.