Day 1 in Warsaw

Welcome to Warsaw! Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!

Start your journey in the majestic Old Town Market Square and view some of the iconic monuments of Warsaw. First is the Mermaid Monument, located right in Market Square. The mermaid is a very important figure; it is considered a symbol that represents Warsaw in the minds of many Poles. Next is the Little Insurgent Monument, which honors the child soldiers who died during the Warsaw Uprising of 1944. The next monument in the area is the monument to Jan Kilinski, wielding a machete, ready to fight just as he did in the Warsaw Uprising of 1794.

Castle Square, a popular meeting place, is a good base from which to finish the day`s sightseeing. The Royal Castle in Warsaw, and the nearby Tin-Roofed Palace, are open for tours and currently have open museum exhibits. For those who want to experience Warsaw`s religious history, take a stroll to St Martin`s Church, with its beautiful blue spires, and the iconic St John`s Archcathedral. End the day at Gnojna Gora and enjoy spectacular views of the River Vistula and parts of the capital.

Day 2 in Warsaw

Wake up bright and early and walk the Stone Stairs, which once was the main footpath between the Old Town and the River Vistula. The Church of the Holy Spirit in Warsaw features a main altar which survived the carpet-bombing of Warsaw during World War II. The Medieval-era Warsaw Barbican, nearby, has been completely restored to its pre-war glory, as have portions of the city walls. Back in the Old Town, check out the Museum of Warsaw, which teaches visitors about the capital`s 800-year history. Soak in the city`s ambience while on your way to the breathtaking Krasinski Palace, taking the time to stroll the exquisitely-maintained grounds.

The Church of the Visitation of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, built in the Gothic design, is one of the few examples of that kind of architecture left in the capital after the carpet-bombings of World War II. It was rebuilt, as was the picturesque New Town Market Square (with the Church of St. Kazimierz located in the middle).

Head south and view the facade of the Presidential Palace while on your way to Poland`s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Like in other countries, a soldier keeps watch at the memorial faithfully. Make sure you get to the University of Warsaw Library by sunset, so you can enjoy views of the city on the garden rooftop. Spending time at Multimedia Fountain Park in the evening is a delight, as there are special shows presented that incorporate light and music with the synchronized jet movements of the fountains.

Day 3 in Warsaw

The first sight you`ll see today is Wilanow Palace, an ornate residence which many people have compared to Versailles in France. Afterwards, head to Muranow and visit the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes, followed by a trip to learn about a Jewish community which was one of Europe`s most vibrant at POLIN - The Museum of the History of the Polish Jews.

Lazienki Park features a number of notable buildings, such as Lazienki Palace, located on a lake, and the Frederic Chopin Monument. Take a break here and pack a picnic lunch. Afterwards, head to the Sejm, which is Poland`s parliament. If it is not in session, you may be able to visit the chamber where lawmakers meet and pass laws.

At the Fotoplastikon, the oldest stereoscopic theatre in Europe, you can see how people enjoyed `a picture show` circa 1905. Fall in love with the mix of shops and cafés on Chmielna Street, which is a great place to take in the massive sight of the Palace of Culture and Science, the tallest building in all of Poland. If you`re a fan of art, visit The National Museum in Warsaw, followed by the Zacheta National Gallery of Art. If you want to learn more about one of Warsaw`s most famous native sons, the composer Frederic Chopin, visit the Frederic Chopin Museum. End the day by either taking in a show at the Copernicus Science Centre planetarium or by experiencing the beauty of Holy Cross Church, from which the Sunday mass on Polish national radio is broadcast.

Additional Days in Warsaw

About 85 miles southwest of Warsaw is Lodz, Poland`s third-largest city after Warsaw and Krakow. Originally built around the textile industry, the Lodz of today is thriving and becoming one of Poland`s largest IT centers. The investment of tech money in Lodz has helped to make the city better, lowering unemployment and crime in one fell swoop. Take time to view sights such as Liberty Square, the White Factory, Poznanski Palace, and the National Film School (which noted director Roman Polanski once attended).

The city of Torun is approximately 160 miles northwest of Warsaw, also located on the River Vistula. It is one of the oldest cities in Poland, having been granted city rights in 1233, a whole century before Warsaw. Torun is well-known for being the birthplace of astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, and is also known worldwide for the beauty of its Old Town. Unlike many Old Town districts, the Old Town of Torun escaped destruction from the bombing that occurred across Poland during World War II. The Medieval remnants of Torun were added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1997.

Poland`s history is inextricably linked to World War II, particularly the plight of the Jews. About 70 miles northeast of Warsaw is the site of Treblinka extermination camp, where many Jews from the Warsaw Ghetto were sent to their deaths. Nearly one million Jews died in the gas chambers at Treblinka. The Soviets razed the death camp in 1944, and now on the site there is a memorial to those who lost their lives, as well as a museum. For those who wish never to repeat such a dark moment in history, Treblinka is a must-see destination, and can be reached from Warsaw within one day.

Your Last Day in Warsaw

Depart your hotel for the airport for your return home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer; if so, a representative will meet you at the hotel in time to take you to the airport for your flight out.