Krakow is one of Europe's must-see 'new' destinations - one of only a handful of major Central European cities to survive the centuries unscathed. Our city break lifts the veil on this visual masterpiece, full of UNESCO-listed architectural treasures, and also includes optional visits to the preserved remains of infamous Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Salt Mines.
Trip Highlights
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Acc Included, Staying in the heart of Krakow at the fabulous Brama, you can view here
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Enjoy a guided tour of Poland's stunning former Royal capital
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Discover the great medieval square of Rynek Glowny
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Wander the market stalls and galleries of the Sukkennice Cloth Hall
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Don't miss the stunning Mariacki church
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Take in Wawel Castle and its stunning riverside views
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Browse The historic Kazimierz district
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Enjoy Krakow's vibrant nightlife culture
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Take in the local bars and restaurants with their amazing vodka's
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River boat trip to Tyniec monastery.
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Visit poignant, sobering Auschwitz-Birkenau (Optional) & The Salt Mines (Optional)
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Three nights' accommodation in a centrally located hostel
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Social Circle Host to look after you.
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A fantastic time with other like-minded people all orgonised for you.
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With Krakow one of the cheapest places in Europe your sure to have a great time on little money.
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Friday 13th May to Monday 17th May, 3 nights 4 days.
City Information
Vibrant Krakow is not a museum piece, but a bustling, lived-in city. It's especially lively in the evening, when it offers an ever-widening choice of eateries, from traditional Polish, Russian, German, Lithuanian and Jewish to some of the latest 'foodie' fads and fashions.
Itinerary
Day One - Friday
Fly to Krakow with your Social Circle host and transfer to our city centre accommodation. After check-in, head out to take your first look at this city that boasts the State Rooms of Wawel Castle, the stunning wooden altarpiece of the Mariacki church and the treasures of the Czartoryski Palace. Discover Krakow on an open bus tour. This seat of Polish kings was also the former home of much-loved Cardinal Karol Wojtyla (later Pope John Paul II). Admire the medieval and Renaissance splendour of the city's great central square, Rynek Glowny, and its centrepiece the Sukiennice (Cloth Hall). Behind the many-arched facade, you'll find market stalls to browse, cafes where you can sit and relax, and even an art gallery on the upper floor.
In the evening we will be heading out to a local Polish restaurant to sample their speciality food, vodka and beer.
Day Two – Saturday – Optional Visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau or Salt Mines
Today we'll head to Auschwitz-Birkenau, 70km southwest of the city. On this harrowing and thought-provoking pilgrimage you'll tour the buildings of the death camp and gain a sense of the horrors of the "Final Solution".
Later we'll return to Krakow and you'll be free to explore. Visit the Kazimierz quarter - once the historic centre of Jewish culture in the city - or the 'Pharmacy under the Eagle' museum across the river in the Podgorze district - the cramped wartime ghetto.
Or join an optional excursion to see the vast underground chambers, full-sized chapel and stupendous concert hall of Wieliczka's astonishing salt mine. Find out about life in the mines at the on-site museum, and browse the subterranean gift shop and cafe before catching the lift back to the surface.
In the evening we will be heading out to a different local Polish restaurant to sample their specialities, followed by our Pub Crawl tasting the different varieties of local vodka's.
Day Three – Sunday
Spend the day exploring the city – maybe you would like to visit Oskar Schindler’s factory museum or spend time browsing the city, or we could do another city tour or relax in Planty Park and take in the vibrant city’s atmosphere people-watching.
In the evening we will be heading out a different local Polish restaurant to sample their specialities.
Day Four – Monday
We will be transferring early to the airport to check in for our flight home.
Airport transfers, all food, drink & trips/tours/entry fees to sightseeing places are payable by you during the trip so you will need to bring Polish currency (Zloty)
Accomodation included. So what's left to do? Simply book your flight......
Cost of flight at 10/09/2015 £100 return so hurry and book. Recommended flight Ryanair flight FR2141 Depart Manchester 9am Friday 13th May arrive Krakow 12.40pm Depart Monday 16th May Krakow depart 6.40am arrive Manchester 08.25am. http://www.ryanair.com/
