Krakow

Krakow

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4 Days From

$757

Krakow

4 Days Starting in Kraków, Poland and ending in United Kingdom

Visiting: Kraków, Oswiecim, Brzezinka

Tour operator:

Riviera Travel

Tour code:

K

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 50

Physical rating:

Please contact Riviera Travel if you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility.

Age range:

9-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact Riviera Travel with specific dietary requests.

Tour operated in:
English
Interests:

Cultural, History

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From:
$757 (USD) including Flights from the UK

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Rivalling Prague's beauty, the home of Copernicus and Pope Jean-Paul II, 6,000 historic buildings, one of Europe's finest medieval squares and Poland's capital for 500 years.

Krakow is without doubt one of the most beautiful cities, ranking with Prague and Vienna as one of the real architectural gems of central Europe and its historic centre is a UNESCO world heritage site. The city first came to prominence nearly 1,000 years ago when it became the royal capital of Poland. It remained so for 500 years, spanning both the Middle Ages and Renaissance period. The castle evolved to become the sumptuous Royal Palace and was the centre of ancient trade routes to the orient and Baltic. This, together with salt (that vital commodity, which it possessed in abundance) ensured its immense prosperity, and the result is the amazing collection of palaces, aristocratic buildings and works of art that you see today. The city reached its zenith during the 16th century when learning and science prospered and over the centuries influence from Prussia, cities from the Hanseatic League and absorption within the Hapsburg Empire have all left their classic and architectural influence, contributing to the masterpiece that is now Krakow.

Centred in a magnificent medieval square, the second largest in Europe, the statistics are staggering - over 6,000 historic buildings and monuments, 18 museums, 2.5 million works of art, one of Europe's oldest universities and over 140 churches - many of them stunningly decorated in their own right. Spared any significant war damage, today the city is a delight to explore. Krakow is far from just a collection of buildings, its atmosphere is vibrant, alive and timeless with the past and present beautifully intertwined.

Poland and Krakow in particular have always been very religious and it is impossible to mention the city without including the Catholic Church. In 1978 the unknown Archbishop of Krakow was elected Pope John Paul II, the highest office of Catholicism, in what was at the time officially an atheist country. There is no doubt this fact unified the country, helped the Polish people to throw off the yoke of communism and led to a surge of self-confidence and optimism that is so evident today.

The city also boasts a great cultural past, which is hardly surprising from the country of Copernicus and Chopin. During the evening there could be nothing better than to attend one of the numerous classical music concerts that are held in churches throughout the city.

Highlights

  • Three nights at an excellent quality, centrally located four-star hotel, with breakfast

  • Guided walking tour of the medieval city and Poland’s former capital

  • Visit to Wawel, the castle district, one of Europe’s most striking royal residences

  • Visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau (included but optional)

  • Optional tour of the cathedral-like salt mines

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrival In Krakow

Location: Kraków

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Novotel Krakow Centrum

Meals Included: No Meals

You should arrive at the airport to take your flight to Krakow. On arrival a coach will take you to our hotel, the four-star Novotel, very modern and well managed, it is centrally located, within walking distance of the main sights and has a bar, good restaurant, fitness facilities including an indoor swimming pool and all rooms are air-conditioned for your additional comfort.

Day 2 : Krakow

Location: Kraków

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Novotel Krakow Centrum

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast we will have a walking tour of Krakow, following which we defy you to disagree that this is one of the most beautiful cities you have ever seen.



During our tour we will see the amazing Rynek, the main square, lined with exquisite medieval buildings and always busy with locals going about their daily business, exchanging a few words or enjoying a coffee in one of the numerous street cafés. In the centre is the Cloth Hall, which as its name suggests, has been used for textile trading since the 16th century. Today it is full of small stalls selling beautiful, locally-made amber jewellery and an art gallery. Overlooking the square is St. Mary’s church so richly decorated with fine paintings, gold-leaf and silverware, it could be mistaken for a cathedral. The 14th century stained glass is particularly ornate with striking beams of light creating a kaleidoscope of colour in the chancel below. Since medieval times, from the top of one of the two ornate spires a trumpeter sounds a warning of potential attack every two hours. You will also see the immense Florian Gate and the remains of the medieval fortifications built to defend the capital of Poland and the church where years later Pope John Paul II held Mass to a grateful congregation.



We will see a host of other sights too, including the University and Collegium where the famous astronomer Copernicus theorised that the earth was not the centre of the solar system – bravely driving a coach and horses through centuries-old scientific thinking!



Later we visit the Wawel castle district which, dating back to the 11th century, is built on a bend on the river Vistula below and dominates Krakow. This was the political and cultural capital of Poland for over 500 years and today the myriad of buildings comprise amongst others, the Royal Palace, Cathedral, Senators’ Hall, Treasury and Armoury. We will see the cathedral that is the final resting place of the Polish monarchs. You can tour the Palace and Royal chambers which host an impressive range of rooms that have been restored to their original and stunning Renaissance and Baroque state, overflowing with fine furniture, works of art and Europe’s largest collection of tapestries. There will be free time to explore the rest of the complex, including the wonderful three-tiered Renaissance courtyard.



This afternoon, should you wish, you will have the option of a tour to the famous Salt Mines (your tour manager will advise locally of the times and costs).

Day 3 : Auschwitz & Birkenau

Location: Oswiecim, Brzezinka

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Novotel Krakow Centrum

Meals Included: Breakfast

We thought long and hard about how appropriate it would be to include this morning’s destination in a holiday – Auschwitz and Birkenau. These places need no introduction. As a company, our philosophy is that we try to inform our clients about all aspects of the countries we visit, which includes the history as well as visits to ‘tourist musts’.



Auschwitz has been left virtually as it was when it was liberated in 1945. It is now a museum and monument. This morning’s guided tour will be extremely moving. First we visit Auschwitz and then nearby Birkenau and the notorious watchtower from where we can appreciate the sheer scale of the atrocities that happened. We return to Krakow during the afternoon and the mood will immediately lift as we have time to explore Krakow’s beautiful range of attractions. Alternatively, if you wish to stay in Krakow for the full day, you are free to do so.

Day 4 : Return Home

Location: Kraków

Meals Included: No Meals

At the appropriate time the coach will return us to the airport for our return flight.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Three nights' in four-star accomodation

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

    Return airport transfers

  • All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)

  • Meals

    Daily breakfast

  • Fully Guided

    The services of a Riviera Travel tour manager throughout

  • International Travel

    Return flights to Krakow

  • All local accommodation taxes

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • Optional trip to the Salt Mines £25 approximate cost, payable locally.

  • Insurance

Check out our Q&As

  • Is the tour coach air conditioned?

    Yes

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    We are unable to accommodate children under 9 years old at the date of departure..

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Yes

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    Return flights to Krakow

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    No

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For almost 40 years

  • I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?

    We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns

  • Do I require travel insurance?

    It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.

  • What is my luggage allowance?

    You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.

Reviews of this Operator

David Clarke (Google Reviewer)  

This review is for the...

08-Aug-2023

This review is for the italian Lake Como trip Aug 1-8 Wow what a trip. Riviera from start to finish were excellent the booking and help line answering questions were very good and clear. The travel booklet you get is laid out that it is simple to read and follow with step by step info from booking in to flights to meeting the guides. Our guide Matt Purse was just the best guide and real credit to Riviera with his knowledge and straight forward approach to running the trips. Matt kept us informed and told us all the sort of info you want to know without going over the top....This chap should teach other reps ..thank you so much. The coaches they use are all clean and well equipped with usb chargers and have aircon. The places chosen to visit were well researched even down to where coaches park or drop you off. The Bernina Express was the highlight for our family and matts photo tip was welcomed. The only down point was the hotel,a little dated and evening meal in main restuarant was a bit of a let down. I think we were lucky with our room on level 7 and with balcony as the walls are very thin and noise travels. We would book again with riviera

Barbara Shillaker (Google Reviewer)  

I have been on three...

11-Jan-2024

I have been on three trips with Riviera Travel so far, with two more booked during 2024. Highly recommended. Excellent tour guides. Great program of visits. Great hotels used.

Valerie Pascoe  

We would go again in a heartbeat

22-Jan-2022

Oh my goodness, what a relief it was to actually get away! Full marks to all at Riviera for keeping us up to date before our trip and for the help so cheerfully and patiently given with the extra admin that Covid brought our way. We felt totally safe with the measures taken on board, thank you very much for this. Without exception, Staff were fantastic and our every need was attended to. The additional Covid testing ran smoothly, organised by our Riviera Reps. The guided tours were most interesting: the guides very knowledgeable and more importantly, interesting to listen to. We loved this trip and would do it again in a heartbeat. Thank you again Riviera, you were FAB!

Chris Wilson (Google Reviewer)  

Second escorted tour with this...

25-Jul-2022

Second escorted tour with this company. Did 5 days in Iceland tour. Everything went smoothly, excellent tour guide, Per. Extremely knowledgeable and interesting guy. Very friendly too. Highly recommend. Just let down by the room given at the hotel, but I guess the travel company doesn't have control over this.

Kathryn Jurin, GB  

Riviera South Africa tour - awesome

21-May-2021

Riviera have amazing holidays and tours to choose from. The one we chose was South Africa and wow! It turned out to be our best trip ever - incredible memories we will never forget. We’ve been all over the world which was because of all our experiences, this one was awesome. The organisation of the holiday, the guide and the travel was e cells that. The choice of hotels, meals, restaurants, trips was absolutely fantastic - very good quality and character - nothing bland or boring! The Riviera guide was permanently with us along with a South Africa guide and they were both extremely friendly, professional, informative and you could ask any questions you want! I would massively recommend this holiday/trip and when you’ve experienced it, you realise how reasonable the price is. We reflect on this trip a lot and thank you Riviera for giving us such a wonderful experience.

Trustpilot
Barry, GB  

Rhine Christmas markets cruise

09-Dec-2019

Just completed a 5 day trip on the Rhine. Our first river cruise and a tester for future cruises. The boat was well appointed and the cabin and public areas were spotlessly clean. The staff were attentive and contributed to the very relaxed atmosphere on the boat. The quality of the food surpassed that which we have experiened on sea cruises in recent years. I have written little because it was a faultless experience. We have booked a further cruise (in France) on the basis of our experience.

Trustpilot
Nigel Stewart (Google Reviewer)  

Cruise ship William Wordsworth: A...

15-Apr-2024

Cruise ship William Wordsworth: A cruise ship of excellence, very well appointed, comfortable & indulgent. We departed Budapest and cruised the Blue Danube heading to Vienna. The top deck offers sun loungers, a heated pool, golf and a place to just sit & relax. The cabins have everything you could want for but above all incredible comfortable. The staff are professional, courteous, and attentive and do everything to make your stay a pure pleasure. This is an experience you will remember for many years.

Christine Hardy (Google Reviewer)  

Although most people seem to...

10-Mar-2024

Although most people seem to book and pay for their holidays online, because we live close by we prefer to make a personal visit. In my opinion if they are offering this as an option they should be better equipped to accommodate visits in person. We have not been on our river cruise yet, so can't comment on that yet.

Rob Steele (Google Reviewer)  

My 3rd Riviera trip within...

16-Feb-2024

My 3rd Riviera trip within a year and I wasn't disappointed 😁 This time it was https://www.rivieratravel.co.uk/escorted-tours/southern-india-coastal-route-solo-travellers This trip, although not cheap, it really offers exceptional value for money as you see a lot of Tamil Nadu and Kerela, stay in fantastic hotels, excellent breakfasts every day as well as some lunches and dinners also included. George Bareham, our "Tour Manager" was brilliant, very professional, but also friendly and diligent. Satheeshan, our local guide was helpful and picked me up antibiotics when I got ill, he was a nice chap, if (for my taste) went on a bit and used 20 words when 1 would suffice. Mr Sweeny, our coach driver was fantastic,really professional and an exceptionally good driver. His assistant, Murgon wad a delight, always smiling and attentive. This is a full on trip, early morning starts and quite a packed itinerary, but still leaving time to laze around some brilliant hotel swimming pools. Only a couple of suggestions to improve the holiday. More shopping time in Cochin and change carriers from Etihad who, unfortunately aren't the excellent airline they used to be. But, will I use Riviera Travel again - Yes 😁

Barbara Parkes (Google Reviewer)  

Presently in Croatia staying at...

22-Sep-2023

Presently in Croatia staying at Arauana Hotel, supposedly a 4 star property, but wouldn't give it any star rating. Rooms are small and dirty. Wallpaper blistering. Meals served in a shed like lean-to. Food like warm, greasy and always self service. Second holiday with Riviera this year and neither at standard advertised. Have travelled with them previously and everything was fine, but standards have really dropped. Have booked a holiday with them next year and now dreading it. Certainly don't provide the standard advertised. We have never stayed in such a hovel and have visited youngsters in back packers accommodation which was far better than this supposedly 4 star accommodation. There are no indoor bars or lounges only a shed as a so called restaurant. Absolutely disgusting. Won't be boking with them again

Dates & Availability

Friday - Monday

Jul 05, 2024 - Jul 08, 2024
$883 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Wednesday

Aug 11, 2024 - Aug 14, 2024
$883 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Friday - Monday

Sep 06, 2024 - Sep 09, 2024
$883 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Friday - Monday

Sep 27, 2024 - Sep 30, 2024
$1010 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Friday - Monday

Oct 04, 2024 - Oct 07, 2024
$871 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Friday - Monday

Oct 11, 2024 - Oct 14, 2024
$909 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Thursday - Sunday

Nov 07, 2024 - Nov 10, 2024
$757 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Friday - Monday

Dec 06, 2024 - Dec 09, 2024
$858 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Monday - Thursday

Mar 17, 2025 - Mar 20, 2025
$820 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Friday - Monday

Apr 11, 2025 - Apr 14, 2025
$934 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Friday - Monday

Apr 25, 2025 - Apr 28, 2025
$1123 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Thursday - Sunday

May 01, 2025 - May 04, 2025
$947 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Friday - Monday

May 16, 2025 - May 19, 2025
$1136 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Monday - Thursday

Jun 02, 2025 - Jun 05, 2025
$1136 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Friday - Monday

Jun 13, 2025 - Jun 16, 2025
$972 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Friday - Monday

Jul 04, 2025 - Jul 07, 2025
$1111 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Friday - Monday

Jul 18, 2025 - Jul 21, 2025
$947 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Friday - Monday

Aug 15, 2025 - Aug 18, 2025
$1111 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Thursday - Sunday

Sep 11, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025
$947 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Friday - Monday

Sep 19, 2025 - Sep 22, 2025
$947 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Friday - Monday

Sep 26, 2025 - Sep 29, 2025
$1136 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Friday - Monday

Oct 10, 2025 - Oct 13, 2025
$934 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Friday - Monday

Oct 31, 2025 - Nov 03, 2025
$1022 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Thursday - Sunday

Nov 06, 2025 - Nov 09, 2025
$820 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Riviera Travel requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of riviera travel charges.

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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