Polish roads to freedom and everyday life behind the Iron Curtain.
Poland in communist times (1945–1989) might be something that you are quite familiar with: maybe you’ve lived in those times, exchanged letters with relatives, or heard stories from your family. You may remember John Paul II’s visits, the creation of the Solidarity movement, Lech Wałęsa, and the Round Table Agreement that led to Poland’s first free elections.
You may have followed those events with bated breath and felt a strong bond with the land of your roots. You might watch movies, historical documentaries, and read books about or from communist times.
But what was real everyday life like behind the Iron Curtain? How did politics and the economy affect daily struggles? What was the role of the Catholic Church? What changed after 1989, and what impact did that period have on Poland today?
We invite you to take this 3-day journey through Poland — from Nowa Huta in the 1950s to Gdańsk in the 1980s. Learn about history, people, and culture from this unique time, including both its challenges and triumphs.
Number of days: 3
Number of guests: Suggested 2–4 (contact us for larger groups)
Start of tour: Kraków
End of tour: Gdańsk
Transportation: Train
Map: View Route on Google Maps
Day 1 — Construction of a New “Ideal” City: Nowa Huta
Visit Nowa Huta, the district of Kraków built in the 1950s as an example of an ideal communist town designed for the workers of the Vladimir Lenin Steelworks. Admire its monumental architecture and urban design — a unique example of socialist realism in Europe.
Main attractions:
- Central Square in Nowa Huta
- Alley of Roses
- Steelworks
- “Arka Pana” (Ark of the Lord) – Parish of Our Lady Queen of Poland
Day 2 — The Capital, the Party, and “Idyllic” Everyday Life (Praga District)
Travel to Warsaw and explore the atmosphere of communist life. Visit the Palace of Culture and Science, Plac Konstytucji, the Communist Party Headquarters, and the Censorship Headquarters with the Free Speech Memorial.
Main attractions:
- Palace of Culture and Science (with basement tour)
- Plac Konstytucji
- Communist Party and Censorship Headquarters
- Praga district
Day 3 — The Road to Freedom: Gdańsk Shipyard and the Solidarity Movement
Travel to Gdańsk, where the resistance to communist rule began. Visit the historic shipyard and the European Solidarity Centre to learn how Lech Wałęsa and thousands of shipbuilders sparked a movement that changed the course of European history.
Main attractions:
- Gdańsk Shipyard
- European Solidarity Centre (“Road to Freedom” exhibition)
Costs:
The cost depends on the number of people, accommodation standard, and travel dates. Contact us for details.
Returning guests receive a 5% discount (discounts do not combine).
Total cost includes: English-speaking guides in Kraków, Warsaw, and Gdańsk; taxi transfers to/from airports and hotels; train tickets; accommodation with breakfasts; entrance to the European Solidarity Centre and Palace of Culture viewing terrace.
Excluded: Flights, other meals, gratuities, personal expenses.
Booking:
Click here to fill in the reservation form. A deposit is required to reserve your tour. Full refund available up to 90 days before departure.
Have questions?
Contact us: [email protected]
Phone: 0048 664 407 089
We look forward to touring with you!