First, we must say that this tour would never have been possible without the wonderful efforts of Aleksander Zawilski. We originally planned the tour for 2019. However, due to the COVID Pandemic and international events affecting Ukraine, it was deferred to 2023. During this time, Aleksander made numerous plans, adjustments, and revisions (…), and ensured that all the details were accurate. I have never worked with anyone as cooperative, meticulous, accommodating, and thorough as Aleksander. He kept us completely informed, in a timely manner, throughout the entire process. He selected Zbigniew Stettner as our main guide and he was amazing! Because of Aleksander, this trip was OUTSTANDING! It far exceeded anything that I thought could be achieved!!! I can’t say enough positive comments about him. Polish Origins is extremely fortunate to have him on their staff. He is FANTASTIC! Thanks for everything, Aleksander.
Zbigniew Stettner was our guide for most of our custom tour and made our trip beyond memorable!! He was exceptionally well prepared and knew my family tree and background as well as, if not better, than myself. He was very thorough and resolute in finding information concerning my ancestry. To our amazement, he analyzed the lineage of all four of my grandparents. Previously, he developed a Cadastral Map report per my request. He utilized it to make contact with our family members while we were on the tour and found numerous relatives whom we were previously unaware. The experience of meeting our relatives was off the charts; such an emotional experience that was not expected. Zbigniew’s calm and charming disposition, along with his fabulous translation skills, had us making several new family connections and obtaining additional records for my genealogy research. Sitting in our relatives’ dining rooms, drinking cherry vodka and eating chocolate, while being so warmly welcomed and embraced, was a tremendous experience for all of us. Due to his knowledge, approach and persistence the goals of our research tour exceeded my expectations beyond description. Zbigniew’s patience, determination and ability to pursue all leads for information was so impressive and enabled so many extraordinary moments throughout our trip. He is amazing!
After completing most of the trip with Zbigniew, we met Piotr Zelny, and changed guides for the remaining few days of the tour. Piotr’s background in history was very helpful during the tour. He took us to Poland’s best Open-Air Ethnographic Museum in Sanok, which was very informative. Afterwards, we proceeded to the rural Zyndranowa area, through Slovakia, and then we arrived in Zakopane. Piotr arranged for us to meet with one family, which we did the following day at a local restaurant. Because of Piotr’s efforts, we accomplished more than we expected in that area, which is a beautiful part of Poland.
Preparation for the tour/communication:
This is one of the greatest strengths of PolishOrigins and Aleksander. Words cannot describe how thorough, detailed and PROMPT all of our communications were throughout the entire experience! I cannot imagine any other tour company could exceed the superior customer experience delivered by PolishOrigins.
Furthermore, I would like to say that my wife and I traveled extensively in our lives, including all 50 states in the US, and many countries across the globe. We have traveled on our own and utilized multiple well-known tour companies. Without doubt, this has been our best all-around travel experience.
My wife and I traveled extensively in our lives, including all 50 states in the US, and many countries across the globe. We have traveled on our own and utilized multiple well-known tour companies. Without doubt, this has been our best all-around travel experience.