Move back in time to the heart of multicultural old Poland.
11 – day tour through the historical Kingdom of Poland and other parts of 19th century Poland occupied by Russia (today’s Central and Eastern Poland and Lithuania).
Group size: 10 to 20 participatns.
Cost: TBD for 2025
Dates: TBD for 2025
Download the itinerary for 2025
Follow the Footsteps of the Kingdom of Poland – History, Culture, and Nature
Embark on an extraordinary journey through the lands of the former Kingdom of Poland and Lithuania, where multicultural history, picturesque landscapes, and remarkable sites await. During this 11-day tour, you’ll experience the rich diversity of regions—from the vibrant capital of Warsaw to the serene Podlasie, from Lithuania’s Vilnius to the charming Kazimierz Dolny.
Our adventure begins in Warsaw, where you’ll explore Wilanów, the royal residence, and the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, showcasing centuries of shared heritage. We’ll then travel to Tykocin, a delightful town boasting one of Poland’s most beautiful synagogues, and take a scenic boat cruise on the Narew River.
Nature lovers will enjoy close encounters with Europe’s largest bison in Białowieża Forest, explore the unique Polish Konik horses in Roztocze National Park, and marvel at the stunning scenery around Zwierzyniec and Zamość, a Renaissance gem.
You will visit the romantic borderlands of Henryk Sienkiewicz novels, Adam Mickiewicz’s Lithuania, described in his “Sir Thaddeus”, and on to Chopin’s beloved Polish landscapes. We will help you to understand the twists and turns of history, such as the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the Russian partition of Poland and the dramatic fate of the Polish people during World War II.
In Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, you’ll visit the famous Gates of Dawn and the picturesque Trakai Castle, situated on an island. Returning to Poland, we’ll uncover the Tatar heritage of Podlasie, including the oldest wooden mosque in Kruszyniany, and savor traditional Tatar cuisine.
You will see remote villages where time has stopped, old noble manor houses and palaces, and the renaissance architecture of Zamość, Kazimierz Dolny, and Lublin, along with the wild forest reserve filled with Bison and other Central European mammals. Together, we will experience the delicious, local, regional cuisine, and fully experience real Slavic hospitality.
We’ll conclude our tour in Kazimierz Dolny, a town beloved by artists, where a stroll through its historic market square and along the banks of the Vistula River promises relaxation.
Join us on a tour full of history, flavors and breathtaking sights. Discover the cultural richness of colorful Eastern Poland and Lithuania!
Itinerary
Tour route video map
Day 1. Warsaw – Arrival and Welcome
Your adventure begins in Warsaw. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our guide, who will introduce you to the city’s main attractions. In the evening, enjoy a festive welcome dinner where you’ll meet your fellow travelers.
Day 2. Warsaw – The Capital of a Multicultural Kingdom
Today, immerse yourself in Warsaw’s rich history as you explore the historic Old Town, painstakingly rebuilt after World War II. This remarkable reconstruction showcases nearly eight centuries of history, from the 13th to the 20th century, earning its place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Then, visit POLIN, one of the most innovative museums in Europe, which tells the thousand-year history of Jews in Poland. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 3. The Charm of Small Towns and Rural Landscapes
We leave behind busy Warsaw and head to the peaceful town of Tykocin in Podlasie. Here, we’ll visit one of Poland’s oldest synagogues and enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Narew River, surrounded by beautiful scenery. Tykocin, one of the region’s oldest towns, was once home to Polish and Lithuanian kings in medieval times.
Day 4. Vilnius – a city between the East and West
Today, we’ll take a break from Poland and head to Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, where you’ll spend the next two days.
Vilnius, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to one of the largest Old Towns in Europe—three times the size of Kraków’s! This vibrant city has long been a cultural hub, cherished by Poles, Lithuanians, Belarusians, and Russians alike. With its rich Jewish heritage, Napoleon once called it the “Jerusalem of the North.”
On our guided tour, we’ll explore Vilnius through a Polish lens, visiting iconic landmarks like the “Gate of Dawn” (Ostra Brama) and Giedymin Castle, where stunning views of the town and Wilejka River await.
Day 5. Trakai, a town built on water, and Karaites minority
Trakai is unique for its rich mix of cultures, as it was built and shaped by people from various nationalities, including Tatars, Lithuanians, Russians, Jews, and Poles. You’ll also hear the fascinating story of the Trakai Karaites, a small community brought here from Crimea in the 14th century after battles with the Golden Horde.
In the evening you will enjoy the hospitality of the Vilnius people during a dinner at one of the Old Town’s restaurants.
Day 6. Podlasie region: Orthodox culture and exotic Tatars world
We’ll leave Vilnius and head back to Poland, stopping for a short break along the way.
Once we cross the border, we’ll visit the Orthodox Monastery in Supraśl, founded in the 16th century. Over time, it became an important center of Orthodox culture, known for its large library and connections to other key sites like the Kiev Lavra and Mount Athos Monastery.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit Kruszyniany to see Poland’s oldest wooden Tatar mosque. Known as a cultural melting pot, this village is where three religions—Catholicism, Islam, and Orthodoxy—have long come together.
After the visit, we will take you to a Tatar household for a dinner with traditional Tatar’s cuisine!
Day 7. The Wild Nature of Białowieża Forest
Today, you’ll get a chance to experience the wild beauty of the Białowieża Forest. In the morning, we’ll look for bison, which sometimes wander right into the village. Later, we’ll visit Hajnówka to see the European bison up close at the Show Reserve in Białowieża National Park.
There will be also some time to take a rest and relax in the hotel’s swimming pool and wellness centre.
Day 8. Lublin – Gateway to the East
On our way to Lublin, we’ll stop at Kozłówka to visit the stunning Zamoyski family residence. Once in Lublin, we’ll explore the charming Old Town, filled with historic landmarks and picturesque alleys.
For centuries, Lublin thrived as a multicultural hub, attracting people from all over—Poles, Russians, Jews, Germans, Scots, Italians, French, Hungarians, and Armenians—thanks to its location at the crossroads of major trade routes and its renowned fairs.
In the afternoon, we’ll take a guided tour of Lublin’s Old Town, including the impressive Lublin Castle and its Holy Trinity Chapel, famous for its beautiful Byzantine frescoes. We’ll round off the day with a taste of local cuisine at a cozy restaurant in the main square.
Day 9. Roztocze – Natural Beauty and Renaissance Architecture
We’ll take you to explore the beauty of rural Poland and the Roztocze National Park, where you’ll see Polish Pony breeding and the untouched wild forest in Florianka. Next, we’ll visit the charming town of Zwierzyniec, known for its picturesque chapel on the water, and finish the day in the Renaissance town of Zamość.
Day 10. Kazimierz Dolny, the town of artists
On our final day, we’ll visit Kazimierz Dolny, a beautiful little town on the banks of the Wisła River. Known for its charm, it has drawn artists, actors, and summer visitors since the 19th century.
In the afternoon, we’ll head back to Warsaw to explore the Royal Łazienki Park, the city’s largest park. Originally transformed in the 18th century by King Stanisław August into a stunning setting of palaces, villas, and monuments, it now serves as a vibrant public space for art, culture, and relaxation.
Day 11. The departure day.
After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye and transport you to the airport. We wish you a safe journey home and hope the memories of this trip stay with you for years to come!
Cost
The total cost of the Kingdom of Poland Tour for 2025 TBD
Single room supplement: TBD
First minute price until February 15, 2025: TBD in DBL or TWN room occupancy.
Tour cost includes:
- accommodations in 3 and 4 star hotels praised by our former guests,
- two meals daily, every day: breakfast, lunch or dinner,
- transportation between cities by air-conditioned, comfortable bus,
- sightseeing tours as specified in the tour itinerary,
- baggage allowance of one large suitcase per person,
- services of an English-speaking Tour Leader throughout the whole Tour,
- medical, accident and third party insurance,
- hotel taxes,
- transfers on arrival and departure from and to the airports or hotels.
Not included in the tour cost are items of personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, mini-bar, gratuity to guides and drivers, air transportation to and from Poland.
Important: The deposit is refundable up to 90 days prior to the start of your tour. If a tour has less than 15 persons who have made reservations 2 months before planned date of starting the Tour, we reserve the right to cancel the whole Tour. In that case, all deposits for that Tour date will be refunded.
If you would like to have a Private Tour customized especially for you, your family and friends in any term, please contact us. To learn more about our full tour offer visit: https://polishorigins.com/tours, or contact us by email: [email protected], phone: 0048 664 407 089 (including WhatsApp, between 6.00 AM – 4.00 PM EST) or messenger https://www.facebook.com/PolishOrigins/.