North-South Poland Tour 2026

Poland Tours by PolishOrigins

 

Discover the authentic beauty of Poland.

11 – day grand tour through the central, northern and southern Poland.

Group size: limited to a maximum of 12 participants.

Cost: 18,900 Polish zlotys (approx. $4,986 US at May 2025 exchange rate) in double/twin room accommodation

Date:
May 16-27, 2026
(This tour is fully confirmed, as the minimum group size has been reached.)


The North-South Poland Tour is the result of over a decade of experience in organizing hundreds of private and group tours focused on genealogy, culture, and history in Poland and other Central and Eastern European countries.

Experience the full splendor of Poland on our captivating North-South Tour. Over 11 unforgettable days, explore the country’s most fascinating destinations, from the vibrant city of Warsaw to the charming streets of Krakow, the seaside beauty of Gdańsk, the majestic Teutonic Castle in Malbork, the historic town of Toruń, and the sacred Częstochowa fortress.

We begin in Warsaw, where you’ll find a blend of modernity and history. Next, we’ll immerse ourselves in Polish traditions with a visit to the ethnographic park in Olsztynek, where you’ll experience the rich customs of a traditional village.

Our journey then leads us north—discover the beauty of Gdańsk with its rich maritime history, the monumental Malbork Castle, and the charming streets of Toruń, the city of Nicolaus Copernicus and gingerbread. We’ll then head south to witness the significance of Częstochowa, the spiritual capital of Poland, finally reaching Krakow.

Krakow is the climax of our journey: Wawel Castle, Main Market Square, Cloth Hall—all surrounded by an artistic ambiance and cultural richness. Additionally, optional visits to Auschwitz or the Wieliczka Salt Mine provide an even deeper historical perspective.

Just watch what you can expect:


Why join us?
Our tour is not just sightseeing—it’s a chance to understand the Polish spirit and traditions, meet locals, taste regional cuisine, and experience authentic Polish hospitality. It’s the perfect opportunity to feel the real Poland, full of diversity, history, and unforgettable moments.

Join us to uncover authentic Poland!

We have been listening to our guests, learning and improving since the beginning, way back in 2004 when we did our first tour. We talk with you, we observe what makes impressions on you. This is how we build our know-how—by improving the experience for our guests after each tour.

We take pride in showing you real Poland by providing the highest quality experience. Customers opinions are our best reward:  https://polishorigins.com/testimonials.

Tour route video map

 

Itinerary of the PO North-South Poland Tour


Day 1. Warsaw – Arrival and Welcome!

Welcome to the heart of Poland! Upon arrival in Warsaw, you will be transferred to a comfortable hotel in the city center. In the evening, join us for a welcome meeting with your tour leader, where you’ll learn what awaits you in the coming days of the journey. We’ll end the day with dinner at a Warsaw restaurant serving local delicacies.

Day 2. Discovering the Capital

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. Wilanów Palace and Łazienki Park

We’re heading south to visit the Baroque Wilanów Palace, the former residence of King Jan III Sobieski. As you stroll through the beautiful palace gardens, you’ll feel like part of the royal court. On the way back from Wilanów you will visit Łazienki Park. The afternoon is reserved for relaxation, and we’ll end the day with a delicious dinner in an atmospheric Warsaw restaurant.

Day 4. On the Way to Gdańsk – Stopover in Olsztynek

We’re on our way to Gdańsk, with a stop in Olsztynek to visit an open-air museum. Here, you’ll see traditional buildings and the tools used by the people of Warmia, Masuria, Powisle and Little Lithuania in the 19th and 20th centuries. In the evening, we’ll arrive in Gdańsk, where dinner and accommodation await in the city center.

Day 5. The Charm of Gdańsk – History and Modernity

Today, discover Gdańsk—a city with a rich history and a former Hanseatic League member. We’ll visit the historical district, the majestic St. Mary’s Church, and Neptune’s Fountain. In the afternoon, explore the European Solidarity Centre, a symbol of the struggle for freedom. Dinner will be served at a local restaurant in the evening.

Day 6. Gdynia, Westerplatte and amber.

We’re heading to Gdynia to visit the Emigration Museum where we will uncover the reasons behind emigration and and explore the stories of those who journeyed across the globe. On the way, we’ll stop at Westerplatte, the site where World War II began. In Gdańsk, we’ll meet an amber craftsman who will reveal the secrets of working with this unique stone.

Day 7. Malbork and Toruń – Castles and Gingerbread Legend

In the morning, we’ll head to Malbork to tour the world’s largest castle measured by land area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch, we’ll drive to Toruń, a city that enchants with its medieval architecture and atmosphere. The evening will be spent relaxing in picturesque Toruń.

Day 8. Toruń – City of Copernicus and Gingerbread

Get to know Toruń, where Nicolaus Copernicus was born. It’s a historic trading city that preserves to a remarkable extent its original street pattern and outstanding early buildings, and which provides an exceptionally complete picture of the medieval way of life. You’ll stroll through its charming streets and see the main monuments of this UNESCO-listed city. At the gingerbread museum, you’ll even have the chance to make your own traditional gingerbread.

Day 9. Częstochowa – Poland’s Spiritual Capital

Today, we will visit Jasna Góra in Częstochowa, home to the famous icon of the Black Madonna. The place is important for the Polish people not only from the perspective of the Catholic religion, but also because of the significant role it played in the history of the nation. Then, we will travel to Kraków, passing castles along the Eagle’s Nests Trail that stand proudly over the picturesque valleys of the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland.

Day 10. Kraków. Auschwitz or Wieliczka half-day trip.

In the morning, we’ll explore Kazimierz, Kraków’s former Jewish district, filled with charming cafes and antique shops. In the afternoon, you’ll have 3 options to choose from (the group will be divided according to the participants’ choices):

1. Travel to Oświęcim (about 1h 10 min drive) and visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau (UNESCO list) museum with a regular English tour. 

2. Visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine (about 30 min drive from Kraków), one of Polish National Monuments, a mine that was opened in the XIII century (UNESCO list). We will arrange for you the regular tour in English. Please note: there are about 800 steps down (an elevator takes tourists up).

For those who wish to visit both places (Auschwitz and Wieliczka) – an additional day in Kraków is needed. Cost of this additional supplement will be determined based on the number of participants interested in this service.

3. Free time in Kraków.

Day 11. Magical Kraków

Today, explore the Old Town – oldest district of Kraków, dating to XI century, one of the first sites chosen for the UNESCO’s World Heritage List, and Wawel Hill located at the left bank of Vistula river, this architectural complex with its castle was the official seat of Polish monarchs until 1611. You’ll visit the Main Market Square, the famous St. Mary’s Basilica, and the remarkable Underground Museuman excavation site turned into a museum. Located underneath the Market Square, it is dedicated to showing Kraków’s history from the Middle Ages with the use of modern technology and artifacts from the past. In the evening, join us for a farewell dinner. (See what one of our guests said about Kraków.)

Day 12. Farewell to Poland

After breakfast, our journey comes to an end. We arrange individual transfers to the Krakow airpot. For those interested, transports to the Warsaw airport are available.

North-South Poland Tour Booklet  – for 2026

Download the detailed itinerary with description, photos and costs (in pdf) 

Testimonials

Cost

The total cost of the North-South Poland Tour is 18,900 Polish zlotys (approx. $US 4,986 at the average exchange rate at the end of May 2025),
Single room supplement: 3,530 Polish zlotys (approx. $US 931).

Supplements for the additional day in Krakow for guests wishing to visit both the Auschwitz Museum and the Wieliczka Salt Mine, and for those wishing to go to Warsaw at the end of the tour will be determined based on the number of people interested in these services.

Tour cost includes:

  • accommodations in 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,
  • 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.

Reservations

Reservations for 2026 tour are closed.

Important: The deposit is refundable up to 90 days prior to the start of your tour.

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/