Krakow’s old town, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, has many fine examples of Medieval architecture. Poland was reunited in 1320 with Krakow as the capital and subsequent kings were crowned in Wawel Cathedral. The city prospered as the political, cultural and economic centre of Poland and in 1364 central Europe’s second oldest university was founded there.

The city had entered a period of decline by 1600 and the capital was switched to Warsaw in 1611.  Krakow spent most of the nineteenth century under Austrian control as independent Poland disappeared in 1795.  Both Krakow and a free Poland were reunited in 1918, but not for long. In 1939, Nazi Germany occupied Poland and Krakow’s 55,000 Jews were sent to the Auschwitz death camp. The Soviet army liberated the city only to establish a Communist dictatorship in its place.  Fortunately, Krakow was spared the destruction which afflicted Warsaw, for example, and the city’s rich heritage emerged relatively unscathed from the war.

Krakow’s industrial workers played a key role in the Solidarity movement; it challenged and then overthrew the Communist government of the country in 1989, ushering in a new era of independence for the Poles and citizens of Krakow.

Our best value sample itinerary from £498

4 Days to Krakow by Air

Day 1:
Travel to Poland by air, meet your transfer to take you to your accommodation. Visit the Jewish Museum and explore the local area on foot.

Day 2:
Take a guided walking tour of Krakow, visiting Wawel Castle & Cathedral, the Royal Tombs, Sigmund’s Bell and St Mary's Church. In the afternoon, take a visit to Schindlers Factory.

Day 3:
In the morning, depart for a full days excursion visiting the Wieliczka Salt Mines followed by a guided tour of Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration camps. Return to Krakow to your accommodation.

Day 4:
Free time in the morning to explore the town and buy souvenirs. Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.