October 12-21, 2021
Travel to Poland with Greg. We will see the highlights of this beautiful and historic country.
First we will visit Gdansk, previously known as Danzig. Gdansk, on the Baltic coast, has always found itself in the cross hairs of European politics and has had a turbulent past. A visit to this city is a must to learn about the Solidarity Movement that freed Poland from Soviet rule and how Poland has been the political fulcrum in European politics. Gdansk was one of the strongholds of the Hanseatic League and even today, there are several testaments to these cultural roots. A short drive away is the stunning Malbork Castle estate, which we will also visit.
Next we will visit Warsaw, which has always been an active center of the Jewish community, as well as an important center of the arts, culture and politics in Europe. Warsaw is a phoenix that has risen out of the ashes of immense carnage to emerge as a vibrant, contemporary and edgy European capital. Its eclectic architectural style reflects the different influences throughout the ages. In Old Town Warsaw, tall church steeples, colorful houses, and narrow cobble-stoned lanes give way to the newer part of the city and a larger more contemporary skyline. Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings have been exquisitely restored to their former glory in the post World War II era, while more recent construction reflects Warsaw’s cosmopolitan vibe.
We will end in the beautiful untouched medieval city of Krakow. It is a miracle that it survived unscathed during World War II, and in fact, some locals believe that Krakow has been divinely blessed with an aura of peace. Medieval buildings surround the cavernous market hall and the central square, where street musicians serenade you in the evenings with folksongs. We will try our hands at whipping up a Pierogi from scratch with a hands-on cooking sessions, as well as, visit the memorials at Auschwitz and Birkenau.
Please note that this trip is more physically demanding than many tours. There is a considerable amount of walking and standing involved throughout the program. You must be able to climb and descend stairs easily without assistance and walk over uneven and cobble-stoned areas. Often, we will visit multiple museums a day, with one to two hours or more in each museum where we will be standing and walking through the collections. Unfortunately, if you use a wheelchair, we will not be able to accommodate you on this tour due to the limited access of ramps and elevators in museums, hotels and other sights. If you use a cane or other assistance for walking or are not able to walk long distances, our Founder's Tours may not be the best fit for you. We kindly ask that you consider your physical abilities with regards to the itinerary for this program, as the itinerary cannot be amended to accommodate any physical limitations.
