Journey from Kraków to Warsaw, taking in Lublin and Zamość en route, as we discover a wealth of fascinating churches, palaces and art collections
Experience stunning Gothic, Baroque and Rococo architecture, including the Nieborów Palace and the Renaissance townscapes of Zamość
Explore fine collections of Polish and European art, including Kraków’s Cloth Hall Museum and Warsaw’s Wilanów Palace and Park
“Alex put his heart and soul into everything he did – his commentaries, notes and enthusiasm”
– ACE customer on recent tour led by Alex Koller
Our journey begins in Kraków, the erstwhile capital of Poland, which remains the spiritual home of the Polish nation. Miraculously spared from the devastation of the Second World War, the city contains a multitude of architectural delights, from the 15th century university to Wawel Cathedral, the final sanctuary of Stanislaus, the patron saint of Poland.
Our walking itineraries will embrace some of Poland’s most compelling art and architecture, from the extensive collections of the National Museum to Łazienki, the ‘Palace on the Water’. In Lublin, we will explore the old town with its hilltop castle and streets incorporating fragments of Gothic walls, Renaissance gables and Baroque towers. The city is also home to an unusual Dominican church, in a late Gothic style overlaid with a Renaissance exterior and Baroque/Rococo interior.
Our survey of the towns and palaces of Poland ends in Warsaw, where the medieval core and the castle of the Vasa kings have been handsomely restored, while the Royal Way, leading from the Royal Palace in the old town to the Versailles-like Wilanów Palace, ranks as one of Europe’s grandest boulevards.
We will stay at a variety of hotels in Kraków, Krasiczyn, Zamość, Lublin and Warsaw. A particular highlight will be our first three nights at Kraków’s five-star Francuski Hotel, perfectly positioned in the historical centre. One of the oldest dedicated hotels in the city (opened in 1912), the building is full of art deco charm, heritage and elegance. Subsequent hotels are of a three or four-star standard and all are comfortable, warm and welcoming, in addition to being conveniently situated for our explorations. Please note that facilities at some hotels may be of a simpler overall standard.
“On this tour we combine some well-known highlights like the architectural monuments of Kraków or the picturesque beauty of Kazimierz Dolny with sites that are off the beaten track: not many people would expect Byzantine-style paintings (Lublin) or a perfect Renaissance town (Zamość) in eastern Poland. The great country houses of Kozłówka and Łańcut provide an excellent opportunity to visualise the life of the great noble families of Poland. Lastly, there is the experience of Warsaw, a city that has sunk and risen in the most dramatic fashion in the Second World War and preserved a surprising number of cultural monuments of the highest order.”
– Tour Director Alex Koller
Alex Koller
Alex is an expert in art history and architecture and has travelled extensively throughout Europe and the Far East.
This tour will be led by Alex Koller, PhD, expert in art history and architecture. Alex has lived and studied in Vienna, Salzburg and Cambridge. An accomplished linguist, he has been leading tours since 1998 and his experience ranges from Eastern Europe and Russia to Japan and the Himalayas.
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£4295
TOPO-26
