Search

Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Grand Tour of Poland by Rail

Poland rail loop from Warsaw to Krakow, five cities, 13 days

Illustration of Grand Tour of Poland by Rail

Marvellous Escapes' Grand Tour of Poland is a 13-day guided rail holiday connecting five major Polish cities. You fly from the UK to Warsaw, then travel by train to Gdansk, Poznan, Wroclaw, and finally Krakow, with rail journeys between each stop. The itinerary balances guided tours and independent time: Day 2 includes a guided tour of Warsaw's restored Old Town and Royal Castle; Days 3-5 take you north by rail to Gdansk on the Baltic coast, where you explore colourful merchant houses and visit the massive medieval Malbork Castle. You then travel south through Poznan and Wroclaw, each offering Renaissance town halls and charming old towns, before reaching Krakow. In Krakow, you join guided excursions to Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO site famous for its underground chapels carved from salt. Daily breakfast is included at all 12 hotel nights. This trip suits history-lovers drawn to Poland's rich cultural heritage, experienced rail travellers who want meaningful time in each city, and those seeking a guided, logistically simple journey.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price is 2,799 GBP (approximately 3,738 USD); confirm current availability and any seasonal pricing with Marvellous Escapes before booking
  • Day 1 involves a flight from the UK to Warsaw; Day 13 ends with a flight from Krakow back to the UK, not rail travel

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Warsaw

    Warsaw

    Your journey begins as you fly from the UK to Warsaw. After checking into your hotel, the rest of the day is free to explore.

  2. Day 2overnight: Warsaw

    Warsaw

    Today, enjoy a guided city tour of Warsaw, from the colourful Old Town and Royal Castle to grand boulevards and contemporary architecture, perhaps visiting Łazienki Park and the POLIN Museum.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Gdańsk

    Gdańsk

    Today, travel by rail from Warsaw to Gdańsk, heading north towards the Baltic coast. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and begin exploring this historic port city, known for its colourful merchant houses and charming Old Town.

  4. Day 4overnight: Gdańsk

    Gdansk

    Today, enjoy a guided walking tour of Gdańsk’s enchanting Old Town, including the iconic Long Market, Neptune’s Fountain and St. Mary’s Church.

  5. Day 5overnight: Gdańsk

    Gdansk

    Today, embark on a private excursion to the magnificent Malbork Castle, a UNESCO-listed site and one of the largest medieval castles in the world, once the headquarters of the Teutonic Knights.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Poznań

    Poznan

    Today, travel by rail from Gdańsk to Poznań. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps a first stroll through the city’s Old Town.

  7. Day 7overnight: Poznań

    Poznan

    Today, enjoy a guided walking tour of Poznań’s charming Old Town, including the Renaissance-style Town Hall and the famous mechanical goats.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Wrocław

    Wroclaw

    Today, travel by rail from Poznań to Wrocław. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring this picturesque city, known for its colourful architecture and network of canals.

  9. Day 9overnight: Wrocław

    Wroclaw

    Today, enjoy a half-day excursion into the Lower Silesia region, visiting Książ Castle and the nearby town of Świdnica, home to the UNESCO-listed Church of Peace, the largest wooden Baroque church in the world.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Kraków

    Krakow

    Today, travel by rail from Wrocław to Kraków. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring this enchanting city, known for its beautifully preserved Old Town.

  11. Day 11overnight: Kraków

    Krakow

    Today, join a guided group excursion to Auschwitz-Birkenau, one of the most important and moving historic sites in Europe, exploring both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau.

  12. Day 12overnight: Kraków

    Krakow

    Today, enjoy a guided visit to the remarkable Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just outside Kraków, including the spectacular St. Kinga’s Chapel.

  13. Day 13

    Return home

    After breakfast, enjoy a private transfer from your hotel to Krakow Airport for your return flight to the UK.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Day 3: travel by rail from Warsaw north to Gdansk, arriving at the Baltic coast and the historic colourful merchant houses of the Old Town
  • Day 5Day 5: private excursion to Malbork Castle, a UNESCO site and one of the largest medieval castles in the world, once the headquarters of the Teutonic Knights
  • Day 11Day 11: guided group visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau, exploring both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau
  • Day 12Day 12: guided tour of Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including St. Kinga's Chapel

Included

  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Warsaw, Poznan and Wroclaw with breakfast included
  • 3-nights hotel accommodation in Gdansk and Krakow with breakfast included
  • Flights from UK to Warsaw and return from Krakow
  • Warsaw city tour
  • Gdansk Old Town walking tour
  • Private tour to Malbork Castle
  • Group tour to Auschwitz-Birkenau & Wieliczka Salt Mine Tour

Questions travellers ask

Is all train travel between cities included?
Yes. The package includes rail journeys from Warsaw to Gdansk, Gdansk to Poznan, Poznan to Wroclaw, and Wroclaw to Krakow. Flights to and from the UK are also included.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is guided. Marvellous Escapes includes guided city tours in Warsaw and Gdansk, a private tour to Malbork Castle, and group excursions to Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine. Some days allow leisure time to explore at your own pace.
What hotels and meals are included?
The package includes 2 nights in Warsaw, Poznan, and Wroclaw, and 3 nights in Gdansk and Krakow, all with breakfast. Lunch and dinner are not mentioned as included.
How much walking is involved?
Expect guided walking tours of city old towns and stairs in historic churches and castles. A half-day excursion to Książ Castle and Świdnica involves additional walking.
What major sites does the tour visit?
Visits include Malbork Castle, Auschwitz-Birkenau (guided group excursion), Wieliczka Salt Mine (guided visit), Łazienki Park and the POLIN Museum in Warsaw, and old town districts in all five cities.

Similar journeys