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Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour

Historic Cities of Poland

Escorted rail journey Berlin to Warsaw through Poland's medieval cities and history

Illustration of Historic Cities of Poland

Vacations By Rail's Historic Cities of Poland is an 11-day escorted tour departing from Berlin and ending in Warsaw, with stops in medieval Wrocław and historic Kraków. A professional Tour Manager guides the group throughout, handling logistical details while travelers experience First Class rail travel, four-star hotel stays, and included meals and sightseeing. Days are structured yet flexible: guided tours of medieval squares, a half-day in the underground Wieliczka Salt Mines with St. Kinga's Chapel, a poignant visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau with a Witness to History discussion, and an evening klezmer performance during dinner in Kraków's Kazimierz district. Warsaw offers both guided exploration of the Old Town and Castle Square plus full free days for museums, Royal Łazienki Park, or independent discovery. The itinerary mixes group activities with personal time, making it suitable for history enthusiasts, first-time rail travelers, and those seeking guided comfort without constant hand-holding.

What to know before you look closer

  • Auschwitz-Birkenau is optional, but you may opt out of this visit.
  • Day 9 is completely free; no guided activities or meals included that day.
  • Some museums and attractions (Reichstag dome, Royal Łazienki Park museums) cost extra and are payable locally.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Berlin

    Arrival in Berlin

    Transfer independently to the four-star hotel near Friedrichstraße. Meet the Tour Manager and walk to a traditional restaurant for the first dinner together.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: Berlin

    Berlin sightseeing before time at leisure

    A guided sightseeing tour visiting Checkpoint Charlie, a section of the Berlin Wall, and concluding at the Brandenburg Gate. Free afternoon and evening to explore museums or the Reichstag dome independently.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3railovernight: Wrocław

    To charming Wrocław by First Class rail

    A direct First Class train journey from Berlin into Poland, crossing the Oder River, to Wrocław. Check in to the hotel on the banks of the Oder and gather for dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: Wrocław

    Uncovering medieval Wrocław on a guided tour

    A guided tour of Market Square, the Gothic Old Town Hall and New Town Hall, the Hansel and Gretel houses, and Cathedral Island. Free afternoon and evening to dine independently.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5railovernight: Kraków

    Guided tour of Kraków and Oskar Schindler's factory

    First Class train to Kraków, then a guided tour of the Old Town's Main Square and St. Mary's Basilica (entrance included), followed by a visit to Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory.

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 6overnight: Kraków

    Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau

    A guided visit to Auschwitz I and Auschwitz-Birkenau (optional to opt out), followed by a Witness to History event at the Galicia Jewish Museum. Dinner together at the hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: Kraków

    The astonishing underground world of Wieliczka

    A half-day guided visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mines, including St. Kinga's Chapel. In the evening, a klezmer performance during a traditional Jewish dinner in the Kazimierz district.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  8. Day 8railovernight: Warsaw

    Exploring Warsaw's Old Town

    First Class train to Warsaw, with luggage transferred directly. Check in near the Palace of Culture and Science, then explore Warsaw's Old Town, Market Place and Castle Square.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  9. Day 9overnight: Warsaw

    Free day in the Polish capital

    A full day at leisure with options including the Ostrogski Palace (Chopin museum), the Warsaw Rising Museum, the POLIN museum, or Wilanów Palace.

    Meals: Breakfast

  10. Day 10overnight: Warsaw

    Sunday in Royal Łazienki Park

    Transfer to Royal Łazienki Park to explore the grounds and, seasonally, hear Chopin recitals at the Chopin monument. Rest of the day at leisure in Warsaw.

    Meals: Breakfast

  11. Day 11

    Homeward bound

    After breakfast, transfer to Warsaw Chopin Airport where the exploration of Poland comes to an end.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3First Class train crosses the Oder River into Poland, arriving in medieval Wrocław with its colorful Market Square and Gothic Old Town Hall
  • Day 5Direct First Class train to Kraków; guided tour visits St. Mary's Basilica and Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory
  • Day 6Guided visit to Auschwitz I and Auschwitz-Birkenau with a Witness to History event at the Galicia Jewish Museum
  • Day 7Half-day guided tour of the Wieliczka Salt Mines includes St. Kinga's Chapel; evening klezmer performance during traditional Jewish dinner in Kazimierz
  • Day 8First Class train to Warsaw with luggage transferred directly to hotel; evening tour of the Old Town, Market Place, and Castle Square

Included

  • Expertise of a Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 10 nights' 4-Star hotel accommodation
  • First Class rail travel on local rail networks
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • Breakfast each day, 5 dinners
  • Group luggage transfers between all hotels
  • All guided tours and excursions

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. First Class rail travel on local networks between Berlin, Wrocław, Kraków, and Warsaw, plus all coach travel throughout the tour, is included in the price.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. Vacations By Rail provides a professional Tour Manager with expertise from start to finish, leading a group of like-minded travelers.
What are the hotels?
The tour includes four-star hotels: NH Collection Berlin Mitte am Checkpoint Charlie (2 nights), HP Park Plaza in Wrocław (2 nights), Tribe in Kraków (3 nights), and Polonia Palace in Warsaw (3 nights).
What meals are included?
Breakfast every day plus 5 dinners: Day 1 in Berlin, Day 3 in Wrocław, Day 6 in Kraków (Auschwitz visit), Day 7 in Kraków (klezmer dinner), and Day 8 in Warsaw. Other meals are at your expense.
How much walking is involved?
The tour is rated Mobility Rating 3, which includes guided walking tours of historic Old Towns, descent into the Wieliczka Salt Mines, and exploration of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
What is not included?
Optional extras such as Reichstag dome visits in Berlin and museums at Royal Łazienki Park in Warsaw are not included and are payable locally. Most meals beyond those listed are also your own cost.

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