Railbookers · Self-guided rail vacation

Warsaw and Krakow

Self-guided rail trip linking Warsaw and Krakow, Poland

Illustration of Warsaw and Krakow

Railbookers runs this 5-day, 4-night self-guided rail vacation through Poland, starting in Warsaw and ending in Krakow. After arriving in Warsaw, travelers spend two nights there before boarding a direct train to Krakow for two more nights, with breakfast included at both hotels. The days lean toward independent city exploring rather than a fixed group schedule: a Warsaw walking tour and a one-day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine are the only set activities, while the rest of the time is spent wandering Warsaw's Old Town, the 14th-century Royal Castle, and the Praga neighborhood, then Krakow's 13th-century Main Square and its Gothic Old Town. This suits travelers who prefer to set their own pace between two cities rather than follow a guide, and who want a short, city-focused introduction to Poland's history without a rental car or long coach transfers.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence for this trip does not list current departure dates; confirm availability and exact pricing with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Warsaw

    Your Journey Begins in Warsaw

    Arrive in Warsaw this morning and on arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Spend the next couple of days exploring Poland's rapidly changing capital. The Old Town is a major attraction, as it is one of the most historic sites in the city and contains some interesting architecture. During the summer months, the cobbled streets are filled by cafe tables and street performers, which gives the Old Town a buzzing, vibrant atmosphere.

    Meals: B

  2. Day 2overnight: Warsaw

    Warsaw

    After breakfast, explore Warsaw, visiting the multicultural Praga neighborhood, tasting local food and drinks, and enjoying panoramic views of Old Town. Also discover the opulent and expansive 14th-century Royal Castle, stroll through the baroque gardens of Wilanow Palace or Saxon Garden, or visit one of the city's elaborate churches. For a fascinating historical insight into the city's past, don't miss a trip to the Warsaw Uprising Museum, which will give you an extensive insight into Poland's battle for independence in 1944.

    Meals: B

  3. Day 3railovernight: Krakow

    Warsaw to Krakow

    After breakfast, check out of your hotel and board a direct train to Krakow. On arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Start your adventures by exploring the 13th-century Main Square, and wander from there through the medieval heart of the city. You'll find plenty to see and do around this area, as well as many fantastic opportunities for a traditional Polish meal.

    Meals: B

  4. Day 4overnight: Krakow

    Krakow

    Spend the day today gaining more fascinating insights into the city's past. Continue to wander through the Old Town area and marvel at its soaring Gothic churches, or relax in one of the many bars, restaurants or cafes which are tucked away down its cellars and narrow alleyways.

    Meals: B

  5. Day 5rail

    Depart Krakow

    After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and continue with your onward travels. Speak to one of our Rail Specialists if you wish to extend your journey with additional days in a particular destination.

    Meals: B

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Arrival in Warsaw and a first walk through the Old Town, where cobbled streets fill with cafe tables and street performers in summer.
  • Day 2A day exploring the multicultural Praga neighborhood and the 14th-century Royal Castle.
  • Day 3A direct train from Warsaw to Krakow, then a first look at Krakow's 13th-century Main Square.
  • Day 4A day in Krakow's Old Town among its Gothic churches and the bars and restaurants tucked into its cellars and alleyways.

Included

  • Train travel from Warsaw to Krakow 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Warsaw 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Krakow Warsaw in a Nutshell Walking Tour Auschwitz- Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine in One Day

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Railbookers includes direct train travel from Warsaw to Krakow.
Is this trip guided or self-guided?
It is a self-guided rail vacation. A Warsaw walking tour and a one-day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine are included, but travelers otherwise explore on their own.
How many nights are included?
Four nights with breakfast: two in Warsaw and two in Krakow.
How much does the trip cost?
Prices start from $499 per person (USD), which works out to about $100 per day.
What is there to do in each city?
In Warsaw, the itinerary points to the Old Town, the 14th-century Royal Castle, the Praga neighborhood, and Wilanow Palace or the Saxon Garden. In Krakow, it centers on the 13th-century Main Square and the surrounding Old Town.

Similar journeys