Europe
We meet at Malta International Airport at 10:30 for our flight FR7114 to Krakow, departing at 08:45 and arriving in Krakow at 11:20. From there, we'll transfer by coach to the center of Krakow and embark on a city tour with a local guide. Highlights include the Old Town, the Royal Road, Wawel Castle, and Kazimierz (Old Jewish Quarter). We'll also visit the Sukiennice (Cloth Hall) and the Basilica of Santa Maria, home to the famous Veit Stross altar. Later, we'll check into Hotel BW Old Town before exploring further with our tour leader.
After enjoying a buffet breakfast, we'll head to Czestochowa, renowned for its Marian Pilgrimages and the Sanctuary of Jasna Gora, housing the revered Black Madonna. This site holds significant cultural and religious importance for Poles. We'll tour the Monastery and Baroque Church before returning to Krakow.
Today, we embark on a poignant excursion to Auschwitz-Birkenau, confronting the tragic history of the Holocaust. We'll visit the concentration camps, witnessing the memorials, railway tracks, and remaining barracks. In the evening, there's an opportunity to unwind with a drink.
We'll explore the breathtaking Polish Alps, visiting Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains. Zakopane is a popular skiing resort with charming streets like Krupowski, lined with cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. Highlights include a tour of the Modern Church dedicated to Our Lady, a visit to a local art museum, and an optional cable car ride for panoramic views. We'll return to Krakow afterwards.
For half a day, we'll venture to the Wieliczka Salt Mines, renowned for their underground Salt Cathedral and intricate salt sculptures. A local guide will lead us through the expansive network of tunnels, chapels, and corridors, showcasing the mines' UNESCO-listed cultural and natural heritage. Finally, we'll transfer to Krakow airport for our return flight FR7115, departing at 21:05 and arriving back in Malta at 23:40.
