Europe
We will meet at Malta's international airport at 06:15 for flight FR7114 to Krakow, departing at 08:45 and arriving at 11:20. Upon arrival, we'll transfer by coach to the center of Krakow for a guided tour of the city's main attractions, including the Old Town, Royal Road, Wawel Castle, Kazimierz (Old Jewish Quarter), Sukiennice (Cloth Hall), and the Basilica of Santa Maria, where the famous Veit Stross altar is located. Afterward, we'll check-in at the BW Old Town 3 Star+ hotel, centrally located, and then head out with the tour leader.
After breakfast, we'll embark on a day exploring sites associated with Saint Pope John Paul II. Our itinerary includes visits to the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy, Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, the Monastery and Sanctuary of the Miraculous Lady, and Wadowice, the birthplace of Pope John Paul II. Highlights of the day include touring the basilica and museum at Wadowice. We'll return to Krakow in the evening.
Today, we'll take a poignant excursion to Auschwitz-Birkenau, the site of one of Europe's darkest chapters, the Holocaust. We'll tour the concentration camps, witnessing the national memorials, railway tracks, and barracks. In the evening, there will be time for a leisurely drink.
Following breakfast, we'll depart for Zakopane, nestled in the Polish Alps, for a day amidst the stunning Tatra Mountains. In Zakopane, we'll explore the bustling Krupowski Street, visit the Modern Church dedicated to Our Lady, and admire the traditional wooden buildings. Later, we'll check into Hotel Logos 3*, centrally located, and ascend Mt. Gubalowka by cable car for panoramic views.
Today, we'll immerse ourselves in nature with a 'Slow Rafting' adventure in the Dunajec Gorge, a highlight of the region. Along the way, we'll visit Niedzica Castle and the picturesque resort of Szczawnica.
Zakopane serves as our base for a day trip to Slovakia. We'll explore medieval villages like Poprad and Spiska Sobota before heading to Tatra Lomnica for an optional climb to the summit of Mt. Lomnicky (2634m).
After breakfast, we'll visit the Wieliczka Salt Mines, renowned for their underground salt cathedral and intricate sculptures. Later, we'll transfer to Krakow airport for our return flight FR7115, departing at 19:55 and arriving back in Malta at 22:30.
