Poland

The Republic of Poland is located in central Europe.  It shares borders with Russia to the North (and Baltic Sea), Lithuania, Belarus and Ukraine to the east, Slovakia and Czech Republic to the south, and Germany to the west.   Most of the country is comprises plains, except for the south which has mountain ranges including the Carpathians.  The highest peak is located in the High Tatra Mountains near the border with Slovakia.   The major rivers are the Warta, Oder, Neisse, Bug and Vistula and they all connect with the Baltic Sea.  The country is comprised of a lot of fertile land, especially in the south, with a lot of forested areas and many lakes to the north of the country.   The capital and largest city is Warsaw.   Other major cities include Krakow, Wroclaw, Lodz, Poznan, Szczecin and Gdansk. Currency is the Zloty.  The official language is Polish.  Poland joined NATO in 1999 and the EU in 2004.

Despite its stormy history, following the fall of the Berlin Wall, Poland is emerging as a popular destination for visitors.  The country has a fascinating history, many historic cities, national parks, salt mines, and the lovely northern Baltic coast with its old port city of Gdansk.  Despite being badly damaged during WWII Warsaw has risen again, and Krakow, which escaped war damage, has some lovely examples of Gothic and other architecture. 

Famous Polish people include many Nobel prize winners such as Lech Walesa (peace), Madame Curie (chemistry/physics), composer and pianist Chopin, conductor Stokowski, Pope John Paul II, Lech Walesa, astronomer Copernicus, Andy Warhol and Roman Polanski. 

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of adventure and activities throughout the country.  The lakes and coast provide sandy beaches and all manner of water sports.  The mountain ranges are great for activities such as camping and hiking. 
If you are looking for pampering and relaxation or health remedies you could visit one of the many spas located throughout the country, including the Baltic Coast and in the mountains to the south. 

www.polandtour.org

Kracow

Krakow (also known as Cracow) is located in the south of the country.  It is a large city and one of the oldest in Poland, sitting on the north side of the Vistula river.  It is often called the cultural capital of the country, and many sites are on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

There are many historic districts in the city, with a castle, palaces, mansions, churches, a cathedral and old medieval town with a lovely market square, and museums.  The Old Town and Jewish District areas contain thousands of historic sites and architecture. The Gothic St. Mary’s Basilica located in the market square is worth a visit.   

Parts of the city, especially the historic area, have been made into pedestrian zones where you can take a horse and buggy ride, or tram.  There are also plenty of buses to get around the city and trains to explore further afield.

There are dozens or museums and art galleries, including the National Museum where works by famous names such as da Vinci, Raphael and Rembrandt can be found as well as many theatres and concert halls, parks and a zoo.

Trips to make outside the city include the Wieliczka Salt Mine and Auschwitz concentration camp. 

www.krakow.pl

Warsaw

Located in the central-eastern part of the country, the capital and largest city, Warsaw, has recovered from wartime bombing to become a modern and lively city with plenty of culture and activities.  The city boasts over 20 museums, many theatres, and concert halls.  The city is also host to many music festivals and competitions, book fairs and jazz festivals. You may be lucky to hear one of the open air memorial concerts to Frederic Chopin.  Many parts of the Old City have been restored and reconstructed and include landmarks such as King Sigismund’s Column, the Royal Castle and Market Square. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are also many parks and gardens and the Vistula river runs through the city. 

South of the city is the ‘Royal Route’ with many palaces and buildings, and the Warsaw University.   To the north of the city is the site of the old Warsaw Ghetto

www.warsawtour.pl

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