Photo: Ingo Mehling (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Central Europe's historic jewel, where history lives on
Poland, from Kraków's great square to the Tatra peaks
In Kraków a trumpeter plays from the tower of St Mary's every hour, as one has for centuries.
The destination
About Poland
Poland is one of Europe's most varied destinations, joining skilfully restored historic cities, medieval castles and unspoilt nature that ranges from the high Tatra Mountains to the Masurian lakes. It is safe, and costs are very fair compared with western Europe.
Kraków is its cultural and historic capital; its historic centre was among the first sites on the UNESCO list in 1978, and the Wieliczka Salt Mine is a short drive away. Warsaw is the modern capital, whose Old Town was entirely rebuilt after the Second World War. In the south, Zakopane lies at the foot of the Tatras; in the west, Wrocław is the city of bridges; and in the north, Gdańsk stands on the Baltic.
Summer, June to September, suits the cities, the mountains and the sea; winter, December to March, brings snow to Zakopane. Direct flights link Riyadh with Warsaw. At ZHO we arrange the Schengen visa file, the hotels, drivers and halal dining.
Ideal for
Regions
Where to go
01 · City
Kraków
The Main Square, one of Europe's largest historic squares, the royal Wawel Castle and the UNESCO-listed Old Town.
02 · City
Warsaw
A capital of towers and an Old Town placed on the UNESCO list after being entirely rebuilt.
03 · Highlands
Zakopane
The winter capital at the foot of the Tatras, Poland's first choice for skiing, walking and warm wooden houses.
04 · City
Wrocław
The city of bridges and dwarf statues, with colourful architecture and waterways on the Oder.
05 · Coast
Gdańsk
A Baltic port known for its long maritime history, Dutch-influenced architecture and the amber trade.
Experiences
What to do
Royal Kraków: Wawel and the Old Town
Kraków
A day with a private guide along the Royal Way from the Main Square to Wawel Castle. On every hour, the trumpet call from St Mary's tower.Discover
The Wieliczka Salt Mine
Kraków
An underground city carved in salt: passages, lakes and a whole chapel of salt. 25 minutes from Kraków.Discover
Where to stay
Hotels and resorts we recommend
Taste and addresses
Flavours and places to know
Polish food is country-style and filling: stuffed pierogi, soups, Kraków's obwarzanek bread and the smoked oscypek cheese of the mountains. Many dishes use pork, so choose potato-and-cheese pierogi or the halal restaurants of Warsaw and Kraków.
Shopping · Zakopane
Krupówki street
Zakopane's main pedestrian street, with shops for wool, leather and oscypek cheese.
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Shopping · Warsaw
Nowy Świat
Warsaw's loveliest street for a stroll, with cafés and shops on the Royal Route.
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Landmark · Gdańsk
The Long Market
Gdańsk's main square, with the Neptune Fountain and Artus Court.
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Questions