Kraków

Kraków is Poland's cultural and historic capital, and was its royal capital until the end of the sixteenth century. Its historic centre was among the first sites placed on the UNESCO list in 1978, and at its heart is the Main Square (Rynek Główny), one of the largest historic squares in Europe, with the Cloth Hall in the middle and the twin towers of St Mary's Basilica above it.

South of the Old Town, on a hill above the Vistula, stand the royal Wawel Castle and its cathedral, seat of Poland's kings for centuries. Between them runs the Royal Way along Grodzka street, and the Planty park rings the Old Town where its walls once stood.

Kraków is about 25 minutes by car from the Wieliczka Salt Mine and about two hours from Zakopane, with seasonal direct flights from Riyadh. We suggest at least three nights.