Group Travel Tour Operator for holidays to Krakow, Poland
Krakow Christmas Markets
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Krakow ©Polish Tourist Organisation
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Wawel Castle, Krakow © Poland Tourist Organisation
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Krakow ©Polish Tourist Organisation
Enjoy a Festive Break to Historic Krakow
As the scent of delicious mulled wine drifts through the air, breathe in all the joys of Christmas in Krakow. During Advent, Europe’s cities are filled with wonderful Christmas markets featuring delightful traditional gifts, hand crafted items and a varied array of foods. This is certainly no exception! Founded on the legend of King Krak slaying a dragon, Krakow is a magical place throughout the year. During the festive season, however, snow usually falls and coats the city, transforming the city into a true winter wonderland.
Read moreHistoric Kraków
Krakow is a charming town, complete with cobbled streets and horse-drawn carriages. Poland’s ancient capital is famous for its beautiful old town with spectacular architecture, rich in Gothic churches and Baroque palaces. The beautiful old buildings remain and its museums host collections of priceless artifacts. Follow in the footsteps of kings on the ‘Royal Route’ – the coronation path of Polish monarchs – from Florianska Gate to Wawel Castle. Then visit the castle complex which contains a wealth of vibrant treasures. Perhaps catch a glimpse of the crown jewels.
Krakow; Convenient, Easy and a Hassle-free destination
Furthermore, with direct flights from many regional UK airports, and with Greatdays’ staff having recently inspected our preferred hotels, there’s no reason to miss the delights of Krakow at Christmas. Experience the mystery of the winding lanes as you celebrate the festive season. With a collection of markets across the city, Krakow’s markets are a wonderful way to fill yourself with the anticipation of advent.
Krakow is a perfect destination to visit at any time of the year. Check out our Krakow and Auschwitz tour and explore one of modern history’s darkest periods
Dates
Late November - December 2023
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Krakow
Travel to Krakow by air and check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 2
Krakow Christmas Markets
Discover the Christmas Market in Rynek Glowny, Europe’s largest medieval square. The Rynek is largely filled with wooden stalls offering a variety of gifts. From delicious delicacies to traditional items such as woollen clothes and locally-crafted jewellery, there is something for everyone. The square is dominated by the ancient majestic Cloth Hall, which makes for a splendid backdrop for visitors shopping at the Christmas Market.
Day 3
Historic Krakow
Explore historic Krakow, Wawel Castle, the Cathedral and the famous Jewish quarter.
Wawel is a fortified architectural complex located next the Vistula River. It is by far the most important collection of buildings in Poland and a symbol of national pride, hope and patriotism. The architecture is predominantly Romanesque, Renaissance and Gothic, dating from around the 14th century onwards, with the oldest parts of the complex date back to the 9th century. Wawel is the crown jewel of Krakow’s architectural treasures and required visiting for Poles and foreigners alike. Made up of the Castle and the Cathedral, Wawel’s must-see highlights include the Cathedral’s mind-boggling interior, a tantalising glimpse of Poland’s very own crown jewels inside the Crown Treasury and a leisurely stroll around its courtyards and gardens.
As the political and cultural heart of Poland through the 16th century, Wawel Castle is a symbol of national identity. It is now a museum containing five separate sections: the Crown Treasury & Armoury; State Rooms; Royal Private Apartments; Lost Wawel and the Exhibition of Oriental Art.
Wawel Cathedral has seen the crowning of almost every Polish king and queen throughout history. The Cathedral is a fascinating place to explore due to its 1000-year-old history and a great variety of excellent works of art, from Gothic and Renaissance to Baroque and Classicist. It is also the burial ground of most Polish royalty as well as national heroes, two poets, four saints and countless Krakow bishops.
The district of Kazimierz, south of the Old Town, was the centre of Jewish life in Krakow for over 500 years, before it was systematically destroyed during World War II. In the communist era it became one of Krakow’s most dangerous districts while gradually falling into disrepair. After the fall of the regime and worldwide exposure through the lens of Steven Spielberg, Kazimierz has been revived and today is Krakow’s most exciting district – a bustling, bohemian neighbourhood packed with historical sites, atmospheric cafes and art galleries.
Day 4
Return to the UK
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and bid farewell to Krakow, before continuing your journey back to the UK
Suggested hotels
Hotel Wyspianski ***
Inspected by Greatdays Staff in October 2018
500 metres from the lively Main Square, the hotel is also 1.9 km from ICE Krakow Congress Centre and 1.3 km from Wawel Castle. The airy rooms come with flat-screen TVs and desks. Upgraded rooms feature sitting areas, as well as tea and coffee-making facilities. Cribs, room service and free Wi-Fi are also available. There’s an airy restaurant serving international cuisine, plus a cosy bar, and terrace seating in the garden. Other amenities include a gift shop, a casino, meeting rooms and event space.
Novotel Krakow Centrum ****
The Novotel Krakow Centrum is located near the Vistula Boulevards with convenient access to Wawel Royal Castle as well as the Old Town. Highlights of the hotel include its new restaurant which has a modern interior, filled with natural light with a cosy atmosphere. Furthermore there’s a fitness centre with indoor swimming pool and sauna. The rooms feature Wi-Fi, LCD TVs, air-conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities and safes.
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| Hotel Wyspianski – 3 nights | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
| November – December 2023 | Prices available on request | Prices available on request |
