Warsaw
Beautifully reconstructed after World War II, Warsaw’s Old Town showcases Poland’s vibrant and resilient spirit. Modern-day Warsaw offers great museums, galleries and nightlife.

Krakow
The absolute cultural heart of Poland, its iconic Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Royal Route will take you past the famed Slowacki Theater and the Jagiellonian University. Explore Krakow’s beautiful Main Market Square and surrounding streets busy with their charming cafes and restaurants.

Gdansk
A vibrant port city, and gateway to the Baltics, Gdansk is a picturesque city with a rich history. It’s towering St. Mary’s Church is one of the largest brick churches in the world, dating to the 14th century. A visit to the nearby Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp will be a sobering reminder of the worst of World War II.

Zakopane
Get out of the cities and head for the “winter capital of Poland” for amazing views of the Tatra Mountains, and scenic countryside dotted with traditional wooden chapels and impressive castles.

As with much of Europe, the most pleasant months for travelling through Poland are in spring (May) and autumn (September). The summer months from June to August can be a little hot, with the exception of the high mountains of the south. The winter sports season in the Tatra Mountains is October to February, but winter is also a great time for the mulled wine and gingerbread of the Christmas markets.

I love a good castle. I think it stems from living in such a young country really, but stand me in front of a castle and it’s like being teleported into the past. You can almost hear the clatter of horses’ hooves, the rumble of carts and the echoes of people shouting across internal courtyards.

Towering over Wawel Hill in Krakow stands Wawel Royal Castle, the most historically and culturally important site in Poland. This wonderful, fortified complex was the residence of kings and queens for centuries and was a symbol of Polish statehood. Expanded over time it is an intoxicating mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture and features a Dragon’s Den deep in the hill beneath the castle itself. Home to a legendary and terrifying dragon, the local villagers lived in fear until he was eventually slaughtered by brave Prince Krakus.

But Poland is so much more than its castles and palaces – with a rich history, lively and vibrant culture, gorgeous natural landscapes, and warm, friendly locals there is plenty to explore and experience. Arriving into Warsaw, it’s hard to think it was a virtual wasteland of rubble following WWII. The city positively hums with energy and creativity with some very cool architecture as well as soothing green spaces and parks. There are plenty of places to find great food, but a Polish friend told me my first meal simply had to be pierogi. So, hunting I went, and it wasn’t long before I found a quaint little place about a block back from the Vistula River, serving the country’s most famous comfort food. These little stuffed dumplings can be sweet or savoury and are definitely worth the fuss.

If museums are your thing, you certainly have a choice with Warsaw alone boasting at least 46! They range from the Warsaw Rising Museum which traces the history of the city’s doomed uprising against the German occupation, the Museum of Polish Jews, and the Fryderyk Chopin Museum through to the quirky Neon Museum. You’d better plan to stay a while.

I almost didn’t go to Auschwitz-Birkinau, the largest of the German Nazi concentration camps and extermination centres. But my ethos that we should embrace the bad with the good, both past and present to make sure the future is handled gently, eventually won out. There’s no denying, my heart literally hurt.

Thankfully though, the vibe and energy of the country is upbeat, the people dynamic and enthusiastic with a wonderful staunch pride in who they are. Don’t let Poland pass you by – it’s a treat!

Kate Couling

Currency . The zloty is the official currency of Poland, subdivided into 100 groszy. You can exchange money most everywhere in Poland from small towns to big cities, via ATMs, banks or currency exchange counters.

Language The official language in Poland is, of course, Polish. English is fairly well spoken in the larger cities.

Why we love it With mountains, beaches and history galore, there is something for everybody in Poland. The Polish people are very proud of their traditions and their country, with strong family values that extend to their hospitable nature. Poland is also a foodie destination, with favourites including pierogi (dumplings), bigos (hunter’s stew), placki ziemniaczane (potato pancakes) and numerous delicious soups. Elastic waistbands are recommended! Poland’s complex history is revealed in its Old Towns, each of which has a fascinating tale to tell, but it’s also great to get out into the countryside, with primeval forests, lakes, mountains and the Baltic Sea coast to explore. And lastly, as a slightly lesser-visited European destination, you can enjoy your travels largely free of the crowds and queues of mainstream Europe.

Weather Poland’s weather is most pleasant for travel in spring (May) and autumn (September). Summers can be a little hot, and winters are definitely cold!

Social customs and quirks With strong family values and traditions, the Polish are very hospitable, to the point where it is traditional to leave an empty chair at the table on Christmas Eve in case an unexpected stranger arrives! Sometimes appearing reserved and unsmiling, this is more about traditions and formality. Polish people are generally very curious about international visitors – trying some Polish greetings, shaking hands and maintaining eye contact when chatting will make all the difference!

Festivals and events
There are many festivals throughout the year, many based on religious holidays of Christian or Pagan origin. Easter Monday is also known as Smigus-Dyngus, or Wet Monday – when a playful tradition of splashing water on family and friends occurs. Among the more unusual, the Wianki Festival (midsummer) marks the summer solstice, celebrated with bonfires and fireworks. Krakow’s Lajkonik Festival in June celebrates the folkloric figure of Lajkonik and the Tatar invasions of the Middle Ages – quite a sight worth experiencing. There are many music and arts festivals to consider as well, mostly taking place in summer.

Health
There are currently no health requirements for entering Poland.

Notes *Please be aware that health information is subject to change at any time and you should always double check these requirements at the time of booking and before travelling.