Poland Gdansk & Masuria with Flair Tour Package (7 Nights / 8 Days)

After an invigorating breakfast you will dive into the past and present of one of the oldest cities in Poland. In the heart of Gdansk, a city tour awaits you through the dreamy streets and alleys, past the most magnificent squares of the former Hanseatic city. In addition to the landmark of Gdansk, the Crane Gate, you will explore, among other things, the old town hall at the Long Market, an extension of the Long Street, which finds a magnificent conclusion with the famous Golden Gate. You will also visit the historic Uphagenhaus, the Neptune Fountain and St. Mary's Church, the largest brick church in the world. In the afternoon there is time for individual explorations. For example, take a boat trip to Westerplatte (optional, bookable on site). Your tour guide will be happy to give you tips on how to spend the rest of the day. The spa of your hotel also invites you to relax. (F)

n Today you will get a chance to breathe fresh sea air on the Polish Baltic coast! In Slowinski National Park, a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve, you will take an electric trolley to the shifting sand dunes. The wind carries the dunes several meters each year, some reaching a height of over 40 meters. While you take a walk through the impressive dune landscape, you will learn interesting facts about the species-rich flora and fauna in the national park. Discover the fascinating fauna of the biosphere reserve, where among others 257 bird species find space to live, rest and breed. But the park is also home to mammals such as deer, roe deer and wild boar. The tour continues to the picturesque Kashubian Switzerland. Here you will visit the castle of Krockow. After the fall of communism, the Foundation for European Encounter and the Kashubian Cultural Center Krockow were established here. In the old dance hall you will gain insight into the way of life of Kashubs, Poles and Germans. Changing exhibitions of history and artists as well as the family history of Krockow complete the visit. (F)

Your journey today takes you to the almost untouched nature of the Masurian Lake District, a land of crystal clear lakes, dark forests and idyllic villages. In Malbork, you will follow in the footsteps of the Teutonic Knights, who built one of the most powerful castles in Europe, the Crusader Castle (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Afterwards, you will visit Olsztyn, a former place of life and work of Nicolaus Copernicus. There you will stop at a small brewery, where you will enjoy a tasting of the Polish art of brewing beer. In the evening you will move into your charming hotel in Lötzen (Gizycko) not far from Lake Löwentin. The hotel has been created from a stylishly restored Crusader castle whose history dates back to the 14th century. 2 nights in Lötzen. (F)

You will start the day in the charming landscape of the Johannisburg Heath, the largest forest area in Masuria. During a short hike, you will fall into raptures at the sight of the glittering water surfaces surrounded by lush nature (easy, 2.5 km, walking time: approx. 1 hour, +/-5 meters in altitude). Afterwards, you will explore the green idyll from the perspective of the water during a punt boat trip on the Krutynia River. You will glide along the river bank in a relaxed way, where with a little luck you may spot a black stork or a wolf. After a picnic lunch together, where you will taste a selection of local products, you will drive to Eckertsdorf (Wojnowo) and visit the monastery of the Orthodox Old Believers. Let one of the nuns living here introduce you to the history of the monastery and the pillars of their faith. On your way back to Lötzen, the tranquil town of Nikolaiken (Mikolajki) invites you to linger. Here you can soak up the maritime charm of the place in a small café on the lakeside. (F/P)

In the morning, visit the magnificent pilgrimage church of the Annunciation, a jewel of Baroque sacral architecture, in the pilgrimage site of Heiligelinde (Swieta Lipka). Let yourself be enchanted by the mighty organ sounds inside the ocher-yellow basilica. At the Wolf's Lair Memorial, embark on a journey back in time to the turbulent German-Polish past. It marks the place where Colonel von Stauffenberg became the symbolic figure of the German resistance. The tour continues to Heilsberg (Lidzbark Warminski). Enjoy the historical ambience of Krasicki Castle, once the representative residence of the bishops of Warminski. The castle, built in Gothic style, not only houses a museum on the history and culture of the region, but also your stately accommodation for the coming night. There is a lot to discover in the time-honored walls of the hotel: In addition to an observatory and an expanded library, the castle hotel has a modern wellness area with a pool, sauna area and whirlpool. 1 night in Heilsberg. (F)

Say goodbye to the "Land of 1000 Lakes" before you continue your journey to the Vistula Lagoon. In Frauenburg (Frombork) you will immerse yourself in the 700-year history of the city and visit the imposing cathedral. You will once again come into contact with the famous scholar Nicolaus Copernicus, who spent his most important creative period here and was buried in the Frauenburg Cathedral. Afterwards you will drive to the Hanseatic city of Elblag, once the second most important port in East Prussia. Here the Oberland Canal, completed in 1860, awaits you, a true marvel of engineering. You'll cruise on a canal barge along Europe's longest inland waterway and enjoy views of the surrounding countryside. Then check into the comfortable hotel in the heart of the old town. If you feel like it, take advantage of the spa with indoor pool, steam room and sauna (fee). You will enjoy the last evening together in a restaurant in the Old Town. 1 night in Elblag. (B/A)

After breakfast, explore the picturesque Old Town of Elblag before being escorted to the airport in Gdansk. Return flight home. (F)