POST TOURS
Option 1: Short Post Tour , 4 days
Sunday, June 18- Wroclaw
09:00am Departure by bus (08:45am taxi from Sheraton)
11:00am Arrival in Worclaw
Visit the historical museum and exhibition “1000 Lat Wroclaw”
Lunch at restaurant Piwnikas Swidnicka under the radhaus on main squarep
Afternoon guided tour in town
05:00pm Departure for Czarny Las (+/-220km)
Check in at the Hotel - 2 nights - Hotel Pałac Czarny Las, Woźniki
08:30pm Dinner in Czarny Las
Monday, June 19- Silesian region
09:30am Departure for Czestochowa
10:O0am Special tour: Our Lady of Czestochowa, the Jasna Gora Monastery, church, treasury and sanctuarium
Holy mass
Lunch in Czarny Las (time to change for sport clothes and shoes)
Afternoon visit to Zabytkowa Kopalnia Srebra - silver mines
06:00pm Back to Czarny Las
Free time
08:00pm BBQ in Czarny Las park
Tuesday, June 20- Silesian region
08:30am Departure by bus with luggage for Krakow (140km)
Morning: short visit to Mirow Castle, walk through the Eagle's Nest Natural park to the Royal Castle Bobolice
12:30pm Lunch at Bobolice restaurant
Afternoon: Visit Pieskowa Skala castle and the Ojcowski National park
Visit to the neighboring Vineyards and trout farming with dinner
Late arrivals in Krakow
Check in at the Hotel - 2 nights - Stary Hotel
Wednesday, June 21- Krakow
09:00am Visiting Krakow
Notre Dame Church, Collegium Maius & museum, Franciscan Church
golf cars to go up to the Wawel Castle hill and Jewish district and synagogue- cemetery
Lunch at restaurant Zakladka
Afternoon visit to Tynlec Monastery
If weather allows we go back by boat on the Vistula
08:00pm Dinner at hotel
Thursday, June 22
Morning in Krakow, more visits
Czartoryskich Museum & "la Dame à l’Hermine-Leonardo da Vinci"
Domenican Museum
01:00pm Lunch in town on the main square and end of the Short Post tour
Option 2: Long Post Tour- To the mountains
Thursday, June 22
02:00pm Departure for Szczawnica-Pieniny (120km)
Check into Hotel - 3 nights Modrzewie Hotel, Szczawnica
Free time
08:00pm Dinner at the hotel
Friday, June 23
Free time, hiking and visit in the surroundings
08:00pm Traditional dinner
Saturday, June 24
Free time, activities proposed by the resort and visit in the surroundings
08:00pm Farewell dinner
Sunday, June 25
End of the Long Post tour
Bus returns to Krakow in the morning
Dress code:
Post tour: casually smart- comfortable shoes, swimming suit, hiking equipment and binoculars
Wroclaw City
Wroclaw is a city in southwestern Poland, located on the banks of the Oder River. With a population of over 600,000, it is the fourth-largest city in Poland and the capital of the Lower Silesia region. The city has a rich and diverse history, having been influenced by German, Czech, and Polish cultures over the centuries. Wroclaw is known for its beautiful architecture, including Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Nouveau buildings. The city's Old Town is particularly picturesque, with colorful houses, cobblestone streets, and charming cafes and restaurants. One of the city's most famous landmarks is the Wroclaw Market Square, which is one of the largest in Europe and features the Town Hall, which dates back to the 14th century.
Wroclaw is also home to several universities and is known for its vibrant student culture. The city has a lively arts and music scene, with many festivals and events throughout the year, including the Wroclaw Jazz Festival. In recent years, Wroclaw has experienced rapid economic growth, becoming a major center for technology, finance, and industry. The city is also a popular destination for tourists, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and modern amenities.
Czarny Las Castle
Czarny Las Castle is a historic castle located in the village of Mysłakowice, in southwestern Poland. The castle was built in the 18th century and is considered one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in the region. It was originally commissioned by the Prussian Count Karl von Promnitz as his summer residence, but was later acquired by the Polish Count Stanisław Kostka Potocki.
During World War II, the castle was used as a hospital and later as a military barracks by the Soviet Red Army. After the war, it was returned to the Potocki family, who restored the castle and opened it to the public as a hotel and conference center. Today, the Czarny Las Castle Hotel offers luxurious accommodations in a beautiful setting, surrounded by lush
forests and picturesque mountains. The castle features elegantly furnished guest rooms, a restaurant serving traditional Polish cuisine, and a spa and wellness center offering a range of treatments and facilities. In addition to its stunning architecture and luxurious amenities, the Czarny Las Castle is also renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the castle's many rooms and halls, which are decorated with period furnishings and artworks, and learn about the fascinating stories and legends associated with this historic landmark.
Jasna Gora monastery and its history
The Jasna Gora Monestry is a famous pilgrimage site and one of the most important religious centres in Poland.
Located in the city of Częstochowa, it is home to the icon of the Black Madonna, a revered icon of the Virgin Mary, which has been the object of veneration for centuries. The monastery was founded in the 14th century by Pauline monks who settled on a hill overlooking the town. The name Jasna Gora means 'Bright Hill' in Polish, and it is believed to refer to the glow of light that emanated from the hill when the monks first arrived.
The monastery became an important center of religious and cultural life in Poland, and it played a significant role in the country's history. During the Swedish invasion of Poland in the mid-17th century, the monks of Jasna Gora successfully defended the monastery against a siege by the Swedish army, which lasted for several months. This event, known as the Siege of Jasna Gora, is considered one of the most heroic and important battles in Polish history.
Today, Jasna Gora is a major pilgrimage destination for Catholics from Poland and around the world. The Black Madonna is believed to have miraculous powers, and many people come to pray and seek healing at the monastery. The monastery also houses a museum with a collection of historical and religious artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, and manuscripts.
Royal Castle Bobolice & Mirow Castle
The Royal Castle Bobolice is a medieval castle located in the town of Bobolice in southern Poland. The castle dates back to the 14th century and was originally built by King Casimir III the Great as a part of a chain of defensive fortresses in the region.The castle was later expanded and fortified in the 15th and 16th centuries, and played a significant role in the region's history as a strategic stronghold during numerous conflicts and wars.
In 1994 the castle was bought by Senator Jarosław W. Lasecki and Beata Maria Lasecka de Lasocka, descendants of the previous owners, and restored over the next 20 years. Today it serves as a popular tourist destination where visitors can explore the castle's many towers, walls, and chambers, and learn about its rich history through exhibits and guided tours. In addition to its historical significance, the Royal Castle Bobolice is also known for its stunning views of the surrounding countryside, making it a popular spot for photography and outdoor recreation.
We will start the tour with a visit to Zamek Mirów which is currently being restored by Beata and Jarosław Lasecka, walk through part of the Eagle's Nest Park to the Royal Castle Bobolice for a visit and lunch. We will be hosted by the daughter of the owners, Anna Maria Lasecka.
Krajobrazowy Orlich Guiard Park - Eagle's Nests
Royal Castle Bobolice and Castle Mirow are two of the network of medieval castles and fortresses that dot the landscape of the Krajobrazowy Orlich Guiard Park located between Częstochowa and Krakow. These castles, known as the 'Eagle's Nests' were built in the 14th and 15th centuries as defensive fortifications against invading armies. Today, they offer a glimpse into Poland's rich history and architecture, and provide visitors with a unique opportunity to explore these ancient structures.
The area was established as a national park in 1980 and covers an area of over 3,000 hectares. It is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species such as the European eagle owl and the Peregrine falcon. It also boasts a unique landscape, with rocky outcrops, lush forests, and winding rivers that make it a popular destination for hikers, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Other popular activities in the park include cycling, rock climbing, fishing, and camping. The park also features several educational and interpretive centers, where visitors can learn about the natural and cultural history of the region.
Krakow
Krakow has always been considered as a "model of Polish culture" and is the cultural capital of the country. The city was founded "on the rock of the dragon" and named "Krakow" after the deceased Grakcha. It was the capital of Poland in the years 1038-1596 and has a rich history and culture. In 1978 it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List with good reason - in the Old Town of Cracow, there are about six thousand monuments and over two million works of art, the most famous of which is of course Leonardo's "Lady with an Ermine".
The Town Hall Tower in Krakow is its own version of the leaning tower of Pisa. Although the tower differs from the base by only 55 cm, thanks to its height of 70 m, it is clearly visible. The 11-ton Zygmunt bell, placed in the belfry of the Wawel Cathedral, plays only during the most important Polish holidays. The University of Krakow, founded in the 14th century, is the oldest university in Poland.. One of the most important places in Krakow is undoubtedly the Wawel Hill, the site of the first settlement in the city and the castle of the Polish kings.
The bugle call can be heard every hour; it plays from the tower of St. Mary's Basilica, the main symbol of Cracow. The melody always stops, which symbolizes the legend of a trumpeter who, in 1240, wanted to warn the locals of an approaching enemy but was killed by an arrow.
Stephen Spielberg's famous film "Schindler's List" was shot in one of Cracow 's Jewish districts. Most of the houses in the district are decorated with the Star of David to this day. The local cafes serve Jewish food.
Szczawnica-Pieniny
The Carpathian Mountains are a range of mountains located in Central and Eastern Europe, spanning across several countries including Ukraine, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Serbia. They stretch over 1,500 km and cover an area of over 190,000 square kilometers, making them the second-longest mountain range in Europe after the
Scandinavian Mountains. The Polish Carpathians cover an area of over 20,000 square kilometers and feature several
peaks over 2,000 meters high, including the highest peak, Rysy, which stands at 2,499 meters. The range is characterised by a diverse landscape, including high peaks, deep valleys, forests, meadows, and rivers. The Carpathians are also home to a rich biodiversity, with many unique plant and animal species found only in this region such as the Tatra Chamois and the European Bison.
Szczawnica-Pieniny is a picturesque tourist destination situated in the Carpathian Mountains of southern Poland. The town is famous for its natural beauty, with stunning mountain landscapes, pristine rivers, and a rich flora and fauna. The Pieniny Mountains, which overlook the town, offer excellent opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and skiing. The area is also renowned for its health spas, which use the local mineral waters and therapeutic muds to provide relaxation and rejuvenation. Szczawnica-Pieniny is steeped in history and culture, with numerous museums, galleries, and historic landmarks, including the ruins of the 14th-century Czorsztyn Castle. The town is a charming blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. The hotel we are staying at is owned by Helena Mankowska.
