4* Novotel Hotel
Kraków, Poland
The Novotel Kraków Centrum is a modern 4-star hotel ideally situated on the banks of the Vistula River, just a short walk from Kraków’s historic Old Town and opposite the iconic Wawel Castle. Its location makes it an excellent base for exploring the city’s key attractions, including the Main Market Square, Kazimierz district, and riverside boulevards.
The hotel offers spacious, contemporary rooms, many with views over the river or city skyline, providing a comfortable and relaxing stay for both leisure and group travellers. Guests also benefit from a range of facilities including an indoor swimming pool, fitness centre, spa services, restaurant, and bar, making it suitable for both relaxation and convenience after a day of sightseeing.
With its strong central location and extensive amenities, Novotel Kraków Centrum is a reliable and comfortable accommodation choice for visitors on a tour of Poland.
KRAKOW OLD TOWN
Krakow’s Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval centers in Europe. Unlike many cities, it escaped destruction during World War II, and its original layout and landmarks have survived intact. At its heart lies the Main Market Square – the largest in Europe – surrounded by historic townhouses, St. Mary’s Basilica with its famous wooden altar by Veit Stoss, and the Renaissance Cloth Hall, now housing a gallery of Polish art. The Royal Route starts at the medieval city walls, passes through St. Florian’s Gate and the Barbican, and continues past the Collegium Maius – the oldest part of Jagiellonian University, founded in 1364 – all the way to Wawel Castle. Everything is within easy walking distance, making it perfect for relaxed strolls or guided tours.
AUSCHWITZ-BIRKENAU MEMORIAL & MUSEUM
Located near the town of Oswiecim, the Auschwitz-Birkenau complex was the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp. Today, it stands as one of the most powerful memorials in the world. The preserved barracks, gas chambers, and railway tracks speak volumes of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust. The museum, established shortly after the war, displays personal belongings, photographs, and testimonies that honor the victims and confront visitors with the consequences of hatred and inhumanity. A visit here is a solemn act of remembrance and reflection.
WIELICZKA SALT MINE
Just outside Krakow lies one of Poland’s most unique wonders – the Wieliczka Salt Mine. This UNESCO-listed site has been in operation since the 13th century and stretches for over 300 km underground. Visitors descend into a labyrinth of tunnels, chapels, saline lakes, and chambers carved entirely from salt, following guided routes that begin 65 meters below ground and lead down to a depth of 135 meters. The most famous of them, the Chapel of St. Kinga, is a breathtaking underground cathedral adorned with chandeliers and intricate reliefs. The mine offers not only geological marvels but also a glimpse into centuries of human labor, faith, and ingenuity beneath the surface.
CZESTOCHOWA MONASTERY
The Jasna Gora Monastery in Czestochowa is one of the most revered religious sites in Poland. For centuries, pilgrims have journeyed here to venerate the icon of the Black Madonna – a painting believed to have miraculous powers and symbolic importance in Polish history. The fortified monastery complex includes the basilica, treasury, and defensive walls, bearing witness to both spiritual devotion and national endurance, especially during the Swedish Deluge. Jasna Gora is also a symbol of Polish identity and perseverance, offering strength in times of challenge. Each year, on August 15th, thousands of pilgrims arrive on foot to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The monastery continues to unite faith and national spirit, standing as a living testament to hope and devotion.
WADOWICE & POPE JOHN PAUL II MUSEUM
“Here it all began,” said Pope John Paul II when visiting Wadowice - his hometown - in 2002. This small town played a vital role in shaping the life and values of the future Pope. The Family Home Museum of John Paul II is located in the house where he was born in 1920 and where he spent his early years. Its centerpiece is the modest apartment rented by the Wojtyła family, preserved with original furniture and personal belongings, including his mother Emilia’s hand-made lace napkins, her handbag and locket, and family photographs. Just steps away stands the church where Karol Wojtyła was baptized and served as an altar boy - the Basilica of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This place of worship was central to his spiritual development and remains a key stop for visitors. The town itself, with its quiet streets, school buildings, and café he once visited, offers a moving glimpse into the early life of one of the 20th century’s most influential figures.
ZAKOPANE
Nestled at the foot of the magnificent Tatra Mountains, Zakopane is Poland’s winter capital and a year-round escape into nature and culture. Its unique wooden architecture, known as the Zakopane Style, and vibrant folklore reflect the proud identity of the Goral highlanders. Traditional Goral folklore is still very much alive here — from music and dance to local dress and dialect. Visitors can experience it at seasonal festivals, in local inns, and at craft markets. Regional cuisine plays an important role as well, with specialities like smoked sheep’s cheese (oscypek), sour rye soup (zurek), and lamb dishes served in rustic mountain taverns.
