Krakow

Krakow - with its UNESCO-listed historic centre - is arguably one of Europe's prettiest cities, officially ranked with Prague and Vienna as one of the real architectural gems of central Europe.

Set on the banks of the Vistula River, Krakow was once the home of Copernicus and Pope John Paul II, and as such has a long religious history that is evident across city's architecture, with numerous beautiful churches amongst its 6,000+ historic buildings. 

It's also home to the 11th century Wawel castle district which served as Poland's political capital for more than 500 years. Here, you can see the Royal Palace, Cathedral and more, with rooms that have been restored to their original Renaissance and Baroque states, including fine furniture and tapestries.  

The city is not just about beauty though, of course. Its more recent history means that there is a sombre side to Krakow that also deserves acknowledgement during this trip. We will take guided tours of Auschwitz and Birkenau, former concentration camps under the Nazi regime. These important sites have been kept as they were in 1945 when they were liberated, but serve today as a monument and museum.