12 Day Private Tour of Poland with Hotels

A 12-day journey through Poland’s highlights with a private driver/guide promises a balanced mix of history, culture, and stunning scenery. For about $6,000 per person, you’ll spend your days exploring major cities like Warsaw, Krakow, and Gdansk, and delving into iconic sites such as Malbork Castle and Auschwitz-Birkenau. The tour includes carefully selected hotels with breakfast, most dinners, and all entrance fees—making it a convenient way to see Poland without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

What we love most about this experience is the personalized attention from your own driver and guide, which means flexible schedules and tailored explanations. Plus, the inclusion of UNESCO World Heritage sites ensures you’re seeing places of genuine historical and cultural significance. On the flip side, the non-refundable policy might not appeal to travelers who prefer more flexibility, but for those committed to a well-organized adventure, it’s worth considering.

This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive yet relaxed introduction to Poland—perfect for history buffs, culture lovers, or anyone who appreciates good value combined with authentic experiences. If you’re eager to explore major sights comfortably without the stress of self-driving, this curated journey delivers.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Your own driver/guide offers flexibility and deeper insight.
• Cultural & UNESCO Sites: Visits include Warsaw’s Old Town, Malbork Castle, Auschwitz, and more.
• Comfort & Convenience: Hotels with breakfast and most dinners included make for a stress-free trip.
• Rich Itinerary: Covers major cities, scenic mountains, and historic sites over 12 days.
• Authentic Encounters: Local guides and monument visits provide genuine cultural context.
• Value for Money: All entrance fees and many meals included, offering a full experience for the price.

Discovering Poland in 12 Days: An In-Depth Review

What’s Included and How It Works

This private tour offers a comprehensive 12-day itinerary that takes you through Poland’s most captivating regions, all with the comfort of private transportation and a dedicated guide. The price of $5,990 per person covers hotels, breakfast, most dinners, entrance fees to museums and UNESCO sites, and a personal driver-guide. It’s a well-rounded package for travelers seeking convenience, depth, and authentic sights.

The tour begins at Frederic Chopin Airport in Warsaw, where your guide meets you for a smooth start. From there, the journey unfolds with a mix of city sightseeing, historic monuments, scenic mountain visits, and cultural experiences. Your own driver ensures you’re always comfortable, while guides on-site enrich your understanding of each place.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Day 1: Welcome to Warsaw and Modern City Views

Your arrival kicks off with a half-day tour of Warsaw’s modern districts, including a ride up to the Palace of Culture and Science’s viewing platform, offering panoramic views of Poland’s capital. The evening wraps with a welcome dinner at a renowned Warsaw restaurant. You’ll get a taste of Polish cuisine right from the start, setting the tone for your trip.

Why we like this: The initial city overview with a local guide helps you orient yourself and appreciate Warsaw’s blend of historical and modern architecture.

Day 2: Classic Warsaw and the Old Town

The day is dedicated to Warsaw’s highlights. You’ll walk through Łazienki Garden to see the Palace on the Island and the Fryderyk Chopin monument—both quintessential Warsaw sights. After a lunch break, you’ll explore the Old Town, meticulously rebuilt after WWII, with the Royal Castle and St. Mary’s Basilica. The optional Chopin concert adds a cultural touch, making for a memorable evening.

Authentic insight: The guided walk through the Old Town’s restored streets gives a real sense of resilience and revival, as one reviewer noted the city’s careful reconstruction.

Day 3-4: From Czestochowa to Zakopane, Mountain Beauty

Your journey takes you south to Zakopane, with a significant stop in Czestochowa to visit the Jasna Gora Monastery and see the Black Madonna icon—an emotional highlight for many. In Zakopane, you’ll marvel at wooden architecture like the Jaszczurowka Chapel and enjoy the spectacular views from Gubałówka Mountain. The local Highlander culture and live music at a traditional inn make for an authentic experience.

What travelers rave about: The scenic mountain views combined with the charming wooden architecture are often mentioned as unforgettable. Some note the town’s picturesque setting as “one of the most beautiful places in Poland.”

Day 5-6: Rafting in Pieniny and Krakow’s Historic Core

A unique highlight is the rafting trip on the Dunajec River, passing through the Pieniny National Park and stopping at the Niedzica Castle. Post-adventure, you’ll arrive in Krakow, Poland’s cultural jewel, with its Wawel Castle and Main Square. The Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO site, offers a subterranean world of tunnels, chapels, and sculptures—an unforgettable underground adventure.

Authentic feedback: One review calls Krakow’s sites “amazing,” with guides knowledgeable and friendly, making the history come alive.

Day 7: Wadowice and Auschwitz

The morning includes a visit to Wadowice, the hometown of John Paul II, to see his childhood church and museum. Then, a sobering visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau awaits, where a local guide recounts the tragic human story behind the site. The emotional depth of this visit is profound, often described as a “silent witness” to human tragedy.

Why it matters: Visiting Auschwitz in a respectful, guided manner provides a meaningful understanding of Poland’s complex history.

Day 8-10: Northern Poland and Gdansk

Crossing into northern Poland, you stop at Lowicz for folk art, then visit Torun, the birthplace of Copernicus, with its crooked towers and gingerbread. Arriving in Gdansk, you explore its Old Town, Westerplatte, and enjoy a concert in Oliwa Cathedral. A visit to Sopot adds seaside charm, with Europe’s longest wooden pier.

What makes this special: The combination of historical sites and coastal leisure gives a well-rounded northern experience.

Day 11-12: Malbork Castle and Return to Warsaw

Your final full day includes a guided tour of Malbork Castle, the largest brick castle in Europe and a prime example of medieval fortification. On your way back to Warsaw, optional stops at Grunwald or an open-air museum in Olsztynek add historical context. The trip ends with a brief visit to the Warsaw Ghetto area before departure.

Why it’s memorable: The castle’s impressive scale and history are often highlighted as a highlight of the trip.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Insights

What travelers consistently praise are the guides’ knowledge and friendliness. One reviewer, Kamil, is described as “excellent,” bringing history and local stories alive. The hotels are generally rated as wonderful, and the local guides help create a genuine connection with each location.

Expect some long days—the tour covers a lot of ground. The private transportation ensures comfort, but it’s worth noting that the schedule may be fast-paced. The non-refundable policy could be a concern if plans change unexpectedly, so travelers should be fairly certain about their commitment.

Food-wise, most dinners are included, allowing you to sample regional dishes without extra planning, though some travelers mention that free evenings give flexibility to explore local restaurants.

Value for money is high considering the number of sites visited, entrance fees included, and the quality of hotels and guides. The reviews confirm that many travelers feel the trip offers excellent value and a rundown of Poland’s highlights.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour appeals most to history and culture enthusiasts who want an immersive experience in Poland’s main sights without the hassle of organizing each detail. It’s especially suited for those who prefer private, guided excursions and appreciate the comfort of hotels with breakfast and most dinners included. Given the emphasis on UNESCO sites, it’s a good fit for travelers with an interest in world heritage places.

It’s also ideal for older travelers or those with some mobility challenges—many reviews mention the tour’s attentiveness to their needs. However, be prepared for some walking, and consider your personal comfort level with longer days on the move.

Final Thoughts

This 12-day private tour of Poland offers a thoughtfully curated blend of urban exploration, scenic mountain visits, and sobering historical sites. The focus on personalized guides and private transport makes it an easy, relaxed way to experience Poland’s diverse attractions. Whether you’re drawn to Warsaw’s resilience, Krakow’s charm, or Gdansk’s seaside allure, this trip packs in a lot of memorable moments.

While the price might seem steep at first glance, the all-inclusive nature and the depth of experience ensure you’re getting good value. The flexibility of a private guide means you can spend more time on the sites that fascinate you most—an important feature praised by many travelers.

This tour is perfect if you want a comprehensive introduction to Poland with comfort, expert guidance, and a balanced mix of history, culture, and scenery. It’s particularly well-suited for those who value quality and authenticity over rushing through sights.

FAQ

Is this a group or a private tour?
It’s a private tour, so only your group will participate, providing personalized attention and flexibility.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers hotels with breakfast, most dinners, entrance fees to major attractions like UNESCO sites, private transportation, and local guides.

Are there any meals not included?
Yes, lunches and some dinners are not included, giving you flexibility to explore local restaurants on your own.

Can I visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine?
Yes, the tour offers a visit to Wieliczka Salt Mine at an additional charge of USD $50 per person.

Is this tour suitable for seniors or those with mobility issues?
Many reviews highlight that the tour accommodates older adults and those with walking challenges, but it involves some walking and long days, so personal comfort should be considered.

What are the main highlights of the tour?
You’ll see Warsaw’s Old and Modern Town, Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains, Krakow’s Wawel Castle, Auschwitz-Birkenau, Gdansk’s seaside, and Malbork Castle—a full cultural and historical feast.

How flexible is the itinerary?
Since it’s private, guides and drivers can often modify the schedule slightly to suit your interests, making it a tailored experience.

In the end, this tour offers a well-balanced, in-depth look at Poland’s most iconic sights, packed with authentic experiences, expert guides, and comfortable travel. If you want to see Poland without the stress of planning and enjoy genuine cultural encounters, this could be your ideal choice.