20-Day Cultural and Scenic Journey Through Poland: Warsaw to Krakow, Torun, Zakopane, and More

Day 1: Arrival and Warsaw Highlights

Warsaw, Poland on June 12, 2025

10:00am

Check-in and Rest

Arrive in Warsaw, check into your accommodation, and rest after your flight.
0PLN, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Zapiecek

Enjoy traditional Polish pierogi in a cozy setting at Zapiecek, a well-known Warsaw spot specializing in dumplings.
50PLN, 1h

1:30pm

Warsaw Old Town Walking Tour

Explore the historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its cobbled streets and colorful buildings rebuilt after WWII.
Free/self-guided or approx 30PLN with guide, 2h

3:30pm

Visit the Royal Castle

Tour the Royal Castle museum, which offers insights into Poland’s royal history and stunning interiors. Open 10am-6pm.
30PLN, 1h30m

5:30pm

Evening stroll in Łazienki Park

Relax by the palace on the Isle and enjoy the beautiful park grounds, ideal for a leisurely walk before dinner.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Stary Dom

Dine at Stary Dom, known for authentic Polish cuisine and a warm atmosphere perfect for your first night.
100PLN, 1h30m

Day 2: Warsaw Museums and Departure to Torun

Warsaw to Torun, Poland on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Charlotte Menora

Enjoy fresh French-style bakery items and coffee at Charlotte Menora, perfect to start the day.
30PLN, 1h

9:30am

POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews

Visit this modern museum exploring 1000 years of Jewish history in Poland, open 10am-6pm.
25PLN, 2h

11:45am

Lunch at Bar Mleczny Prasowy

Try traditional Polish milk bar dishes, affordable and authentic, offering quick and tasty meals.
20PLN, 1h

1:00pm

Travel to Torun by train

Board a train to Torun; the journey takes approximately 3.5 hours. Enjoy the scenic route through northern Poland.
80PLN, 3h30m

4:30pm

Check into hotel and rest

Arrive in Torun, check into your accommodation and unwind after the journey.
0PLN, 1h

6:00pm

Evening Walk and Dinner at Manekin

Explore Torun’s charming Old Town and enjoy dinner at Manekin, a popular restaurant famous for its pancakes and variety of dishes.
70PLN, 1h30m

Day 3: Torun Historical Tour

Torun, Poland on June 14, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Drukarnia Cafe

Start your day with quality coffee and pastries at this stylish local café.
25PLN, 1h

9:30am

Copernicus House Museum

Visit the birthplace of Nicolaus Copernicus and learn about the life and discoveries of this famous astronomer. Open 10am-5pm.
20PLN, 1h30m

11:15am

Torun Old Town Walking Tour

Discover medieval architecture, the Leaning Tower, and the Old Town Market square, full of charming sights.
Free or guided tours from 25PLN, 1h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at Pierogarnia Stary Młyn

Savor homemade pierogi in a rustic setting at this beloved spot in Torun’s Old Town.
40PLN, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Torun Cathedral

Explore the Gothic cathedral with its impressive architecture and historic interiors, open until 4pm.
Free, 1h

3:15pm

Relax by the Vistula River

Enjoy a gentle walk along the Vistula River promenade and perhaps a coffee break.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Dinner at Restauracja Staromieska

End your day with traditional Polish and regional dishes in a historic ambiance.
80PLN, 1h30m

Day 4: Visit Malbork Castle

Torun to Malbork, Poland on June 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your hotel or nearby café

Have an early breakfast to prepare for the day trip to Malbork.
25PLN, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Malbork by train

Journey from Torun to Malbork takes around 2 hours, allowing for an early arrival to explore the castle fully.
60PLN, 2h

10:30am

Malbork Castle Tour

Explore the largest brick castle in Europe, a UNESCO site with rich medieval history. Open 9am-5pm.
50PLN, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Castle Café

Enjoy lunch at the café near the castle offering traditional Polish dishes and refreshments.
40PLN, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Malbork Town

Stroll through the small historic town nearby and visit the Malbork Castle Museum gift shop for souvenirs.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Torun

Travel back to Torun by train and prepare for next day’s journey.
60PLN, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Torun Old Town

Choose a relaxing dinner spot in Old Town to unwind, such as Restauracja Spichrz.
70PLN, 1h30m

Day 5: Travel to Szczytno and Local Exploration

Torun to Szczytno, Poland on June 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with a hearty breakfast before travel.
25PLN, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Szczytno by train and bus

Journey to Szczytno involves train and possible bus connections, approximately 4 hours travel time.
80PLN, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at local restaurant Karczma Mazurska

Enjoy traditional Masurian dishes in a rustic guesthouse near Szczytno's center.
50PLN, 1h

2:15pm

Szczytno Castle Ruins and Town Exploration

Visit the small castle ruins and explore the charming town center to learn about local history.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Check into local accommodation

Settle into your hotel or guesthouse and rest.
0PLN, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Zajazd PTTK

Dine at a local inn offering regional Polish cuisine with friendly hospitality.
60PLN, 1h30m

Day 6: Journey to Lesko and Nature Walks

Szczytno to Lesko, Poland on June 17, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast

Prepare for a longer travel day with an early breakfast.
25PLN, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Lesko

Make your way from Szczytno to Lesko using a combination of train and bus or car, estimated 5-6 hours.
90PLN, 6h

2:30pm

Check-in and Light Lunch

Arrive in Lesko, check into accommodation and have a light lunch or snack at a local café such as Café Retro.
30PLN, 1h

3:30pm

Walk in Bieszczady Region

Explore nearby natural trails and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Bieszczady Mountains.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Restauracja Dwór Karwacjanów

Taste local delicacies in a historic setting with a warm ambiance.
70PLN, 1h30m

Day 7: Lesko and Surroundings

Lesko, Poland on June 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at accommodation

Enjoy a fresh breakfast to fuel a day of exploration.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Lesko Synagogue and Jewish Cemetery

Visit the historic synagogue and nearby cemetery to learn about the region’s Jewish heritage.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Bieszczady National Park visit

Spend the day hiking or taking guided tours in the national park, open daily, with stunning mountain landscapes.
Free, 5h

3:30pm

Return to Lesko

Rest and refresh at the hotel.
0PLN, 1h

5:00pm

Dinner at Karczma Bieszczadzka

Enjoy hearty mountain cuisine in an authentic bistro-style setting.
60PLN, 1h30m

Day 8: Travel to Zakopane

Lesko to Zakopane, Poland on June 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast

Get an early breakfast for the travel day ahead.
25PLN, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Zakopane

Make your way to Zakopane via car or combination of public transport, estimated journey about 5-6 hours.
100PLN, 6h

2:00pm

Check-in and Light Lunch

Arrive in Zakopane, check into accommodation and enjoy lunch at Karczma u Wnuka, known for mountain cuisine.
50PLN, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Krupówki Street

Walk along Zakopane’s famous pedestrian street filled with shops, cafes, and local crafts.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Restauracja Zakopiańska

Try traditional highlander dishes in a cozy mountain atmosphere.
80PLN, 1h30m

Day 9: Zakopane Outdoor Activities

Zakopane, Poland on June 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fill up on breakfast before a day of outdoor adventures.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Hike in Tatra National Park

Take a guided or self-guided hike on trails like Morskie Oko or Dolina Kościeliska, open year round with varying trail lengths.
Free, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Schronisko Smreczyński Staw

Eat traditional mountain fare at this refuge in the park, great for rest and refreshments.
40PLN, 1h

2:45pm

Visit Gubałówka Hill

Take the funicular or hike up for panoramic views of Zakopane and the Tatras.
Funicular 35PLN return, 2h

5:00pm

Return and Rest

Relax at your accommodation before dinner.
0PLN, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Karczma Przy Młynie

Enjoy a hearty highlander-style dinner in a rustic local tavern.
70PLN, 1h30m

Day 10: Travel to Krakow

Zakopane to Krakow, Poland on June 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast

Have a robust breakfast before departure.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel from Zakopane to Krakow

The journey by bus or car takes about 2 hours to reach Krakow.
50PLN, 2h

11:30am

Check into Krakow accommodation

Refresh and prepare for sightseeing.
0PLN, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Milkbar Tomasza

Experience a popular Krakow milk bar with affordable Polish comfort food.
30PLN, 1h

1:30pm

Wawel Castle

Visit the historic Wawel Castle, its cathedral and royal chambers; open 9:30am-5pm.
40PLN, 2h

3:30pm

Stroll Old Town Market Square

Explore the bustling medieval heart of Krakow, admire St. Mary's Basilica and street performers.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Szara Gęś

Enjoy gourmet Polish cuisine in an elegant setting overlooking the Main Market Square.
90PLN, 1h30m

Day 11: Krakow Jewish Quarter & Museums

Krakow, Poland on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Camelot

Start the day with breakfast in a charming cafe located near the Old Town.
35PLN, 1h

9:00am

Kazimierz Jewish District Walking Tour

Discover synagogues, street art, and historical sites in this culturally rich area.
Free or 40PLN for guided tours, 2h

11:15am

Visit Schindler’s Factory Museum

Learn about Krakow’s WWII history and Oskar Schindler. Museum open 9am-6pm.
25PLN, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Hamsa Hummus & Happiness

Enjoy Middle Eastern inspired cuisine popular in Kazimierz.
50PLN, 1h

2:45pm

Plaszow Concentration Camp Memorial

Visit the somber historical site just outside Kazimierz to understand Holocaust history.
Free, 1h

4:15pm

Relax at a cafe or hotel

Free time to rest or explore further as desired.
Variable, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pod Aniolami

Dine in a medieval cellar restaurant serving traditional Polish fare with a romantic ambiance.
90PLN, 1h30m

Day 12: Day Trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau

Krakow, Poland on June 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before day trip.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Auschwitz-Birkenau

Drive or take shuttle to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, approx 1.5 hours.
50PLN round trip, 1h30m

10:00am

Guided Tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau

Explore the historically significant Holocaust site with expert guides; visit lasts about 3.5-4 hours. Open 7:30am-6pm in summer.
Free entry, guided tours typically 60PLN, 4h

2:30pm

Return to Krakow

Head back to Krakow for rest and relaxation.
Included in shuttle fare, 1h30m

4:30pm

Light Dinner or Snack

Try local street food or a light dinner near your accommodation.
30PLN, 1h

Day 13: Travel to Warsaw

Krakow to Warsaw, Poland on June 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Camelot

Enjoy breakfast before the train ride back to Warsaw.
35PLN, 1h

9:00am

Train to Warsaw

Board the express train to Warsaw; journey time approx 2.5 hours.
120PLN, 2h30m

11:30am

Check-in and rest

Arrive in Warsaw, check into your hotel and refresh.
0PLN, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Bistro Wiejska

Try Warsaw’s modern Polish cuisine in a casual yet elegant bistro.
60PLN, 1h

1:30pm

Visit the Warsaw Uprising Museum

Explore exhibits on the 1944 uprising; open 10am-6pm.
25PLN, 2h

3:30pm

Visit Palace of Culture and Science

Ascend to the observation deck for panoramic city views; open 10am-8pm.
20PLN, 1h

5:00pm

Relax at hotel or nearby cafe

Unwind before dinner.
Variable, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at AleGloria

End your day with a sophisticated dinner featuring innovative Polish dishes.
120PLN, 1h30m

Day 14: Explore Warsaw Neighborhoods

Warsaw, Poland on June 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Green Caffe Nero

Start with a good coffee and light breakfast in this popular café chain.
25PLN, 1h

9:00am

Visit Wilanów Palace

Tour the beautiful baroque royal summer residence and its gardens; open 10am-6pm.
35PLN, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at Bistro Warszawa

Try contemporary Polish cuisine in a stylish location near Wilanów.
60PLN, 1h

12:30pm

Visit the Copernicus Science Centre

Interactive exhibits perfect for all ages; open 10am-6pm.
40PLN, 2h

2:30pm

Walk along Vistula Boulevards

Enjoy a relaxing riverside stroll with cafes and parks.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Return to hotel and rest

Prepare for evening plans or relax.
0PLN, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Wola Café

Enjoy farm-to-table dishes and vegetarian options in a cozy setting.
70PLN, 1h30m

Day 15: Day trip to Lublin

Warsaw to Lublin, Poland on June 26, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast

Prepare for a day trip with breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Train to Lublin

Travel 2.5 hours southeast by express train to Lublin, a city full of history and charm.
90PLN, 2h30m

11:00am

Lublin Castle and Old Town

Explore the castle museum and the artistic Old Town with cafes and markets.
20PLN, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Mandragora

Enjoy delicious local and Mediterranean dishes in the heart of Lublin.
50PLN, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Majdanek Concentration Camp Memorial

A sober and important historical site near Lublin open daily 8am-4pm.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Return to Warsaw

Train back to Warsaw for the evening.
90PLN, 2h30m

7:15pm

Light Dinner near hotel

Rest with dinner at a local eatery near your accommodation.
40PLN, 1h

Day 16: Relax in Warsaw

Warsaw, Poland on June 27, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café Bristol

Enjoy a luxurious breakfast at a historic hotel café.
50PLN, 1h

10:30am

Visit National Museum

Explore Polish and international art collections; open 10am-6pm.
25PLN, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Rozbrat 20

Enjoy healthy and organic meals popular among locals.
50PLN, 1h

1:30pm

Chopin Museum

Discover the life and works of Chopin in this interactive museum; open 10am-6pm.
30PLN, 1h30m

3:00pm

Free time for shopping or park visit

Choose between shopping in Krakowskie Przedmieście or relaxing in Saxon Garden.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Opasły Tom

Savor Polish contemporary cuisine made with seasonal ingredients.
110PLN, 1h30m

Day 17: Day Trip to Częstochowa

Warsaw to Częstochowa, Poland on June 28, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast

Fuel up for a full day trip.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Train to Częstochowa

Travel around 2.5-3 hours to visit Poland’s spiritual center.
90PLN, 3h

11:00am

Visit Jasna Góra Monastery

Explore the important pilgrimage site housing the Black Madonna painting, open daily 6am-6pm.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Monastery Cafeteria

Enjoy simple but satisfying meals within the monastery grounds.
30PLN, 1h

2:00pm

Return to Warsaw

Take the train back to Warsaw for a relaxed evening.
90PLN, 3h

5:30pm

Light Dinner

Have a casual dinner near your hotel.
40PLN, 1h

Day 18: Last Day Warsaw Leisure

Warsaw, Poland on June 29, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Bułkę przez Bibułkę

Enjoy freshly baked breads and delicious breakfast dishes in a trendy spot.
30PLN, 1h

10:00am

Visit Praga District

Explore Warsaw’s artsy and hipster district with galleries, street art, and unique shops.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Osiedle Staromiejskie

Enjoy modern Polish cuisine in a popular local restaurant.
60PLN, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Neon Museum

Discover Warsaw’s neon sign history; open 12pm-6pm.
20PLN, 1h

3:00pm

Free afternoon - shopping or spa

Relax and prepare for departure with leisure time for shopping or spa visit.
Variable, 3h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Senses

Enjoy an upscale dining experience with modern Polish cuisine and creative dishes.
150PLN, 2h

Day 19: Departure Preparations

Warsaw, Poland on June 30, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel

A leisurely breakfast to start the day.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Last minute sightseeing or shopping

Visit any missed sites, souvenir shopping or walk in a park nearby.
Variable, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Aioli

Enjoy Mediterranean-inspired light lunch in a casual atmosphere.
50PLN, 1h

2:30pm

Rest and pack

Relax and prepare final packing before departure.
0PLN, 3h

Day 20: Depart from Warsaw

Warsaw, Poland on July 1, 2025

5:00am

Check-out and Airport Transfer

Leave accommodation early to catch your flight from Warsaw Chopin Airport.
Taxi approx 50PLN, 1h

7:00am

Flight Departure

Fly out of Warsaw, completing your 20-day Polish adventure.
Varies, N/A