Day 1 WOODEN CHURCH & A PICTURESQUE RAFT TRIP

Morning: After breakfast we set off from Zakopane on a journey to the east of Poland. The first two stops are in Debno where we will visit an exquisite wooden church which dates back to the 16th century (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and at the gothic Niedzica castle rising picturesquely from the rocks above the artificial Czorsztyn lake.

Afternoon: We continue our adventure and take a raft trip (2.5 hrs.) down the Dunajec river gorge leading along the Polish-Slovak border through the Pieniny National Park.

You needn't worry as the rafts are comfortable and safe - each of them is navigated by a guide who moves the raft forward using a long pole. Millions of years ago the river made its way through mighty limestone rocks: we hope you will find this place very spectacular. After the trip we will pay a visit to a charming Renaissance castle in Nowy Wisnicz.

Evening: Finally, we reach Kasna Dolna to check into a charming manor house which once belonged to the famous Polish composer Ignacy Paderewski. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2 NOWY SACZ & THE ORNAMENTED VILLAGE

Morning: We will visit Nowy Sącz Etnographic Park to explore a great variety of regional buildings and their interiors. We will participate in baking a traditional bread and will have opportunity to taste it.

Afternoon: A short stop in the mediaeval old town of Tarnow. Afterwards we continue to one of the most homely places in Poland - the village of Zalipie, where all houses are painted in colourful flower ornaments. We will attend a class in pottery painting supervised by local artists.

Evening: Because we will spend another night at Ignacy Paderewski's manor house, we will have dinner and overnight stay there.

Day 3 A SHOT OF VODKA & ZAMOSC

Morning: We set off on a journey further to the east of Poland to the famous Renaissance palace in Lancut.

Afternoon: A visit to the splendid interiors of the 17th-century palace in Lancut. Another must is the museum located in the local vodka distillery adjoining the palace. Whether we like it or not, vodka has been a historical phenomenon in the Polish culture; we will have a chance to learn more about it.

Evening: It is here that will enjoy a hefty regional dinner and spend the next two nights.

Day 4 A DAY IN A POLISH VILLAGE

Morning: A visit to an open-air museum in the village of Guciow on the border of the picturesque Roztocze National Park where we will pick berries or mushrooms.

Afternoon: Thereafter you will learn the secret recipe for delicious pierogi, a traditional dish of Polish cuisine. For lunch, we will have the products of our hard work, that is pierogi.

Evening: Barbecue - roasting sausages (kielbasa) and enjoying cheerful music performed by local musicians will make a perfect conclusion of the day. The Roztocze region has not yet been discovered by international tourism. It is by no means exceptional in terms of unusual historical monuments or geographical formations. Its role in our playful tour is to lend you some of its harmony for you to take back home as your dearest souvenir.

Day 5 LUBLIN – A PERFECT TOWN & BYZANTINE FRESCOS

Morning: We will start a day from Zamosc sightseeing (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) which was built as a private town - the place is an embodiment of the Renaissance concepts of perfect harmony of urban functions and proportions. Afterwards we will head north towards Lublin and Kazimierz Dolny.

Afternoon: We make our next stop in Lublin: a city with history which dates back to the 12th century. We cannot miss the greatest treasure of the Lublin Castle - the Gothic Holy Trinity Chapel with absolutely unique frescoes inspired by the Byzantine art.

Evening: Our final destination is Kazimierz Dolny where we will stay overnight in a conveniently located tenement house, formerly mediaeval Baths which were converted into a cosy hotel.

Day 6 KAZIMIERZ DOLNY, NALECZOW

Morning: After breakfast, we will have a guided tour of the most artistic small town in Poland: Kazimierz Dolny. The town is picturesquely located on the Vistula river and features countless wonderfully preserved mediaeval sights. Most of the year it is a very quiet place, an ideal sanctuary for reading books and savouring life.

Afternoon: You will have free time to enjoy simple pleasures in Kazimierz Dolny. Optionally, it is possible to take a trip to Naleczow, a well-known spa resort located 30 km away from Kazimierz Dolny.

Evening: Free time and dinner.

Day 7 RETURN

Morning: We will board a special boat for a short farewell cruise. The view from the river brings out the charm of Kazimierz Dolny. The boat will take us to the imposing nearby ruins of the castle in Janowiec.

Afternoon: Return to Warsaw is scheduled at approx . 16:00.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you like this tour. We will be happy to provide you with all details. This tour has two guaranteed dates in 2008 - you can book it immediately. If the dates do not suit you, write us anyway - we will organize a private tour, put you on a new standby list or inform you about additional dates. More info here.