Arrival in the capital of Lower Silesia
Arrival in Wroclaw, the historic capital of Lower Silesia. The city celebrated its Millennium in the year 2000.
Upon your arrival, a private transfer from the airport to your hotel. The remainder of the day is on your own.
A Fascinating Blend Of Cultures And Religions
Having absorbed Bohemian, Austrian, Prussian and Polish influences, Wroclaw has a unique architectural and cultural make-up, symbolized by its magnificent market square – a showcase of architectural styles. Within a mere 400 metres of the city’s historic Old Town, you can find the houses of worship of four different religious denominations, a spatial and spiritual arrangement unique in Poland. The numerous cafés, pubs and music clubs situated in the district make it one of the most magical places in Wrocław.
The city’s iconic attraction is a legion of dwarfs dotting doorways, alleyways and street corners. The Monument to The Anonymous Passerby, which commemorates the introduction of martial law and the many people who “went underground”, is also remarkable. This outstanding piece by Jerzy Kalina belongs to the list of 25 most creative statues in the world, published by the magazine Arch2O.
We will tour the Aula Leopoldinum, a marvel of Baroque architecture. Stepping into the Raclawice Panorama Museum will bring us back in time to a battleground experience.
The day concludes with time at leisure to enjoy the city at your own pace.
UNESCO treasures of Lower Silesia Learn From Locals
The Magnificent Contrasts
The beautifully preserved Cathedral Island, where Wroclaw began a thousand years ago, holds some of Europe’s finest examples of Gothic architecture. Nearby, the Centennial Hall, a pioneering work of modern engineering, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site not to be missed. Close by are the tranquil Japanese Garden, the Pergola Fountain, and the Four Dome Pavilion, a branch of the National Museum devoted to contemporary art.
In Swidnica, discover another UNESCO treasure – the wooden Church of Peace, a 17th-century symbol of religious tolerance and one of Poland’s most impressive temples.
Learn From Locals: Wine Secrets Of Lower Silesia
Poland and wine are not often linked, but in the Silesian Vineyard traditions are flourishing. Since their debut in 2019, these wines have won increasing recognition in competitions. The Mazurek family will guide us through the flavors that define Polish wines and share the secrets of their craft.
Palaces, castles and princesses
Poland’s Amazing Valley Of Palaces And Gardens
Nestled in the Sudetes is a complex of thirty grand residences built over the centuries by acclaimed architects. It was here that the most eminent European families – the Habsburgs and Hohenzollerns – had their lands. Discover Poland’s third-largest castle, Ksiaz, noted for the legendary Princess Daisy and German Nazi secrets. Its showpiece is the 18th c. Maximilian Hall and the lovely terraced gardens. It is said the enigmatic Nazi Golden Train could be buried beneath it…
At the Weavers’ House
In atmospheric Chelmsko Slaskie, we will explore the street of weavers’ cottages, one of the most valuable and interesting monuments in the region. The complex of twelve houses, so-called „Twelve Apostles”, was erected on the initiative of the Cistercians. Eleven have survived to this day. The 300-year-old cottages have retained their characteristic layout: protruding gables and arcades covering the entrance. Inside we can admire antique reels, looms, irons with a soul, and items related to weaving.
While there, we will savor Apostles’ cake in the shape of a house, the local culinary delicacy.
The Arado Project – Hitler’s Lost Laboratory
Lower Silesia Province is a real enigma for historians and treasure hunters. For Nazi Germany, it was supposed to be a refuge and a safe haven. However, history took a different turn. Kamienna Gora was one of the centers of German aerial technology with the design office of the Arado Company, which constructed the most famous jet of World War II – the Arado 234 Lightning. Germans moved their factories to Kamienna Gora as this town was out of the range of Allied planes, and they never thought they would lose control over the town. This place was for many years closed to the public and treated as a military area.
The underground is full of history and mystery! It hides unique exhibits, elements of the V-1 missile, a German radar, and even the Enigma Code Machine.
Return to Wroclaw.
Painted lakelets & legends Learn From Locals
Nature is a constant delight here. This morning will take us to a magical site in the surroundings of Rudawy Janowickie – the lakelets, looking like drops of paint in the middle of an abundance of green forest. Their colors (yellow, azure, and purple) are a result of the particular chemical composition of former mining pits.
Sir Lancelot in Siedlecin?
Silesia is packed with unexpected little jewels. A ducal tower in the quaint village of Siedlecin boasts 14th c. polychromy showing the legend of Sir Lancelot, one of the greatest Knights of the Round Table. These wall paintings are the only artwork of its kind preserved in its original place. Once painted over and forgotten, the polychromy was rediscovered in the 19th c. – but it wasn’t until the 1980s that a Polish art expert deciphered their meaning.
The Sudetes house a curious architectural wonder: Wang Church, the only Nordic Romanesque building in Poland. Not only is it the oldest church in the Sudetes, but it is also the highest situated. It is made of hard Norwegian pine and constructed without a single nail. Part of the woodcarving is original and in excellent shape.
Learn From Locals: Gingerbread-Creative
Before our return to Wroclaw, we will treat ourselves to gingerbread in its manufacturing site „Sweet Cottage” in Trzcinsko. It is a very loved type of biscuit in Silesia. Marcin and Barbara, a masterful duo, create their own “gingerbread-spicy” vision of the world around them. Aromatic, heavenly-smelling gingerbread works of art therefore serve not only culinary needs but are also an unusual way of expression. The creativity of the owners is through the roof!
Borowski glass artistry Learn From Locals
Traditional Design and Inspiration
Make Your Table Shine
This day we will get acquainted with the artistry of local communities. Boleslawiec is synonymous with iconic cobalt-coloured pottery, manufactured here since the 1600s. The popularity of this richly decorated stoneware has long crossed the borders of the town, region, and even the continent. We will visit the museum and the factory of Manufaktura Bolesławiec.
Learn From Locals: Four Lives For Glass – A Story Of Human Passion, Skill And Success
They share a common passion: glass. Stanislaw, Pawel, Wiktor and Stani Jan Borowski are the artistic core of a strong family, closely interwoven with this material. Their inimitable style, love of color, and superb design is renowned worldwide. The glass works by Borowski are in galleries, museums, and parks across the globe.
We will visit the Borowski Glass Studio and admire colorful glass objects including whimsical animal figures, a variety of elegant home accessories such as bowls, as well as unique lighting objects for gardens.
Spectacular!
Ready for another excellent castle experience? The cinematic, massive Grodziec Castle ruins, towering above an ancient volcano, have attracted numerous film crews from France, Belgium, and Sweden. We will enjoy the views and look at all the historical artifacts.
Return to Wroclaw.
Farewell
Private transfer to Wroclaw airport for departure flight.