Arrival in Poznan
Arrival in Poznan, the capital of the Greater Poland region. Badly damaged in World War II, the city has been beautifully restored. A private transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
A Plunge Into History
During a guided tour of Poznan, you will explore its iconic sights and hidden treasures, capturing the city’s true essence. You will stroll the picturesque Old Town Square with the spectacular Renaissance Town Hall and merchants’ houses. Their vibrant colors and unusual architecture are a feast for the eyes. The famous Poznan goats are a legendary piece of Poznan history. It is fun to watch two mechanical billy goats which make their appearance daily at noon from the Town Hall bell tower with a cute display of butting heads. They have become a symbol of Poznan.
You will cross the river Cybina and enter the city’s most ancient neighborhood, Ostrow Tumski, a tranquil oasis of calm. The Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul stands there to this day. It dates back to the 10th century and is the resting place of Poland’s first rulers, which gives it immense national status. East of Ostrow Tumski you will come across the stunning A Srodka Tale mural by artist Radoslaw Barek, which has become a beloved attraction. What makes the mural so eye-catching is its use of three-dimensional illusion. The modern building of the Porta Posnania Interactive Heritage Center links the Cathedral Island (Ostrow Tumski) and Srodka district with a transparent “skywalk” bridge.
Free time for private sightseeing.
Secrets of Enigma Learn From Locals
Enigma
During a tour of the Imperial District of Poznan, you will see the city’s most monumental architecture, such as the Opera House and the Imperial Castle, which was once a residence of the last German Emperor and King of Prussia, William II. You will also learn about the anti-communist uprising of 1956 and visit the Enigma Cipher Centre. Its multimedia exhibition tells the story of breaking the code of the German Enigma cipher machine by Polish cryptologists Marian Rejewski, Henryk Zygalski, and Jerzy Rozycki. It will let you find out about the contribution of Polish mathematicians to the victory of the Allies during the Second World War. The story is still little known.
Learn From Locals: Workshop
Desserts in Poznan are wonderful – just like the city itself. It is the place to indulge in St. Martin’s croissant, which enjoys European Union protection. In the interactive Poznan Croissant Museum, we will gain insight into the history of this local specialty while getting a chance to make our own. The entertaining show, with lots of fun tasks and a tasting session, is great fun!
Time at leisure.
Birthplace of Polish Statehood Learn From Locals
The Cradle of the Polish State
The Piast Trail runs across the Greater Poland province, connecting the places related to the very beginnings of the Polish state. It is in Gniezno that the various tribes of the region were first united as Poles in the 10th century. Five of Poland’s earliest kings were crowned in Gniezno Cathedral, one of the oldest churches in the country. Most tourists come to the cathedral to see its priceless bronze doors with masterfully engraved scenes from the life of St. Adalbert of Prague. They are considered a masterpiece of Romanesque casting art in Poland. A leisurely walk through the historic Old Town area will be a pleasure, too.
Learn From Locals: Traditional Dairy From a Rural Cheese Factory
What about adding a touch of food culture to our day? The tradition of cow breeding and milk processing in Slesin is almost 200 years old. Slesin cheeses from the Pantry of Countess Potulicka are rennet cheeses made from fresh, unpasteurized cow’s milk that are left to ripen. They acquire a delicious taste while aging in the historic cellars of the farm where they mature on birch boards. It is their freshness that gives these cheeses their delicate taste and unique aroma. Salt, natural herbs, and spices give them the right character. Count Kazimierz’s cheese from Slesin won a special prize in the competition for the best local product in 2022. You will tour the Pantry of Countess Potulicka, which symbolizes the local tradition of producing rural specialties. Return to Poznan.
Music, History & Beer
Depart for Antonin, home to the historic hunting lodge of Prince Antoni Radziwill. This elegant wooden manor, surrounded by tranquil forests, was a favorite retreat for Chopin. The composer visited Antonin multiple times, where he gave piano lessons to Princess Wanda Radziwill. During his stays, he composed Polonaise in C major, Op. 3 for cello and piano, dedicated to the prince and his daughter. Later, he honored the family with his Trio in G major, Op. 8 for piano, violin, and cello. Explore the beautifully preserved interiors of the lodge and experience the intimate connection between Chopin’s music and this idyllic retreat.
Small but charming Kornik Castle is one of the most frequently visited historical buildings in the Greater Poland region. Two of its leading dynasties – the Gorka family and the Dzialynski family – contributed to its splendor. The interiors are filled with different pieces of art, from paintings and ceramics to weaponry. The romantic scenery surrounding the castle adds to its allure.
Authentic Craft Brewery From the Heart of Greater Poland
The province is renowned for craft breweries producing excellent varieties. You will make a stop at nearby Annopole, where John and Victor Staszewski, two cousins, founded the Gzub Brewery. They received the Gold Medal at the Tastes of Regions Fair in 2021. Every summer, the small town of Annopole holds a beer festival to celebrate this popular drink. You will sip Gzub beer and find out how its story began.
Art & Craft in Greater Poland
An Intimate Moment With Polish Art
In the Baroque Palace in Rogalin, you can marvel at the works of art by the most outstanding Polish artists: Jan Matejko, Stanislaw Wyspianski, Jacek Malczewski, Olga Boznanska. The Palace’s landscaped park boasts one of Europe’s largest oak groves. Many of the magnificent trees are several hundred years old.
Wicker is Having a Moment – Again!
Weaving baskets is as old as civilization itself, but it was wicker that revolutionized that craft. Wicker traditions are especially strong in Nowy Tomysl. Its inhabitants have set a Guinness record twice. The town is home to the world’s largest wicker basket. This impressive masterpiece of wickerwork is about 20 meters long, 10 meters wide, and 9 meters high and it is situated in Niepodleglosci Square. Nowy Tomysl also has a “wicker promenade”, a concert shell woven from wicker, as well as the Basketry and Hop-Growing Museum.
Wicker has captured the hearts of designers and decorators. You will get acquainted with basket-weaving techniques and learn how this ever-popular material is being reimagined in a fresh way.
Brothers Grimm Inspiration Learn From Locals
Imagine… The Brothers Grimm
Our itinerary today will allow you to gain an appreciation for the beauty of a smaller Polish town steeped in history. One of the hidden jewels of the far west of Poland is Lagow, penned in by emerald green forests and a pair of placid lakes. All roads in Lagow lead to a castle of the Order of the Knights of St. John. Built in the 14th century, for generations it served to protect the trade route running from the Kingdom of Poland to Germany. This once foreboding fortress has been altered to become a lavish hotel. The castle’s characteristic 35-meter-high tower offers gorgeous panoramic views of the surrounding hills and lakes.
Back in the village, the gently curving streets are pure Brothers Grimm: arching medieval gateways and cross-timbered houses. Reputedly, the Brothers Grimm took many of their inspirations from this section of what was then part of Germany…
Learn From Locals: Poland and Wine?
What about a glass of something special with a view to match? You will spend an afternoon discovering the Mierzecin Palace Vineyard and savoring a selection of its award-winning wines paired with local specialties crafted by the resort’s culinary team.
The resort stands apart with its own vineyard, processing plant, and wine cellar. The Mierzecin plot belongs to the Equus vineyard, one of the most recognized and successful vineyards in Poland. In 2016 alone, its wines won 11 international medals. The wines are natural, without additives or processing aids.
Return to Poznan.
Goodbye Greater Poland
Private transfer to Poznan Airport for departure flight.