Poland River Cruises May 2024

Poland Travel Guide

Poland River Cruises Things To Do

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  Krakow

  Known officially as the Royal Capital City of Krakow, Krakow sits at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains in southern Poland on the Vistula River. It is the second-largest city in Poland and covers an area of about 127 square miles.

  Best Time To Visit

  Choose spring or fall to visit Krakow when you can enjoy milder temperatures and fewer crowds.

   

  You Should Know

  Considered one of Europe's most beautiful cities, Krakow's Old Town was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978. From 1038, Old Town was the center of political life until King Sigismund III Vasa moved his royal court to Warsaw in 1596. Old Town's main square dates back to the 1200s, and is almost 9.5 acres, making it one of Europe's largest town squares. Because of its lively atmosphere, the square has been named by the Project for Public Spaces (PPS) as Europe's best public space. Both the Wawel Royal Castle and Wawel Hill are historically significant sites in Krakow. Located on Wawel Hill in Krakow, Wawel Cathedral is a 900+ year Roman Catholic church, which formerly served as the coronation site of the Polish monarchy. Many of the filming locations for the movie, Schindler's List, are found in Krakow.
• 
  The Wieliczka Salt Mine

  The Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the major tourist attractions in Poland. Over a million visitors visit the site each year. The mine, which produced table salt from the 13th century until 2007, is located in the town of Wieliczka, a part of the metropolitan area of Krakow.

  Best Time To Visit

  Visit the mine during the fall or spring, when the crowds are not as great.

   

  You Should Know

  The salt mine is now a museum. It features a cathedral that was carved out of rock salt by miners. Instead of featuring a white crystalline appearance, the salt in the mine displays various shades of gray, and therefore resembles polished granite.
• 
  The Oskar Schindler Enamel Factory

  The former enamel factory is now the setting for two of Krakow's museums. One of the museums is the city's contemporary art museum while the other is the city's historical museum. The historical museum, located at 4 Lipowa Street, is located in the building of the former Oskar Schindler's Deutsche Emailwarenfabrik (DEF). The building is associated with the film, Schindler's List, a 1993 movie produced and directed by Steven Spielberg.

  Best Time To Visit

  Fall or spring are good times to see the factory and museums.

   

  You Should Know

  After the Second World War (1948 to 2002), the factory was the headquarters of a telecommunications equipment manufacturer, Krakowskie Zaklady Elektroniczne Unitra-Telpod. It was later called Telpod S.A.Inside the museum is the former factory, the stairs, and a desk from the movie Schindler's List, that serve as part of the museum tour. The Schindlerjuden, or "Schindler Jews," is the listing of Jewish people who were saved by factory owner, Oskar Schindler, during the Holocaust. This list is displayed at the factory and museum.
• 
  Sandomierz

  Located on the left bank of the Vistula River, Sandomierz once boasted a prominent location for early trade between the Baltic and Black seas. Under the reign of Casimir III, the town thrived economically and was one of the largest towns in Poland in the 1500s. After going through fires, a plague, and wars during the 17th century, the town fell into the hands of Austria in 1772 but was later reclaimed by Poland in 1918.

  Best Time To Visit

  Visit Sandomierz in the spring or fall, when you can see the sites at a more temperate time of the year.

   

  You Should Know

  The city is home to a large number of old buildings, including the Romanesque Church of St. James, a Gothic cathedral built in the 1300s. It features Byzantine murals, painted in the 1420s. Sandomierz Royal Castle was built on a hill next to the Vistula River by Casimir III the Great. The original building was annihilated during 1656, except for its west wing. The remaining wing was transformed into a museum while the rest of the site was rebuilt as a Renaissance-style estate.
• 
  Torun

  Torun, in Poland, which lies in the north-central part of the country, sits beside the Vistula River. It is considered one of the loveliest cities in Europe. Known for its Museum of Gingerbread, Torun has been acclaimed for its quality of life and high living standard. 

  Best Time To Visit

  Pay a visit to Torun in the spring or autumn months when the river cruise prices are reduced, and so are the crowds.

   

  You Should Know

  Nicolaus Copernicus, a Renaissance astronomer, who placed the sun at the center of the universe, was born and raised in Torun. The font is still featured in Torun's cathedral, which was used during the astronomer's baptism. The Gingerbread Museum depicts a working Renaissance bakery. It is housed in a former granary built in the 1800s. Visitors can observe and participate in the old-time way of making gingerbread, and can even take a piece of gingerbread with them.
• 
  Kazimierz Dolny

  A pretty town, Kazimierz Dolny sits in the east-central part of Poland on the eastern bank of the Vistula River. The little town enjoyed great prosperity in the 1500s and early half of the 1600s because of the trading of grain along the river. Since the 1800s, the town has been a well-known holiday attraction for summer visitors and artists.

  Best Time To Visit

  Visit the town in the spring or fall to avoid the rush of summer tourists.

   

  You Should Know

  The town is Poland's art center. A large number of artists escape to the locale to paint or sell their creations. Galleries can be found in most streets selling folk art, fine art, stained-glass, or sculptures. The town is one of the country's national Historic Monuments and is monitored by Poland's National Heritage Board.
• 
  Gdansk

  Located on Poland's Baltic coast, Gdansk features restaurants and shops at Long Market, which are located in the middle of Main Town. Close to this location, the Neptune Fountain represents a bronze depiction of the sea god Gdansk, from which the city is named. Gdansk sits next to the mouth of the Vistula River.

  Best Time To Visit

  Keep your calendar open for travel during the spring or autumn months.

   

  You Should Know

  Gdansk is known for its amber trade. The city center, which is called Main Town, should not be confused with Old Town. Main Town lies beside a tributary of the Vistula River and sits 2 miles inland. On the other hand, Old Town lies to the west and is known for several important historical buildings, including St. Catherine's Church.
• 
  Warsaw

  The capital city and largest city in Poland, Warsaw stands next to the Vistula River and is located in the east-central part of Poland. The city's status was elevated in the late 1500s when Sigismund III moved Poland's capital from Krakow to Warsaw. Prior to the Second World War, the city was known for its wide boulevards and elegant buildings – both of which earned it the nickname of the Paris of the North.

  Best Time To Visit

  Pack your bags to see Warsaw during the spring or fall months.

   

  You Should Know

  About 25% of the city features parks. Almost every type of architectural design and period can be seen in the city's Old Town. Major architectural sites include the Royal Castle, Wilanow Palace, St. John's Cathedral, and several estates and churches along the city's Royal Route.

Poland River Cruise Packages

• Winter - December to February

  You may also think about going during later November or December when Krakow becomes a magical place with its Christmas Markets. If you combine this river cruise with a river cruise along the Danube, you will be able to stop at various markets in Europe. Just make sure you dress extra warm.

• Summer - May to August

  Some travelers think the best time to go is during peak season in the summer, even if they have to spend more money. Usually, the summer is the best time for families to go on a river cruise because the kids are out of school for summer vacation. 

Poland River Cruises Frequently Asked Questions

• What Are Poland River Cruises?

  Poland river cruises may be taken solely along the Vistula River, which runs north-south near the center of Poland, or they may be connected with a Danube River cruise and may include German or Austrian ports, in their itinerary. If you want to travel primarily through Poland, it is best to find a river cruise that features the cities and towns along the Vistula River.

• What Is Included on Poland River Cruises?

  Poland river cruises allow you to see historical landmarks and town squares on daily off-shore excursions while enjoying a luxuriously appointed cabin or suite. You also receive all your meals free and complimentary beverages, such as coffee and tea. River cruise-goers also have access to Wi-Fi while on board the ship.

• What Is the Best River Cruise Among Poland River Cruises?

  The best river cruise in Poland is one that will meet your criteria with respect to the dates you wish to travel, the length of the river cruise, and how much you want to spend. To get the best deal, choose an all-inclusive river cruise package that includes all river cruise amenities for one convenient price. 

• What Is the Cost of Poland River Cruises?

  What you will pay for your river cruise will depend on the length of the river cruise, when you plan to go, and what is included in the river cruise price.  If you choose to sail in April or October with a luxury river cruise line that features 14-day all-inclusive itineraries, expect to pay around $6,500 per person.