Introduction to World War II in Poland

Explore the fascinating history behind Poland in WWII on this tour, as you travel from Warsaw to Lublin and on to Krakow. This tour offers an insight to the lives of the people living in Poland during WWII.

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly Dublin to Warsaw. Check in to our hotel for a 2 night stay. In the afternoon short orientation tour of Warsaw and visit Lazienki Park. Dinner in the hotel. Overnight in Warsaw in the Mercure Chopin Hotel or similar

Warsaw – the capital city of Poland and hub of the country’s communications, Warsaw, after almost complete destruction during World War II, was reborn and has developed into a modern city and a thriving cultural, scientific and business centre. It draws millions of travellers seeking to discover this up and coming European capital, visit the many historic sites important in modern world history, take part in the multitude of festivals, concerts and trade fairs or simply enjoy the excellent value shopping. Warsaw is a perfect weekend break and also an excellent starting point for any tour of Poland.

Day 2: Guided tour of Warsaw including the Old City, The Path of Remembrance, the Umschlagplatz and the Jewish Institute. Lunch and dinner under own arrangements. Overnight in Warsaw.

The Path of Remembrance is marked by blocks of black granite, on which are engraved a description of events and the names of people active in the ghetto. The Path leads from Umschlagplatz, past the Bunker Monument to the Jewish Fighters Organization (ZOB), to the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes.

Day 3: After breakfast, check out of our hotel and visit the Warsaw Rising Museum before travelling to the Treblinka memorial site. Treblinka 2 operated for only 16 months yet nearly 800,000 Jews were murdered there. From Treblinka we travel south to Lublin, historic city on the eastern border of Poland. Dinner and overnight in the Victoria Hotel or similar.

Lublin – administrative centre of the voivodship and the capital of the Lublin Region, and home to 365 thousand inhabitants, is the biggest town in Eastern Poland. The location of the town atop loessial rolling hills of the Lublin Upland in the valley of the Bystrzyca and its tributaries is one of its assets. During the 5th and 7th centuries the inhabitants of Lublin grew in numbers, and by 1317 Lublin was granted municipal status. In 1474 Lublin became the capital of the voivodship, a role it has continuously played to this day. During the years of the first Republic, Lublin, which was centrally located, was inhabited by different nationalities and religious denominations that constituted a rich and varied community.

Day 4: After breakfast, check out of our hotel and visit the Death Camp of Majdanek. Here the barracks, guard towers and long lines of (formerly) electrified double barbed wire remain just as they were over sixty years ago. In November 1943 the SS mounted Operation Erntefest (Harvest Festival) and 18,000 Jews were shot in a single day. Continue south to our hotel in Krakow for a four night stay. Dinner and overnight in Krakow in the Ascot Hotel or similar.

Majdanek – was a German Nazi concentration camp on the outskirts of Lublin, Poland. The camp operated from October 1, 1941 until July 22, 1944, when it was captured nearly intact by the advancing Soviet Red Army. Although conceived as a forced labor camp and not as an extermination camp, over 79,000 people died there (59,000 of them Polish Jews) during the 34 months of its operation.

Day 5: Today we take time off from the Holocaust to explore the architectural wealth of Kraków’s Old Town. We visit Wawel Castle and the Market Square to hear the traditional Trumpeter Signal. The afternoon and evening are free to explore further and to enjoy the vibrant culture of this beautiful city. Lunch and dinner under own arrangements. Overnight in Krakow.

Krakow makes a perfect destination for all travellers, whether just dropping in for a weekend or spending more time exploring the city and the surrounding region of Malopolska.

Krakow itself is a treasure; one of those rare places where you can follow in the very footsteps of its fascinating past because the city retains its historic layout of streets large and small. Krakow also offers a broad spectrum of festivals, cultural events, museums, art galleries, theatres, historic cellars, clubs, bars and restaurants with live music, the essential fabric of a city that balances modern delights and historic charm in a most delightful manner.

Day 6: A sombre day as we go to the Auschwitz – Birkenau complex, a place of martyrdom of European Jewry. Here over one million people were exterminated, nearly 90% of whom were Jews. At Auschwitz we shall have a guided tour and enter beneath the infamous inscription “Arbeit macht Frei” (“Work brings Freedom”). After lunch travel to Birkenau. Here you will see the remains of four massive gas chambers complete with crematoria. Each gas chamber accommodated 2,000 people and there were electric lifts to raise the bodies to the ovens.

After the visit in Auschwitz you will participate in a remarkable meeting with a Camp survivor who witnessed the life behind the barbed wire. After his speech there will be time for questions and short free discussion.

Return via the CWGC at Rakowice to Krakow. Dinner and overnight in Krakow.

Auschwitz-Birkenau – witness here one of the most memorable lessons of modern European history. The visit includes a film showing the camp’s liberation and you’ll see the flower strewn Death Wall, the national memorials, the rail line, ramp and remains of the hundreds of barracks, a moving testimony to the number of lost lives through Nazi activities across occupied Europe.

Day 7: Tour of Kraków’s Old Jewish Quarter. Visit the Old Synagogue Museum, Schindler’s Factory and the site of Plaszow Work Camp and memorials (Entrance Fees not included). After lunch visit the world famous salt mine at Wieliczka. In the evening we enjoy dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight in Krakow.

Wieliczka – this unique phenomenon was once described as being ”as remarkable as the Pyramids and more useful”! Today it is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage monument and one of the most renowned attractions in the Krakow area. The guided tour commences 65m underground and leads through rooms, passages and great chambers to a depth of 135m. Highlights include the stunning colours of the underground lake and the beautiful Kinga’s Chapel.

Day 8: After breakfast, we fly home from Krakow to Dublin.

Price inclusions

• Flight Dublin to Warsaw as outlined above
• Airport transfer to your hotel
• 7 nights accommodation in carefully selected 3/4 star hotels based on 2 people sharing
• Meals as outlined in the itinerary (5 dinners, 7 breakfasts)
• Guided historical tour of Warsaw
• Tour to the Treblinka Camp Memorial
• Tour to Majdanek Camp outside Lublin
• Insiders Tour of Krakow
• Tour to Auschwitz and Birkenau Camps
• Tour to the Wielczka Saltmine
• All transfers, tours, entrance fees , cruise and ferry crossings
• Flight Krakow to Dublin
• Services of a representative for coach transfers and tour
• Taxes and charges of €104

Booking remarks

• Inclusive of taxes and service charges as indicated
• Single room supplement €195 (Apr) €210 (Jul) €200 (Aug) for the duration
• Non refundable or transferrable booking deposit €100 per person
• Full payment due on confirmation
• 2% surcharge if balance is paid by credit or charge card
• Optional Insurance €20 (conditions apply)

Accommodation details

Warsaw – Mercure Chopin Hotel or Holiday Inn or similar – 2 Nights

Lublin – Victoria Hotel or similar- 1 Night

Krakow – Ascot Hotel or similar – 4 Nights

Dates and Prices

55Club pricing is available to members of Citiescapes 55Club. For more information click here.

Date	Price		…….	55Club
01 Apr 2012	€1,089			€979
29 Jul 2012	€1,059			€949
05 Aug 2012	€1,059			€949

Introduction to Krakow & Auschwitz

Krakow is one of the oldest cities in Poland, with evidence showing settlements there since 20,000 BC. Legend has it that it was built on the cave of a dragon whom the mythical King Krak had slain.

Auschwitz :

Beginning in 1940, Nazi Germany built several concentration camps and an extermination camp in the area, which at the time was under German occupation. The Auschwitz camps were a major element in the perpetration of the Holocaust; at least 1.1 million people were killed there, of whom over 90% were Jews.

The complex consisted of three main camps: Auschwitz I, the administrative center; Auschwitz II (Birkenau), an extermination camp or Vernichtungslager; and Auschwitz III (Monowitz), a work camp.

The Polish government restored Auschwitz I and turn it into a museum honouring the victims of Nazism; Auschwitz II, where buildings were prone to decay, were preserved but not restored. Today, the Auschwitz I museum site combines elements from several periods into a single complex: for example the gas chamber at Auschwitz I (which had been converted into an air-raid shelter for the SS) was restored. The museum contains very large numbers of men’s, women’s and children’s shoes taken from their victims; also suitcases, which the deportees were encouraged to bring with them, and many household utensils.

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly Dublin to Krakow and transfer to your hotel. Rest of day at leisure.

Day 2: Morning tour to Auschwitz Camp, stopping at Birkenau camp. Return to Krakow in the afternoon.

Day 3: Day at leisure. There are a number of things to do in Krakow, including the Wieliczka Saltmines (€35 per person) and classical concerts in a number of the churches, including St. Peter & St Pauls Church, and St. Bernadins Church. These afternoon concerts are very reasonable, working out at approx. 40 PLN per person.

Day 4: Collection from hotel and transfer to the airport. Return flight to Dublin.

Price inclusions

• Flight Dublin to Krakow as outlined above
• Airport transfer to your hotel
• 3 nights accommodation in the 3 star Alexander II Hotel or Pod Wawelem Hotel based on 2 or 3 sharing
• Buffet breakfast each morning
• Guided tour to Auschwitz and Birkenau
• Return transfer from your hotel to airport
• Flight Krakow to Dublin
• Services of a representative for coach transfers and tour
• Taxes and charges of €89

Booking remarks

• Inclusive of taxes and service charges as indicated
• Includes check in of 1 standard bag per room
• Single room supplement  €50 for the duration
• Non refundable or transferrable booking deposit €100 per person
• Full payment due on confirmation
• 2% surcharge if balance is paid by credit or charge card
• Optional Insurance €17 (conditions apply)

Accommodation details

Hotel Alexander II

Alexander II is set right in the heart of the city, just five minutes’ walk from the market square, so all the major monuments are within easy reach.Wawel castle, Cloth Hall and St Mary’s Church are close by.

Hotel Alexander II, Accommodation

Hotel has 30 bedrooms, suitable for one, two or three people. All rooms are equipped with bathroom, shower and hair dryer, satelite TV, direct – dial telephone and internet connection. Rooms are bright and spacious.

Pod Wawelem Hotel

We are pleased to invite you to stay in this modern and comfortable hotel, where contemporary elegance and luxury is combined with history and tradition. Our hotel is located in the city center, in the heart of historic Krakow, just aside Wawel Royal Castle and 10 minutes walk from the Main Square.

Hotel Pod Wawelem facilities:

• wireless Internet (password available at the reception)
• ironing board, iron
• wake up service
• tourist Information
• information about current cultural events in Krakow
• folders of Krakow and its cultural attractions
• extra pillows
• luggage
• safe at reception
• tickets, tours and taxi bookings
• mineral water in room

Dates and Prices

Date	Price
26 Jan 2012*	€359
16 Feb 2012*	€359
01 Mar 2012*	€359
15 Mar 2012	€359

* Pod Wawelem Hotel

Introduction to the Prague Insiders Tour

What is an insiders tour?

It’s more than just a name – our information is dynamic engaging and far beyond the pedestrian.

On our Citiescapes tour a friendly, knowledgeable guide takes us on a fascinating journey through the sightseeing highlights of this enchanting city, discovering the people, places and events that have shaped Prague the past 1000 years.

The Citiescapes tour starts in the medieval centre of Prague, exploring the area around the Old Town Square, before strolling onto the Jewish Quarter (Josefov), once the largest Jewish ghetto in Europe. Along the way we learn about the dramatic history, traditions and legends linked to this area of the city.

Next, we cross Charles Bridge, one of Europe’s oldest stone bridges, to reach ancient Mala Strana. Here we take a short tram ride up the hill, where upon a spectacular vista of the whole city opens up before us.

As we walk through the cobbled streets of Hradcany, we arrive at the grandest sight of all, Prague Castle, the largest medieval castle complex in Europe.

Your guide will bring the dramatic history of Prague Castle to life, as we explore St. Vitus Cathedral, where kings were once crowned, before paying a visit to charming Golden Lane, home of alchemists and goldsmiths.

Finally, we descend the Prague Castle steps to return to the historical centre.

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly Dublin to Prague and transfer to your hotel. Rest of day at leisure.

Day 2: Morning Insiders Tour of Prague. The tour ends in the city centre, leaving the rest of the day at leisure in the city.

Day 3: Day at leisure.

Day 4: Collection from hotel and transfer to the airport. Return flight to Dublin.

Price inclusions

• Flight Dublin to Prague as outlined above
• Airport transfer to your hotel
• 3 nights accommodation in the 4 Star Best Western Premier Majestic Plaza Hotel based on 2 sharing
• Buffet breakfast each morning
• Insiders walking tour of Prague
• Return transfer from your hotel to airport
• Flight Prague to Dublin
• Services of a representative for coach transfers and tour
• Taxes and charges of €100

Booking remarks

• Inclusive of taxes and service charges as indicated
• Includes check in of 1 standard bag per room
• Single room supplement €60 (€132 Sept) for the duration
• Non refundable or transferrable booking deposit €100 per person
• Full payment due on confirmation
• 2% surcharge if balance is paid by credit or charge card
• Optional Insurance €17 (conditions apply)

Accommodation details

Best Western Premier Majestic Plaza 4 ****

Best Western Premier Hotel Majestic Plaza is located in one of the most desirable localities, in the touristic and business centre of Prague, just few steps from the famous Wenceslas Square.

4* deluxe Best Western Premier Majestic Plaza opened on the 1st June 2007 provides 181 unique rooms in two interior styles: 50 rooms in the Biedermeier style, and 131 rooms in the Art Deco style.

Rooms are equipped with individually adjustable air-conditioning, internet connection, LCD TV-SAT, radio, alarm clock, minibar, coffee & tea making facilities, safe deposit box, writing desk and chair.

Hotel Majestic also offer:

• Lobby bar service with free Wi-Fi internet
• Asmera and Victoria Restaurants service
• Latino-American Club Havana
• Majestic Panorama Club- top floor with extraordinary view of Prague Castle
• Thai massage
• Sauna & Whirpool

Dates and Prices

Date	Price		…….	55Club
30 Jan 2012	€349			N/A
06 Feb 2012	€349			N/A
27 Feb 2012	€349			N/A
12 Mar 2012	€349			N/A
19 Mar 2012	€349			N/A
26 Mar 2012	€349			N/A

Introduction to The Berlin Insiders Tour

What is an insiders tour?
It’s more than just a name – our information is dynamic engaging and far beyond the pedestrian. You’ll get insight into what it’s like living in the New Berlin where East and West know no boundaries.
With the Insider Walking Tour we begin our adventure in the heart of Cold War west Berlin’s showcase of capitalism with the looming bombed out spire of the Memorial Church before us. Stroll into the history of the Teutonic Knights and Prussian Kings, through the Royal Hunting Grounds and stand before the Victory Column – marking the birth of the German nation and Europe as we know it today – unbridled Prussian military arrogance at its best!
Then follow the route of the Soviet attack up to the final battle ground of the Reichstag Parliament – crowned with Norman Foster’s glass dome, and by the futuristically charged Government Quarter and Federal Chancellory … then comes the East!
Pass over the line of the Death Strip, under the Brandenburg Gate, by the Holocaust Memorial, Hitler’s Bunker, Checkpoint Charlie, and finish with an account of the momentous events which led to the fall of the Wall while standing amongst the heart of the East German Government Quarter and the New Berlin.

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly Dublin to Berlin and transfer to your hotel. Rest of day at leisure.

Day 2: Morning Insiders Tour of Berlin. The tour ends in the city centre, leaving the rest of the day at leisure in the city.

Day 3: Day at leisure.

Day 4: Collection from hotel and transfer to the airport. Return flight to Dublin.

Price inclusions

• Flight Dublin to Berlin as outlined above
• Airport transfer to your hotel
• 3 nights accommodation in the 4 star Park Inn Hotel or Scandic Hotel based on 2 sharing
• Buffet breakfast each morning
• Insiders walking tour of Berlin
• Return transfer from your hotel to airport
• Flight Berlin to Dublin
• Services of a representative for coach transfers and tour
• Taxes and charges of €95

Booking remarks

• Inclusive of taxes and service charges as indicated
• Includes check in of 1 standard bag per room
• Single room supplement €90 for the duration
• Non refundable or transferrable booking deposit €100 per person
• Full payment due on confirmation
• 2% surcharge if balance is paid by credit or charge card
• Optional Insurance €17 (conditions apply)

Accommodation details

Park Inn Hotel Berlin – Alexanderplatz
Located in the historical heart of Berlin at the legendary Alexanderplatz, the Park Inn Berlin-Alexanderplatz is right next to the 368-meter TV Tower and close to the parliamentary district. A firm favourite with Citiescapes clients this hotel offers an excellent location for all your shopping and sightseeing.

• Modern, comfortable and functional hotel
• 1,006 rooms,
• Largest hotel in the city of Berlin
• Three restaurants, two bars and a beer garden
• Panorama Salon on the 37th floor offers fabulous views over Berlin
• Free access to fitness area with state-of-the-art equipment
• Wellness area with sauna, solarium, massage, fitness facilities and health bar (entrance fee)
• Wireless Internet access
• Casino on the 37th floor
• Concierge service
• Numerous shops next to the hotel

Rooms
All rooms have a functional and elegant design and include Non-smoking rooms and rooms for disabled guests available upon request. All rooms come with the following amenities:

• Comfortable work desk
• Individual climate control
• Satellite and pay-tv
• Minibar
• Trouser press
• Hairdryer

Scandic Hotel Berlin – Potsdamer Platz
Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz is a Scandic hotel in a class of its own: it brings you to the very heart of Berlin. Inside you find Scandinavia in design and atmosphere in a warm and welcoming way. As you enter the lobby you encounter a crisp winter atmosphere with colours and shapes that remind of Nordic mountains.
The restaurant takes you to the Scandinavian summer reminding of a meadow with intense greenery. You hear the humming of bees and birds whistling. The lounge bar reflects autumn with earth colours and materials – a relaxing living room to be used both for hanging out or working. The hotel gets more intimate and homelike as you enter the rooms with the four seasons as a theme: choose between a Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter room.
The hotel is located in the central part of Berlin, at Potsdamer Platz, which is one of the most popular attractions of the New Berlin. With its mix of restaurants, shopping opportunities, theatre and cinemas, both Berliners and tourists are drawn in to pass the time. The area is also rich in history, the former wall almost in front of the hotel, Brandenburger Tor, The memorial of the jews and the German Parliament. The underground station (U2 line) is directly outside the hotel and you can easily reach the main train station by foot in just a few minutes.

Dates and Prices

This tour is also available to the Berlin Christmas Markets in December.

Date	Price	Hotel		…….	55Club
23 Jan 2012	€399	Scandic			N/A
20 Feb 2012	€399	Scandic			N/A
05 Mar 2012	€399	Scandic			N/A
26 Mar 2012	€399	Scandic			N/A
23 Apr 2012	€419	Scandic			N/A