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.

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 Wyspianski 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 €102

Booking remarks

• Inclusive of taxes and service charges as indicated
• Includes check in of 1 standard bag per couple
• Single room supplement €66 for the duration
• Non refundable or transferrable booking deposit €100.00 per person
• Full payment due on confirmation
• 2% surcharge if balance is paid by credit or charge card
• Optional Insurance €25 (conditions apply)

Accommodation details

Wyspianski Hotel

After a complete modernization of the 40 year old building in 2003, the PTTK Wyspiański hotel received the 3 star category.The hotel ideally meets the needs of the tourist with its fantastic location right in the heart of Krakow..This is a large busy tourist hotel. The hotel has a restaurant and bar and due to the hotels prime location the lobby, restaurant and bar areas are constantly busy with tourists and locals alike.

Stanislaw Wyspianski, which The hotel is named after, was born on 15th January 1869 the outstanding artist painter, playwright and poet, interior and furniture designer linked his whole life to his beloved Kraków. Creator of well-known dramas which were shocking for the conscience of the nation, as well as the most famous “Wesele” (The Wedding), “Legenda” (The Legend), “Wyzwolene” (Liberation), “Noc Listopadowa” (November Night), he signed on permanently to the national output of Polish literature. We admire his polychromes and stained glass windows up to this day in the churches of Kraków – Holy Cross, Franciscan, Dominican as well as the church of Our Lady. He painted Kraków landscapes and portraits of those close to him, including outstanding artists of that epoch. The Kraków Museum in his name (www.muzeum.krakow.pl) has gathered together the greatest works of the artist of Polish modernism,

Hotel Wyspanski, Accommodation

Hotel has 158 single and twin bedrooms. All rooms are with bathroom, equipped with satelite TV, direct – dial telephone and radio. Modern furnitures, all rooms recently refurbished.

Facilities.

Restaurant:

A large busy modern restaurant offering a range of local Polish and European cuisine.

Lobby:

The lobby area is large and bright with the reception desk located straight over from the hotels entrance, there is ample seating in the lobby area.

Dates and Prices

Date	Price		…….	55Club
12 April 2010	€459			N/A
12 July 2010	€439			N/A
19 July 2010	€439			N/A
09 August 2010	€449			N/A
16 August 2010	€449			N/A
11 October 2010	€389			€359
25 October 2010	€409			€389
06 November 2010	€389			N/A
11 November 2010	€389			N/A
13 November 2010	€389			€349
20 November 2010	€389			N/A
25 November 2010	€389			N/A
27 November 2010	€389			N/A