Poland

Why Choose an Escorted Holiday to Poland?

Poland is one of the most historically significant countries in Europe, and one of the least understood by British travellers who haven't been. Kraków's old town is one of the finest medieval city centres on the continent. Warsaw, rebuilt from near-total destruction after the Second World War, is a story of extraordinary resilience. The Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial is one of the most important places any human being can visit. And beyond the history, Poland has mountain landscapes in the south, a Baltic coastline in the north and a cuisine that is hearty, distinctive and deeply satisfying.

An escorted tour is particularly valuable here. The history is complex and requires context to understand properly. The emotional weight of sites like Auschwitz is significant, and having a guide who knows how to approach this respectfully - as well as how to balance it with the lighter pleasures of Kraków's restaurant-filled main square - makes a genuine difference. For British-Indian passengers, Poland is an emerging destination that offers excellent value and a depth of experience that more visited European countries cannot match.

Indian-Friendly Features on Our Poland Tours

• Indian dinners included on most multi-day tours, with Indian restaurants in Kraków and Warsaw
• Vegetarian options available throughout, with Kraków in particular having a well-developed vegetarian restaurant scene
• No beef or pork compulsory in any included meals
• Midlands, Leicester and London pick-up points for all UK departures
• Respectful approach to historically significant sites, with full context from experienced tour managers

Best Time to Visit Poland

April and May are excellent: mild temperatures, spring flowers in the Tatra Mountains and far fewer tourists than the summer months. Kraków's old town and market square are at their most pleasant.

June to August brings the warmest weather. The Tatra Mountains are popular for hiking, and Kraków's outdoor café culture is in full swing. Book ahead for summer departures.

September and October are among the best months - warm enough to be comfortable, with the mountain forests turning colour and the main sights quieter than summer.

December is genuinely special in Kraków: one of the best Christmas market cities in Europe, with a decorated main square that rivals any in Germany or Austria.

Popular Destinations Within Poland

Kraków - the cultural capital, spared significant wartime destruction. The Rynek Główny (Main Market Square), the Wawel Royal Castle and Cathedral, the Kazimierz Jewish quarter and the old Jewish heritage of the city make it one of Europe's most rewarding city destinations.

Auschwitz-Birkenau - the former German Nazi concentration and extermination camp, now a UNESCO World Heritage memorial site. Visits are managed respectfully, and our tour managers approach this with the care it demands. Essential for any serious traveller.

Warsaw - Poland's capital, rebuilt with extraordinary care after being 85% destroyed in the war. The reconstructed Old Town, the Warsaw Uprising Museum and the Palace of Culture are all central to understanding modern Poland.

The Tatra Mountains and Zakopane - the highland resort town of Zakopane sits below Poland's highest peaks. Excellent walking country in summer, skiing in winter, and a distinctive highland culture quite unlike the rest of the country.

Wieliczka Salt Mine - just outside Kraków, a UNESCO-listed underground world of salt chambers, sculptures and chapels carved entirely from rock salt over seven centuries.

Wrocław - a beautiful multi-island city on the Oder River, with a magnificent Gothic town hall and a lively student atmosphere. One of Poland's most underrated destinations.

Practical Information

• Currency: Polish Zloty (PLN). Poland does not use the Euro.
• Language: Polish; English spoken in tourist areas, hotels and major cities
• Time zone: Central European Time (GMT+1 in winter, GMT+2 in summer)
• Electricity: Type E plugs (230V). A European adapter is needed for UK devices.
• Tipping: Included in your Star Tours holiday price
• India bookings: Call our India line free on 1800 123 181 181 (10am-7pm)
• ABTA & ATOL: All our Poland holidays are fully protected