Surprising trips to Krakow (Poland) for those who like travelling in a creative and non-standard way.

Unforgettable sights, great mysteries, fascinating stories...

This trip will allow you to experience the variety of Krakow.  You will discover the dark side of the city as detectives, explore the underground salt city, learn to cook Polish dishes and... get to know the most useful Polish expressions.

1. On the programme:

Żubrówka and Żurek
A very Polish evening

For a start, we'll spend an evening together singing Polish songs, raising Polish toasts and tasting  Polish food, all this to the accompaniment of a traditional Polish band. On the tables you will find a variety of traditional dishes: pierogi, bigos, Polish sour soup. The party will take place in a stylish restaurant famous for its excellent cuisine and a special atmosphere that will allow you to fully enjoy Polish folklore.

Mysterious Krakow
The dark sides of the Old Town

Discover some unsolved cases as well as famous crimes that happened in the past. Slip into the role of a detective – trace the footsteps of murderers, examine old photos, solve mysteries....
During our walk you’ll get to know the criminal side of Krakow monasteries, hear
a fascinating story of a stolen Leonardo da Vinci painting, find out who was the most notorious mass murderer in Krakow and why the three ghosts are still haunting the Wawel Cathedral...
To gather information for this tour we made a research in libraries
and city archives but the effect was worth it.

Agatha Christie would love this tour…

Wieliczka
The city of salt

Wonderful chapels, charming lakes, monuments carved in salt, original museums... In the labyrinth hidden 112 metres under the city you will discover a completely different world, learn about people's struggle with nature, their work, their passions and beliefs. In an atmosphere of funand humour you will learn about the miners' customs and take part in many different competitions.

The Salt Mine in Wieliczka is the most frequently visited tourist attraction in Poland. Placed on the UNESCO's World Heritage List, it is one of the world's oldest (13th century) operating salt mines.

Artistic Kazimierz
Discovering Jewish culture

Kazimierz, a historical Jewish place, is one of the best known districts in Krakow.
And although today its old glamour is hidden mostly in old tenements and synagogues, you can still feel the unique atmosphere of a Jewish town of the Middle Ages.
During our walk around Kazimierz you will see the most interesting monuments of the district, visit places of worship as well the most peculiar sites such as the renowned Laznia theatre, the oldest bakery in Krakow and Jewish artisan workshops.
We will take you to the places where Steven Spielberg shot his Oscar-winning film “Schindler's List“ and to Szeroka Street, home to the world-famous Jewish Culture Festival. Together we will sit in the legendary Singer bar, drinking cold beer and talking about Lajkonik, the beautiful Esther and Klezmer music...

Pierogi Feast
Let's make it together

Poles love pierogi. All Polish restaurants have them in their menus, and molding them is probably the oldest Polish culinary tradition. Now you have the chance to experience our tradition as well. During our pierogi party you will get to know our special recipe and together we will make a whole lot of delicious pierogi.

And a Polish lesson so that you know how to...

• order ”barszcz z uszkami” in a milk bar,
• negotiate a better price with a taxi driver,
• sing Sto Lat at your Polish friend's birthday,
• impress everybody with your pronunciation of  Polish tongue twisters such as ”chrząszcz brzmi w trzcinie”.

Above all it's great fun plus some useful skills!

2. General information:

Accommodation

For your stay in Krakow we offer you self catering stylishly decorated apartments in the city center, fully furnished and equipped.

Competent care

We will help you arrange your flight, collect you from the airport, lead you to your apartments and help you move in. The VARIA Center office is open for you from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the trip organizers are available 24 hours a day.

Price covers

• cultural programme (together with the meals it includes)

• accommodation (double, 3-, and 4-person rooms)

• trip organiser's assistance

• guiding services

• entrance fees

Price

260 Euro

Discount

5% for students and organised groups

Dates

• I 22.03-26.03.2012
• II 04.10-08.10.2012

Organised groups: please contact us to set up the date

Organised groups

The cultural programme and accommodation arrangements can be changed to suit a particular group's interests. The prices can then be modified accordingly.

All prices cover

• cultural programme (together with the meals it includes)
• accommodation (double rooms)
• trip organiser's assistance
• guiding services
• entrance fees

Contact

Center of Polish Language VARIA
ul. Michałowskiego 2/3
31-126 Kraków, Poland
office@varia-course.com
Tel.: +48/12 633 58 71
http://www.varia-course.com/Inne/Trips/

Organiser
Center of Polish Language VARIA

The VARIA Center of Polish Language has been specializing in the Polish language holidays in Krakow for 14 years. The aim of the stays is to familiarise foreigners with Polish language, culture and mentality.

And therefore...
we have created Trips to Remember.  We will let you have an insider's look at the city, discover its variety and unique character you won't find during traditional trips.
Our purpose?
To make your trip to Krakow a Trip to Remember.