featuring touring, music, dance, art, architecture, history, great cuisine and lots of fun
personally escorted by LUCYNA MIGALA
Artistic Director/General Manager of the Lira Ensemble & an experienced Tour Director
Lira will show you the Poland of your dreams during this tour of:
WARSAW – BIALOWIERZA FOREST – GDANSK/GDYNIA/SOPOT – TORUN – POZNAN
GNIEZNO – CHOPIN’S BIRTHPLACE – AND MORE
We travel in Poland on an ultra-modern, air-conditioned motor coach
with an emergency bathroom on board.
THIS TOUR INCLUDES:
FIRST CLASS HOTELS – ALL TOURS & TRANSPORTATION IN POLAND
ADMISSIONS TO CONCERTS & OTHER PERFORMANCES
ALL BAGGAGE HANDLING – MOST TIPS – THREE MEALS A DAY
(EXCEPT FOR FOUR LUNCHES & FIVE DINNERS, AS INDICATED IN THE ITINERARY)
SOFT DRINKS AT MEALS ARE INCLUDED – SOME ALCOHOLIC DRINKS ARE INCLUDED.
The tour price DOES NOT INCLUDE YOUR AIRFARE!
You may choose to fly to Poland as you wish – and perhaps use your United Miles
Lira recommends that you fly non-stop to & from Warsaw on LOT Polish Airlines Boeing Dreamliner jets.
Whatever you choose, Lira can make your reservation/purchase your airline tickets.
Thursday, July 13th
If you fly with the tour, we depart from O’Hare Airport on a LOT Airlines Boeing Dreamliner. You may choose any other flight. Just be sure to join the tour in Warsaw on Friday morning, July 14th. If you take LOT, you’ll enjoy dinner over the Atlantic. All meals/- and all non-alcoholic refreshments onboard are covered in your tour price. Other alcohol is also available at reasonable prices. Bring small bills to purchase such drinks. We nap/sleep or watch a movie or two on your onboard private computer, then have breakfast over Europe. The Dreamliner has lots of electronic “toys” and services, so you may not want to nap. We land at Chopin Airport in Warsaw, Poland’s dauntless capital city, on Friday morning.
Friday, July 14th
Upon our arrival in Warsaw, we board our state-of-the-art tour bus, and tour the magnificent, restored Royal Castle. Meanwhile, our bags are taken to our hotel – the Sofitel Victoria, one of Warsaw’s best. (For those who have been to Warsaw, we can offer an alternate itinerary if you like. However, you may want to see the Castle again, because there is so much to see and sometimes they open new rooms.) After a light lunch, we tour Warsaw’s Old Town. We view a brief film about the tragic history of Warsaw during World War Two. You will have a chance to change for our evening events. We attend a private concert of Chopin piano music in one of Warsaw’s many palaces. Our welcoming dinner is at an elite Warsaw restaurant. Then we overnight at our hotel.
Saturday, July 15th
We enjoy a breakfast buffet at our hotel, with a large choice of Polish, continental, and American dishes. We drive the Royal Route of Warsaw, passing many palaces (now often embassies), churches and monuments, and see more of the capital city. We arrive at Wilanow, known as the Polish Versailles, and tour this summer residence of King Jan III Sobieski (one of the Polish great heroes). (For those who have seen Wilanow, we can suggest an alternate itinerary, such as the unique Warsaw Uprising Museum.) We lunch at a fine local restaurant, after which we visit one of Warsaw’s newest attractions, the Polin Museum of the History of Polish Jews – a remarkable experience. We have dinner at another of Warsaw’s exquisite restaurants. Since it is Saturday night, a walk through Old Town is a great idea to see how Poles enjoy the weekend before you return to our hotel.
Sunday, July 16th
We attend Mass (if you like) at Holy Cross Church where Chopin’s heart is buried or another of Warsaw’s historic churches if you have already seen the Holy Cross Church. Then back to our hotel for breakfast. Next, we visit the National Museum of Art to view some of Poland’s most treasured paintings. Then we leave Warsaw, driving northeast into the countryside. We lunch at a charming country inn, then continue our drive east to the town of Bialowieza and check into the rustic Zubrowka Hotel. We enjoy dinner at the unique Carska (Czar’s) Restaurant. After dinner, Lucyna offers a quick review of Polish history over a snifter of French cognac (if you like), so you can better understand what you are seeing.
Monday, July 17th
After breakfast at our hotel, we tour the world-famous Bialowieza National Park, which includes one of last primeval forests in Europe and is included in the UNESCO list of World Natural Heritage Sites. A walk through this silent, haunting woodland is refreshing and memorable. We see the zubry – Poland’s buffalos – and other exotic animals native only to Poland. We enjoy a picnic lunch near the forest, then drive to the village of Hajnowka to visit the Orthodox Church there to learn about Poland’s surprising religious diversity. Dinner at our hotel includes an introduction to Zubrowka, the delicious vodka created in this region.
Tuesday, July 18th
Following breakfast at the hotel, we drive northwest through Poland’s beautiful and unspoiled glacial lake region. We stop to see the historic synagogue at Tykocin. Lunch is at an unforgettable wooden country inn. Then we drive to the renowned city of Bialystok to see the Branicki Palace. We drive on to the city of Olsztyn to, where we check-in to a local spa or hotel. (I could not get a confirmation and I did not want to delay sending this information to you.) However, I assure you, the hotel will be up to your standards. Dinner is at the hotel, and we recommend an evening walk around this peaceful, pleasant area.
Wednesday, July 19th
Breakfast is at the hotel, then we continue driving through the “Land of a Thousand Lakes.” We stop at Sw. Lipka – a gorgeous Baroque church surprisingly situated in the middle of Poland’s least populated region. Lunch is at a homey, country restaurant. We drive further west, weaving through beautiful lakes and forests, to the Tri-City of Gdansk/Sopot/Gdynia. Dinner is at one of Gdansk’s finest restaurants in a city known for its good food. Our hotel is the brand-new, luxurious Granary Island Holiday Inn.
Thursday, July 20th
After breakfast at the hotel, we tour the seaport city of Gdansk with its unique late Renaissance and Baroque architecture and interesting history. Gdansk was a member of the historic Hanseatic League – an important economic alliance between several European cities during the Middle Ages – so it has a very prosperous past. Lunch is on your own, and there are many delightful restaurants to choose from, followed by some free time for shopping, strolling or resting. Later in the day, we visit the new Museum of the Second World War. We dine together at another famous restaurant in Gdansk and return back to Granary Island.
Friday, July 21st
After our breakfast buffet at the hotel, we visit the new European Solidarity Center – Gdansk is the home of the Solidarity Movement that freed Poland and eventually nearly all of Central and Eastern Europe of communism. And then free time for shopping or plans of your own. We gather for lunch at another Gdansk spot. Afterward to Gdynia, the second of the Tri-City towns, for a short visit. In the early evening, we drive to the last Tri-City of Sopot, which is a renowned sea resort and home to the longest wooden pier in Europe. There we dine beautifully, then drive back to Granary Island.
Saturday, July 22nd
After breakfast at the hotel, we drive to Malbork Castle, the former seat of the Order of Teutonic Knights. We tour this huge, imposing, very interesting fortress, then enjoy lunch in the castle complex. We drive into the heart of the Kaszubian Region of Poland to visit an outdoor Ethnographic Park with an authentic, historic Kaszubian village. We drive to the town of Zukowo for a classic Kaszubian meal with folk songs and dances and an opportunity to purchase Kaszubian folk crafts. Then back to the hotel.
Sunday, July 23rd
We attend early Mass at St. Brygida Church (if you like) – which became famous as the Solidarity church. Then breakfast at the hotel and we drive to Torun, the hometown of Nicholas Copernicus, the great Polish astronomer. Torun is also home of Polish gingerbread, which you can munch on as we make a short tour of this lovely, historic town. Torun’s Old Town is on the UNESCO list of world treasures. Several Polish cities made the list. You will have time for shopping and/or lunch on your own and there are many cute spots. Then we drive to Gniezno, the first capital of Poland, with its Gothic Cathedral with bronze doors that date back to the 12th century – the best example of Romanesque art in Europe. We continue on to Poznan, one of the major cities in Poland, a business center that is the capital of Greater Poland. We check into the Sheraton Hotel. Our dinner includes local treats, then back to the hotel for the night.
Monday, July 24th
After breakfast at the hotel, we tour Poznan, including its Renaissance Town Hall and bustling town square. We’ll watch the Poznan goats butt heads at the strike of noon – an old tradition. We see an example of how Poland is updating without losing its heritage – a modern shopping mall in a historic brewery. Then, free time for shopping/resting/private touring followed by lunch on your own. You have been very good travelers, so you deserve a night off. There are many restaurants to choose from for dinner on your own. You may want to dine in the open air on the square. It is not expensive and quite good. And people-watching is fun. We overnight at the Sheraton.
Tuesday, July 25th
Breakfast is at the hotel before we drive east to Lichen, called the “Czestochowa of the North” because it has become a major place of pilgrimage. Its huge basilica was built as Poland’s thanks to the Blessed Virgin for freeing the country of communism. We drive toward Warsaw, stopping at Zelazowa Wola, the birthplace of Frederick Chopin. We lunch at an adorable country inn and then drive to the suburbs of Warsaw, to the Mazurka Hotel where a farewell dinner awaits us with a last taste of Polish folklore. Do get a good night’s sleep before your return flight.
Wednesday, July 26th
Today is one of the longest days of your life, because of your trans-Atlantic flight. After breakfast at our hotel, we drive to Chopin Airport. There will be an opportunity to do some shopping at the duty-free shops and it is recommended. As before, all food and non-alcoholic drinks onboard your flight are included in your ticket price. You may use US or Polish small bills to pay for alcoholic beverages. When you arrive in Chicago, it will be 10 hours later, but it will still be Wednesday afternoon.
Tour prices and important notes
$4,548.00 base charge per person, two to a room, departing from Chicago.
This price is for a group of 15. If fewer than fifteen people sign up for this tour, the price will be somewhat higher.
Lira prices are closely tied to the value of the dollar abroad; if it falls steeply, there may be an additional charge.
$675.00 extra charge for a single room.
We will purchase your airline ticket if you like, but not before we have a group of 15.
The sooner we have 15, the better, because airfares are higher closer to the departure date.
Register for this tour as soon as possible; you will save considerably on your airfare.
The first deposit of $2,000.00 is due as soon as possible upon registration.
A second payment of $2,000.00 on April 1, 2023.
The balance is due on May 1, 2023.
Tour payments must be made by check only. Sorry, no credit cards.
Once you’ve decided to join us, be certain to discuss TRAVEL INSURANCE with the Lira Office. The Lira Ensemble recommends that, despite the cost, you DO purchase travel insurance. You have a choice of which company, but Lira will need some information from you about what every plan you purchase before departure – just in case.
U.S. and Canadian citizens need only a valid passport to visit Poland; no visa is required. If you do not have a valid passport, please apply for one as soon as possible – the closer to summer, the longer the lines at the passport office and the longer it takes to get your passport.
IMPORANT: Your passport expiration date must be at least six months after your return to the United States.
You may also upgrade your seat from Economy Class to Premium Economy or Business Class (the LOT equivalent of First Class). If we have 15 people registered soon, the current Premium Economy fare is very reasonable, and we recommend it – for comfort and special service in the air.
A portion of the tour price is deductible from your federal taxes. A tax receipt will be issued after the tour, once all bills are paid.
2023 Southern Tour – Terms and Conditions
HOTELS: Twin-bedded or double-bedded rooms with bath or shower in first class or deluxe hotels. A limited number of single rooms are available at the supplementary charge. Hotels are subject to change.
TIPS & TAXES: Service charges, as imposed by hotels and taxes by local administrations and government authorities on accommodations, meals, and transportation, are included. Tips to local guides and baggage handlers at the airport and at hotels are included. It is customary for tour members to tip the tour guide (“pilot”) and bus driver who travel with the tour, on the last day of the tour. These tips are not included.
SIGHTSEEING & TRANSFERS: Sightseeing is as specified in the itinerary, including entrance fees, and subject to change. Transfer upon arrival and departure overseas by motor coach between airport and hotel and vice versa if traveling with the tour group.
RESERVATIONS & PAYMENT: A deposit of $2,000.00 per person is required at the time of booking. A second installment of $2,000.00 is due April 1, 2023 and the balance is due on May 1, 2023. Reservations and payments are accepted with personal or bank checks only. Sorry, credit cards are not accepted for tour deposits or payments.
TRIP CANCELLATION, BAGGAGE AND MEDICAL INSURANCE: It is advisable to purchase insurance coverage for cancellation or emergency evacuation due to illness or accident. Applications for suggested insurance as well as baggage and travel insurance will be provided once tour deposits are received.
CANCELLATION AND REFUNDS: Cancellations must be in writing. Cancellation charges will apply: Within 90 days prior to departure – 30% of the cost; within 60 days prior to departure – 50% of the cost; within 30 days prior to departure – no refunds.
YOUR RATE DOES NOT INCLUDE: Passport fees, taxes or tips on services not included in the itinerary; laundry or valet service; excess baggage charges; insurance of any kind; wines, beers, liquors or any food or beverages not on regular menus of included meals.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: A valid passport is required for all U.S. and Canadian citizens traveling to Poland. Your passport expiration date must be at least six months after your return date to the US.
RESPONSIBILITY: The Lira Ensemble acts only as an agent for the hotels, airlines, bus companies or owners, operators or contractors providing accommodations, transportation, meals, tours, or other services. All vouchers, coupons, contracts and tickets issued are subject to any and all tariffs, terms and conditions under which the foregoing or any services whatsoever are provided by such hotels, airlines, bus companies or owners, operators or contractors. By the acceptance of the above, the tour member agrees to the foregoing and also agrees that the Lira Ensemble shall not be or become liable or responsible for any loss, injury or damage to person, property or otherwise in connection with any transportation, accommodation, meals, tour or other services referred to herein, or resulting from neglect or default of any person, corporation or other entity engaged to supply the same. The tour operator reserves the right to make changes in the itinerary, whenever, in their sole judgment, conditions warrant; or if they deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience or safety of the passengers. They can accept no responsibility for losses of additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine or other causes. All such losses must be borne by the passenger as tour rate provides for arrangement only for the specified. All alterations may be made without penalty to the tour operator. The airline concerned is not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not aboard their planes or conveyance. The passenger contract in use by the airline concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the airlines and purchaser of this tour and/or passage.
If you’d like to join Lucyna Migala and the Lira Ensemble on this amazing Northern Tour