Poland Escapes
Poland has survived centuries of conflict to emerge as a proud, independent country, ready to assume her new role in modern history. Visitors are discovering what the locals have long known, that Poland is a country rich in fine culture, scenic landscapes and extraordinary historical sites. Whether exploring the nation’s vibrant cities, the lakes and forests of her picturesque countryside or some of the other tourist attractions in Poland, visitors are sure to bring away rich memories.
Belgium is a small country but it holds a special place. Belgium is situated at the heart of Europe. This is a basic observation but the importance of its central geographical location between the most important countries in Western Europe needs to be highlighted. At the risk of seeming paradoxical, Belgium was in a way already playing a “European” role even before it became “Belgian”. Just look at the past roles of Bruges and Antwerp in international trade, Leuven’s role as a university town and the part Liège played during the industrial revolution.
This tradition of openness continues today. Belgium is still a hub for international contacts. More than 1,000 public and private international organizations (international institutions, diplomatic missions, lobby groups, think tanks, multinationals), have set up headquarters or have a permanent secretariat in Belgium. Of particular note is the presence in Belgium, in addition to the institutions of the European Union, of Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), the headquarters of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), and the General Secretariat of the Benelux.
However, in addition to the foreign presence within Belgium, Belgium is also represented abroad. Belgium is an exporting country today, but it has always had an active foreign policy. Our country has 132 diplomatic and consular posts abroad, as well as a number of offices representing Communities and Regions.
If you prefer the beach or enjoy cycling, you will not be able to resist the call of our seaside! Our prestigious art cities are magnificent, even if you are not a fan of history, architecture or culture.
WARSAW
Rebuilt after World War II practically from scratch, it’s the capital and biggest city of Poland. Its vibrant business downtown takes pride in many skyscrapers and ambitious plans to build more. The catchy skyline is still dominated by the enormous Palace of Culture and Science – a Stalin’s donation. Warsaw is a big world with an east European flavour. Do not miss the beautiful Old Town, the Royal Route, the Chopin museum, several magnificent palaces and the former Jewish ghetto.
KRAKOW
Krakow, famous for its priceless historical monuments of culture and art, is Poland’s former royal capital and one of the most attractive spots on the tourist map of Europe. Besides history, art and an atmosphere all of its own, Krakow offers visitors entertainment and leisure: theatres, cabarets, clubs, cafes, bars, wine cellars and restaurants having something to offer for everyone. International festivals and other events are held either in the Main Market Square or at the foot of the Wawel Castle. Also Krakow surrounding areas offer plenty of tourist attractions: Wieliczka is famous for being one of the world’s oldest salt mines open to sightseers.
GDANSK
This is a place not to be missed when visiting Poland. It is rich in cultural and architectural relics. This cheerful maritime city is popular with both tourist and holiday destination. Situated by the sea, it has a gentle climate and beautiful beaches. The exclusive architecture of the Old Town, including the largest brick Gothic church in the world, is undoubtedly worth exploring. The present image of the city was created by its complex history. Gdansk used to often change hands and in 1980 it witnessed the birth of the Solidarity movement, which brought the end of Communism.
AUSCHWITZ – BIRKENAU
The Auschwitz Concentration Camp is, arguably, the twentieth century’s most pervasive symbol of human suffering, and of the depths of human cruelty. The largest prison complex ever built by the Nazis includes prison camps, fields of works and, later, the construction of a purpose-built extermination camp designed for ‘processing’ vast numbers of victims with machine-like efficiency. In the last years of WWII, the sleepy Polish town of Oświęcim saw the cruel massacre of as many as three million innocent men, women and children in the gas chambers: almost half of the Holocaust’s total death toll.
BIAŁOWIEZA NATIONAL PARK
Established in 1932, it’s one of the oldest nature reserves in Europe. It envelops the central part of the Białowieża Forest which is known worldwide for its vast, virgin forested terrain and as the breeding grounds of the European bison. Today, the largest herd of bison found here is made up of over 300 animals. Due to the great natural values, Białowieża National Park was listed as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1977 and in 1979 it became the first and only natural Polish World Heritage Site.
MALBORK
The city of Malbork is home of the largest brick castle in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This fascinating fortress was built in the end of 13th century as a seat of Teutonic Knights Order and capital city of Order’s State when they decided to move from Venice. The size is really impressive: for its construction were used almost five millions bricks. This is one of only few strongholds in the world which have never been captured in battle.
SLOWINSKI NATIONAL PARK
The park has been recorded on the UNESCO list of World Biosphere Reserves. The greatest attraction of this park stretching along the Baltic Sea coast are the shifting sand dunes, which, as they move, uncover dead tree stumps – the fossilized remains of forests once growing here. The biggest dune rises to 42 meters above sea level. The park is also inhabited by a number of rare aquatic bird species.
- Historical Tours – History From hundreds of medieval castles, to the infamous Auschwitz camp and excellent museums, there is a lot to take in and discover.
- Food & Wine Tours – Sure you’ve heard people saying how incredible Polish food is, but you have no idea just how good it is until you try it in the country itself. Our food & wine tours are just amazing and try one of those.
- Shopping Lovers – If you love to shop, you will feel right at home when you visit Poland and sure you’ll never get bored of spending your money.
- Monuments – There are thousands of monuments in Poland, 14 of them are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Traditions Unlike some of the more westernized and modern parts of Europe, you can guarantee plenty of tradition during your visit to Poland.
- Private Castles Tours – From foundation-only ruins to structures that maintain their original integrity, Poland is one of the best destinations for castles lovers.
- Vodka Tours – During your stay, you need to try the vodka. It’s tradition! Although it’s perhaps better not to compete with the locals in a drink contest. We do arrange Private Visit to an Artisanal Vodka Maker. Today you will journey into the Polish countryside to the village of Lomianki to visit the country home and family distillery of a local nalewki-maker.
- Private Visit to the Zabinski Villa – A private tour experience of the former villa of Jan Zabinski in the Warsaw Zoo. Zabinski was the director of the Warsaw Zoo before and during WWII. Upon the creation of the Warsaw Ghetto, Dr. Zabinski and his wife started hiding Jews in his villa and, unbelievably, in the Zoo itself. This was documented in Diane Akerman’s excellent book, The Zookeeper’s Wife.
- Visit to Torun – Visit Torun, birthplace of Nicholas Copernicus.
- Salt Mine Experience – Visit the legendary salt mines of Wieliczka near Krakow and admire the beautiful salt sculpture.
- Czestochowa Visit – Visit Czestochowa , world famous city for the Pauline monastery of Jasna Gora which is the home of the Black Madonna painting, a shrine of the Virgin Mary.