A weekend in Krakow

Rendez-vous on the Rynek Glowny, the heart of Krakow. Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Cloth Hall, then stop by one of the many cafés on the square for a siernik. Continue on Florianska Street, a segment of the Royal Way, which will take you to Barbacane. Here, then go down Pijarska Street towards Rynek, passing through the university district where you will visit the Collegium Maius. Then take Golebia Street and exit on Grodzka Street, the second part of the Royal Way, to reach the foot of Wawel Hill.

Spend the first part of the day visiting the Wawel complex which, together with the castle and cathedral, is the symbol of the union of political and religious powers in Poland. Leave the castle via the Dragon Cave. You will find yourself directly on the edge of the Vistula, next to the statue of the dragon, symbol of Krakow. Continue on the quays up to the na Skalce church which overlooks the river. Skaleczna Street will take you to the heart of Kazimierz, the former Jewish district that retains the authentic charm of yesteryear. Stroll through its narrow streets, not to mention visiting the Remu'h synagogue and stopping at one of the many cafés in the area.

For the third day, opt for an excursion to the surroundings of Krakow, Oswiecim or Wieliczka, depending on your interests. Oswiecim is 65 km from Krakow and the excursion will keep you busy for the whole day. You will visit the concentration camps of Auschwitz-Birkenau. The village of Wieliczka is located about ten kilometres from Krakow, where you can visit the famous salt mines. If you leave in the morning, this excursion will allow you to return to Krakow in the early afternoon and enjoy a little more of the city.