Destination: Poland

Q: How much should I tip in Poland?

<p>If you&#8217;re on an Odyssey tour, we take care of tipping so you don&#8217;t need to give it a second thought. However, in your free time, or if travelling independently, it&#8217;s essential that you tip an appropriate amount for services, as is the case throughout much of Europe. Tipping is customary for good service in hotels and restaurants, though it is not obligatory. Tips are generally 10-15% of the bill in restaurants and bars.</p>

Poland tours for seniors.

Odyssey offers easy, convenient, and relaxed escorted small group tours across Eastern Europe and beyond. Our guided tour explore Poland‘s incredible natural beauty, its medieval commonwealth heritage, its UNESCO World Heritage Site collection. As well as fascinating major cities such as historic Krakow, Wroclaw, Warsaw, Gdansk, all with some truly spectacular scenery such as the Carpathian mountain group or the Tatra Mountains along the way, as we cross Eastern Poland to Northern Poland to the Baltic sea and beyond on this trip on the fringe of Central Europe. This and more is all waiting to be explored on one of Odyssey’s small group Poland tours designed for the senior traveller. Each Poland tour for seniors is led by an experienced tour director, supported with a local guide with enthusiastic like minded people.

Continues below

Poland Tours

Tours for Mature Aged and Senior World Travellers

23 days

Jun, Sep

History of the Hanseatic League

Visiting Germany, Poland

Merchants generated much of the wealth of Europe, from Venice to Genoa, Lisbon and London. On the Baltic coast building on the Vikings, the Hanseatic league become the traders influence trade from the middle ages across Europe. This small group tour for senior couple and mature solo travellers explores the history.

From A$17,465 AUD

View Tour

Guaranteed

Baltics Small Group escorted Tour Latvia Estonia Lithuania

21 days

May, Oct, Apr

Baltics: Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Helsinki, Stockholm and Copenhagen

Visiting Denmark, Estonia

An escorted small group tour to the Baltic States of Europe that explores the key destinations of this region starting in Warsaw, then making its way through Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, Stockholm and concluding in Copenhagen. Each day has scheduled itineraries supported by local guides who share knowledge and authentic experiences of the places visited. This is small group travelling to the Baltics for like minded people.

From A$16,975 AUD

View Tour

Pre-guaranteed

21 days

Jun, Sep, May, Oct

Exploring Poland | Poland Small Group Tour

Visiting Poland

Odyssey's European tour of Poland provides the guests with authentic experiences in a range of key historical destinations to enjoy. Your tour leader supported by knowledgeable local guides who provide daily itineraries that often take you off the beaten path to learn more about the places visited.

From A$13,340 AUD

View Tour

Habsburg Art and Classical Music small group Tour

22 days

Aug

Habsburg Art and Classical Music small group Tour

Visiting Austria, Czech Republic

From the mediaeval jewel of Cesky Krumlow to the grandeur of the Habsburg’s summer palace in Vienna, our small group will embark on a 21 night journey to learn about these vibrant and artistically rich cities. We delve into the history of the famous artists, musicians, writers, architects and composers from Austria, Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic.

From A$15,995 AUD

View Tour

Tours of Europe

Poland, situated in central Europe between Russia and Germany, welcomes many travellers eager to know more about its history and see its natural beauty. Warsaw is its capital and largest city, and the city’s motto, Contemnit procellas (“It defies the storms”), is testament to the city’s-and the country‘s-perseverance, its historic centre rising several times from the ashes after being destroyed by wars and the invading armies of World war ii. From a walking tour in Warsaw and its fascinating Old Town on the banks of the River Vistula, head out to visit the ancient royal capital, Krakow, the port city of Gdansk, and the old cities that shaped the heart and soul of Poland. Ancient castles and old churches dot the landscape, while the forests and grasslands of the country offer some remarkable sights for those wanting to take in some natural scenery on this educational Poland tour for seniors.

Our escorted tours follow whilst in Warsaw, the beautiful Royal Route featuring a number of historical landmarks in Polish history connecting the three former residences of Polish rulers: The Royal Castle, Lazienki Krolewskie and the lavish Royal Wilanow Palace and Park, built as a residence of John III Sobieski who ruled Poland in the 17th century. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site visited on your guided tour is the 13th century Castle of Malbork, which was built by the Teutonic Knights as the headquarters of their Grand Master. This massive stronghold of red brick mirrored the might of the order. Your Poland tour for seniors also includes a visit to the Salt Mine in Wieliczka, a unique and world-class attraction that is on the World Heritage list as well. This subterranean salt mine, established in the 13th century, is distributed across nine levels, providing a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers (and even chapels!) adorned with salt sculptures that you can explore with your local guide.

Other monuments built in Poland during the 14th to the 17th centuries were the Wooden Churches of Southern Malopolska, considered the best preserved wooden Gothic churches characteristic of the region and time period, and the timber-framed Churches of Peace in Jawor and Swidnica, erected by the Lutherans during the Peace of Westphalia in 1648 that ended the European wars of religion.

Warsaw was destroyed by Nazi troops in 1944 in World war II. Some three million Polish Jews were killed in Nazi extermination camps. A visit to Auschwitz concentration camp with its memorial and museum is to bear witness to this horrific past that affected not only Polish Jews, but Jews from all over Europe. Warsaw was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site following its meticulous restoration after World War II. UNESCO calls it “an outstanding example of a near-total reconstruction of a span of history covering the 13th to the 20th century.”

Articles about Poland

9 Total Articles

Wroclaw, Poland

Learn about the historic city of Wroclaw. Located in Poland's Lower Silesia Region, it has seen the passage of some of Europe's most dramatic history. Odyssey offers small group tours for mature and senior travellers couples and solo travelers to Wroclaw and Poland.

6 Nov 20 · 7 mins read

Read Article

Warsaw, Poland

The History of Warsaw Warsaw, the Polish capital city, has a fascinating history of cultural and economic development in the face of foreign occupation. Emerging in the 14th century as an important central trading point,…

31 Mar 20 · 5 mins read

Read Article

Questions about Poland for senior Travellers

Consider and Escorted small group tours for mature and senior travellers to Poland. Designed for couples and solo travellers who like to explore and enjoy learning as they travel to the historic sites of Poland including Warsaw , Gdansk and beyond.

14 Nov 19 · 2 mins read

Read Article

10 Unimaginable Destinations: The Definitive Guide

Experience and knowledge shows that they are plenty of places in the world still to be explored by the curious. Our collection of small group tours for seniors as well as mainstream tours to France or Italy can take the traveller as a couple or solo traveller to places of curiosity such as Panama or Iran the list is endless for the curious.

8 Oct 19 · 2 mins read

Read Article

Historic Sites of Poland: The Definitive Guide for Travellers

Castles, Palaces, and Other Historic Sites of Poland Poland, situated in central Europe between Russia and Germany, welcomes many travellers eager to know more about its history and see its natural beauty. Warsaw is its capital and…

15 Jan 19 · 8 mins read

Read Article

Zakopane, Poland

Zakopane Zakopane is a beautiful resort town on the edge of the Tatra Mountains in Southern Poland famed for skiing during the winter months and mountain climbing and hiking in summer. Visitors are treated to…

15 May 23 · 5 mins read

Read Article

Touring Poland

The need to know

Getting around

Odyssey travels by coach and occasionally uses local transport, including the train and ferries on any Poland tour for seniors. Specifics are always outlined in your tour itinerary. Trains are cheap and convenient, with inter-city services between major cities. Bus services are also widely available, though be sure to purchase a ticket from the bus station to ensure you get a seat.

Accommodation

In major cities, Odyssey stays in centrally located 3-4 star hotels, with easy access to public transport. In smaller towns or rural areas, we usually stay in family-run hotels or guesthouses. On our longstay tours, during which you spend the length of the tour in a single location, we use serviced apartments.

Tour guides

Odyssey always engages local guides with regional knowledge to ensure an authentic experience during which you can learn as much as possible about the history and culture of places you visit on the escorted tour of your Poland trip.

Geography, environment and weather

Poland covers an area of 313k square kilometres, and is largely flat, with the ‘Polish Plain’ stretching across the centre of the country. The northeastern region features many lakes and dense forests, while the Carpathian Mountains rise up at the southern end of the country.

Poland has a largely temperate climate, featuring warm summers, cold winters, and cool to warm spring and autumn periods. If travelling between November and March, be prepared for cold weather, with freezing temperatures being common in winter.

World heritage sites

Poland has 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can view the official list of the sites here (https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/pl). While every site has something of value, here are a few highlights:

Centennial Hall in Wrocław, a visually striking example of modernist architecture, and the largest concrete dome in the world at the time of its construction
Białowieża Forest, a large area of enchanting undisturbed forest rich in wildlife
Medieval Town of Toruń, a well-preserved example of medieval Polish settlements

Festivals and events

Numerous festivals and events dot the calendar in Poland. Perhaps the biggest and most important national celebration is National Independence Day – held on 11 November, Independence Day commemorates the restoration of Poland’s sovereignty in 1918 and features military parades, festive celebrations, and even commemoration runs. The Warsaw International Film Festival attracts thousands of film lovers and participants, and screens films from all over the world. All Saints Day on November 1 is another important day on the national calendar, where families decorate cemeteries with thousands of glowing candles and remember deceased loved ones.

Reading list

Poland, by Adam Zamoyski
Playground: A History of Poland, by Norman Davies
The Doll, by Bolasław Prus
The Trumpeter of Krakow, by Eric Kelly

Eating and drinking

Polish food heavily features meat, winter vegetables and starch. One of the best known dishes of Poland is pierogi, dumplings made out of unleavened dough and filled with either sweet or savoury filings. Bigos is another national favourite, a dish of various meats stewed with sauerkraut and shredded fresh cabbage. The Polish are famously enthusiastic consumers of vodka, though beer is also very popular. Tea is also widely consumed, while other non-alcoholic beverages include kvass and kefir.

Health and safety

Poland is generally a safe country to travel around in, though exercise common sense whenever travelling.

Electrical supply

Whenever you travel overseas, it’s always wise to take an appropriate travel adapter. The standard voltage in Poland is 230V, while the standard frequency is 50Hz. Poland uses Type C and Type E electrical plugs.

Highlights

The best of Poland

Warsaw old town

Warsaw Old Town, the eye-catching cosmopolitan centre of Warsaw featuring architectural styles harkening back to the Renaissance period

Muskauer Park

Muskauer Park, which features the picturesque scenery of Lusatian Neisse river valley

Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork

Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork, an elaborate Gothic-style castle built in the medieval period

Tour Reviews

The country was apparently calm and safe. People were friendly and helpful. Such a pity there has been such a down turn in tourism. Ros & Tony S. Sep '17

Participant 2017

Small group tour of Ancient Turkey

Every day was different with so much to see and do. Volcanoes, craters (including the pseudo ones), bubbling mud pools, and the active Strokkur Geyser, the bird life, black sand beaches, and those beautiful Icelandic horses. The time flew by...

Participant 2016

Iceland cultural and wilderness small group tour

Our guide Filiz was wonderful, very well informed, historical insights very helpful, her care for our well being exceptional. Could not have wished for a better tour leader.

Participant 2017

Small group tour of Ancient Turkey

The geographical wonders offered by Iceland and Greenland left me in awe. The grandeur and spectacle of the countryside is breathtaking. Our leader (Rob) was excellent: well-researched, friendly, organized and good-humoured.

Participant 2017

Iceland cultural and wilderness small group tour

I was impressed by the number of places we visited. It was a very full itinerary which I like. We saw things of interest every day. I see no fault with the tour.

Participant 2017

Anglo French Tour | Normandy, Brittany, Channel Islands tour

Our guide was a great ambassador for his country, wide knowledge of literature, history, customs, industry, fishing - also a perceptive and sensitive person who inter-acted so willingly with all of us!

Participant 2016

Iceland cultural and wilderness small group tour

It is hard to believe that such a small country can contain so much dramatic scenery. Icecaps and glaciers, huge waterfalls, volcanos and hot bubbling mud, and those wonderful fjords and high mountain passes

Participant 2016

Iceland cultural and wilderness small group tour

We felt safe in Turkey and found the people friendly and helpful. Prices were excellent and the food almost universally magnificent. There is so much to see in the natural and built environment and the wonderful archaeological sites. It is sad to see the ordinary people and businesses suffering from the lack of tourists. Mary B. Sep '17

Participant 2017

Small group tour of Ancient Turkey

FAQs

What time zone is Poland in?

Poland has a single time zone, Central Standard European Time (UTC+1). Daylight Savings in Poland starts at the end of March and concludes at the end of October.

How much should I tip in Poland?

If you’re on an Odyssey tour, we take care of tipping so you don’t need to give it a second thought. However, in your free time, or if travelling independently, it’s essential that you tip an appropriate amount for services, as is the case throughout much of Europe. Tipping is customary for good service in hotels and restaurants, though it is not obligatory. Tips are generally 10-15% of the bill in restaurants and bars.

What is the currency of Poland?

Though Poland has been a member of the European Union since 2004, it has not adopted the euro and instead uses the Polish złoty (zł, pronounced zwo-ti). You can get the local currency by exchanging at the banks or using ATMs. Kantors or private money-changer offices can also be approached, especially if you’re holding major currencies such as the Euro or US dollars.

When is the best time to visit Poland?

High season is the summer (May-September), with sunny days – and big crowds. Winter is less crowded, but expect cold weather, often below freezing. Our tours of Poland generally leave in the spring and autumn shoulder season, so that you can enjoy milder weather without the craziness of the summer crowds.

Articles about Poland published by Odyssey Traveller.

For all the articles Odyssey Traveller has published for mature aged and senior travellers, click through on this link.

External articles to assist you on your visit to Poland.

Polish Tourism Organisation
Hanseatic League (Britannica)
15 of the Best Places to Visit in Poland (Getting Stamped)

Responsible Travel Tips for Poland

Learn at least the local greetings to break the ice. Although many locals speak English, the more you know of the native language, the greater your experience of the country will be.
Carry a business card in your wallet or purse from your local hotel, to assist you with the return journey if you do become lost.
Always ensure that you are covered by travel insurance. If you need advice on this feel free to contact Odyssey and we’ll be able to help.
When travelling independently, make sure you check the opening hours of shops and museums so that you don’t miss out! Museums and galleries are often closed on Mondays. Also be certain to check whether your trip coincides with any public holidays, so you can plan accordingly.
Consider contacting your bank to inform them that you may be making purchases overseas. Otherwise, they may flag any activity on your account as suspicious. Also, check which ATMs and banks are compatible with your cards, to ensure you can withdraw cash with minimal fees.
Before departing, make sure you have a number of euros in a range of denominations. You don’t want to be carrying around enormous amounts of cash, but take enough to make it easy to pay in locations that might not accept credit card. It will also help you avoid card transaction fees, and it makes tipping a breeze.

About Odyssey Traveller

We specialise in educational small group tours for seniors, typically groups between six to 12 people from Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and Britain. Our maximum number of people on a tour is 18 mature aged travellers.We have some 150 tours and offer 300 scheduled departures on offer each year. Odyssey has been offering this style of adventure and educational programs since 1983.

Odyssey Traveller is committed to charitable activities that support the environment and cultural development of Australian and New Zealand communities.

Odyssey Traveller scholarship for Australia & New Zealand University students.

We are also pleased to announce that since 2012, Odyssey has been awarding $10,000 Equity & Merit Cash Scholarships each year. We award scholarships on the basis of academic performance and demonstrated financial need. We award at least one scholarship per year. We’re supported through our educational travel programs, and your participation helps Odyssey achieve its goals. Students can apply for the scholarship by clicking on this link to find out more details.

Join our loyalty program when you join an international small group tour.

Every International small group tour taken typically contributes to your membership level in our Loyalty Program for regular travellers. Membership of the alumni starts when you choose to take your first international small group tour with Odyssey Traveller, discounts in tour pricing for direct bookings accrue from your third tour with Odyssey Traveller. To see the discounts and benefits of being a Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Diamond alumni member with us, please see this page.

For more information on Odyssey Traveller and our educational small group tours, visit and explore our website., remember to visit these pages in particular

Alternatively, please call or send an email.