Poland - Tatra Mountains - Krakow and Auschwitz

After breakfast in the morning, we explore Zakopane, which offers breathtaking views of the Tatra Mountains. After this short discovery, we reach Kiry, the entrance to Tatra National Park, with a 15-minute walk. Following approximately a 3-hour walk through the Koscieliska Valley, we return to Zakopane.

This morning we are preparing for the two most challenging days of the journey. Depending on the weather conditions and the state of the group, your guide will decide how we will reach the legendary Eagles Summit, the most difficult and spectacular spot in the Polish Tatras.

Our options are either the Zawrat Pass, where we will use fixed mountain chains to make walking easier, or the Krzyzne Pass, which can be walked without any technical requirements.

Both routes offer breathtaking views of the highest peaks in the Tatras, the Gasinicowa valleys, and the Valley of Lakes, which marks the starting and ending points of our hike.

One of the highlights of the day is Siklawa, Poland's highest (70 m) and the Tatras' most powerful waterfall.

Afterwards, we reach the Valley of Lakes, which is home to various mountain flowers and herbs. From here, we return to our hotel.

Today, we will climb to the summit of Rysy Mountain, the highest peak in Poland. After leaving the hotel, we will begin our ascent from the Polish side of the Poland/Slovakia border via Morskie Oko. The climb to the summit is steep and you might consider it a long and challenging hike. However, the view from the top will make you feel that the effort was worthwhile. From the summit, we will enjoy the scenery of more than 100 peaks and several lakes, including Morskie Oko. On the descent, your guide may decide to lead you down to Slovakia. This descent is along a trail that is easier and less steep compared to the Polish side.

After breakfast, we gather our belongings and leave Zakopane, heading to Krakow. Our first stop is the Wieliczka Salt Mine, one of the oldest mines in the world. Operating continuously since the 13th century and listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, the mine consists of 300 km of tunnels at a depth of 327 meters, comprising 2,040 rooms and 200 corridors. Only 3.5 km—or 2% of the mine—is open to visitors. The giant chandeliers made from salt, three-dimensional wall carvings, underground lakes, salt-relief sculptures, and figurines create an extraordinary, mysterious, and romantic atmosphere. After leaving the mine, we head to Krakow and check into our hotel. Following some rest, we start our Krakow city tour. During the tour, we visit the magnificent Wawel Castle with its 700-year history, Poland’s most important historical landmark; the cobblestone streets and historic buildings; the vibrant Old Town district with its dozens of cafes and restaurants; St. Mary’s Church; street art, cafes, and restaurants; and one of Europe’s largest and oldest grand squares, all reflecting the colorful spirit of the city and making you feel as if you’ve stepped into the Middle Ages.

After visiting Rynek Glowny (the main square), the covered market known as Sukiennice—a must if you like shopping for souvenirs; the lively Florianska Street, famous for being one of the first cobblestone streets and now the city’s most popular shopping avenue; St. Florian’s Gate built as a defense against Ottoman attacks; the Barbakan watchtower; and the stunning Vistula Riverside, renowned for its natural beauty—we return to our hotel.

Kahvaltının ardından Nazi Almanyası’nın ikinci dünya şavaşındakı en büyük esir toplama kampı olan Auschwitz Esir Kampı’na gidiyoruz. Auschwitz-Birkenau’ya tüm Avrupa’dan 1,3 milyon insan yerleştirilmiş. Bunların, 1 milyonu Yahudi olmak üzere 1,1 milyon insanın öldürüldüğü tahmin edilmekte. Yaklaşık 900.000 kişi kampa geldikleri anda doğrudan gaz odalarına gönderilmiş ya da vurularak öldürülmüş. Kalan 200.000 kişi, hastalık, eksik beslenme, kötü muamele, tıbbi deneyler nedeniyle ve daha sonra gönderildikleri gaz odalarında ölmüş. Ortalama 6 ay içinde ölen tutsaklar, en ağır şartlarda günde en az 10 saat çalıştırılmışlar. Turumuz esnasında hücre odaları, krematoryumları, tıbbi deney odalarını, infaz bölümlerini ve esirlerin kişisel eşya ve saçlarının toplandığı odaları, esir kıyafetlerini ve esirlerin bulunan fotoğraflarını göreceğiz. Auschwitz’ten ayrıldıktan sonra Varşova Havaalanı’na gidiyoruz ve bir başka BUKLATUR gezisinde görüşmek üzere vedalaşıyoruz.