Overview
Poland, East Germany & World War II
Whether you’re fascinated by history, heritage, or both, this moving tour of Poland and Eastern Germany traces the steps of army officers, privates, and prisoners, but also of parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents through some of the most notable sites of World War II. From Warsaw to Munich, you’ll visit significant wartime cities, concentration camps, and memorials, hearing the touching stories of unwavering courage, resilience, and heroism along the way. The Oskar Schindler Factory made famous in the movie Schindler’s List, the courthouse of the Nuremberg Trials, and the former concentration camps of Auschwitz, Buchenwald, and Dachau, highlight the tragedies of the deadliest war in history. Visits to Dresden, Berlin, Weimar, and Nuremberg get you up close to the beautiful cities once fiercely destroyed and painstakingly restored.
Highlights of Poland, East Germany & World War II
Travelers Notes
Special Features Included in this Tour: • Guided sightseeing of Warsaw includes the Cathedral of St. John• Visit the former concentration camps. Auschwitz/Birkenau, Buchenwald and Dachau• Guided sightseeing in Krakow includes a walking tour of the Old Jewish Quarter and a visit to the Remuh Synagogue • Guided sightseeing of Wroclaw• Guided walking tour In Dresden plus a [LF] dinner with local specialties at Am Pulverturm restaurant• Guided sightseeing in Berlin includes the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and stops at the Brandenburg Gate and Holocaust Memorial• Orientation walk in Weimar• Orientation walk in Nuremberg and [LF] dinner at the Bratwurst Röslein restaurant• Visit to the [LF] Memorium Nuremberg Trials and Courtroom 600 (if available), and the Zeppelin Field • Orientation tour in Munich with visit to the Marienplatz
Private Touring
6 guests in a party: $3,824*18 guests in a party: $939*
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus Europe escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized European tour—without the crowds.
Product Group
Poland, East Germany & World War II
UNESCO Sites
Auschwitz-Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp|Classical Weimar|Historic Centre of Krakow|Historic Centre of Warsaw
Notes
Auschwitz and Birkenau Concentration Camp Museum visits are not recommended for children under 14 years old.
Meals
Full buffet breakfast daily, 6 Dinners
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN WARSAW, POLAND Welcome to Warsaw! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
Day 2
WARSAW Royal Ceremonies Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour to get you acquainted with Warsaw, Poland’s capital city. Visit the medieval Stare Miasto (Old Town) and the Cathedral of St. John. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to explore more of the city. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITIONS Explore the historic city of Warsaw where you’ll visit the medieval old town and the impressive 14th-century Cathedral of St. John. The Cathedral has witnessed coronations of Polish kings, royal weddings, and funerals throughout Polish history. During World War II it suffered heavy damage as it was in the midst of the Warsaw uprising.
Day 3
WARSAW–AUSCHWITZ/BIRKENAU–KRAKOW History Lessons Depart Warsaw and travel south, arrive early afternoon in Auschwitz/Birkenau for a moving guided visit of both former concentration camp sites. See the ‘Arbeit Macht Frei’ gates and other haunting reminders of the atrocities that took place here. Later, continue to Krakow. (B,D) 273 mi / 440 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOTS A visit to Auschwitz and Birkenau is a sobering and moving experience; a chilling reminder of an era in human history we shall never forget. This opportunity to see the sites where so many lives were affected by the cruelty of the Third Reich during WWII is an unforgettable lesson in history and a cautionary tale for the future. In fact, the subject of the Holocaust is a mandatory part of German school curriculum, with almost all students having visited a camp or memorial.
Day 4
KRAKOW Heroic Figures Enjoy free time this morning to start exploring the city of Krakow. Later, join a guided walking tour of Kazimierz, the Old Jewish Quarter, visit the Remuh Synagogue, and see the Oskar Schindler Factory. Late afternoon and evening, enjoy some leisure time to explore more and try some of the local dishes. (B)LOCAL FAVORITEHISTORY & HERITAGE A wealth of history to be discovered in Krakow’s Jewish Quarter. Hear the stories of the important role Kazimierz played throughout European history. Visit the Remuh Synagogue which dates back to the sixteenth century and is still active today.
Day 5
KRAKOW–WROCLAW Gothic Tales Meet your local guide for the city sightseeing tour comprising the Market Square, a photo stop at Wawel Castle and sights of St. Mary’s Church. En-route to Wroclaw see Gleiwitz Radio Station, location of a false flag operation that led to Poland being invaded. This afternoon, arrive in the vibrant and beautiful city of Wroclaw and join your Local Guide to discover some of the main landmarks and learn about its turbulent history. Keep an eye out for some of the 800 bronze gnomes scattered throughout the city, symbols of the 1980s anti-communist resistance. (B) 199 mi / 320 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL GEM Explore the wonderful town of Wroclaw on the Oder River in western Poland. Browse the Market Square, lined with elegant townhouses and see the Gothic Old Town Hall and astronomical clock.
Day 6
WROCLAW–DRESDEN, GERMANY German Jewels This morning, depart Wroclaw and drive to Dresden. Enjoy some free time for lunch, then follow your Local Guide on a walking tour that features the Zwinger Palace courtyard, the Semper Opera, and the Frauenkirche. This evening, [LF] a dinner with local specialties awaits you at Am Pulverturm restaurant. (B,D) 180 mi / 290 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEM Explore the heart of Dresden with a walk to Zwinger Palace courtyard. Revered for its stunning Baroque architecture and beautiful gardens, this spectacular palace complex is the most famous building in Dresden.
Day 7
DRESDEN–TORGAU–BERLIN Remembrance & Faith En-route to Berlin visit Torgau, an elegant town on the River Elbe where the Allied fronts met in 1945. See the monument commemorating this historic meeting and visit the Courtyard at Hartenfels Castle. Continue to Berlin and join your Local Guide for a sightseeing tour that features views of the State Opera House, Museum Island, the Reichstag, Tiergarten Park and the elegant Ku-Damm. Stop to take photos at the Brandenburg gate, Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, and the Holocaust Memorial. Free time this evening to explore more. (B) 174 mi / 280 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT Hartenfels Castle is home to the first purpose-built Protestant church. This spiritual heart of the Lutheran Reformation was blessed by Martin Luther himself in 1544. See the courtyard of this architectural masterpiece in Torgau overlooking the Elbe River.
Day 8
BERLIN The Boulevards of Berlin Enjoy a free day in Berlin, absorb more art, culture, and history in one of the many museums, browse the stores, sink your teeth into some of the local specialties, or join one of the optional excursions. (B)ENHANCE YOUR FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE Berlin is a city to be explored and enjoyed. See the street art of the East Side Gallery where a portion of the Berlin Wall now serves as a memorial of freedom painted by local artists. See the classic Cosmonaut mural in Mariannenstrasse or head to the Kreuzberg district for a leisurely stroll along Landwehr Canal.
Day 9
BERLIN–WEIMAR. EXCURSION TO BUCHENWALD Loss & Liberation Reach Weimar and take a walking orientation of the town center, see the Herder Church, Theater Square, Goethe House at the Frauenplan and Market Square. After some free time for lunch, drive to Buchenwald Concentration Camp Museum for an informative and poignant guided visit. (B,D) 190 mi / 305 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT Buchenwald was the largest Nazi concentration camp in Germany. During the war over 56.000 people lost their lives whilst imprisoned here. After the war it was converted to a Soviet internment camp for German prisoners of war, of whom 7.000 died.
Day 10
WEIMAR–NUREMBERG Recording History Today Nuremberg takes the spotlight. Learn about the historic proceeding with a [LF] visit to the Memorium Nuremberg Trials, Courtroom 600 (if available), and the Documentation Center. Visit the Zeppelin Field, once a parade ground and now a memorial to the victims of Nazi repression. This afternoon, join an orientation walk through the pedestrian area of the Old Town to see the castle courtyard, St. Sebald church, and Market Square. Later, [LF] enjoy dinner with traditional Nürnberger Bratwürste (small sausages) at the Bratwurst Röslein restaurant. (B,D) 190 mi / 305 kmLOCAL FAVORITE WILLKOMMEN! Take your seat at Bratwurst Röslein—the largest bratwurst house in the world—in the heart of Nuremberg’s main market square. Taste the family tradition of sourcing the freshest potatoes, vegetables, and fine sauerkraut daily from the Nuremberg Knoblauchsland and other Franconian growing areas.
Day 11
NUREMBERG–DACHAU–MUNICH Dark History & A Brighter Future En-route to Munich stop to visit Dachau, Germany’s first concentration camp. Later, your orientation tour of Munich features sights of Nymphenburg Palace, Königsplatz, and Leopoldstrasse before stopping at Marienplatz, Munich’s most important square, to enjoy some free time to browse and see the Glockenspiel, and the Old and New Town Halls. (B)121 mi / 195 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURE & TRADITION Experience the geographical and cultural heart of Munich at its Marienplatz, the town square since 1158. Stroll through the home to historic buildings, including the Old and New Town Halls in the picturesque heart and soul of the city.
Day 12
MUNICH Auf Wiedersehen, Munich! Free time today to get acquainted with lively Munich, considered the richest city in Germany, BMW’s hometown, and location of the world’s largest beer festival. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner together with your travel companions. (B,D)ENHANCE YOUR FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE If steins and suds are on your mind, then Munich is the place to sip and socialize at the city’s bustling biergartens. Raise a glass to your fantastic European vacation and the new and wonderful friends you’ve made along the way. Prost!
Day 13
MUNICH Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Departures
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | Royal Tulip Warsaw Centre | Royal Tulip Warsaw Hotel offers an exceptional base from which to explore the cultural and historical richness of Warsaw. Ideally situated just a short stroll from the vibrant city center, the hotel is within easy reach of iconic landmarks such as ¿azienki Park, the Royal Castle, and the elegant Royal Route. The charming Old Town and scenic Vistula River boulevards are also nearby. Guests can enjoy the surrounding area's diverse dining, shopping, and entertainment options. The hotel features 312 stylish, spacious guest rooms, each thoughtfully equipped with cable TV, and telephone. | Warsaw | Grzybowska 49 | First-Class |
| 2 | Hilton Warsaw | Hotel Hilton City Warsaw boasts an excellent location for discovering the vibrant capital of Poland. Just a 10-minute walk from Warsaw's bustling city center, the hotel is conveniently close to key attractions such as the Warsaw Uprising Museum, the iconic Palace of Culture and Science, and modern shopping districts. The Historic Old Town, with its 17th-century charm, is also within easy reach. The surrounding area offers a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and cultural venues. The hotel features 314 well-appointed guest rooms, each equipped with cable TV and telephone. | Warsaw | Grzybowska 63 | First-Class |
| 3 | INX Design | This unique 118-room hotel reflects the Art Deco style of the Kazimierz district in which it is located and offers Free Wi-Fi access throughout. Dishes from around the world are served in the Kitchen restaurant while drinks can be enjoyed in the informal atmosphere of the colorful bar, there is also a gym and Finnish sauna. | Krakow | Starowislna Str. 91 | First-Class |
| 4 | Vienna House By Wyndham Andel's Cracow | Vienna House Andel's Cracow is a modern 4-star hotel located just a 10-minute walk from Krakow's main market square. The hotel features 159 stylish, spacious guest rooms equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV, coffee maker and laptop size safe (with charger socket). Guests can enjoy two in-house restaurants serving a variety of dishes, ranging from local cuisine to fusion oriental. The property also includes a fully spa and fitness center and is conveniently situated next to Krakow's main shopping destination - the famous Galeria Krakowska. | Krakow | Pavia 3, Krakow, 31154, Poland | First-Class |
| 5 | Wyndham Wroclaw Old Town | Wyndham Wroclaw Old Town Hotel is located in the heart of the Old Town of Wroclaw, just 50 m from the famous Market Square and within walking distance of Wroclaw's major attractions including Ostrow Tumski, The Galeria Dominika'ska Shopping Centre is also situated nearby. The impressive glass-roof atrium is an excellent example of contemporary Polish architecture, blending sleek design with noble materials. The world-class facilities include a luxurious spa, a gourmet restaurant, and Free Wi-Fi internet access in public areas. The spacious guest rooms are all air-conditioned and come with tea/coffee makers, cable TV and work desks. | Worclaw | Swietego Mikotaja 67 | Deluxe |
| 6 | NH Collection Dresden Altmarkt | Situated in the heart of the Old Town, overlooking Dresden's Market Square, this modern 240 room property offers Free Wi-Fi access throughout, a refined restaurant serving German and Spanish fare, as well as a funky cocktail bar with a cigar lounge. Other amenities include a gym and a wellness area with sauna and steam bath. | Dresden | An Der Kreuzkirche 2 | Superior First-Class |
| 7 | NH Collection Berlin Mitte Am Checkpoint Charlie | Located in the historic city center; close to shopping & attractions; hotel has an on-site Italian restaurant & bi-lingual staff. | Berlin | Leipziger Str.106-111 | Superior First-Class |
| 8 | Leonardo Hotel Weimar | Situated in a quiet area of Goethe's native city with 294 rooms, a regionally inspired restaurant, bar and bistro. Other recreational facilities include an indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna, fitness area, two bowling lanes and a billiard table. | Weimar | Belvederer Allee 25 | Superior First-Class |
| 9 | NH Collection Nuernberg City | Located in the heart of Nuremberg, this 244-room property has a striking modern design and offers a Free Wi-Fi connection throughout. The restaurant serves regional and Mediterranean food with a summer terrace for al fresco drinks and dining, other amenities include a contemporary bar and Gym with sauna and steam room. | Nuernberg | Bahnhofstrasse 19 | Superior First-Class |
| 10 | Four Points by Sheraton Munich Arabellapark | This sleek 446-room high-rise hotel close to the famous English Garden offers a choice of two restaurants serving market-fresh grill variations and healthy light Mediterranean fare. The stylish bar offers a variety of locally produced drinks, spirits, home made cakes and culinary delicacies and the Beer Garden offers the chance to indulge in some traditional Bavarian dishes and barbecued specialties (weather permitting). Leisure facilities include the city´s highest spa with panoramic views from the 23rd floor, a large wellness area including a heated swimming pool, Finnish sauna and steam bath. Free Wi-Fi access is available in the public areas; access in the rooms is subject to a fee (payable locally). | Muenchen | Arabellastrasse 5 | First-Class |
