3 day itinerary for Polonia

Itinerary

A three-day road trip in Poland sounds like a fantastic adventure for your family! Poland is rich in history, culture, and stunning landscapes, so you’re in for a treat. Here’s a fun and engaging itinerary that balances sightseeing, activities, and some downtime for your family of four.

## Day 1: Kraków – The Heart of Poland

Morning:

• Start your day with breakfast at a local café in Kraków. Try some traditional Polish pastries like pączki (doughnuts) or sernik (cheesecake).
• Wawel Castle: After breakfast, head to Wawel Hill to explore the magnificent Wawel Castle. The kids will love the tales of dragons and knights! Don’t forget to check out the Dragon’s Den!

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Grab a bite at a local pierogi place. Kids usually love these dumplings filled with various goodies!
• Main Market Square: Stroll around the Main Market Square, where you can see the iconic St. Mary’s Basilica. If you’re lucky, you might catch the trumpet player playing the Hejnał at the top of the hour!

Evening:

• Dinner: Enjoy dinner at a family-friendly restaurant in the Old Town. Try some traditional Polish dishes like bigos (hunter’s stew) or żurek (sour rye soup).
• Evening stroll: Take a leisurely walk around the square, and maybe grab some ice cream for the kids. The atmosphere is magical at night!

## Day 2: Auschwitz-Birkenau and Zakopane – A Day of Reflection and Adventure

Morning:

• Early breakfast and then hit the road to Auschwitz-Birkenau (about 1.5 hours from Kraków). It’s a somber but important visit. Make sure to prepare the kids for the experience, focusing on the lessons of history.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: After your visit, head to a nearby town for lunch. There are some nice eateries in Oświęcim where you can grab a bite.
• Drive to Zakopane: After lunch, continue your journey to Zakopane (about 1.5 hours). This charming mountain town is perfect for some outdoor fun!

Evening:

• Explore Zakopane: Once you arrive, take a stroll down Krupówki Street, where you can find shops, street food, and local crafts.
• Dinner: Enjoy a hearty dinner at a local restaurant. Try some oscypek (smoked cheese) and other regional specialties.
• Relax: If you have time, consider a family-friendly evening activity like a bonfire or a short hike to enjoy the mountain air.

## Day 3: Zakopane – Nature and Culture

Morning:

• Breakfast: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation or a local café.
• Gubałówka Hill: Take the funicular up to Gubałówka Hill for stunning views of the Tatra Mountains. There are also some fun activities for kids at the top!

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Have lunch at a mountain hut or café with a view.
• Tatra National Park: Spend the afternoon exploring Tatra National Park. There are family-friendly trails, and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery. If the kids are up for it, a short hike to Morskie Oko is a great option!

Evening:

• Return to Zakopane: Head back to town for some last-minute shopping or a visit to a local market.
• Dinner: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a cozy restaurant. Celebrate your trip with some delicious Polish desserts!
• Drive back to Kraków: If you’re flying out from Kraków, it’s about a 2-hour drive back, so make sure to leave with enough time to relax before your departure.

Tips for the Road:

• Snacks: Keep a stash of snacks and drinks in the car for the kids. It makes the journey smoother!
• Music & Games: Prepare a playlist or some fun road trip games to keep everyone entertained during drives.
• Flexibility: Be flexible with your plans. Sometimes the best memories come from unexpected detours!

I hope this itinerary helps you create wonderful memories in Poland! Enjoy your trip! 🌍🚗✨