Trip to Poland – 11th grade

Trip Itinerary:

Date: Thanksgiving Break

Day 1: FLIGHT TO POLAND

We begin our unforgettable journey in the evening, departing from O’Hare Airport to Warsaw. Let’s bid farewell to Chicago and prepare for an adventure-filled visit to Poland.

Day 2: WARSAW

Arrival in Warsaw in the early afternoon. We will start our visit to the capital with a walk around the Warsaw Old Town. Highlights include the Barbican, Market Square, Cathedral, Castle Square, and Krakowskie Przedmieście. After the walk, we will check into our hotel, have dinner, and rest after the journey. Overnight stay in Warsaw.

Day 3: WARSAW

After breakfast, we’ll tour the interiors of the Royal Castle, learning about its history and beautiful architecture. Next, we’ll visit the Warsaw Uprising Museum, where students can deepen their knowledge of one of Poland’s most significant historical events. In the afternoon, we’ll stroll through Łazienki Królewskie – a unique park complex enchanting in every season. After an eventful day, we’ll return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 4: CZĘSTOCHOWA – ZAKOPANE

We’ll head to Częstochowa in the morning to visit the Pauline Monastery at Jasna Góra, a place of worship with the miraculous image of Our Lady of Częstochowa. After lunch, we’ll continue to Zakopane, the heart of the Polish Tatra Mountains. After checking into the hotel, we’ll have dinner, and those interested can relax in the hotel’s thermal baths. Overnight stay in Zakopane.

Day 5: ZAKOPANE

We’ll start the day with a cable car ride to Kasprowy Wierch. The views from this peak are breathtaking. In the afternoon, we’ll take a walk through Zakopane’s center, visit Krupówki Street, and enjoy dinner at a regional inn with a folkloric show in the evening. This is a perfect opportunity to immerse ourselves in highlander traditions.

Day 6: WADOWICE – KRAKÓW

After breakfast, we’ll visit Wadowice, the birthplace of John Paul II, and tour a museum dedicated to his life. We’ll try the famous cream cakes, the Pope’s favorite dessert. Then, we’ll head to Kraków, where we’ll visit Wawel Castle, learn its history, and explore the Dragon’s Den. Our walk will end in the Old Town.

Day 7: AUSCHWITZ – KRAKÓW

We’ll visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, a memorial site everyone should see to understand the tragic lessons of history. After lunch, we’ll return to Kraków to visit the Kościuszko Mound. In the evening, free time, dinner, and relaxation at the hotel.

Day 8: WIELICZKA – KRAKÓW

We’ll tour the historic Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, we’ll return to Kraków to explore Kazimierz, a district rich in history linked to the city’s Christian and Jewish heritage. This area captivates with its atmosphere and authenticity.

Day 9: RETURN TO THE USA

After breakfast, we’ll check out from the hotel and head to the Warsaw airport, where our journey ends. We’ll return to Chicago filled with memories, ready to share our experiences with family and friends.

This post is also available in: Polish