Gdańsk

GDAŃSK OLD TOWN

After a delicious breakfast, our local expert joins us for a walking tour of Gdańsk. Following in the footsteps of Polish Royalty, we first pass through the Golden Gate, known as the Złota Brama. Built in 1612, the striking archway at the top of the Royal Way is decorated with allegorical statues: Peace, Liberty, Wealth, Fame, Piety, Justice and Concord. Look out for the gold-lettered inscription on the gate, which translates to ‘Small states grow by concord, great ones fall by disagreement’. 

The tour continues along the colourful buildings of Długi Targ, or Long Market, where we pause to take in the famous Neptune's Fountain standing proudly in front of Gdańsk Town Hall. Our next stop is just a few steps away at the Green Gate, known locally as the Zielona Brama, where we see Daniel Fahrenheit’s thermometer and views along the Zielony bridge. It is hard to overlook just how much attention to detail has gone into rebuilding the old town, reinstating its former glory after almost total ruin in World War II.

Within the old town we also visit St Mary’s Basilica, one of the largest brick churches in the world. The striking design is said to hold up to 25,000 people, with an enormous astronomical clock dating from 1464 and a 256-foot-tall tower with an impressive viewing platform. We also discover the Gdańsk waterfront, with the old town gates running along the western shore of Nowa Motława. Cast your eye over the variety of contrasting buildings and The Crane, a defining landmark that represents the city’s great trading age. 

The afternoon is yours to explore. Perhaps dive into Gdańsk’s historical past by visiting the Museum of World War II, or head north to the Gdańsk Shipyard and see the historic Gate Number Two, where Lech Wałęsa announced to crowds that a deal had been struck with the Communist Government in 1980. Walk through the gate to visit the European Solidarity Centre. For the best views over Gdańsk, venture to the top of the tower of the Town Hall, where on a clear day you can see all the way to the Baltic Sea.

Why not round off your evening with a meal in a traditional Polish restaurant? Sample the likes of pierogi (filled dumplings), polędwica wieprzowa (pork tenderloin) and solony śledź (salted herring), with an inviting apple cake (szarlotka) for dessert.

MALBORK CASTLE

Today we head to one of the largest castles in the world, the impressive Malbork Castle, where our local guide brings its rich history to life. Dating back to the 14th century, it once served as the capital for the Teutonic Knights under the 150-year rule of the so-called Grand Master of Teutonic Order. When the power of the Teutonic Knights started to wither, the castle became property of the Polish Crown and for the next few hundred years, it served as a royal residence and a stopover point for monarchs. 

In the 18th century, under Prussian control, the castle was turned into military barracks. For the next three decades, Malbork Castle wasn’t looked after particularly well, and so the windows were bricked up, gateways widened, and outhouses dismantled. However, by the early 19th century, the castle returned to its original look and was a popular place for high-ranking Nazi officials during World War II. By the end of the war, the castle was almost destroyed, and it wasn’t until the start of 1961 that it was painstakingly restored to what you see today.

Recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, the majestic structure comprises of the High Castle, Middle Castle and Outer Bailey, surrounded by a vast dry moat. Witness the Grand Masters’ Palace and the remarkable ceiling of the Great Refectory with original palm vaulting. We also discover the Amber Museum, which was an important revenue for the knights, as well as St Anne’s Chapel and the impressive centre courtyard in the Middle Castle. Be sure not to miss the striking interior of St Mary’s Church through the Gothic-styled doorway known as the Golden Gate.  

We arrive back at the hotel in the late afternoon, with plenty of free time. Perhaps return to the centre of the old town to revisit its memorable landmarks and explore its countless restaurants.

RETURN FLIGHT

Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.