Gdansk

Day 1 Arrival. Transfer to the hotel.
Day 2 Morning: Sightseeing of Gdansk (4 h) • afternoon at leisure
We discover fascinating history of Gdansk – one of the most beautiful cities on the Baltic coast, often called “City of Amber”. In its Golden Epoch – 16th century Gdansk was the richest city in the Polish Kingdom. Being an important port and trade centre Gdansk became a real melting pot of ethnic groups, cultures and religions. Among the most famous Gdansk citizens were eg. an astronomer Jan Hevelius, a physician Daniel G. Fahrenheit and a philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer. It is Gdansk where the Second World War started – on 1st September 1939 the Nazis invaded Westerplatte. Walking around the Old Town we discover all the highlights: the Royal Road, the Artus’ Court, magnificent Gothic St. Mary’s Church and the Amber Museum. We also see the exhibiton “Roads to Freedom” in the former Shipyard site. The strikes of workers in the Gdansk Shipyard and the first Independent Trade Union “Solidarity” with its leader Lech Walesa resulted in 1989 with the fall of communism in Poland and Eastern Europe.
Afternoon: At leisure. Optionally relax in Sopot health resort.
Day 3 Morning: Malbork Castle (UNESCO, 5 h) • afternoon at leisure
We go to Malbork ( approx. 1h drive from Gdansk) to see one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe (UNESCO). I was built in the 13th – 14th century and is a unique example of Gothic brick architecture. The castle was the seat of the Teutonic Knights – one of the 3 largest (after the Knights Templar and the Knights Hospitaller) religious orders involved in the medieval crusades. From Malbork, the Teutonic Knights led a crusade against the pagans living along the Baltic coast. During the tour we visit the complex at Malbork: the High Castle, the Medium Castle, the Castle of the Grand Masters, a church, numerous chapels, refectories, dormitories and cellars. A walk through the castle takes you to the dark times of the Middle Ages and the Crusades.
Afternoon: At leisure. Optional extension of the tour to Torun.
Day 4 Transfer to the airport. Departure.