Help with itinerary Prague, Karakow, Berlin
 

You guys are always such great help. We will be in Berlin from Mar 15-22. I understand there is plenty to do in Berlin. We can travel the week before on our own. In the Fodor's tradition of less is more, I thought about 4 nights in Prague. I am now thinking of going to Auschwitz too. We are going to Berlin because my mother was released from the Seiman's camp outside of Berlin. She started at Auschwitz. Now might be the time to travel that road.

If we do this where should we start? there is no need to return to a city. My purpose of Poland is just Auschwitz, so although I know there is much to see in Krakow, the salt mines may be the only additional thing on my list. I know it will be cold, but that may be the appropriate time to visit a camp.

This is just in the planning stages. My husband has never been to Prague, and I haven't been there since very shortly after the wall fell.

I am really just thinking out loud to see how this itinerary might work if I really am ready to make this trip.

Otherwise we may just leave it at Prague for 4 nights and Berlin for 7.

We will be leaving from Atlanta, Ga no earlier than March 8.

Thanks,

Debby

It's a shame that the only thing you want to see in Poland is Auschwitz. Krakow is a beautiful city and there are many interesting places to visit.

I would start in Krakow, visit Auschwitz, and then fly to Prague (the train will take all day), and make Berlin your last stop.

Sorry, but I'm not sure what your itinerary is or what you are asking us.

I found Auschwitz extremely moving and am very glad I visited it. I joined an all-day tour of Auschwitz/Birkenau from Krakow and was very favorably impressed with the knowledge and sensitivity of the tour guides. It was, as you might imagine, an emotional day. I did not make any plans in advance for that evening and think it was a good choice to play it by ear.

As adrienne said, Krakow is a truly lovely city, well worth a few days if you can add them on. At the very least, try to pay a visit to da Vinci's Lady with an Ermine - she is very, very special.

If you are considering a week of travel before your 7 days in Berlin (which will be good for day trips as well as exploring the city if you aren't already booked up for other things/work), then you could certainly have 2-3 nights in Krakow. This will allow for a full day to Auschwitz-Birkenau as well as time for Krakow itself (which you can explore according to how you feel, but definitely worth more time than just as a stopover). The Salt Mine in Wieliczka is an amazing sight to visit, but you will need at least half a day to get out there, visit and get back to Krakow.

Then on to Prague for 4 nights. Again, a good amount for seeing the city (no day trips) and taking your time.

Berlin to Prague from €29, www.bahn.de/en

Prague to Berlin from €29, www.cd.cz/eshop

That's a nice scenic ride down the Elbe Valley south of Dresden. Most trains have restaurant cars, too.

Prague to Krakow by time-saving overnight sleeper train, departs 22:36, arrives around 06:30: From €49 with bed in a cosy 2-berth, www.cd.cz/eshop

Krakow to Prague by sleeper: Not bookable online, so order through reliable Polish booking agency www.polrail.com

Yes overnight trains Krakow to Prague or v.v. could make Auschwitz and Krakow - yes a very very superb city - the nicest in Poland I have seen by far - spend a few days there - the Wieliczka Salt Mines just south of town are a UNESCO World Heritage Site - works of art fashioned out of these salt mines - Auschwitz is an easy day trip by train or bus or tour bus from Krakow.

Take night train to Prague - I'd say for the average person three full days there is fine - two would even work

Then take the scenic train Prague via the Elbe Valley Man in Seat 61 talks about to Berlin and spend the remaining days there.

For lots of great info on trains check out not only Man in Seat 61's commercial site www.seat61.com but also these superb sources www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.

Dresden is on the way to Berlin and you can throw your bags in a station locker and spend a few hours en route in the Florence on the Elbe as the town is called - check out these amazing museums and Elbe riverfront.

Information on each city. inyourpocket.com/Poland/Krakow inyourpocket.com/Czech_republic/prague inyourpocket.com/Germany/berlin

plenty to do in Berlin but 7 nights is a lot - 5 days for the average person would be enough - put those two days into Krakow though that city is way off the route between Prague and Berlin - try flying into or out of Krakow.

Off forge Krakow and spend a few days in Dresden - a lotless travel and Dresden is a gem - if time check out Saxon Switzerland just south of Dresden - trains go along the river and in summer you can take boats along this gorgeous Elbe gorge featuring red sandstone cliffs topped by fortresses.

Hello
I'm Damian from Poland. I'm living in Krakow.
If I could give you some advices.
I think the best way to get from Prague to Krakow is night train or privat car (expensive).
What the best to see in Krakow
Old Town, Wawel Castle, Jewish Quarter, Shindler's Factory and Kościuszko Mount.
also not far away is Salt Mine (amazing views) and 1h from Krakow is Auschwitz. In my opinion the most comfortable and saving your time is taking private car with driver (private tour).
You can feel safer than in train or bus.
If somebody need help with finding trustworthy company or need some advice just ask here.

http://shuttle4you.pl/travel-tips

damian - can you tell me something about Nowa Huta? What should I see there - I was in Krakow once but never got out to this new planned town that is a superb example I understand of socialist town planning - I believe the Polish Pope also held court there.

Any suggestions about what to see in Nowa Huta?

the old motto I heard I think is cute - "Rome wasn't built in a day but Nowa Huta was!

Thanks in advance for your insights on Nowa Huta.

Three nights in Prague should be more then enough.

I agree with Robim - for the average traveler two full days in Prague itself would be enough - now there are some nice day trips but for the city itself the sites are in a compact area.

Hello PalenQ
First step to learn something about Nowa Huta is movie "Man of Marble" directed by Andrew Wajda.
Nowa Huta is a big complex with living area and industrial parts.
IMO the most worth seeing places in Nowa Huta are: The people's Theatre, Sedzimira Steel Mill (you can find regular tours inside that structure) Wanda Mount (just little hill),Central Square and Avenue of Roses (good to walking), Polish Avaiation Museum, Lord's Ark Church.
In the end is good to see Music Festival Sacrum-Profanum at September because it takes places in ArcelorMittal (Steel Mill). Amazing music and visual experience.
http://www.sacrumprofanum.pl/en/festival/galeria-zdjec/
Greetings from Poland.
I hope my advices will be helpfull.

<i>I agree with Robim - for the average traveler two full days in Prague itself would be enough - now there are some nice day trips but for the city itself the sites are in a compact area.</i>

Bollocks. Plenty to see and do in and around Prague that can take a week or more.

I visited Prague for the first time thus summer, 5+ days, maybe six, and wasn't able to see everything I wanted to. There's a lot to do and and then plenty of ways to while away the time relaxing, eating and drinking as well.