Poland suggestions?
 

I'm arriving in Poland on Tuesday AM for a wedding on Saturday (Warsaw). Should I take a train to Berlin for two days? Should I stay in Poland? Prague? I've never traveled this part of Europe? Any suggestions or concerns? Thanks!

Hi Mike, I've not been to Poland yet, but am going in Sept. From the research that I've been doing and from responses on this site I would go to Krakow for the two days. JMO. <BR>Have a good time. <BR>Art <BR>\

It's a longish ride to Berlin for just a day or two. Why not stay around Warsaw, and if possible on the Sunday after the wedding go out to Zelazowa Wola (around 40 mi.) to Chopin's home for a concert? You sit in the garden while a well-known musician plays Chopin on the piano in the house, with windows and doors open. Magic.

As much as I love Berlin, I don't think you will have enough time. Go to Krakow, it's a great town and take a day to Zakopane (very nice resort village in the Tatras and up for winter Olympics bid)--about 2 hours by bus (longer by train) from Krakow. A city bus tour of Auschwitz/Birkenau concentration camps is compelling and one to the Salt Mines just outside of town will fill your days. Krakow is interesting with its old town, Wawel Castle, etc. The other place that I was considering but couldn't fit it was Gdansk.

We spent 3 days in Warsaw in April and enjoyed it a lot. We were there with our 4-year-old son, so decided not to try to explore further afield, or else we would have gone to Kracow for a day. But there was plenty to see in Warsaw - Lazienski Park is a gem in the heart of Warsaw, as is the Wilanow Palace (a bit further, but on the bus routes). The Old and New Cities (the oldest parts of Warsaw), while reconstructed since the war, are beautiful areas to wander and enjoy the cafes. Try the modern, semi-vegetarian restaurant in the New Town Square (sorry I've lent my guide book and can't remember its name). Also, the <BR>restaurant at the Museum of Modern Art which has spectacular views. I have to admit we didn't get inside the Museum!

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I feel that the itinerary suggested by Linda is perfect. We did a similar journey last year and enjoyed every moment. The Polish rail system is fine if you take the express from Warsaw to Krakow its less than three hours! Well worth it!

There is much to see in Poland. If you are going to Krakow, you should be sure to see Auschwitz/Birkenau. But, you should also make a visit to Treblinka which in some ways is even more powerful. You can also take a short ho to Czestokowa (spelling?) to see the Shrine of the Black Madonna, a truly interesting experience.