We're planning a trip to Poland
May 5th, 2002, 11:10 AM
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
I have expressed interest in planning/organizing/leading a "Fodorites' trip" to southern Poland and/or CR- - withor without a little bit of Austria sometime in the next year (April or May?) - - so far, not much has happened - - only one or two people have expressed an interest.<BR><BR>A small group trip - - self-organized, non-profit and non-commercial can be an interesting alternative to a commercial escorted trip - - any interest?<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex Bickers<BR>Westerville, Ohio<BR>
May 7th, 2002, 04:09 AM
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
We spent two weeks in Polond aboaut three years ago. We did it all ourselves and just used the train. More people spoke English in Poland that most countries we have visited. We did rent a car and a driver for a day to take us to a place a train could not reach. It was wonderful because he told us "lots" about the politics etc. that we would not have gotten elsewhere.
May 9th, 2002, 11:08 AM
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
We did something similar last June. Started and ended independent. Visited some family on both my mothers and fathers sides, plus got to see where my Dad grew up, went to school etc. In the middle of our trip we had an 8-day escorted tour (tour operator was Orbis). We just didn't want to burden my relatives to take us all over the country. <BR><BR>Orbis did an excellent job of showing you all of the highlights etc. I would recommend them if you are planning to do an escourted tour. We booked through www.affordablepoland.com. They have the best prices I have seen for Orbis tours. Very nice, courteous people. They can arrange everything for you. Orbis has several different tours and is a leading travel agency in Poland.<BR><BR>Now, that I have taken a tour, I pretty much know where I would like to go back to in Poland and therefore will travel independently. Any questions please e-mail me, I would be happy to help you.
May 16th, 2002, 02:28 PM
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Shop around for best prices - Orbis (Polish National Travel Agency) is one of the best for escorted tours, but you maybe able to find something much cheaper with same quality. <BR>Anyway here is a direct site for Orbis: www.orbis.pl<BR>also check those 2 Polish travel agancies which I have been using for years and always been satisfied:<BR>www.jantary.com<BR>www.amta.com<BR>B oth are located in New York and have been in business for a lot of years.<BR>For car rental I've been using http://www.rent-a-car.com.pl/<BR>they are located in warsaw - they pick you up at the airport, give you bunch of stuff for no additional cost (maps, radio, child seat, roof rack etc) also person meets you at depurtures to return a car - you are also allowed up to 3hrs of being late with a return with no extra charge - definitly a good deal.<BR><BR>you can email me if you have any additional questions.
May 17th, 2002, 04:02 PM
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
I'm not sure of this, but Paul Laifer Tours have a good reputation for quality and cost and they specialize in Central/Eastern Europe. I know they do CR and Hungary, so maybe Poland, also. Worth checking into them, they are www.laifertours.com
Jun 1st, 2002, 12:12 PM
#9
Guest
Posts: n/a
Just returned last week, have driven in Europe often, but first time in Poland.<BR>It was quite the same as Germany and France. But, you can get off the main roads to some poor roads, but they were quite interesting, and we loved all of the trip. We were 4 women from 58 to 65 years old. Spoke no Polish or German and got by quite well with a translation book and sign languange. Gated hotels (small) were not hard to find. And everyone was quite nice to us.
Jun 1st, 2002, 12:50 PM
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
In response to the original question, one of the best tour companies I know is Grand Circle Travel. I also know they do tours of Poland, usually in conjunction with one or two other countries in eastern Europe. No, I don't work for them and I don't get a commission for mentioning them. I am just familiar with some of their tours and they are always outstanding. They are rather upscale, so if you are looking for a bargain you probably don't want them. Their web site is www.gct.com. Whatever you do, enjoy your trip.
Jun 25th, 2002, 04:48 AM
#11
Guest
Posts: n/a
Been there twice in the past year. First trip to teh north, Gdansk is a beautiful city, try Malbork about 40 miles away, pretty nice Teutonic castle there. Second trip was to Zacopane in the Tatry Mountains int he south, simply the best if you like to relax, spent a day in Slovakia, I loved it but for those of you who are impatient dont bother, the people there are on their own time.
