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With a prime location at the heart of the continent, the Republic of Poland is at the edge of Eastern and Western Europe and is a multifaceted country with many charms. Full of romance and rolling plains, as well as interesting and friendly people, Poland has come a long way from its tumultuous 45 years behind the Iron Curtain. The nation joined the European Union in May 2004 and is rapidly moving on with its future.

Warsaw has been Poland’s capital (on and off) since 1611. It is a cultural and industrial centre for the nation, but was also one of the most beautiful and elegant cities in the region before WWII destroyed it. Today, the city has recovered significantly and still has a scenic location split by the Vistula River. The western part of the city contains the city centre and the old town, and houses most of the tourist attractions. The main north-south boulevard, called the Royal Way, runs from the Royal Castle to Lazienki Palace, and is covered in churches, palaces, galleries and museums.

You’ll find more of Poland’s cultural and political history in the third largest city in Poland – Kraków. Here, you’ll find plenty of sights to make you feel as though you have stepped back into the 13th century, as well as a good range of modern amenities to keep you comfortable. Kraków is considered the ‘mother of Poland’ and is home to the fairytale Royal Castle, storybook streets and ancient cellar cafés. It was fortunate to have been spared the ravages of WWII and is today designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. About 60kms from the city is the Holocaust Museum at Auschwitz (Oswiecim), and nearby Birkenau. Around four million people were exterminated at the two camps during WWII.

The famous Tatras are the highest of all the Carpathians and Polands only alpine range. Here, you’ll find tall peaks and steep rocky cliffs dropping hundreds of metres into icy glacial lakes. At the foot of the Tatras is the Podhale region, with lots of tiny villages where locals are maintaining traditional highland lives. Zakopane is the tourist hub of the Polish Tatras and is a good base for skiing or hiking in the mountains.

The Great Masurian Lakes are part of the beautiful Polish countryside. The main lakes, the Sniardwy and the Mamry, are linked by rivers and canals to form an extensive system of waterways and towns are dotted around the lakes perimeters. The town of Mikolajki is the best option for accommodation and dining.

Glogowek is in the Sudeten foothills and is one of many tiny medieval towns of the region. It has preserved its original layout, including the old town square, church and old houses. Alternatively, Torun was the birthplace of Copernicus and is an interesting place to see.

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