Hanseatic Gdansk
Explore the ‘jewel in the crown’ of this region – the historic, Hanseatic city of Gdansk.
Explore the ‘jewel in the crown’ of this region – the historic, Hanseatic city of Gdansk.
Impressive architecture will surround you as your guide takes you through charming medieval streets and introduces you to the Gothic St Mary’s Church. Your guided walk will start near the Golden Gate, a grand ornamental arch that once allowed access through the medieval city’s defensive walls. Continue along Long Street, lined with marvellous buildings decorated with elaborate façades. Pass the Town Hall, Long Market and the beautiful 15th century Merchants’ Palace of Artus Court and pause at Neptune’s Fountain, before walking down to the waterfront canal. You’ll turn up Mariacka Street, lined with numerous quaint shops and lovely terraced buildings, leading you to St Mary's Church - the pride of Gdansk.
St Mary’s Church is the world’s largest brick-built church, accommodating some 25,000 worshippers. The medieval church took 159 years to build and its deceivingly plain exterior belies a bright, spacious interior with large windows and more than 30 beautifully decorated chapels. The floor is covered with ancient tombstones and the northern transept holds an amazing 15th century astronomical clock, complete with the zodiac cycle and a calendar of the saints.
On the Road to Freedom - SOMETHING DIFFERENT
Gdansk was where WWII began and where the Solidarity movement made the first crack in the mighty Soviet Empire.
Gdansk was where WWII began and where the Solidarity movement made the first crack in the mighty Soviet Empire.
The tour will start with a drive to Westerplatte where, on September 1st 1939, World War 2 began. En route to Gdansk you’ll pass by Lech Walesa’s house.
Your guide will lead you through Gdansk’s charming medieval streets, starting near the Golden Gate and along Long Street. You’ll see the Town Hall, Long Market and the 15th- century Merchants' Palace of Artus Court. Pause at Neptune’s Fountain to admire this monumental symbol of Gdansk's Hanseatic past, before walking along Mariacka Street to see the pride of Gdansk, St Mary's Church, which took 159 years to build (exterior only).
After a short coach transfer, you’ll visit the Exhibition entitled ‘Roads to Freedom’, located next to the Gdansk Shipyard. In 1980, the Shipyard became the focus of nationwide strikes in Poland, forcing the communist government to concede to workers’ demands for the right to form an independent trade union. Solidarity, with Lech Walesa as its chairman, was born. Amongst the exhibits the ‘Roads to Freedom’ multimedia presentation shows the famous postulates scribbled on plywood boards that were hung over the gate of the Gdansk Shipyard on 28th August 1980. The boards have been entered into the UNESCO ‘World Memory List’.
Gdansk, Sopot and Gdynia - BEST SELLER
The ‘Tri-City-Stretch’ includes Gdansk, Sopot and Gdynia, and this popular option introduces you to all three.
The ‘Tri-City-Stretch’ includes Gdansk, Sopot and Gdynia, and this popular option introduces you to all three.
The drive to Gdansk passes the Abbot’s Palace and 13th century Oliwa Cathedral in Gdynia.
Once in Gdansk, you leave the coach and walk across a bridge over the Motlawa River to enjoy a view of the Old Port and Long Wharf with its famous wooden crane. Then, it’s a short walk to Green Gate where you’ll enter the pedestrian area of the main town for some free time. Re-joining the coach, you’ll drive to see the Old Town Hall, St Catherine’s Church and the Solidarity Monument.
Completing your Tri-City tour is a stop at Sopot with its lovely, wide sandy beaches and pier, which juts 1,693 feet into the sea.
Gdansk on Your Own
This tour is perfect for those who wish to discover the Hanseatic city of Gdansk at their own pace.
This tour is perfect for those who wish to discover the Hanseatic city of Gdansk at their own pace.
On arrival in Gdansk you’ll leave the coach at Chmielna Street, near to the Green Gate, for independent exploration. Wander through the shops, sample Polish cuisine at restaurants nearby and discover Gdansk’s treasures at your own pace. This is the perfect opportunity to tailor your time to suit your needs and make the most of your visit to this city.
At a time specified by your escort, you’ll return to your coach for the return drive to Gdynia.