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TRACING YOUR JEWISH HERITAGE WITH POLAND TOURS AND A LOCAL PRIVATE GUIDE
Apr – June Sept - Oct
11 DAYS
POLAND
TOUR OVERVIEW
Welcome to our private-guided travel experiences that are completely customized around your unique family history, brought to you by Kensington Tours and Ancestry®. Ancestry is the industry leader in family history, and their AncestryProGenealogists® division is the home of the genealogical experts that will be working with our customers, together in this perfect pairing with Kensington Tours’ years of crafting custom private-guided travel to over 100 countries across the globe.
The AncestryProGenealogists® Experience with Kensington Tours along with Waldron Travel will curate your own, one-of-a-kind heritage tour with the assistance of a professional genealogist that will be further customized by Destination Experts. A genealogy expert will follow the trail left behind in historic documents, records, and photographs, and uncover your personal family history, forming the foundation for your journey. Then, as you follow in your family’s footsteps, you will stay in comfortable accommodations and have access to private vehicles, drivers, and the best guides.
Places to visit in Poland
Venture to Poland and you will be warmly welcomed. Charming cities, breathtaking natural scenery and the keeper of some of our most important human history, Poland guarantees you’ll never be bored. Given that so much of Europe’s history is tied into Poland, from Communist expansion and World War II all the way back to the Middle Ages, the historical references from these periods are evident everywhere. Ranging from the architectural wonders in Warsaw and Gdansk to the battle signs of former occupation in Krakow.
On our private guided Poland tours, rely on the in-destination knowledge of your private guide to take you through this country’s storied history while also giving you extraordinary intimate experiences in the old cities and country sides with your private driver. Relax in its famous cafes and enjoy the vibrant scene of each significant town at your own leisure or take a private day tour to nearby Auschwitz Birkenau for an emotional and moving experience.
When you trace your heritage and travel with Waldron Travel and Kensington Tours, you will experience the best of Poland complete with:
- Your own private guide & vehicle
- An itinerary tailor-made for you by our Destination Experts
- Extraordinary experiences, vetted hotels & hidden gems
- 24/7 in-country support
Central Poland Jewish Heritage
Warsaw, Lodz, Czestochowa, Kielce, Lublin
(1) Gdansk is the 4th largest metropolitan area and Poland’s principal seaport. The city lies on the southern edge of the Baltic Sea. This gives the city a unique advantage as the center of Poland’s sea trade. Together with the nearby port of Gdynia, Gdynia, Gdansk is also an important industrial center. Historically an important seaport and shipbuilding center, Gdansk was a member of the Hanseatic League. The city was the birthplace of the Solidarity movement which, under the leadership of Gdansk political activist Lech Walesa, played a major role in bringing an end to communist rule across Central Europe.
(2) Kraków is the second largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland. It has traditionally been one of the leading centers of Polish academic, cultural and artistic life and is one of Poland’s most important economic centers. After the invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany at the start of World War II, Kraków was turned into the capital of Germany’s General Government. The Jewish population of the city was moved into a walled zone known as the Kraków Ghetto, from which they were sent to extermination camps such as Auschwitz and the concentration camp at Plaszów. In 1978, UNESCO placed Kraków on the list of World Heritage Sites.
(3) Lodz is Poland’s third largest city and is located in the center of the country. The city grew constantly until 1914, when it had become one of the most densely populated industrial cities in the world. However it suffered during both world wars. Prior to World War II, the Jewish population of Lodz numbered about 233,000, accounting for one-third of the city’s population. The community was wiped out in the Holocaust. Many tourists visit Piotrkowska Street, which stretches north to south for a little over 3 miles, making it the longest commercial street in the world. Recently renovated, it has many beautiful buildings dating back to the 19th century, in the Art Nouveau architectural style.
(4) Lublin is the largest city in eastern Poland and the capital of Lublin Voivodeship with a population of 355,954 (2004). It is Poland’s ninth largest city. Lublin, by some called “little Cracow”, has wonderful architecture and a charming, unique ambiance. It is worth a visit to experience a “true” polish city atmosphere. The Old Town, with its old, picturesque architecture,
(5) Poznan is a city in west-central Poland, located on the Warta River, it is one of the oldest cities in Poland. An important historical center and a vibrant center of trade, industry, and education, Poznan is Poland’s fifth largest city. Poznan’s cathedral is the oldest in the country, containing the tombs of the first Polish rulers: Duke Mieszko I, King Boleslaus the Brave, King Mieszko II, Duke Casimir I the Restorer, Duke Przemysi I, and King Przemysi II.
(6) Warsaw (Poland’s capital and largest city) was completely destroyed during World War II. Following massive and painstaking reconstruction, Warsaw’s Old Town (Stare Miasto) on the west bank was authentically reconstructed from original plans and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among the most notable landmarks of the Old Town are the Royal Castle, King Zygmunt’s Column, Market Square, and the Barbican. The Polish capital plays an important role in the country’s cultural life and now features over 20 museums. One of the best is the Warsaw Historical Museum, which traces Warsaw’s history and shows films shot by the Nazis showing their systematic destruction of the city.
(7) Wroclaw is the chief city of the historical region of Lower Silesia in south-western Poland, situated on the Oder River. Over the centuries the city has been part of Poland, Bohemia, Austria, Prussia, and Germany. In 1945, the Potsdam Agreement returned the city to Poland after many centuries. Wroclaw is now a unique European city of mixed heritage, with architecture influenced by Bohemian, Austrian, and Prussian traditions, such as Silesian Gothic and its Baroque style of court builders of Habsburg Austria. Wroclaw still has a number of buildings by eminent German modernist architects (Hans Poelzig, Max Berg), the famous Centennial Hall (Hala Stulecia or Jahrhunderthalle) by Berg (1911–1913) being one of its finest examples.
*Travelers can create custom tours to one or more cities based on their preference.
Your personal heritage tour will include and allow you to do the following:
- Explore Warsaw’s Jewish heritage as you walk through sites tied to your family’s roots.
- Customize your journey with curated stops, guided by pre-trip genealogical research.
- Spend a day tracing your Jewish history with a genealogist, exploring ancestral connections.
- Upgrade your research package for an in-depth ancestry report and detailed family tree.
- Enjoy handpicked stays and bespoke tours, thoughtfully curated for a meaningful journey.
- Please note: USD per person, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.
Tracing Central Poland Jewish Heritage
Below is an example of a Personal Heritage Journey and corresponding sample itinerary for a Jewish American of Polish descent that was created by Polish/Jewish genealogy experts, which may inspire your next trip. It is ready to be customized in accordance with your interests, tastes and budget so you can connect with local cultures and experience authentic travel on your own terms and depart at your convenience.
DAY 1: WARSAW - THE ADVENTURE BEGINS
PURO Warszawa Centrum
On arrival at the airport, meet your private driver for a convenient transfer to your hotel. Your driver will be waiting for you in front of the Europcar located in the public area of the Arrivals Hall level, in between the Old and the New terminal. For your added comfort, an English-speaking assistant will help you to check in and walk you through the welcome package documents, your itinerary and answer your questions.
A Welcome Package with a copy of your itinerary, tickets (if relevant), and any other information that we deem you may find useful will be provided to you at the respective destinations.
DAY 2: WARSAW - EXPLORE WITH AN EXPERT
Palace on the Isle, Lazienki Palace
With a private guide and driver, embark on a full day tour of Warsaw, Poland’s capital and largest city. A city with a stormy history, including the march of Napoleon’s army, national uprisings and tsarist repressions, and WWII, all had their imprints yet didn’t stop its development. As you go about its historic center, learn about life during the Warsaw Uprising and under communism, along with issues that absorb the attention of Warsaw’s citizens today. Listen to legends from the old times, gain an insight into the elections of Polish kings and the secrets of enclosed courtyards of Varsovian houses; even find out where the Warsaw Pact was signed. A highlight of your tour is a visit to the Royal Castle. With a history dating back to the 13th century it’s been the seat of the Mazovian Princes, residence of the Polish kings, seat of the Senate, and the place where the Polish Constitution was signed. Continuing to the picturesque 18th century Lazienki Park, one of the most beautiful palace and park complexes in Europe. Within the park you will spot the Palace on the Isle, one of the most beautiful and most valuable examples of classical architecture in Poland. Originally a Baroque magnate’s pavilion, it later became a royal summer residence. The park comes to life in the summer, when outdoor concerts are held in honor of the city’s vibrant music culture. Find yourself following the sounds of piano as the music of Chopin is played near his monument in the park.
DAY 3: WARSAW - SECRETS OF THE CITY
POLIN Museum
Begin your journey into the past with a privately guided tour of key Jewish sights in Warsaw. Let yourself be led by your guide as they paint a picture of what it was like to live as a Polish Jewish citizen. Follow your ancestral path and visit the Nozyk Synagogue. This experience is sure to be a moving one, as it is the last remaining pre-Holocaust synagogue in Warsaw. Take a moment to say a silent prayer for your ancestors, who may have used the synagogue as a place of worship. Walk the memorial route from the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes to honor those who perished in the Holocaust. This memorial route leads to the Umschlagplatz, once a deportation sight for Jews sent to Treblinka. Those who passed away in Warsaw would have been buried in the Okapova Cemetery, one of the largest Jewish cemeteries in the world. It stands as a testimony to hundreds of years of Jewish life in Poland. At the end of your tour, visit the renowned POLIN Museum. Choose to explore it on your own or with a museum guide, who will illuminate the history of Jews from their departure from Israel to their arrival in Poland and the events up until the present day. Please notify your Destination Expert if you would like to add the museum guide to your experience at POLIN.
DAY 4: WARSAW TO LODZ - SIGHTS AND INSIGHTS
Lodging: TAndel’s
Meet your private driver and vehicle for a transfer to Lodz. The approximate travel time is 2 hours. Set out with your private guide and driver for a tour of Lodz, with a special focus on Jewish heritage. What initially started as a small village in the 14th century later grew to become home to one of the largest Jewish communities in the country, second to Warsaw. If your ancestors hail from Lodz, they may have attended one of two former synagogues. Visit the memorial by the Moses Monument in the Old Town Park, situated between where the synagogues once stood. If they passed away in Lodz, they would have been buried at the Jewish Cemetery on Bracka Street. Your guide will escort you through the cemetery and point out any notable or relevant tombstones, perhaps those belonging to a family member, former neighbor or friend. The Jewish Community, although large, was always well connected and you will learn the commonalities between your ancestors and others who also lived here. Continue your discovery with a visit to the Poznanski Museum. A magnificent baroque palace, this was the former residence of Israel Poznanski, a famous Polish Jewish businessman who amassed a fortune in the cotton industry. Head deeper into the ghetto to discover the Radegast train station, once used to transport citizens to concentration camps. Those who returned are now commemorated in Survivors Park. Here, over 400 survivors planted, “trees of memory”, creating the park that houses the Memorial Mound and the Monument to Poles Saving Jews during WWII.
Lodz
DAY 5: LODZ TO CZESTOCHOWA TO KIELCE/ - A SIGHT BEHOLD
After checking out of your hotel, meet your private driver and vehicle for a 2.5-hour transfer to Czestochowa, the location of your tour today. On arrival, Holy Virgin Mary Avenue will lead you to the heart of the city, and the Jasna Gora Monastery where a private monastery guide will be waiting to lead you on a spiritual journey, your own personal pilgrimage. Initially constructed in 1382, the monastery has since become the third largest Catholic pilgrimage destination in the world, with pilgrims coming from across the globe to view and pray at the shrine of the Gothic painting of Our Lady of Czestochowa, or The Black Madonna.Admire special votive offerings connected to Pope John Paul II, including a golden rose, and blood-stained cassock related to a failed assassination attempt. In addition to the strong Catholic connection, Czestochowa is also known for its Jewish history. You will visit a site near the entrance of what was considered a small ghetto used in WWII. This was the sight of mass executions and where people found themselves before being taken to concentration camps. The people of Jewish faith who lived and died in Czestochowa would have been buried in the Jewish cemetery, the third largest in Poland. Your guide can accompany you for a walk through the tombstones as you view the graves. Finally, head towards the Jewish Museum of Czestochowa for an informative lesson on the history of Jews in Czestochowa.
Meet your private driver and vehicle for a transfer to Kielce. The approximate travel time is 2 hours.
Jasna Gora Monastery
DAY 6: KIELCE TO LUBLIN - THE JOURNEY CONTINUES
Grand Hotel Lublinianka
Depart your hotel with your private guide and transportation, embarking on a tour of Kielce and its environment. Kielce was granted municipal rights in 1360, but it existed as early as the 11th century. Located in the heart of the Swietokrzyskie Mountains (loosely translated as the Holy Cross Mountains) the city enjoyed an economic boom as deposits of copper ore, iron ore, and limestone were discovered. As the population grew, it became a religious center with its very own Baroque Bishop’s Palace, now housing the National Museum, and the Kielce Synagogue. Your guide and driver will be at your disposal as you explore the town and surroundings, uncovering the sites and locations connected to your family heritage. You will learn about the history of the area and its role in the partitions of Poland, World War II, and up until the present day.
Meet your private driver and vehicle for a transfer to Lublin. The approximate travel time is 3.5 hours.
Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
DAY 7: LUBLIN - A JOURNEY BACK IN TIME
Set out with your private guide and driver for a full-day exploration of Lublin. With settlements dating back to the 6th century, Lublin has been a pivotal city in Polish history. Admire the medieval Lublin Castle, a stunning white structure with history dating back to the 12th century. Continue to the Old Town, where you’ll be immersed in the history of the old market square, imagining your ancestors selling their wares or buying goods from merchants. Your guide will lead through the Grodzka Gate, once known as the Jewish Gate, as Lublin developed one of the largest and most prosperous of the Jewish communities in Poland. The city created the world’s largest Talmudic school, Yeshiva, and was nicknamed “Jewish Oxford”. The city also hosted the Council of the Four Lands, the ruling political body for Jews in Poland and Lithuania, established in 1580. Follow the Heritage Trail through the Jewish ghetto and past the spot of the former Talmudic school. Take a moment in the old and new Jewish cemeteries in remembrance of those who have passed. In the afternoon, visit Lublin’s Open Air Village Museum, where you’ll be transported back in time, entering a reconstructed 1930’s provincial town. Discover exhibits in some of the buildings including a hairdresser, Jewish kitchen, post office, and craftsman’s houses, surrounded by livestock, crops and gardens. With your guide acting as translator, you can speak with a few of the people that live on the property, learning about their provincial life.
DAY 8: LUBLIN - LEST WE FORGET
Today will mark a moving point in your journey as you depart with a private driver to visit Majdanek, the Nazi concentration camp located on the outskirts of Lublin. After visiting the city in 1941, Heinrich Himmler decided to have Majdanek constructed to hold prisoners who would function as the workforce for the German empire. Closer to the end of the war, as the Red Army advanced into Poland, Majdanek was liquidated and prisoners were sent to other camps.
Meet an official Majdanek guide for a private tour of one of the most well-preserved concentration camps in existence. Upon entering the camp you’ll notice the watchtowers and barbed wire that disrupt the landscape. These tools of the SS surround the bunkhouses that once held prisoners. Inmates of these bunkhouses created sculptures that can be seen between each building. The buildings now facilitate exhibitions on the living conditions of the prisoners which your guide will escort you through. Once you have reached the end of the road you’ll be greeted by the Mausoleum, a sculpture created by Wiktor Tolkin who also designed the road and the gate in the camp. Continue with your guide to the Majdanek State Museum which houses both permanent and temporary exhibitions. The museum has a mission to promote historical education about the occupation of Lublin, and the Majdanek, Belzec, and Sobibor camps. What initially began as an effort to preserve and reconstruct historical objects, the museum has now been transformed into a place of study and contemplation.
DAY 9: LUBLIN - CROSS AN ITEM OFF THE BUCKET LIST
Chelm
Spend the day with your dedicated Ancestry Genealogist to uncover the sites and locations of your heritage, as determined in your Research Report.
Meet your private driver-guide to explore the nearby towns of Kinsale and Cobh. The ideal way to discover Kinsale is by joining Don & Barry’s Kinsale Historic Scroll walking tour, a fun and engaging exploration of the main sites and history of the once medieval-walled town. Walking in a group, the charming guide doubles as a captivating storyteller, introducing you to the old harbor town and unveiling its complex past and legends. Afterward, enjoy some time at leisure to discover why Kinsale is known as “The Gourmet Capital of Ireland”. Rejoining your private driver-guide, head to Cobh, the final port of call for the ill-fated maiden voyage of the Titanic. Take a step back in time and immerse yourself in the past, starting right at the beginning with a privately guided walking tour of the Titanic Trail, focusing on Cobh’s history, Irish heritage, and connection to the doomed ship. You will then visit the Titanic Experience where you will receive a boarding card upon check-in, detailing the life of one of 123 final passengers who boarded the Titanic from Cobh. Meander through a virtual journey of the ship through unique cinematography, eventually discovering the fate of your assigned passenger. After a full day of discovery, your day concludes with a private transfer back to Cork.
DAY 10: LUBLIN TO WARSAW - ENDING ON A HIGH NOTE
Lodging: PURO Warszawa Centrum, Classic Room
PURO Warszawa Centrum
Meet your private driver and vehicle for a transfer to Warsaw. The approximate travel time is 3 hours.
Indulge in an exclusive private Chopin recital at Szustra Palace. Nestled amidst a storied past, this architectural gem, also known as Lubomirski Palace, was meticulously reconstructed in the 20th century and now stands as a testament to Warsaw’s rich cultural heritage. Immerse yourself in the ambiance of these historic interiors, where a symphony of elegance and artistry awaits. Renowned artists, steeped in musical virtuosity, will grace the stage for an intimate one-hour private concert. As the melodies of Chopin fill the air, be transported to a realm of emotion and beauty, captivated by the enchanting compositions of this iconic Polishcomposer. The concert program, meticulously curated, presents a diverse and captivating repertoire, showcasing the most characteristic musical works of Frederic Chopin. From delicate mazurkas to passionate nocturnes, each note played by the gifted performers will evoke a myriad of emotions and weave a tapestry of musical enchantment. To enhance your experience, a glass of sparkling wine will be served, allowing you to savor the harmonious melodies while indulging in a moment of refined elegance.
Piano
DAY 11 – WARSAW - UNTIL NEXT TIME
A private transfer from your accommodation in Warsaw to the airport is provided.
Included
- A fully customized itinerary based on your interests and schedule.
- 24/7 in-destination support from our local office
- All accommodation stays, tours and transfers for scheduled activities are covered, unless otherwise listed in the itinerary.
- A private driver for tours and transfers (in some countries our local private guides also act as your driver – your Destination Expert will discuss with you if applicable)
- Local private guides or shared tours that take you through your itinerary highlights and experiences, your final itinerary will confirm the type of tour.
- A greeting at the airport or at your accommodation from one of our representatives – your expert will confirm your meet and greet location with you.
- Breakfast each morning at your hotel, plus any meals indicated in the itinerary.
- One suitcase and one carry-on per person for trip transfers
Not Included
- Please do let your expert know if you would like to receive pricing from our Air Team
- Travel insurance, which we offer and can be purchased after you have booked your tour.
- Visas (unless noted)
- Tips for services and experiences
- Lunches, dinners and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), unless specified in the itinerary.
- Excess baggage charges, and where applicable, baggage not included in your fare.
- Personal charges such as laundry, phone calls, SIM cards or room service
- Early check-in or late check-out from hotels (unless otherwise specified)
- Additional sightseeing, activities and experiences outside of your itinerary
- Optional enhancements like room or flight upgrades, or local camera or video fees
- Passport fees, immunization costs, and local departure taxes (when applicable).
Prices are subject to change. As itineraries are custom designed for you, the final price will vary and is also based on the month of travel.