TRAVEL GUIDE: POLAND

Drawing East-West influences from its bordering countries of Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Russia, Lithuania, Ukraine and Belarus, Poland is a fascinating study in cultures and contrasts. This central European country is also steeped in historical significance and is the birthplace of many intellectual and artistic icons, including Pope John Paul II and astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. Its capital and largest city, today considered the country’s artistic hub, Warsaw lost much of its baroque splendor during the destruction of World War II. After years of restoration, its Old Town was in 1980 named as a World Heritage site. Other places of interest in Poland include Krakow, known for its rich, mostly Renaissance architecture, and Lodz, whose claim to fame is Piotrkowska Street, the longest commercial street in the world.

TOP 10 CASTLE HOTELS
Reszel Castle
Reszel Castle has changed hands many times since it was constructed in the fourteenth century, but today it serves as one of the most popular hotels for exhibitions and conferences. The hotel offers 21 rooms and suites, gothic décor and its own art gallery.

Reszel Castle in Reszel, Poland is one of our Top 10 Castle Hotels Worldwide

Located in the heart of Poland, Krakow boasts Europe's largest medieval square

72-HOUR VACATION
Into the Heart of Poland:
72 Hours in Krakow
In the heart of Poland, with the Tatra Mountains nearby, Europe’s largest medieval square comes to life with a variety of lively galleries, cafés, clubs and pubs as well as horse-drawn carriages that roam its streets.

AIRLINE NEWS
Non-Stop Flights to Krakow
from Chicago
As of May 27, travelers can book a non-stop flight from Chicago to Krakow aboard a Boeing 767. This new connection is offered by Air Italy Polska every Monday and Wednesday. Book at FlyCentralEurope.com

Air Italy Polska offers new Non-Stop Flights to Krakow from Chicago

For more information, visit the official website of Poland.
Top images courtesy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Poland.

Guides for other parts of the world

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(Updated: 05/25/11 CT)

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