Krakow

We transferred from Stary Smokovec to Krakow in Poland, a couple of hours by road.  Krakow is the 2nd largest city in Poland, and was largely undamaged by World War II. 

The centre is full of historic buildings and Gothic churches, along with one of the biggest market squares in Central Europe.  We spent one morning on a guided walking tour of the Jewish Quarter and the historic centre.  St Mary's Basilica, just off the town square, has one of the most highly decorated gothic interiors you will ever see!

In the afternoon, some of us went to the amazing Wieliczka Salt Mines.  These are astonishing - one of the most amazing man made sights we have ever seen.  The guided walking route is around 2 miles, but covers less than 1% of the mine.  Throughout, there are huge carved underground chambers, statues, chapels and restaurants.  It is an absolute must see if you are ever in this part of Poland.

Dinner that night was in a restaurant in the Jewish Quarter - Noah's Ark.  Sitting in a courtyard on a mild evening, listening to the traditional music drift out through the open windows and eating goose with baked apple - it doesn't get much better than that!

Krakow was the last major city of the trip.  After (yet another!) lengthy and enjoyable meal in Krakow, the group all went their separate ways.  We had had a flavour of 5 countries and 4 major cities in Eastern Europe, and we had all had a spectacular and enjoyable holiday.  The ultimate test of any holiday is would you do it again, and as far as we were concerned, we would happily start again tomorrow!