Poland
Proven Poland, Warsaw & Krakow Destination Management Company: DMC and planner for Specialist
Incentive, Conference, Event and Convention Travel Organiser Worldwide
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MAZURKAS TRAVEL LTD(IATA / ETOA / SITE / ICCA / ASTA) |
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COUNTRY MAP
(Map by kind permission of the CIA Official Website)
General Information
Company
Founded in 1990, MAZURKAS TRAVEL is a fully - licensed, privately owned travel company with two partners: Andrzej BARTKOWSKI and Andrzej HULEWICZ.
Today, with staff of over 50 dedicated professionals at your service in our office in Warsaw , we are proud to be the leading Destination Management Company in Poland . We specialize in creation and realization of tailor-made programmes for Incentive Groups, Product Launches, International Conferences, Conventions, Board Meetings and special interest tours. Mazurkas Travel DMC Poland will always be able to propose something to you, from concept making to consulting, ground arrangements, venue finding, accommodation, transportation, banqueting etc. Through our creativity, professionalism and attention to detail, our overriding goal has constantly been to build a strong relationship with our clients, to understand, to meet and to exceed your expectations.
We are a young and dynamic team and we know there is always a programme suitable for your needs, here in not yet discovered incentive destination of Europe – in Poland .
Welcome to MAZURKAS TRAVEL – the leading DMC in Poland!!!
Destination
POLAND
Poland may be viewed by many who have not been fortunate enough to visit it as just one more dull, grey, former East European satellites. Nothing could be further from the truth. Poland with over 1000 years of history has a profusion of impressive historical buildings, beautiful scenery and excellent accommodation and has an age-old tradition of hosting international gatherings. It is a perfect destination, within a reasonably short flying time from most Western European countries to one of its 6 international airports.
There are more then enough reasons to come. Poland is a country of highly diversified landscapes. There are several hundreds km of golden beaches along the Baltic coast. Just south of the coast, there is a belt of varied, glacially sculpted stretch across the country, one of them being the incomparable Great Mazurian Lake District. Poland is also home to the unique ecosystem of the Biebrza Marshes – a wonderland area for natural habitat enthusiasts and those who enjoy being out on a great opportunity photo-camera safari. The visitors may come face to face with an elk or a European bison in the Great Bialowieza Forest , one of the last remaining primeval forests in Europe .
In the South of Poland you can find a range of scenic mountains, ranging from the limestone crags of the Pieniny to the Alpine peaks of Tatras.
Nature lovers will certainly find something appealing in one of Poland ’s 23 National Parks. Poland also features many fascinating examples of historical architecture beautiful Old Towns in Krakow, Gdansk , Torun and Zamosc, fortified castles such as Malbork and Krakow ’s Wawel, and numerous palaces, monasteries and museums documenting Poland’s contribution to the European history and culture.
In addition, Poland has also her own extremely colourful folk crafts, fine arts, music and drama.
When constructing an incentive itinerary, you may weave in all or some of the above elements that guarantee the very Polish incentive.
Let us be the planner for your next meeting or event.
Example Programmes
A TOUCH OF POLAND (4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS)
DAY 1 - WARSAW: Morning arrival to the Frederic Chopin Airport * Marching band to great the guests * Transfer to the hotel * Girls in folklore costumes serve a welcome drink * Gifts in the rooms – a bottle of Polish vodka, CD with Frederic Chopin music, small piece of crystal or a modern glass * Buffet lunch at the hotel * Afternoon sightseeing tour of Warsaw: Old Town – the Castle Square, King Sigismund Column, St. John Cathedral, the Old Town Market Square, the Barbican, the Royal Route – aristocratic residences and famous statues, historic churches, historical sights – the Ghetto Memorial, the Monument of the Warsaw Uprising, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Grand Theatre * Transfer by old cars to the Łazienki Palace for an exclusive concert of Frederic Chopin’s music * After the concert short walk through the Łazienki Park to „Belvedere” restaurant for a dinner * Return transfer by old cars to the hotel and overnight.
DAY 2 – WARSAW: Breakfast exclusively for the group * Afterwards start a tour of the Mazovian lowlands – west of Warsaw * Visit to Żelazowa Wola, the birthplace of Frederic Chopin. Next boarding the narrow-gauge train and departure to Tułowice * Buffet lunch in a typical Polish manor house * Afternoon return to the hotel * Time at leisure * „A night for aristocrats” - a gala dinner in the White Hall at the Wilanów Palace, the Baroque residence of king John III Sobieski * Before the dinner exclusive tour of the Palace and a glass of champagne * Transfer back to the hotel and overnight
DAY 3 – WARSAW / CRACOW: Breakfast exclusively for the group * Transfer to the railway station * Exclusive Warsaw – Cracow train ( 2,5 hrs. ) – beverages ( coffee, tea, soft drinks ) served on board * Gipsy music band plays on the way * Arrival transfer in Cracow for an Old City tour with a visit to the historic highlights: the Wawel Hill with the cathedral and Wawel Castle, the Main Market Square with St.Mary’s Church ( the magnificent wooden altar by Wit Stwosz ) * Lunch at a historic restaurant: „Wierzynek” * Afterwards, a transfer to the Wieliczka Salt Mine – one of the greatest tourist atractions in the world – undeground chapels and halls from the 17th and 18th centuries with beautiful statues sculpted in salt * Miners brass band concert and Polish vodka tasting ceremony in one of the chambers * Late afternoon, return train to Warsaw * Transfer to one of the restaurants in the Old Town area: „Bazyliszek”, „Fukier”, „Gessler” * Dinner there * Transfer back to the hotel and overnight
DAY 4 - WARSAW: Breakfast exclusively for the group * „Warsaw under Communism” – a special tour for the incentive group * Buffet lunch at the 30th floor of the Palace of the Culture and Science – splendid farewell city panorama * Afternoon departure for the airport.
CRACOW - JEWEL IN THE CROWN
DAY 1:
Arrival at the Cracow International Airport * Transfer to the hotel * Welcome drink * Gifts in the room, typical of the Cracow region * Welcome ceremony at the Collegium Maius, the oldest site of Jagiellonian University. Kept here are the priceless University relics such as the astronomical instruments of Nicolaus Copernicus and the Jagiellon Globe with the oldest outline of America * Cocktails in the medieval courtyard with the Brotherhood of Marksmen * Dinner at the famous „Wierzynek” restaurant, traditional Polish cuisine, famous Cracow meads and vodkas.
DAY 2:
Breakfast exclusively for the group * Sightseeing of Cracow – the Old Town Market Square, St Mary’s Church with the famous altar of Wit Stwosz * Visit to the Wawel Castle: the richest museum in Poland * in the middle of the sightseeing lunch in „Copernicus” restaurant * Dinner at the Pieskowa Skała Castle at the Ojców National Park * Polish vodkas tasting in the Gothic interiors of the castle * Private Baroque music concert * Transfer back to Cracow
DAY 3:
Breakfast exclusively for the group * Museums of Cracow and Kazimierz District tour * during that tour stop for coffee and cake in the famous „Jama Michalika” Art. Nouveau designed coffee shop * While there – Lajkonik – the Cracow celebration commemorating the repelling of the invading Tartars in the 13th century * Lunch in „Ariel” restaurant * Afternoon and evening at the Wieliczka Salt Mine * Exclusive visit to the underground chapels, historic chambers and galleries * Salt sculpture competition for the guests * Medieval ceremony of admittance into the miners fraternity – special certificate * Miners’ brass band * Gala dinner served in one of the historic chambers situated 130 meters below the ground level * Special folklore performance * Transfer back to Cracow
DAY 4;
Breakfast exclusively for the group * transfer for a raft run down the Dunajec river * lunch at „Bąkowo Zohylina” regional restaurant in Zakopane * transfer to Cracow for afternoon departure from the airport.
GDA-SK - A HANSEATTIC CITY OF AMBER
DAY 1 : Arrival at the Gdańsk International Airport * Transfer to the hotel * Gifts in the rooms, typical for the Gdańsk region * Welcome cocktail at the Artus Court, a magnificent early Renaissance building situated in the heart of historic Gdańsk * Dinner at the famous, stylish „Pod Łososiem” restaurant, traditional Gdańsk cuisine and the famous „Goldwasser” vodka as an aperitif.
DAY 2: Breakfast exclusively for the group * Sightseeing of Gdańsk: Upland Gate, Golden Gate, Long Street, Main Town Hall, Old Market, Neptune’s Fountain, St. Mary’s Basilica (the largest red-brick Gothic church in Central Europe ), St. Mary’s Street with gabled terraced houses, Gdańsk Crane * Boat trip across the Bay of Gdańsk with stops at Westerplatte, Sopot, Gdynia and the Hel Peninsula * Lunch on the boat – fish specialities - exclusively for the group * Return to Gdańsk * Gala dinner in the interiors of the former Franciscan Monastery, now the National Museum, famous for the late Gothic altar triptych painted by Hans Memling * Over dinner a private concert of chamber music.
DAY 3: Breakfast exclusively for the group * Private concert of organ music in the Oliwa Cathedral *
Transfer to Malbork – a visit to the largest medieval castle in Central Europe, built by the Teutonic Knights Order and a seat of the Grand Masters of the Order * Lunch in a medieval feast style with a show of a knights tournament – exclusively for the group * Return transfer to the Gdańsk Airport for the afternoon departure flight.
Suggested Sightseeing
WARSAW
SIGHTSEEING OF WARSAW – half day
Enjoy this great opportunity to get acquainted with the history of Poland’s capital. See the Old Town, intricately reconstructed after World War II. The Old Town is an excellent example of a compromise between historic values and modern needs – art, galleries, shops, charming restaurants, cafes, and craftsmen’s workshops. Take pleasure in a drive along the Royal Route with its beautiful palaces, aristocratic residences, famous statues and historic churches. See the historic sights of Warsaw – the Ghetto Memorial, the Monument of the Warsaw Uprising, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Chopin’s Monument and the Belvedere Palace.
SIGHTSEEING OF WARSAWBY AN OLD TRAM – 1 hour
Seven old-timers – trams made in 907,1925, 1939 and 1952, are at group’s disposal. Wooden seats, tram driver dressed in a historical uniform and a glass of chilled vodka at the beginning of the tour give to this sightseeing an exceptional charm. The route includes all major attractions of the city as well as the most prestigious streets including Marszałkowska and Jerozolimskie Avenue and a short visit to Praga – district of the city located at the opposite side of the Vistula River.
WARSAW UNDER COMMUNISM – half day
This tour brings its participants back to the most infamous years of the Polish history – age of communism. Transportation is provided by the Polish made coach from this period - commonly called „cucumber” – which has been used for regular bus service in Warsaw. Special attention is to be paid to architectural monuments designed in social-realism style. The tour also includes a visit to some typical residential quarters from 60, 70 and 80’s of the 20th century, in order to show how Poles lived during that age. The tour ends with the visit to the most characteristic building of the city – Palace of Culture and Science – which was built as a gift from the nations of Soviet Union and Joseph Stalin personally to the Polish nation. A cocktail on the terrace located on 30th floor of the building will be held. The most typical drinks and meals of the poor communist era are to be served there.
FREDERIC CHOPIN TOUR – half day
It was the genius of Frederic Chopin that made Poland famous in the music world. While staying in Warsaw get acquainted with the collections of relics of his life and with the headquarters of the Chopin Society. See the last original piano of the great composer. Next, go to the Chopin family apartment, now home of the Academy of Fine Arts. Very close is the Baroque church where Chopin used to play. Enjoy a private piano concert at one of these places.
WARSAW PALACES – full day
Warsaw has been the capital of Poland for the last four hundred years. For centuries monarchs constructed the beautiful castles and palaces you can admire today. You have a great choice. Begin with the Royal Castle – the early Baroque, five-wing building with a courtyard and a clock tower. For many centuries it housed both the Royal Court and the Government. Continue with the Wilanów Palace – summer residence of Jan III Sobieski – the king who defeated the Turks in the Battle of Vienna in 1683, or see the Palace on the Water in the Łazienki Park – the magnificent palace and garden complex inspired by Poland’s last king – Stanisław August Poniatowski - at the end of the 18th century.
CRACOW
SIGHTSEEING OF CRACOW – half day
For the Polish people, Cracow is a very special city: the capital of kings, the place where kings were crowned and buried. Today, Cracow is the key to understanding Poland and Poland’s place in Europe. Come and see the Old Town area within the Planty greenbelt – an excellently preserved mediaeval city. We start the walk next to the old defense walls. The vast Old Town Market Square is considered to be one of the largest town squares in Europe. The surroundings of the square have remained unchanged for almost 700 years and contain buildings of historic value such as St. Mary’s Church with the famous Gothic wooden altar, the Town Hall Tower, the Renaissance Cloth Hall, the „Wierzynek” restaurant and the burgher’s houses. Every full hour, you can hear the bugle call to the four corners of the world from the tower of St. Mary’s Church.
THE WAWEL CASTLE TOUR – half day
Wawel Castle is the most popular and the richest museum in Poland. In its 71 magnificent rooms with 7.040 sq. meters of floor space, several thousand work of art of greatest value are on display. Through a tall vaulted gate we enter the Renaissance arcades of the castle courtyard. This is where colorful pageants, knights’ tournaments and entertainments were held. Today, open-air performances and concerts are given in the courtyard. The most valuable of all the works of art in the Wawel collection are the Arras tapestries. This great art legacy is due to king Sigismund Augustus, who commissioned the work with the best Flemish weavers, and supervised its progress over twenty years. Wawel Cathedral used to be the scene of coronations and is the eternal resting place of the kings of Poland. Wawel hill is dominated by the Cathedral, the Castle and the defense towers. In the Sigismund Tower hangs the largest bell in Poland, called „Zygmunt”. The Renaissance Sigismund Chapel by the Cathedral, roofed with pure gold, is an absolutely unique architectural monument.
THE KAZIMIERZ DISTRICT AND „SCHINDLER’S LIST” TOUR – half day
You only need to go a short distance from the city centre to enter the maze of narrow streets of the former Jewish district of Kazimierz, to plunge into the culture of different world. Until 1939, the district’s life resembled that described by Isaac Bashevis Singers in his books. The dramatic history of the Jewish community, exterminated by the Nazis, was presented by Steven Spielberg who directed the movie „Schindler’s List” in the actual setting. In the past, Kazimierz was a distinct town with its own Market Square and Town Hall, as well as thriving culture, which blossomed in the 16th century. That period witnessed the foundation of Poland’s oldest Judaic shrine, the Old Synagogue now with the exhibition that shows the history and culture of the Jewish community of Cracow, and then the Remu’h Synagogue with the adjoining Renaissance cemetery.
THE MUSEUMS OF CRACOW – half day
Without doubt, the Czartoryski Collection remains a gem among the objects held by the National Museum. The museum displays collections gathered by some of the most eminent Polish families. The most important treasures of this collection are „The Lady with an Ermine” by Leonardo da Vinci and „The Landscape with a Good Samaritan” by Rembrandt. The Szołajski Museum has a collection of Polish crafts (from the middle ages until the 18th century) and the most precious collection of Gothic paintings and sculptures in Poland. The manuscript of Copernicus’ main work „De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium”, which shattered the mediaeval vision of the universe, is a real ornament of the Jagiellonian Library. There are more traces of striking discoveries in the Cracow’s collections. The Jagiellonian-period globe (at the Jagiellonian University Museum) carries the first depiction of America.
WIELICZKA SALT MINE - Half day
A visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mine – a world class tourist attraction. Over 700 years, many generations of Polish miners created the underground world, exceptional in its beauty, with the rich interior decoration of the chapels – including the most beautiful of Saint Kinga, the original linings of the galleries and workings, and the underground salt lakes. We can see up to 20 excavated chambers on 3 levels - of those the main one is located 130 meters below the ground level. The chambers are decorated with beautiful statues sculpted in salt. What is also important - the temperature down there all the year round is the same – 17-18 degrees of Celsius. The Wieliczka Salt Mine is on the UNESCO List of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.
AUSCHWITZ - Half day
The death camp at Oświęcim, known as Konzetrationslager Auschwitz, was in fact a complex of camps, the largest Nazi death factory, where more than two million people, mostly Jews, perished. The Auschwitz camp consisted of several units, including the largest one at Brzezinka ( Birkenau ). Of the millions of people brought there in the period between 1940 and 1944, only 60 to 70 thousand utterly emaciated victims were alive at the time of liberation of the camp – at present, the National Museum of Oświęcim is situated on the site of the former camp.
RAFT RUN DOWN THE DUNAJEC RIVER AND ZAKOPANE – Full day
A unique mountain range stretches north-east of the Tatras: the limestone rocks, the microclimate and the wide variety of flora and fauna, and the characteristic features of these mountains. Rafting down the Dunajec river through the Pieniny Gorge on highlanders’ raft, is believed to be one of the greatest attractions of Poland. While on a raft navigated by two highlanders, you admire one of the most beautiful river gorges in Europe. After the raft run tour terminates to Zakopane – the mountain capital of Poland – located at the foot of the Tatras, the highest mountain range in Poland. A lunch is served in the famous regional restaurant „Bąkowo Zohylina” – typical highlanders specialties, including famous „oscypek”, a sheep cheese, are in the menu. The last point of the program is a ride by a cable car to the top of Gubałówka Mountain to admire the splendid panorama of the Tatras.
GDANSK
SIGHTSEEING OF GDAŃSK – Half day
We start the tour from the Upland Gate – a fragment of the city’s fortifications and one of its main gates. Just behind, we pass by a baked – brick construction consisting of the Prison Tower and the Torture House – relics of the Gothic defense walls from the 15th century. The Golden Gate, situated next to the Prison Tower, opens onto the Long Market – a magnificent street, with Patrician mansions decorated with late Renaissance and Baroque facades – a real feat for the eyes!!! It is here that the richest burghers of Gdańsk used to live. Next , we can see the Main Town Hall, with a size-life gilded figure of king Sigismund Augustus on the top. Beyond the Main Town Hall, we admire the Artus Court – a building used for Hanseatic League meetings, the most beautiful court in all the Hanseatic cities. Just behind it rises the tower of St. Mary’s Basilica, a part of the most precious and largest red-brick Gothic church. On our way back we pass by Mariacka Street, with its gabled terraced houses and elegant boutiques, leading to the Long Wharf on the Motława River. At the river’s edge stands the characteristic Gdańsk Crane, where the tour ends.
EXCURSION TO MALBORK, FROMBORK AND KADYNY – Full day
This tour consists of the most attractive places around Gdańsk. We start at Malbork, to see the famous fortress of the Teutonic Knights. The magnificent castle is located on the bank of the Nogat River. Protected with drawbridges, moats and mounds, the complex consists of 3 parts: the Lower, Middle and Upper Castles. Note the remarkable and original palm vaulting in the Knight’s Hall. Next, Frombork – a fortified town by the Vistula Lagoon. The town with its 2 thousand inhabitants, is closely linked with the life and work of Nicolaus Copernicus, who revolutionized the mediaeval view of the universe here. He spent the latter half of his life in the tower of the Frombork Cathedral – the seat of the Warmian Bishops since the 14th century. We continue to Kadyny, a small village between the Vistula Lagoon and a major national park. In the past this forested area was a favorite hunting place of the Hohenzollerns – the last dynasty of German emperors. In Kadyny is an eclectic Imperial Palace and a horse stud farm, where we can rest a while before taking a coach ride around the area, a great way to see the wonderful coastal landscapes.
BOAT TRIP ACROSS THE BAY OF GDAŃSK – Half day
During this trip we will admire the most picturesque spots of the area. The private ship stops at Westerplatte, Sopot, Gdynia and finally at the Hel Peninsula. On board our guests have a great chance to try local fish specialties that can satisfy even the most discerning taste.
AMBER – GOLD OF THE BALTIC SEA - Half day
Gdańsk has long been famous for the art of processing amber. The beauty and abundance of artifacts and jewellery paved them the way to princely and royal courts all around Europe spreading the legend of amber. Contemporary Gdańsk continues centuries of its traditional status of the world’s amber capital. This tour includes a visit to one of the oldest factories producing amber jewellery, as well as a visit to the late Gothic St Brygida Church, where the biggest altar made of amber is located. This will be followed by a tour of amber art gallery, where our guests could also buy some of the amber masterpieces.
Theme Party Ideas for Incentives
KAMPINOS PICNIC
A short ride by motorcoach to the Kampinos National Park. Continue your journey on board a narrow-gauge train that was used to serve small villages. The steam engine will make the trip much more fascinating. Entertainment by a music band with drinks being served. A campfire welcomes the guest to a meadow surrounded by forest. Roasted sausage, „bigos” – stew of sausage, meat and cabbage, military-style pea soup are included in the menu.
A local folk band plays during the picnic.
Maximum capacity: 280
POLISH PEASANT WEDDING
This ceremony, which takes place in a small village next to Łowicz, is a real „ Polish folklore pill”. In this program our guests may find everything that is important in the Polish folk culture: impressive dances, beautiful songs, colorful costumes, typical ceremonies – or in one word – the charm of the Polish village. This ceremony – given in a very traditional way – is an interactive one – all participants are real guests of the bride. After the wedding ceremony our guest have a chance to make their own cutouts, after a short instruction from the local master of that kind of art. Maximum capacity: 100
POLISH VODKA TASTING
Just as France is famous for its champagne, so vodka has been Poland’s most important drink for centuries. Produced in a thousand ways for the last thousand years, this drink holds an important place in the Polish tradition. It is difficult to imagine Poland without this kind of alcohol, and a visitor coming to Poland should experience at least a small shot of its pleasure. We therefore suggest an evening in the historic interiors in Warsaw. A presentation of twenty different vodka brands with additional information about the way of producing and the customs of serving as well as brief lecture about Polish cuisine, is a great opportunity to get acquainted with this very special aspect of the country’s culture. Maximum capacity: 500
MILITARY EXPERIENCE – SHOW AND COMPETITION
This event is organized with the participation of the former soldiers of the Polish Army Special Forces – a glorious GROM military unit. GROM / in English – „thunderbolt” / has the same position and prestige as, for example, Marines in the US Army or SAS in Great Britain.
A military training ground is exclusively rented. Our guests dressed up in military uniforms with the Warsaw Pact insignia can enjoy a varied range of activities. The most fascinating is ride on the famous Russian made T-55 or T-72 tanks as well as on the Armored Infantry Transporter – BWP. A shooting training course and competition using the most popular and probably the best machine gun of the world - AK 47 (commonly called „Kalashnikhov”) is followed by typical soldier’s meal, prepared in a field kitchen. At the end of the event certificates of participation and special prizes are to be given to our guest in a very ceremonial, military way. Maximum capacity: 200
THE NIGHT WITH JOSEPH STALIN’S GHOST
This is an invitation for a very special evening – for an exclusive tour of the biggest building from the soviet era in Warsaw - the Palace of the Culture and Science. This 150 meters high tower is a replica of buildings of its kind in Moscow and was completed in 1955 as a gift from the nations of the Soviet Union and Joseph Stalin personally to the Polish nation.
During the tour we will see the most prestigious interiors of the Palace and ...... the most mysterious ones – some of those which were built especially for the members of Politburo of the Polish Communist Party. And finally a surprise – Joseph Stalin will join the group and the guests will have the privilege to ask some questions to the most powerful dictator in the world’s history. The tour is followed by a cocktail on the top terrace of the Palace. Maximum capacity : 50
DEKADA - STEP BACK TO WARSAW OF THE 60'S AND 70'S OF THE 20TH CENTURY
Probably the most original and extraordinary interior of the music club in Warsaw. We may find there for example: a tramway made in 1960, typical furniture from the same period and even original beer bottles /fortunately empty/ from that time. The music is also from that period - Polish and American – fifty/fifty. In the menu the guests find some typical and simple dishes of the communism era in Poland. The only chance to see some of the poor reality of Poland during that age.
Maximum seating capacity: 250
Maximum reception capacity: 500
JAZZ AND PUB NIGHT IN KRAKÓW
The evening starts with a visit to the Jazz club „U Muniaka” for a nice concert of contemporary Jazz music. The club was named after Janusz Muniak – one of the most famous Polish Jazz composers who lives in the city. After such a feast for the soul something for the body. During the evening at least three among the best pubs in Cracow are to be visited and up to 6 different kinds of beer are to be tested. The guide will give to the guest all necessary explanations. The highlight of the evening will be a visit to the only mini brewery of the city – CK BROWAR – where a typical beer dinner, including their famous different beer casseroles / topped with cheese, meat, fish, black pudding, scrambled eggs etc. / will be served. Maximum capacity: 70
TEUTONIC NIGHT IN MALBORK
Have you ever experienced a true knight’s tournament followed by a feast at the largest castle of the Teutonic Order? The Malbork fortress was the seat of the Grand Master of the Order in the years 1309-1457. It consists of 3 parts: the Lower, Middle and Upper Castles. The Middle Castle was mainly used for entertainment purposes. Here are the guest chambers, the cavernous chambers for the sick and the Main Refectory. The core of the architectural scheme of the entire construction is the High Castle. Allow knights to invite you to a delicious, mediaeval dinner in the mysterious interiors of this magnificent castle. The period music completes the truly mediaeval atmosphere. The „light and sound” show is available as well. Maximum capacity: 220
Convention Centres
WARSAW
THE WARSAW CONGRESS CENTRE
Located in the Palace of Culture and Science – in the very center of the city – is a frequently and readily used venue for major international conventions, congresses, symposia and smaller meetings. The interior of the building - the real pearl of „ soviet style social realism” - full of marbles and crystals and with its outstanding scale, afford a unique „palace” ambience to the events taking place here. Excellent hotels like Marriott, ideal for accommodation of participants of events organized in the Palace, are located in a walking distance from this venue.
Built: 1955
Maximum conference capacity: 3000
Maximum banquet capacity: 1000
Maximum reception capacity: 2000
THE NATIONAL OPERA THEATRE AND THE NATIONAL THEATRE
Located at the same building, both are ideal venues for a conference, because of two reasons. First – this monumental complex is probably the most prestigious place of its kind in Warsaw with the giant facade and very richly decorated interior. The second reason is the multiplicity of adjacent rooms to the main auditorium, which could be used for other sessions, receptions etc. The Byzantine luxury of the interiors is a good advantage over other such locations in the city.
Built: 1833
Maximum conference capacity: 1800
Maximum reception capacity: 1800
WARSAW INTERNATIONAL EXPOCENTRE - EXPO XXI
This new centre is one of the most modern and definitely the biggest venue in the Polish capital that can easily accommodate international congresses, conferences and seminars with the biggest exhibition space of 9000 square meters and height of halls - up to 8 meters. The centre in very conveniently located – approximately 2 kilometers from the heart of the city and is equipped with the latest IT and telecommunication systems. The other advantage of this place is its flexible space arrangement.
Built: 2001
Maximum conference capacity: 4.300
Maximum banquet capacity: 3.000
Maximum reception capacity: 5.500
THE WARSAW PHILHARMONIC HALL
Right after construction this eclectic building was commonly described as „ the most impressive temple of music in Eastern Europe”. Completely destroyed during Warsaw Uprising in August 1944 was rebuilt and now houses the most famous Philharmonic Hall in Poland. The Hall is a venue for many international classical and contemporary music competitions and festivals like: The Frederic Chopin Piano International Competition or The Warsaw Autumn. The main hall interior is decorated with marble and dark wood. Also the foyer, surrounding the hall is richly decorated and is an ideal venue for a reception or a buffet lunch during the conference. And last, but not least – the location – right in the heart of the city, just a few steps from the Palace of Culture and Science.
Built: 1901
Maximum conference capacity: 1070
Maximum reception capacity: 1100
KRAKOW
CONFERENCE VENUES IN CRACOW:
The old Poland’s capital gives many options of a good convention or conference venue. Let us introduce to you a few among the best.
1. Conference Center „Pod Kruki”. The most possible prestigious location - in the 18th century carefully reconstructed and adapted house at the Old Market Square.
Maximum capacity: 200 seats.
2. Villa Decius. Located in a quiet area of Cracow suburbs this elegant Renaissance villa is an ideal venue for a not too big convention. Maximum capacity: 100 seats
3. The Cracow Philharmonic Hall. Conveniently situated next to the Old Town area, this place of maximum capacity of 800 seats would be a good option for a huge convention
4. The Juliusz Słowacki Theater – the most prestigious conference venue in the town. This Eclectical building with an exterior and interior of exceptional beauty has 520 seats in the most remarkable auditorium in Cracow.
GDANSK
A few possibilities of holding a conference or a convention in the Tri City Conurbation ( Gdańsk, Sopot, Gdynia ) are worth consideration:
1. The Olivia Hall, located in the northern district of Gdańsk – Oliwa, about 5 kilometers from the city center, a huge multifunctional hall used for sport activities, concerts, conventions, theater and opera performances with maximum capacity of 3.800 seats.
2. The Gdańsk Opera House, located in the same district as Olivia, a modern building with auditorium housing 552 seats, famous for its exceptional acoustics.
3. The Musical Theater in Gdynia - an elegant, massive construction situated just next to the beaches and the marina. This place has maximum capacity of 680 seats.
4. And the last, but definitely not the least option for warm period of the year / May – October / is the worlds famous Forest Opera consisting of an auditorium and a covered stage, located in a forest valley in Sopot. In this place of outstanding beauty and peace even more than 2000 people can be seated.
A Few Extra Touches
Communist, Medieval, Slavonic Decadence, Country Club, Highlander’s Wedding, Polish manor house theme evenings, each accompanied with characteristic music, food and costumes;
Exclusive classical concert and champagne in Lazienki Royal Palace in Warsaw;
Visit and dinner at Wieliczka Salt Mine – exclusive sightseeing with many or exclusive dinner in one of the underground ball rooms;
Exclusive ball in Villa Decius, near Krakow; Concert of Jewish music at the former Jewish district Kazimierz in Krakow;
Welcome Gifts
- CD with music by: F Chopin / Mazowsze Folklore Group / Jewish music
- Sweet with logo - wafer cake, made by the old polish chocolate company "E.Wedel"
- Hand made amber Jewellery
- Silver Jewellery
- Goldwasser" Gdansk's Vodka (contains 22-carat gold flakes) . The liqueur made according to the traditional recipes of Old Gdansk vodkas from the 17th century.
- Polish "Bison" Vodka ("·ubrówka"), prepared with pure grain vodka with "bison grass" added;
- A photographic album about Poland / Warsaw / Krakow / Gdansk / Tatra Mountains
- Glass Paintings from Tatra Mountains Region
Specialist Groups
- Art
- Arab Horse Stud/Farms
- Bike
- Castles
- Ethnic and religion
- Golf
- Music
- National Parks
- Ornithology
- River Rafting
- Ski alpinism