Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1.

Join tour at Poznan hotel. Our weekend starts as we arrive at our hotel and check-in before taking an initial wander around the city. Poznan, located on the banks of the Warta River, is one of Poland’s oldest cities; with a population of around half a million it is also one of the largest in the country. For the visitor however, the main area of interest is the Old Town, with the square – the Stary Rynek – considered to be one of the most beautiful in Central Europe. The 16th century renaissance Town Hall, the main street – the Swiety Marcun – together with a wealth of churches and Burgher houses make this an intriguing city to explore. There is the 16th century Basilica of St Peter and St Paul, the oldest Polish cathedral, to explore along with the island of Ostrew Tumski and the historical district of Srodka on the east bank of the Warta. Although parts of the city were flattened during the Second World War, much of what was destroyed was rebuilt in Baroque and Renaissance style, and the cobbled streets of the Old quarter lead the visitor into a kaleidoscopic jumble of architectural styles. And in the evening the cafes, bars and restaurants of the Old Town come alive until the early hours.

Day 2.

In Poznan. Morning sightseeing tour. Afternoon at leisure. After breakfast we join a walking tour of the Old Town. We will visit the Old Town; with it’s Market Square, the Town Hall, and the Franciscan Church, before heading for Ostrow Tumski, Cathedral Island, with the Basilica of St Peter and St Paul. After the tour there is time to sit and watch the world go by from one of the local cafes. In the afternoon there is time to wander more of the city and its islands, exploring at our own pace.

Day 3.

In Poznan. Steam-hauled train to Wolsztyn. After an early breakfast we transfer to the railways station to board a steam-hauled train to Wolsztyn. The run takes about two hours, as we stop at some 15 stations before reaching Wolsztyn, which lies about 50 miles from Poznan. Wolsztyn is regarded as the centre of steam in Poland as rail services in the area are still steam-hauled on a regular basis. The railways depot here boasts a locomotive shed, a turntable, and a number of both working locomotives and a display of retired locomotives from all over Poland which can be visited and inspected. Accompanying us today will be an English speaking assistant who will translate as needed and help find any exhibits of particular interest. There are normally two trains a day between Wolsztyn and Poznan so we aim to spend as much time here as the current timetable will allow. We return to Poznan having had a taste of what the days of steam were – and here still are – like.

Day 4.

Tour ends. After breakfast our tour ends, and we drive to Poznan and the airport for the flight home