The Flavors of Lower Silesia and Wroclaw Culinary Vacation
Our Lower Silesia culinary vacation offers a fantastic introduction to a rare gem in the world of European cuisine. It remains a little-known culinary destination, unless, of course, you are of Polish ancestry. In that case, you’ll remember eating delicious, traditional Polish food during holidays while enjoying the music, dance, and rich traditions so intertwined with the cuisine. Whether you join us as a traveler discovering Poland for the first time, or you are seeking to reconnect with your own family traditions, this will be a unique and meaningful vacation that provides a strong sense of home in the midst of new experiences.
Outdoor Attractions: Situated in southwest Poland, this area features diverse wildlife, the rugged Sudety mountains, rivers and pastoral valleys, as well as striking cave formations, old growth forests, and more than a dozen scenic and national parks. In the towns and villages, people celebrate the outdoors in their gorgeous botanical gardens, pristine mineral springs, and healing health resorts.
People who have settled in the Lower Silesia region come from many different parts of Poland and Europe. They are known for their hospitality and willingness to share their agricultural lifestyle with visitors, which is one reason why agrotourism is growing so rapidly here. We’ll visit agrotourist farms and participate in hands-on cooking classes. With the local farmers as our teachers, we’ll learn how to prepare both regional and traditional specialties.
Urban Amenities: Wroclaw, the capital of Lower Silesia, nicknamed “The Venice of Poland,” sits on twelve islands along the Odra River. This historic city showcases Gothic, Flemish, and Viennese Baroque architecture, although it’s known as a progressive incubator of avant-garde theatre and modern art. With a thriving university and growing scientific sector, the diverse population demands eclectic entertainment, fine restaurants, and trendy boutique shopping.
After we’ve dined and cooked with chefs in some of this vibrant city’s best restaurants, an architectural and historic tour of Wroclaw will round out our experience.
We know you’ll fall in love with the beauty of Lower Silesia, and with its culinary abundance. You’ll want to return to this region of Poland again and again!
Main Attractions
7-day/6-night custom-designed, intimate cooking vacation in Poland’s Lower Silesia region, one of the most diverse and picturesque areas of Poland.
Elegant and comfortable accommodations in the beautiful 16th-century Zamek na Skale castle in the Polish countryside and at Tumski hotel in the city of Wroclaw.
Visits to local markets; opportunities to learn crafts from local artists.
Hands-on and demonstration-style cooking lessons throughout the week.
Delicious regional cuisine: freshly made meals and bread, plus wine, beer and vodka tastings.
Visits to agrotourist farms: legendary hospitality and the chance to experience life in the Polish countryside.
Motor excursions into famous cities and towns to see renowned art and architecture, including buildings which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List, plus many more cultural discoveries.
The option to extend your time in Wroclaw and further explore this lovely city, dubbed “The Venice of Poland”.
Day By Day Itinerary
Our Exciting Itinerary for “The Flavors of Lower Silesia and Wroclaw” Culinary Vacation
Day 1 – Sunday
We meet in the lobby of Wroclaw hotel at 10:00 a.m. for a group transfer by motor coach to a spectacular 16th-century Zamek na Skale castle (a four star hotel with SPA center in the historical cellars of the castle – pictured above) in the village of Trzebieszowice, our home for the next four days. In addition to its beautiful location, our castle has an interesting history: the Prussian king, Frederik Wilhelm III, once invited the Russian czar, Alexander I, to join him and his entourage there for a birthday celebration. Enroute, we stop at Karczma Zagloba, in the town of Swidnica, for a sumptuous lunch. We also visit the 17th-century, wooden Church of Peace, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Further exploration of this region may include sampling hand-made pralines at a Chocoffee shop, or a visit to a gingerbread bakery before we resume our journey to Trzebieszowice. After settling into Zamek na Skale, we take a short tour of this truly romantic and comfortable castle, relax in the spa, or go for a leisurely walk in the nearby park. Later in the evening, we meet head chef, Marek Mol, for a festive Welcome Dinner in the castle restaurant featuring specialties of the local cuisine and chef’s exclusive culinary creations made especially for us.
Day 2 – Monday
After breakfast at the castle, we attend our first cooking class with Halina Jurak from Jaszkowa Gorna village. We learn the secrets of preparing the all-time Polish favorite, pierogi, stuffed dumplings. Then, we get an introduction to the Polish bread-baking traditions at a family owned “Bagietka” bakery in Jaszkowa Dolna village. The aroma and taste of the freshly-baked breads in the bakery is unforgettable! Later, we travel to beautiful Polanica Zdroj, a health resort town. While there, we must taste the mineral water from the “Wielka Pieniawa” spring and take a leisurely walk through the town center and surrounding health park. Our evening meal is traditional Polish cuisine at Piastow Grod restaurant in the town of Duszniki Zdroj.
Day 3 – Tuesday
Today we travel to Oldrzychowice Klodzkie village for our second cooking class. On the menu this time is another undisputed Polish favorite, golabki, stuffed cabbage rolls with robust tomato sauce. In the afternoon, we travel to the town of Walbrzych. In Walbrzych, we visit the 13th-century Ksiaz castle, also called the Pearl of Lower Silesia, the largest of the Silesian castles and the third largest castle in all of Poland, a place of many cultural and artistic events. To celebrate our third day in the beautiful Lower Silesia, we dine in the nearby town of Szczawno Zdroj, at Gospoda Babinicz, located in remodeled stables. Gospoda Babinicz specializes in Polish cuisine, particularly exceptional hunter’s dishes. This night, we celebrate with delicious Polish food, drink, music, and dancing.
Day 4 – Wednesday
Today, we head to nearby Krosnowice village for our third, hands-on cooking class with Halina Puk. Using a traditional Polish recipe and natural ingredients from the owner’s farm, we prepare barszcz czerwony, red beetroot borscht, as part of our lunch. Then, we travel to the town of Kletno, where we visit the most beautiful cave in all of Poland, “The Bear’s Cave.” Later, we drive off to the town of Stronie Slaskie, to see “Violetta,” a 200-year-old company that manufactures high quality, hand made, crystal glass products. For those ready to shop, the company gift store has many of their beautiful products for sale. On the way to Stronie Slaskie, we drop in on many of the local food artisans at their agrotourist farms. We also visit Ladek Zdroj, one of the oldest health resorts in Europe. Tonight, for the final meal of the “rural” part of our culinary adventure, we dine at the Korona restaurant in the town of Klodzko. The Korona is famous among locals for its outstanding Polish cuisine, and a popular venue for wedding receptions.
Day 5 – Thursday
After an early breakfast, we travel to Wroclaw, the capital of Lower Silesia, to begin our urban culinary experience. After checking into the Tumski hotel, where we’ll stay for the next two days, we head to lunch at the Krakus Fraternity restaurant. Located right next to KS “Wratislavia” Polmos distillery, the restaurant specializes in Polish dishes accompanied by a vast selection of vodkas. Following lunch we enjoy a guided tour of the distillery. We learn the secrets of vodka production and watch the entire process in historic production halls. Then, we take a guided tour of Wroclaw’s historic Old Town, including Market Square, Town Hall, and Salt Market. Later, we may also visit Spiz restaurant and local brewery where we get to taste delicious local ales. Wroclaw has many great restaurants specializing in Polish cuisine. Tonight we dine at JaDka, one of the most elegant of them all, located in the theater district. Enjoy!
Day 6 – Friday
After breakfast, we enter into the rhythm of day-to-day life in Wroclaw by shopping for ingredients at Hala Targowa, a historic indoor fresh food market. The head chef from the Mill Inn restaurant joins us, guiding our produce selections and then teaching our cooking class. During this demonstration-style cooking class, the world- renowned comfort food bigos, Hunter’s Stew, an old traditional Polish recipe, is our final epicurean adventure. After lunch, we may visit Panorama Raclawicka and later take a lazy boat ride on Odra river to get another view of Wroclaw and its stunning architectural beauty. There’s time to shop for gifts at the Cepelia store. Choose from both decorative and pragmatic Polish handicrafts for loved ones back home, and don’t forget something for yourself! Our Farewell Dinner will be at Karczma Lwowska restaurant, serving old Polish specialties from the eastern borderlands, and located in the heart of Wroclaw’s Market Square. There’s live entertainment, too!
Day 7 – Saturday
Depart for your home country following breakfast, or make your own arrangements to stay longer in lively Wroclaw.
Vacation Details
What’s Included
Even though our vacations are leisurely, you may want to consider an extra night at the Wroclaw and Tumski hotels in the city of Wroclaw before and/or after the program. You may find that the extra time will make your week even more relaxing and enjoyable.
- Six nights accommodations double occupancy with ensuite bathroom (four nights at the Zamek na Skale castle and two nights at Tumski hotel in Wroclaw)
- Arrival transfer from Wroclaw hotel at 10:00 a.m. to Zamek na Skale castle
- Daily breakfast
- Six dinners
- Six lunches
- Local beer, house wine, tea and coffee with all included meals (Please note that drinks consumed outside of mealtime are not included)
- Four hands-on and/or demonstration style cooking lessons
- White cooking apron with Poland Culinary Vacations logo
- Excursions to cultural sites, all entrance fees and food artisan visits
- City tour of Wroclaw (with professional city guide)
- Boat ride on Odra river in Wroclaw
- Transportation where specified
- English interpreters
- All luggage transfers
- Taxes and service charges
What’s Not Included
- Airfare or other non-specified transportation to the trip starting point, and from the trip ending point
- Meals and alcoholic beverages not specified in the itinerary
- Personal expenses such as laundry or telephone calls
- Passport or visa fees
- End of vacation gratuities for guides (not required, but greatly appreciated)
- Insurance of any kind
Dates
July 3 – July 9, 2011
July 31 – August 6, 2011
Other dates to be announced
Cost
Option 1. $2,950 per person, based on double-occupancy ($500 deposit). Single supplement is $350 – program as described above, lodging in four and five star hotels, all meals included.
Option 2. $1475 per person, based on double-occupancy ($500 deposit). Single supplement is $350 – program as described above, lodging in two and three star hotels. Thursday dinner in the city on your own. No specials or discounts apply.
More info and reservations
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