Poland

Former eastern block nation rapidly forges connections with Western Europe

Poland lies at the crossroads of Byzantine and Latin cultures and offers an abundance of natural and cultural attractions. These range from the bustling charm of Warsaw, its capital, to the beautifully restored old city of Gdansk, from the Renaissance arcades of 1,000-year-old Krakow to the awe-inspiring Carpathian Mountains and the amber beaches of the Baltic Sea.

Poland’s healing waters and crystal-clear lakes have long attracted visitors with dozens of health spas and resorts offering affordable therapeutic and relaxation programs dotted across the country. Fairy-tale castles, Teutonic fortresses and imposing palaces sit alongside imperial monuments and serene rural landscapes in a land dominated by natural beauty. Its cities are dominated by architectural masterpieces representing everything from Gothic cathedrals to Baroque civic buildings, Modernist houses to modern skyscrapers.

Its people are friendly and welcoming, making Poland a surprising and refreshing destination for travelers in search of an authentic Northern European experience.

© 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.