For centuries Krakow was the capital city of Poland. It no longer plays such an important administrative role, but for many people, thanks to its rich history, Krakow represents a synthesis of old and new. The unique atmosphere of the beautiful and mysterious streets of the Old Town will allow you to escape from everyday life. Galleries full of exhibitions, 19th century Viennese style cafes, where students and professors engage in debate, stylish pubs and restaurants in Kazimierz Quarter are all part of the charm of Krakow.

The Market Square in the centre of the Old Town is one of the biggest in Europe. It is a reminder of the power and wealth of medieval Krakow, the Polish capital at that time. The 14th century Cloth Hall, rebuilt in Renaissance style, houses the largest collection of Polish paintings on the first floor and colourful handicraft stalls in the ground floor arcades. A great way to spend an hour is to grab an outside table at the cafe and watch out for the trumpeter from the tower play a centuries old tune.

Saint Mary's Church, dating back to the year 1221, boasts the precious 15th century Witt Stwosz altar. Collegium Maius, with its Gothic arcades, is one of the few original medieval university buildings in Europe belonging to the Jagiellonian University, Central Europe’s second oldest university, after that of Prague. The Czartoryski Museum collection contains two of the most precious paintings in Poland: "Lady with an Ermine" by Leonardo da Vinci and "Good Samaritan" by Rembrandt. Wawel Royal Castle is the pride of Krakow and the heart of the nation, as it is the final resting place of monarchs and wordsmiths, including most recently, the Nobel Prize-winning poet Czeslaw Milosz. The Gothic Royal Castle dates back to the 10th century, but it was completely remodeled in Renaissance style in the 16th century and contains the magnificent Wawel Tapestries Collection.

An important part of Krakow's history is also Kazimierz Jewish Quarter. The Jewish community started to concentrate in Kazimierz district in the 15th century, forming a unique, commercial, religious and cultural centre, where everything was different from the surrounding world: language, religion, clothing, music and cuisine. Nazi extermination blew this small Jewish world away. The post-war government neglected Jewish culture and even a few years ago the district was a slum area. Now, restored and decorated with traditional Jewish emblems, it attracts visitors with its irresistible charm. Visit its many synagogues: including the Old Synagogue (the oldest in Poland, dating back to the 14th century) with an adjacent cemetery. Take time to enjoy coffee, kosher wine and a Paschal dish in a local restaurant. Some parts of Kazimierz will look familiar to those who have seen the film "Schindler's List", which was shot here, in its original setting.

Roughly a one hour trip from Krakow is the Wieliczka Salt Mine. The tour of the Mine includes beautiful chapels sculpted in salt (Blessed Kinga's chapel is the most beautiful one), the underground grottoes and ponds. All this at average depth of 150 m below the ground level.