Taking the confusion out of navigating Poland’s culinary landscape, Poland Culinary Vacations organises tours that include tasting sessions and cookery classes – after all, to enjoy a truly authentic gastronomic experience, you need an expert guide. The team at Poland Culinary Vacations collaborates with local cooks and chefs who use top quality ingredients while preparing their delicious recipes, and trips are designed so that visitors can experience both the solid home-cooking of village families alongside the chic cuisine of modern Polish chefs, all at a gentle and laid-back pace. This year, Poland Culinary Vacations is offering a selection of tours that celebrate the best of Polish regional cooking.

 

 

What do world-renowned piano composer Frederyk Chopin, Nobel Prize winning scientist Marie Curie, and the ‘Phoenix City’ have in common? They are all Polish, and the year 2010, the 200th anniversary of Chopin’s birth makes it the perfect year to find out more about all three as you dine and cook your way through the region of Mazovia in east-central Poland.

 

Warsaw, Poland’s capital city, earned its nickname of ‘Phoenix City’ because it has risen from ashes many times during past centuries. It is the largest city in Poland and home to 53 museums, excellent restaurants, cafés, art galleries and music clubs. Cultural and culinary events, as well as festivals, happen frequently in Warsaw. During this custom-designed culinary tour, you’ll dine and cook with talented chefs in some of Warsaw's best restaurants. But, there will also be time to explore the city’s history, architecture, and culture.

 

In the countryside, the region of Mazovia offers enchanting accommodation in castles, palaces, and manors. Agritourism — particularly popular in Mazovia — allows guests from other parts of Poland, and other countries, to experience life and work in rural Mazovia.

 

During both the urban and rural parts of this unique Polish adventure, you’ll learn to cook in hands-on and demonstration-style classes. There will also be time to sample expertly prepared gourmet meals and local breads, as well as taste regional beer and vodka. Other activities include excursions into well-known cities and towns to see celebrated art and architecture, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites, gondola rides in the Royal Łazienki Park in Warsaw and the Narew River in Pułtusk; visits to markets and opportunities to learn craft techniques from local artists.

 

 

This tour offers a fantastic introduction to a rare, and, as yet, relatively undiscovered gem in the world of European cuisine. Whether you are discovering Poland for the first time, or seeking to reconnect with your own family traditions, this unique and meaningful break will provide a strong sense of home in the midst of new experiences. 

 

Wrocław, the capital of Lower Silesia, is often described as the ‘Venice of Poland’ because it 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. A tour of this region with Poland Culinary Vacations includes cooking with Wrocław's talented chefs in some of the city’s best restaurants, time to explore its unique architecture and history during a custom-designed city tour, as well as visits to agritourist farms and the chance to experience the hospitality of the Polish countryside.

 

Located in the southeast part of the country, Lesser Poland or ‘Małopolska’ is one of Poland’s most beautiful regions. Rural Lesser Poland is home to the highlanders, or ‘gorale,’ as they are called in Polish. The charming town of Zakopane and surrounding areas offer many opportunities to experience highlander culture: cooking, singing and dancing in homes and restaurants. The highlanders' rich culinary and cultural traditions make this region one of the most exciting Polish destinations to explore.

 

In addition to this region’s many unique historic and resort attractions, the magnificent city of Kraków is located in Lesser Poland. The Old Town district of Kraków was built around Europe’s largest medieval market square, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many of the best museums, theaters, and architecture in the country are located in Kraków. The city’s Market Square is filled with unique and beautiful cafés, restaurants, and pubs.

 

Kraków is one of the places in Poland where chefs are constantly creating and teaching new ways of cooking. This itinerary includes hands-on and demonstration-style cooking lessons with modern chefs. Also, side trips like an excursion by raft through the Dunajec River Gorge and visits to farms, vodka makers, and marvelous buildings that are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

 

 

During your tour of Poland, you'll discover an array of whole-grain breads, savory soups, unusual cheeses and appetisers, fresh salads, fabulous desserts, a remarkable variety of sausage, and recipes that include wild mushrooms and berries.

 

Don’t forget that Poland is often considered the birthplace of vodka. One of the most distinctive variations is Żubrówka, otherwise known as Bison Grass Vodka. Each bottle contains an actual blade of grass from the legendary Białowieża Forest. In addition to eating new foods, you’ll learn about and taste Polish vodkas and regional beers.

 

Polish festivals also offer plenty of opportunities to experience culinary variety and appreciate new tastes. Foodie visitors can enjoy unique events such as Pierogi Festival in Kraków, the International Bread Fair in Jawor, Lower Silesia, the Plum Festival and the Oscypek Cheese Festival in Zakopane, or the Bean Day in Zakliczyn, Lesser Poland.

 

The people of Poland enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, focused on the pleasures of family, friends, and fantastic meals, especially in small towns and villages. They take time to socialize with newcomers and are especially welcoming to visitors who truly want to learn about the land and people they are visiting.