Warsaw to Krakow and Wieliczka Salt Mine: Private day trip

Krakow's Old Town is a 13th-century merchants' town, planned in 1257 following the city’s destruction during the Tatar invasions of 1241. The green park around the Old Town marks the city’s original fortifications that were demolished in the 19th century. In the middle of one stretch is the Gothic-style barbican, built around 1498, which once connected the fortified walls. It is one of only three such fortified outposts still surviving in Europe, and the best preserved. As a center of the most religious countries in Europe, Krakow offers and almost endless list of churches to visit. Right in the middle of the town square it the Church of St. Wojciech, one of the oldest stone churches in Poland. Of course, no medieval city would be complete without a castle, and the Wawel delivers with sweeping views and multiple museums. Be sure to plan your visit at http://www.wawel.krakow.pl/en/index.php?op=40

Wieliczka salt mine produced table salt up to 2007 as one of the world’s oldest salt mines. The mine’s attractions include numerous statues, three chapels and a complete cathedral carved out of the rock salt. New sculptures by contemporary artists now stand side-by-side with the oldest sculptures. The Chapel of the Blessed King is the largest of the three chapels and was built by the miners so they could prey for their own safety. Nowadays, despite its unusual location, the chapel is used for weddings and church services. Everything in the chapel is made from salt and although the floor appears to be from marble, it really is from salt. On the more contemporary side of things are a conference room, spa, and wellness center. Walking through a salt mine may not be a typical tourist activity, but this secret deep below the earth provides an informative and exhilarating experience.