A holiday in Poland takes visitors on a fascinating journey through a country as rich in history as it is beautiful in nature. Cities that were once destroyed have been rebuilt into thriving cultural centres, while those that stood the test of time exhibit a wonderland of medieval architectural gems. While the landscape outside the cities is lesser known, it is no less appealing with vast mountainscapes and plunging gorges, pristine coastlines and intriguing woodlands. There are a number of international airports that handle flights to Poland, including Warsaw Chopin Airport, John Paul II International Airport Kraków–Balice and Gda?sk Lech Wa??sa Airport. Major airlines operating flights there are Ryanair, LOT Polish Airlines and easyJet.
The capital city, Warsaw, is a city of contrasts, a jumble of cutting-edge culture and music, tradition and modernity. Reconstructed Baroque palaces and Gothic spires are dotted between Stalinist skyscrapers and contemporary architecture, with museums documenting the city's past and a flourishing arts scene showcasing the city's diversity. In contrast, the country's second largest city, Krakow, is not only one of the oldest cities in Poland, but it has one of the most perfectly preserved old towns in Europe. Its UNESCO-protected historic centre is an enchanting blend of fairytale medieval architecture, cosy cellar bars and cobbled streets. For adventure-seekers, the dramatic gorges and mountainous regions offer an array of exciting outdoor activities, from rafting and biking to miles of unspoilt hiking areas.