Frequently Asked Questions

When should I come?
Poland offers something different in every season, from picturesque winters to glorious summers. No weather conditions prohibit travel, but we recommend packing appropriately - lots of layers and strong boots during the winter, sunscreen and hat for the summer, and waterproof clothing for the fall and spring.

What should I bring?
Jewish Travel in Poland only uses high standard accommodation, providing all the services (towels, bedding, etc.) expected from international quality hotels. Most tours will require some moderate walking, so bring suitable footwear. Camera film and batteries all readily available in Poland, but visitors will need to bring an adapter for all electrical appliances not on European voltage (220 V). Most medical products can be easily purchased in Poland but we recommend you bring adequate supplies of any prescription medication.

What about Poland immigration?
Poland is a member of the European Union, meaning very easy entry for all European visitors. Most other nationalities, for example the citizens of Australia, Canada, Israel, and the USA, are free to enter the country as tourists for 90 days and do not require
a visa - check with your embassy prior to booking a tour with us.

Is Poland safe?
Poland is a stable democratic country that entered the European Union in May 2004.
It was the first central European country to overthrow communism in 1989, and is now considered the success story of post-communist countries. Whilst some rural areas are still very traditional, in the larger towns and cities all western products are easily available, services are of a comparable standard to most west European countries, and there is rapid economic development.
Violent crime in Poland is low, and while visitors should take reasonable precautions as with travel to all foreign countries, visits to Poland are generally free from difficulty.
Click here to see the US State Government travel information for Poland.

Where will I stay? What will I eat?
Jewish Travel in Poland only uses high standard hotels. All accommodation is on a twin-share/double basis unless otherwise requested. Hotels are typically located in the former Jewish quarters or old town areas, and are carefully selected for their level of service, location, and atmosphere. In areas where there is less availability, comparable standards are maintained when choosing accommodation.
Breakfast is included daily with each tour. This is usually a choice of either traditional Polish or continental-style buffet. For all other meals, your designated tour leader can recommend a variety of Polish or international restaurants in the vicinity.
For visitors wishing to keep kosher please refer to Traveling Jewish in Poland.

How long should I come for?
Our exclusive tours range from 1 to 5 days, and can be combined with other tours. Most visitors choose to spend at least a week in Poland, although we can cater for all lengths of stay.

What about my health? What if I get ill?
We recommend all visitors arrange personal comprehensive medical insurance, and EU visitors ensure they bring their European Health Insurance Card (former E111 form). Should you require medical assistance, your designated tour leader will make the necessary arrangements for any treatment you should require.
Medical services in Poland are of a high standard, with well-equipped, modern hospitals and surgeries. All European medical products are adequately available in Poland.
Most tours require some moderate walking. Please advise Jewish Travel in Poland on booking of any special requirements.
You do not need any vaccinations for travel to Poland.

What is the Jewish community in Poland like?
There is an active Jewish community in Warsaw, with Orthodox and Reform congregations, a Jewish community centre, Kosher canteen, Yiddish theatre, and Jewish school. Likewise, there are Jewish communities in Krakow, Lodz, and Wroclaw.
We can make arrangements for visitors to spend time with local Jewish communities, attend services, or participate in festivals. Jewish Travel in Poland does not travel over Shabbat, and we can advise about local services for visitors in Krakow over the weekend.

Where do you go in Poland?
Our services cover the whole of Poland, and customized tours are offered for visitors wishing to design their own itinerary.
For exclusive tour destinations please see our interactive map.

What size are the groups? Should we bring our children?
What about elderly travellers?
Jewish Travel in Poland offers customized and exclusive tours for any size group
from 1 - 10 participants*. We pride ourselves on our personalized service, and for
this reason we usually do not offer tours for larger groups. There is no age limit
to any of our tours, and wherever possible we make any necessary arrangements.
All children under 16 must be accompanied at all times. Please advise Jewish Travel
in Poland of any special requirements on booking.

*Individual visitors will be required to pay a single supplement. Price on application.

Are meals included? How much does food cost in Poland?
Unless you have booked Kosher food with us, meals other than breakfast are not included on Jewish Travel in Poland tours. The price of food in Poland varies greatly, depending on the level/style of restaurant, although it is almost always cheaper than
in Western Europe or North America.
A meal with appetiser, main course, and drink in a nice, Polish-style restaurant will cost around $10. A small bottle of water costs 50 cents, a bottle of local beer in a Kraków bar about $2, and 3 course meal in a 5* restaurant with wine about $25.

Can I keep kosher? Will we travel over Shabbat?
All restaurants used on our tours will offer a vegetarian option, which is easily available throughout Poland. Guests with kosher requirements can also be catered for at an additional cost, please refer to Traveling Jewish in Poland and be sure to inform Jewish Travel in Poland before booking.
We do not travel over Shabbat, and we can advise about local services for visitors
in Krakow over the weekend.

What tours do Jewish Travel in Poland offer?
Jewish Travel in Poland offers Customized and Exclusive Tours.
Customized Tours are individually tailored tours, designed uniquely for you and your group, visiting only the locations and sites of interest that you choose. The tour itinerary is developed entirely with your cooperation, is accompanied by a designated tour leader, and only uses high standard accommodation and transport. Customized tours can be booked in conjunction with other tours or services.
Exclusive Tours follow one of Jewish Travel in Poland's carefully designed itineraries. All tours are accompanied by a designated tour leader, use high standard accommodation and transport, and only operate with individual groups. Exclusive tours can be booked in conjunction with other tours and services.

Who will be my Tour Leader?
Every tour is accompanied throughout by a designated tour leader. All our tour leaders are extremely highly qualified, with graduate degrees from institutions including Oxford, Yale, Brandeis, and the Jagiellonian University in Krakow. They have extensive experience in leading heritage tours throughout East-Central Europe.
Your tour leader will work closely with you in order to ensure your time in Poland is as satisfying as possible. In case of emergencies, they have 24-hour support from our Krakow-based offices.
In rare circumstances, it is necessary to alter your tour leader at the last minute, or to use more than one tour leader during the tour. In these circumstances, all services will be of a comparable standard.

What about flights?
Please book your flights into Krakow, Katowice (Krakow). We advise you to check the availability of tours, hold your booking with us for up to 48 hours at no cost, arrange your flights, and then confirm your booking with us.
For clients booking Jewish Travel in Poland tours, we are able to assist with airport transfers. Click here.

Can I 'hold' bookings?
Yes! We recommend you first check the availability of tours with us, hold your booking with us for up to 48 hours at no cost, arrange your flights, and then confirm your booking with us.

What if I don't speak any Polish?
Not a problem! We don't expect you to, and make all the arrangements for you. Our tour leaders are both English native speakers and fluent Polish speakers of English. For customized tours, it is occasionally necessary to use the services of a qualified translator for part of your tour - where we think this will improve your service, we will recommend this to you and will only use the highest qualified translators.

Can you accommodate disabled travellers?
Jewish Travel in Poland will make every effort to accommodate guests with special requirements. Please contact us directly prior to making a booking.

Do I have to be Jewish to travel with Jewish Travel in Poland?
Not at all. Whilst the majority of our visitors are Jewish or come from Jewish backgrounds, Jewish Travel in Poland tours provide a fascinating insight into both Poland and its Jewish heritage, and welcomes anyone who shares this interest.

How will we travel?
All airport transfers and in-country transportation are by taxi or luxury minibus, depending on group size.

Who is Jewish Travel in Poland?
Jewish Travel in Poland is a team of highly qualified historians, tour leaders, genealogists and educators. Our professional associates have extensive experience in leading heritage tours in East-Central Europe and hold graduate degrees from international universities, including Oxford, Yale, Brandeis, and the Jagiellonian University in Krakow.
For further information click here.

What if I want to stay longer than a Jewish Travel in Poland tour?
Many of our visitors choose to stay longer in Poland, either by combining tours or choosing a Customized Tour, individually designed for you by Jewish Travel in Poland to encompass all your travel needs.
Alternatively, you are free to arrive/depart Poland at any time, joining the tour on its first day from a different hotel or location, or continuing your stay after the tour has finished, before travelling onwards.

I want to visit the town my family came from, is it possible?
Jewish Travel in Poland specializes in individually tailored Customized Tour, designed uniquely for you and your group, visiting only the locations and sites of interest that you choose. The tour itinerary is developed entirely with your cooperation, and as such is able to accommodate all requests for visits to locations throughout Poland.
We will ask you to provide us with as much family history as possible at the time of booking, and will consult with you about the use of our genealogy services in order to ensure your tour is as complete as possible.
All genealogy findings are available in a beautifully designed presentation booklet if requested.

I want to find out more about my family roots, is it possible?
We offer Genealogy Services as an important part of many Customized Tours or as an independent service. Our genealogist is highly qualified and experienced to help in your family research. All findings are available in a beautifully designed presentation booklet if requested.

I know I want to visit Poland, but I'm not sure where?
For visitors not sure exactly where to visit, we suggest browsing through our Exclusive Tours.
Exclusive Tours follow one of Jewish Travel in Poland's carefully designed itineraries. All tours can be booked in conjunction with other services.

Can I speak to someone from my country about Jewish Travel in Poland?
We have International Associates in Australia, Canada, France, Israel, South Africa, the UK and the USA. International Associates are professionals who support our work and are available to discuss any questions/concerns you may have when traveling from your country. Click here to find out more about our International Associates.

Can you arrange flights or onwards travel?
Jewish Travel in Poland does not arrange international or domestic flights; we can, however, recommend other services and hold tours whilst you make your flight arrangements.
We can also advise on onward travel, either in Poland or Europe.
Please contact us directly with your travel requirements.

More questions? Contact us.