Excursion Gdansk, city of solidarity tour at Gdansk

Discover the historic events and architecture that shaped Poland during this memorable visit to the Solidarity Monument and Museum, and a walking tour through Gdansk's Old Town.

Depart the pier for the approximate 30-minute drive to Gdansk, and a visit to the Old Town. En route, a stop is made at the Gdansk Shipyard, the birthplace of Solidarity and home to the 'Roads of Freedom' exhibit.

Gdansk's Old Town

This 1,000-year-old city is home to a wide array of wonderful Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque-style buildings and monuments. Upon arrival in the Old Town, your guided walk commences near the Golden Gate, a grand ornamental arch that once allowed access through the Medieval city's defensive walls. Stroll along Long Street, which is lined with marvellous buildings decorated with elaborate facades crowned by myriad ornate gables. Next, pass by the Town Hall, Long Market and Artus Court, the 15th-century merchants' palace, where a stop is made in front of the palace to admire Neptune's Fountain. From here, proceed to the waterfront canal, then turn up 'Mariacka', or St. Mary's Street, which is home to a lively atmosphere, quaint shops and lovely terraced buildings.

St. Mary's Church

Leaving St. Mary's Street, head to the centre of the Old Town for a visit to the Gothic-style St. Mary's Church, the pride of Gdansk and reputedly the world's largest brick church. St. Mary's accommodates some 25,000 worshippers, and took 159 years to build. Its deceivingly plain exterior belies a bright, spacious interior with large windows and more than 30 beautifully-decorated chapels. The high altar displays a lovely polyptych, the floor is covered with ancient tombstones and the northern transept holds an amazing 15th-century astronomical clock, complete with the zodiac cycle and a calendar of the saints.

After your walking tour, time is made available to explore the Old Town at your leisure, or browse the shops for local handicrafts and souvenirs. Thereafter, re-board the coach for the brief drive to Solidarity Museum.

Solidarity Monument and Museum

Upon arrival, see the famous Solidarity Monument, which stands over 135 feet (42 metres) tall and commemorates the deaths of the shipyard workers shot in December 1970 by the Communist regime. A guided visit is then made inside the Solidarity Museum to view the 'Roads to Freedom' exhibit, which retraces the historic, political, cultural and social events leading up to the freedom Poland enjoys today.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Gdansk Shipyard, Old Town, Golden Gate, Long Street and Market, Artus Court, Neptune's Fountain, St. Mary's Street and Church, Solidarity Monument and European Solidarity Centre

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, at times over uneven surfaces and cobblestones, with 30 steps to negotiate at the museum. The order of sites visited may vary. Guests should dress in seasonal attire and wear flat, comfortable, walking shoes. This tour is recommended for guests with limited mobility however, it is not wheelchair accessible. Conservative attire is required for inside visits to religious sites. A minimum number of guests per guide is required to operate this programme. The order of sites visited may vary.