World War 2 Tour to Gdansk 

Situated on the Baltic coast, Gdansk is not just a city of breathtaking beauty but also a place steeped in the significant events of World War II. Join us on our “World War 2 Tour to Gdansk,” tailored to provide students with an immersive and insightful understanding of this crucial period in world history.

Why choose Gdansk?

Gdansk’s pivotal role during World War II makes it an exceptional destination for a school trip focused on this era. This city, with its unique blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and modern architecture, offers a living history lesson. It’s where the first shots of the war were fired, marking the start of a global conflict. The Westerplatte Peninsula, along with the Museum of the Second World War, provides a comprehensive and engaging narrative of the war’s impact on Poland and the world. Besides its historical significance, Gdansk’s vibrant cultural scene and picturesque streets provide a perfect setting for students and teachers to explore and reflect during their free time.

Tailored experiences: creating personalized itineraries for each school group

Understanding the unique needs of each school group, we customize every itinerary, considering specific educational objectives, time constraints, and travel schedules. Our commitment is to deliver a seamless and enriching experience, allowing each group to maximize their learning while catering to their individual preferences and requirements.

Sample itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Gdansk & guided Old Town Walk

Upon landing at the airport, our expert team will facilitate a smooth and private transfer to your chosen hotel. Following check-in and a brief period for relaxation, we’ll commence our exploration with an exclusive walking tour of Gdansk’s Old Town, led by a skilled and knowledgeable local guide fluent in your preferred language. This tour, lasting up to 3 hours, will cover all the major attractions of this stunning district.

Begin your exploration at the picturesque Motlawa River, where the historic Crane, one of Gdansk’s most renowned symbols, offers a glimpse into the city’s maritime heritage. This scenic area by the river is a perfect introduction to Gdansk’s rich past and vibrant present.

Continue along the Long Seashore promenade, a bustling walkway along the west bank of the Motlawa, lined with charming restaurants and cafes. Here, the vibrancy of modern life seamlessly blends with historical ambience.

Next, visit the Green Gate, one of Gdansk’s oldest city gates, which once served as the royal residence for Polish kings. This historical landmark offers a window into Gdansk’s regal past and architectural grandeur.

Stroll through the streets to encounter Chlebnicka Gate and St. Mary’s Gate, two of the nearly 30 gates that once fortified this historic city. Each gate tells its own story, contributing to the narrative of Gdansk’s storied past.

Szeroka Street, historically the main street of Gdansk, now boasts beautifully reconstructed tenements. Walking down this street, you’ll feel the echoes of the city’s bustling past amidst the elegance of its present.

As you meander through the labyrinth of charming, narrow streets and beautiful townhouses, you’ll be immersed in the unique atmosphere of one of Poland’s most beautiful Old Towns. These streets are a testament to Gdansk’s resilience and artistry.

Visit the Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, an outstanding example of Gothic brick architecture. As the world’s largest brick church, it’s a monumental testament to the city’s historical significance and architectural prowess.

Explore the Great Armory at the end of Piwna street, the epitome of Dutch Mannerism in architecture, showcasing the cultural exchange and artistic influences that have shaped Gdansk.

The Golden Gate, a fusion of Italian and Dutch architectural styles, marks another highlight of your tour. This gate symbolizes the city’s openness to diverse influences and its rich cultural tapestry.

At the Prison Tower, now housing the Amber Museum, delve into the city’s defensive history and its connection to the Baltic gemstone.

Finally, wander down Dluga street, the lively heart of the Royal Route, leading to the Long Market. Here, the city’s most representative buildings converge, including the Gothic Town Hall, the magnificent Artus Court, and the historic Neptune’s Fountain, a symbol of Gdansk’s enduring spirit.

Day 2:  Museum of World War 2 & Westerplatte Tour

Your six-hour journey through Gdansk’s World War II history commences with an in-depth visit to the Museum of the Second World War, a place of profound reflection and learning. Here, immerse yourself in the detailed narratives and artifacts that bring to life the global impact of the war. The museum’s exhibits, such as “The Road to War,” “The Horror of War,” and “The War’s Long Shadow,” offer a chronological and thematic exploration, shedding light on the origins, experiences, and far-reaching consequences of this global conflict.

After delving into the museum’s profound insights, the tour transitions to a scenic drive towards the historic Westerplatte Peninsula. This location is hallowed ground, marking the very spot where the first battle of World War II erupted. As you arrive at Westerplatte, you are transported back to September 1st, 1939, when the first shots rang out, signaling the start of a conflict that would engulf the world.

Your exploration of Westerplatte includes a two-hour guided tour through the remnants and landmarks of this battlefield. Stand at the Passenger Ships Dock, where German forces initiated their assault, and feel the weight of history in the air. Traverse the grounds to the Shelter and Watchtower, crucial in the defense of the area, and learn about the strategic importance of the “Fort” Building and its role in the coastal artillery system.

A poignant moment awaits as you encounter the Tank T-34, a symbol of military might and technological advancement of the era. Journey through the Guardhouse, envisioning the soldiers who manned this critical defense point with heavy machine guns. The ruins of the Barracks, once a bustling hub of soldier life, now stand as a testament to the resilience of those who defended this outpost.

Conclude your tour with a visit to the Monument to the Defenders of the Coast, a solemn tribute to the Polish soldiers who faced overwhelming odds with courage and determination.

This tour is more than a historical exploration; it’s a journey of remembrance and honor, paying homage to the brave souls who played a part in one of the most defining periods of modern history.

Whole tour lasts approx. 6 hours

Day 3: Tour to Stutthof Concentration Camp Museum

This poignant tour begins with a reflective drive from Gdansk, taking you to the solemn grounds of Stutthof Concentration Camp, a significant site in the history of World War II. Established by the Germans in 1939, Stutthof serves as a stark reminder of the tragic events of the Holocaust.

The private 2 hour tour with a local guide in chosen language includes a visit to both the old and new sections of the camp, where the original barracks and the commandant’s villa stand as haunting reminders of the camp’s past. The ‘Death Gate‘, through which thousands entered never to return, marks a solemn passage into the camp.

At the heart of the tour is the visit to the gas chambers and the crematorium, chilling evidence of the atrocities committed at Stutthof. The guide will lead you through these sites, each telling a story of despair and horror, but also of resilience and remembrance.

The Monument to Fight and Freedom, unveiled on the 23rd anniversary of the camp’s liberation, stands as a tribute to the victims and a symbol of the enduring spirit of those who fought against tyranny.

This tour is not only a journey into the past but also a deep reflection on the atrocities of war and the resilience of the human spirit

Whole tour lasts up to 5 hours

Day 4: Departure

Depending on time of your flight back home, you can either have some free time in Gdansk or we can organize a private transfer to the airport for your group in the morning 

You can of course Extend Your Tour Program and Add Extra Tours/Excursions/Activities or Days

On each day we can add some attractions for the evening like: Polish Food Tour, Tour to Sopot Resort, Private Cruise on Motlawa River and many many others 

On Day 3 we can extend this tour program or arrange an additional one in the afternoon. 

We can combine a tour to Stutthof Concentration Camp with a tour to Malbork where you could visit the amazing, largest brick castle in the world – famous Malbork Castle built in the Middle Ages by the Teutonic Order.

We can also come back to Gdansk after visiting the Stutthof Camp and in the afternoon go to the famous Polish sea resort – Sopot where you can either have a short guided walking tour or just simply some free time to relax.

Another interesting option could be a tour to the Museum of Military Technology.  This unique venue showcases an impressive array of military machinery, featuring over 100 types of vehicles, including classic cars and iconic tanks like the T-55A and Panther tank/T-55 replicas. Additionally, it boasts a wide collection of artillery, rockets, and an extensive array of weapons, predominantly from World War II and the Cold War period. The museum doesn’t stop there; it also houses numerous other displays, including uniforms, military gear, and the largest assortment of bombs, mines, grenades, artillery ammunition, and sapper equipment in Poland, as part of its comprehensive sapper exhibition.

Extend your tour program with additional day

If you have the possibility to extend your school trip to Gdansk to 5 days and 4 nights, then on Day 4 we can offer another fantastic and interesting half day and full day tours for your group. Our recommendations would go to:

Wolf’s Lair – Adolf Hitler’s Headquarters, established in 1941 amidst the Masurian forests, played a pivotal role in orchestrating the German invasion of the Soviet Union during World War II. This site, where critical military strategies were formulated by the German dictator and his senior generals, is also known for the 1944 assassination attempt on Hitler by Claus von Stauffenberg. The Wolf’s Lair, with its remnants of barracks, airports, railway stations, and a power station, offers a unique glimpse into history. These impressive ruins, destroyed in 1945, are now open for exploration. This tour is highly recommended for school groups visiting Gdansk, providing a comprehensive and immersive experience into World War II history. It is a full day tour that lasts approximately 9 hours.

Tour to Torun – great option if you would like to do something not related with World War 2 during your visit in Gdansk. This picturesque city, is renowned for its stunning Old Market, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 along with the remnants of the Teutonic castle. The city is celebrated for its exquisite gingerbread cookies, a local specialty. It’s also the birthplace of the famed Polish astronomer, Nicolaus Copernicus (Mikolaj Kopernik), who revolutionized Renaissance thinking by demonstrating that the Earth orbits the Sun. Remarkably, Torun remained unscathed during World War II, unlike cities like Warsaw and Gdansk, preserving its authentic historical heritage.

Of course we can also organize lots of other tours to interesting places near Gdansk like: Slowinski National Park, Hel Peninsula or Kashubian Land.

Please simply contact us to discuss your perfect itinerary and best options of accommodation for your school group.