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Auschwitz and Krakow, Poland – 2008
Across the globe,
Auschwitz has become a symbol of terror, genocide, and the Holocaust. It
was established by the Nazis in 1940, in the suburbs of Oswiecim, a
Polish city annexed to the Third Reich by the Nazis. Its name was
changed to Auschwitz, which also became the name of Konzentrationslager
Auschwitz. An excursion to Auschwitz is a meaningful journey in the
effort to comprehend and ever avoid such a tragic toll on humanity.
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Day One:
Introduction to
Auschwitz and Krakow
A mid-morning departure from Warsaw allows time for an insightful,
guided look at Auschwitz, followed by an overnight excursion to Krakow.
You will explore the grounds and history of Konzen-trationslager
Auschwitz, which was established in mid-1940, more than a year before
the Germans embarked upon the “Endlösung der Judenfrage” (Final Solution
of the Jewish Question). The plan, systematically carried out, was to
murder all the Jews living in the countries occupied by the Third Reich.
This concentration camp was created specifically because the mass
arrests of Poles were increasing beyond the capacity of existing “local”
prisons. Initially, Auschwitz was to be one more concentration camp of
the type that the Nazis had been setting up since the early 1930s. It
functioned in this role throughout its existence.
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Day Two:
Krakow’s Culture
and Heritage
A day in Krakow offers a refreshing contrast between a scenic medieval
center and its contemporary, energetic community. Krakow has long been
Poland’s cultural capital and a year-long arts extravaganza has fostered
and released the city’s diverse creative heritage.
Situated in southeast Poland between the Jura uplands and the Tatra
Mountains on the banks of the Wisla (Vistula) River, Krakow has one of
the best-preserved medieval city centers in Europe. Dozens of churches
represent almost every architectural period and are surrounded by
monasteries and abbeys.
Back in Warsaw this evening, you can relax and enjoy a last taste of
Europe on your own.
Day Three:
Return to the United States
Board your flight from Warsaw
to New York.
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