The project is co-funded by the Regional Operational Programme of Lesser Poland for the years 2014 – 2020. The support of small and medium-sized enterprises which operate in tourism and increasing the recognisability of Lesser Poland as a tourist economic brand.
The project ‘The support of small and medium-sized enterprises which operate in tourism and increasing the recognisability of Lesser Poland as a tourist economic brand’ (no RPMP.03.03.01-12-0593/18) co-funded by the European Union as a part of the Regional Operational Programme of Lesser Poland for the years 2014 – 2020. the Foundation for the Development of Regions www.f-rr.org the Association of Polish Spa Communities www.sgurp.pl
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Apart from: P. 1-2; p. 5 photo no 1, p. 7 photo no 3 © Łukasz ŚwiętachMagical Cracow
A monument of culture, a mainstay of art, a house of artists and a town of kings. Beautiful, even magical Cracow have been attracting and enchanting tourists for ages. It is a city which stands on the podium of every ranking for the most beautiful city in Poland. Its long and complicated history has made it a city full of historic sites but still we can find modern attractions and places where one can spend time in an active way.
Majestic Krak and Wanda Mound are witnesses of the beginning of Cracow and museums display relics from
the Palaeolithic. Visiting the Wawel, we will discover the history of the Piasts who ruled and the Jagiellonians who took care of the development of the town and its art. Entering the streets of the Old Town, we will explore the history of their former citizens, merchants and artists. In Kazimierz we will get to know Jews of Cracow and the banks of the Vistula will remind us of the time when Cracow was a member of the Hanseatic League. The magic of Cracow can be felt in every district, street, at every square and on every river – especially on the Vistula.
Cruises on the Vistula
Panoramic cruises on the Vistula are a great alternative to traditional sightseeing. From an unusual perspective of a ship or a small catamaran, you will look at the city in a completely different way. The Vistula flows through the whole Cracow passing such places as the Wawel Castle, the Monastery of Pauline Fathers, the Monastery of Norbertines or ‘Skałka’ Basilica. We can also go beyond the centre of Cracow to see Kazimierz, Podgórze, Dębniki, Przegrzały or even Bielany-Tyniec Landscape Park and
the Monastery in Tyniec. The offer is diverse and rich –we can choose from 1-hour cruises or the ones which last 5 hours (to Tyniec). There are themed cruises for children such as a cruise with a pirate, a cruise with Sindbad or a cruise with the legends of Cracow. Adults can take advantage of cooking or music cruises. A vessel is a perfect spot to organise integration events or business meetings. The company offers their services to individual tourists or groups.
Fleet
‘Wiślany Ogród’ Marina (the ‘Vistula Garden’ Marina) next to Dębnicki Bridge is the place where four vessels of the Centre of Sailing on the Vistula are docked. The biggest one is ‘Sobieski’ for 100 passengers. Also, there is a luxurious catamaran ‘Queen Eva’ for 47 passengers, ‘Piotruś Pan’ (‘Peter Pan’) ship for 34 passengers and the smallest one – a catamaran ‘George’ which can take 12
passengers. At the marina, ‘Wiślany Ogród’ Restaurant (the ‘Vistula Garden’ Restaurant) operates. They serve dishes of Italian cuisine made of original, Italian ingredients. A bit further, next to Grunwaldzki Bridge ‘Marta’, a barge, is docked where Boat-Hostel on water is situated. It is one of the first such accommodation facilities in Cracow where you can spend a night in a cabin.
Panoramic cruises around Cracow
During a standard cruise, which lasts an hour, you will see the most beautiful historic sites of the former capital of Poland. It starts at ‘Wiślany Ogród’ Marina, next to Dębnicki Bridge. You go past the Wawel Hill with the Royal Castle and the Metropolitan Cathedral which majestically rise over the Vistula, past the Monastery of Norbertines in Salwator (from its courtyard Lajkonik Parade sets off every year). A bit further you will see
‘Skałka’ Basilica i.e. the Basilica of St Michael the Archangel and St Stanislaus the Bishop and Martyr. Then, you will reach Bernatek Footbridge and the bridge of love which connects two districts of Cracow – Kazimierz and Podgórze. From there, you will be able to see ‘Cricoteka’ , the Centre for the Documentation of Tadeusz Kantor Art. At this point, you return and sail towards the Wawel Hill.
A cruise to Tyniec
If an hour’s trip turns out to be too short, you should go on 5 hours’ one to Tyniec which is combined with sightseeing of the Monastery. The cruise starts at ‘Wiślany Ogród’ – you sail west from the foot of the Wawel Hill towards Dębnicki Bridge and the Monastery of Norbertines. Then, you go past Kościuszko Mound which was built in the years 1820 – 1823 to commemorate this great leader. Before you reach Bielany, you will see historic waterworks from 1901 and the Monastery of Camaldolese. Having passed the monastery, the vessel goes through a sluice – Kościuszko Water Step (190 m long and 12 m
wide). Then, you head for Tyniec where you start sightseeing the Monastery. The Benedictine Monastery was funded by King Casimir I the Restorer almost 1,000 years ago. For many years Tyniec was invaded and destroyed by the Tatars, the Swedish and during the Bar Confederation. After the Second World War it was renovated and today it is open to visitors who can take part in workshops, buy Benedictine goods, pray or participate in a retreat. After sightseeing, you come back to ‘Wiślany Ogród’ Marina.
‘Wiślany Ogród’ Restaurant
‘Wiślany Ogród’ (‘Vistula Garden’) is an exceptional restaurant established on a docked barge. At the place you can taste Italian dishes, have dessert and drink aromatic coffee or tea while waiting for a cruise. All the dishes are
prepared with the use of original Italian ingredients. The bar offers cold drinks and beer. ‘Wiślany Ogród’ is also a place where parties, integrational and business events are organised.
Marta Boat-Hostel
Marta Boat-Hostel Marta is a one-of-a-kind hostel – it is located on a barge! It is docked on the bank of the Vistula River, at Wołyński Boulevard near the Wawel Hill right by Grunwaldzki Bridge. If you dream of spending a night at a barge – this is the only place in Cracow to do it. The hostel offers ten 4-person cabins with bathrooms. Each of them has access to a kitchen and Wifi.
A long history of sailing
Thousands of years ago, the majestic Wawel was an island formed on rivers or marches. This location was the reason why it was called ‘Wąwel’ – the name signified a dry spot among wetlands. Salwator, graced with the Monastery of Norbertines or the Basilica of St Michael the Archangel and ‘Skałka’ Basilica i.e. the Basilica of St Michael the Archangel and St Stanislaus the Bishop and Martyr which rise over the river, looked similar. When people started to settle in the area, they gradually drained it and regulated rivers, adjusting them to their needs, so that they could establish their settlements and use rivers for transportation and trade purposes.
Several hundred years ago, Cracow belonged to the Hanseatic League which encompassed approximately 200
In summer time there is a cafe on the upper deck for 100 guests. Under the deck there is a room equipped with multimedia devices where you can organise a party or a conference. From its windows a view of the Wawel Hill and the Church of Pauline Fathers spread.
merchant towns which traded with each other and supported each other economically. The Hanseatic League gathered trade, coastal towns in Northern Europe from the 12th to the 16th century. Even though Cracow was not located by the sea, numerous barges and ships reached it along the Vistula. The Hanseatic League focused not only on trade – the towns which belonged to it were supposed to support each other in a variety of fields. The towns developed in the spirit of humanism and mutual assistance. They were to have authorities and function on the basis of mutual solidarity. In 1980 in the Netherlands, the Hanseatic League was reactivated – today it associates cities by the Baltic and North Sea.