In the autumn of 2024, GFP Travel began planning a special family trip for a group of ten travelers from the United States. The family, led by Janice from Virginia, included grandparents, parents, and children representing three generations. From the very first emails, it was clear that the goal was to create an itinerary that would be engaging and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of age.
Over several months, Janice and the GFP Travel team carefully discussed every detail of the journey. Together, they designed a program that combined Poland’s rich history, beautiful landscapes, cultural experiences, and family-friendly attractions. The challenge was to create a tour that would satisfy both the older and younger members of the family, and the final result proved to be a great success.
One of the highlights of the planning process was the flexibility built into the itinerary. Whenever possible, the group was able to split up according to individual interests. For example, while the grandparents visited the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, the parents and children spent an exciting day at Energylandia, Poland’s largest amusement park. This allowed every family member to enjoy experiences that matched their interests while remaining part of the same overall journey.
Accommodation was another important aspect of the planning process. GFP Travel carefully selected hotels that offered comfortable and practical room arrangements. Parents and children were accommodated together in family rooms whenever possible, while the grandparents enjoyed the comfort and privacy of their own rooms. The hotels were chosen not only for their quality and location but also for their ability to meet the specific needs of a multi-generational group.
Transportation throughout the tour was provided by a comfortable 15-seat minibus. This vehicle offered enough space for all ten travelers, their luggage, the tour guide, and, when necessary, local guides who joined the group for specific sightseeing activities. The additional space made the long travel days comfortable and allowed everyone to enjoy the journey between destinations.
An important part of the preparation involved securing entrance tickets well in advance. GFP Travel took care of all reservations, including attractions that require booking two or even three months before arrival. Thanks to this careful planning, the family was able to visit all the sites included in their program without worrying about availability or long waiting times.
During the trip, GFP Travel organized approximately half of the group’s dinners. These meals were carefully selected to showcase authentic Polish cuisine and were arranged in memorable locations throughout Kraków, Zakopane, and Gdańsk. The family enjoyed local specialties while dining in restaurants that offered both excellent food and unique atmospheres. On the evenings when dinner was not included, the tour guide always suggested one or two recommended restaurants. The family appreciated these recommendations, and they consistently led to enjoyable dining experiences.
Because part of the family had Polish ancestry originating from the Kraków region, GFP Travel also organized a special half-day heritage excursion. During this emotional and memorable visit, the family traveled to the village near Zakopane and Nowy Targ, where their ancestors had lived generations ago. They visited the local church and cemetery, where they discovered gravestones bearing the surname Wiśniewski, a name closely connected to their family history. They also saw the old village school building dating back to the nineteenth century, where their ancestors had most likely attended classes many years ago. For many family members, this was one of the most meaningful experiences of the entire trip.
The family visited Poland in July 2025 and returned home with wonderful memories. They described the tour as excellent and repeatedly emphasized the outstanding organization provided by GFP Travel. They appreciated the well-balanced itinerary, comfortable hotels, smooth transportation arrangements, and delicious food. Among their favorite culinary experiences were traditional Polish pierogi, kotlet schabowy (pork chop), and a variety of wonderful Polish desserts like donuts (pączki).
At the end of the journey, all generations agreed that the tour had exceeded their expectations. They especially valued how the itinerary successfully combined history, culture, family fun, and personal heritage discovery. The family stated that they would gladly recommend GFP Travel to their friends and relatives, particularly those with Polish roots who are interested in discovering their ancestral homeland.
The tour was based on GFP Travel’s „Polish Landscapes Tour”, which served as the foundation for creating this customized family itinerary. More information about the original tour program can be found here: https://greetingsfrompoland.com/tour/polish-landscapes-tour-private-tour
