Krakow Christmas Markets Hand Stitching Retreat 2025

7th – 11th December 2025

Krakow is a city renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. Throughout December, the historic Market Square is transformed into a bustling Christmas wonderland, offering a delightful mix of traditional crafts, festive treats, and holiday cheer. This short break includes a guided walking tour of Krakow Old Town, as well as three half-day workshops with Carolyn Forster. Free afternoons can be spent on our optional excursions to Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mines, or wandering through the charming Christmas markets, savouring the scents of mulled wine and gingerbread and finding unique gifts for loved ones. With its enchanting atmosphere and warm hospitality, Krakow promises a memorable holiday escape.

Accommodation

You will stay for four nights at the 4-star PURO Hotel Kraków.
The PURO Hotel Kraków is centrally located and combines modern design, comfort and style. The bedrooms are designed with a homely atmosphere in mind.

PURO Hotel Kraków copy

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival
With our flight-inclusive package, today you will meet your expert and tour manager at London airport for your flight to Krakow. From here, you will be transferred to your hotel and enjoy dinner with your fellow guests.If you have booked our join direct package, meet us at the hotel and enjoy dinner with your fellow guests.
Included meals – Dinner.

Day 2 Krakow City Tour and Workshop
Having escaped destruction during World War II, Krakow has retained much of its medieval charm. Our walking tour this morning includes Rynek Glówny, Krakow’s central market square, and, at 40,000 square metres, is the largest market square in Europe. Enclosed by elegant townhouses and medieval Palaces, the square is home to the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and St. Mary’s Church, which we will also explore today.
The Cloth Hall was opened in the 13th century as a type of shopping centre, packed with market stalls. It was later rebuilt in Renaissance style and used as an important international trade centre. The 14-century St. Mary’s Church is one of Krakow’s most famous attractions. One of the highlights of the interior is a 12-meters-long wooden altarpiece by Veit Stoss. It has over 15 carved figures and is the largest in Europe.
This afternoon, enjoy your first workshop with your expert back at the hotel.
Included meals – Breakfast.

Day 3 Workshop, Markets or Auschwitz-Birkenau
Continue with your project in this morning’s workshop with your expert.
This afternoon, you can wander the charming market stalls of Krakow’s Christmas Market, savouring the scents of mulled wine and gingerbread and finding unique gifts for loved ones. Or, join our optional excursion to Auschwitz-Birkenau, the former German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camps. Today, they are a memorial to and a museum of the 1.1 million men, women and children who lost their lives here. Your guided visit this afternoon will be with an English-speaking educator, allowing you to better understand the uniqueness of both these sites.
Included meals – Dinner.

Day 4 Workshop
Continue with your project in this morning’s workshop with your expert.
This afternoon, enjoy more time to explore Krakow. With its enchanting atmosphere and warm hospitality, the city promises a memorable holiday escape. Or, you can join us for an optional excursion to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous attractions in the Krakow area. A fairytale underground world, including saline lakes, beautiful underground chambers and even a chapel, have been created by the hands of miners during centuries of labour.
With our English-speaking guide, we’ll learn about the 700-year history of the mine, the miners who worked here and explore just some of the labyrinth of underground corridors, each holding its own unique story.
Included meals – Breakfast, Dinner.

Day 5 Departure
If you have booked our join direct package, your tour ends after breakfast.
With our flight-inclusive package, we include your transfer to Krakow Airport. From here, you will board your return flight to London.
Included meals – Breakfast.