2011 Tours

Medieval Poland and the Teutonic Knights

Led by Dr. Robert Bubczyk on Polish medieval history and Dr. Pamela Marshall on the architecture.

2nd – 9th July 2011

Founded in the Holy Land in 1198 to further the cause of the crusades as combatant monks, the Teutonic Knights of St. Mary, a predominantly German order, were originally based in Acre. After the loss of the Holy Land they were based temporarily in Venice. In 1226, at the invitation of the polish duke, Conrad of Masovia, they began the conquest of pagan Prussia and went on to establish the Teutonic State, carving out a vast empire on the eastern Baltic seaboard covering the northern part of modern Poland, Latvia and a large swathe of modern Russia. The magnificent HQ of the Grand Masters was established at Marienburg (modern Malbork). They remained the dominant political force in the region until the early 15thC, when they were defeated by allied Polish and Lithuanian forces. In 1525 the Teutonic State was secularised and devolved into the Duchy of Prussia, a fiefdom of the Polish kings.

This tour will trace the history of the Teutonic knights and their influence on northern Poland in the medieval period through visiting key sites. It is based in the historic town of Torun and in the thriving historic Baltic port of Danzig (modern Gdansk), a most attractive city of the Hanseatic League.

top

Dr. Robert Bubczyk is a medieval historian at Maria Curie Skłodowska University in Lublin, Poland, where he is Associate Professor and Deputy Director of the Institute for Cultural Studies. He specializes in knightly and courtly culture in the lives of the political and social elite in Medieval Latin Europe, especially aristocratic leisure pursuits. An expert on Polish medieval history, he has studied in the UK and has also published in English.

 

A full itinerary of daily visits will include: 

Day 1 Saturday: Fly from London Heathrow with LOT Polish Airlines, departing 10.35, arriving Warsaw 14.05. We shall meet Robert here and then transfer to Torun by coach: check in at Hotel 12:31; dinner in hotel.

Day 2 Sunday: Tour on foot of the attractive historic of Torun, birthplace of Copernicus: Ruins of the Teutonic Castle; city walls; Gothic Cathedral; house of Nicholas Copernicus; Gothic church with exceptional frescoes; town hall museum. Evening free to sample a local restaurant.

Day 3 Monday: Excursion by coach to the Teutonic Castle at Radzyn Chelminski; historic town of Grudziadz on the River Vistula with incomparable medieval granaries; historic town of Chelmno; town plan and  buildings; Cistercian nunnery. Evening: dinner in the hotel

Day 4 Tuesday: Check out and transfer to Gdansk, with visits en route to Kwidzyn: Gothic Cathedral with exceptional frescoes and Teutonic Castle with museum; well-preserved Teutonic Castle at Gniew; very beautiful Gothic Cathedral at Pelplin, which has exceptional chancel furnishings. Drive on to Gdansk to check in at Hotel Gdansk; dinner in hotel.

Day 5 Wednesday: Full day in Gdansk exploring the defences; Gothic Cathedral; National Museum, which exhibits some outstanding medieval art.   

Day 6 Thursday: Full day excursion to Malbork (historic Marienburg). The day will be devoted to the vast and impressive Teutonic Castle, HQ of the order, which houses impressive 14thC interiors in the Palace of the Grand Masters and also a number of museums devoted to different aspects of the life of the Teutonic Order. Return to Gdansk; dinner in hotel.

Day 7 Friday: Excursion to Frombork on the Baltic coast: fortified Cathedral precinct with Copernicus’s grave; stunning views from towers; medieval hospital. Return to Gdansk; group dinner out in a restaurant.

Day 8 Saturday: Half morning free.
11.00 Transfer to Lech Walesa Airport (Gdansk) for 13.20 departure on LOT Polish airlines for Warsaw, arriving 14.10. Take our leave of Robert and continue to London Heathrow on LOT Polish airlines departure at 15.10, arriving 16.50. Alternatively, a direct flight is available from Gdansk to London Stansted on Ryanair, departing 14.40, arriving 16.00. If you wish to take this option, please state your preference when booking.

 

Hotel 1231, Torun
sited in the outer bailey of the Teutonic castle on the site of the knights' water mill, the history of the building is traced to 13thC. 4*; air-conditioned; lift
www.hotelsolaris.pl

Hotel Gdansk, Gdansk
A short picturesque walk from the gates of the historic town, the hotel was created in a brick-built warehouse dating from the 17thC, which retains original features. There is also a new, ultra-modern annexe. 4*; air-conditioned; lift
www.hotelgdansk.pl

top

Cost:

Cost: £1,370 (Single supplement £215)           
The price includes: Air travel to Poland; air-conditioned transport in Poland;
7 nights in en-suite 4* accommodation; all breakfasts; 5 dinners; expert guiding; entrances;
gratuities

Reduction of £25pp for each booking received by Jan 31st 2011