PolishOrigins

29/12/2025

Another travelogue from our guest Stefanie:

Żnin County, Poland: Traveling in the Footsteps of my Ancestors

In September 2025 I visited the towns of my ancestors, mostly located in the Żnin county area of North Central Poland, with PolishOrigins. If you’ve ever wondered if it’s worth doing a genealogy-based tour if your ancestors immigrated many generations back, the answer is yes! Thank you PolishOrigins for making our visit great. I’ve written about my experiences in depth on my blog:

Żnin County, Poland: Traveling in the Footsteps of my Ancestors

Żnin County, Poland: Traveling in the Footsteps of my Ancestors Is a genealogy-based tour worth your while if you are many generations rem...

22/08/2025

Final Call - Join the Special edition of the Galicia Tour!

Our Galicia Tour, prepared in collaboration with the Polish Genealogical Society of New York State, is just two months away. While it was created with PGSNYS members in mind, it’s open to anyone interested.

This is the last chance to register. Registration is open until August 31, 2025 - after that, the participant list will be closed.

From October 29 to November 4, 2025, we will set off with an intimate group of travelers on a 7-day tour filled with history, culture, and unforgettable experiences:

- Visit the Sanok Ethnographic Park and feel the atmosphere of daily life in our ancestors’ times,
- Discover the Łańcut Palace and other landmarks of Galician noble culture,
- Take part in a folklore evening with traditional dances,
- Experience the unique atmosphere of All Saints’ Day at the historic Rakowicki Cemetery in Kraków,
- Explore Wawel Castle, the Underground Market in Kraków, and the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum.
- and more

More details and registration in comment

01/08/2025

The special Galicia Tour organized by PolishOrigins and PGSNYS is getting closer!

On October 29, 2025, we’ll embark on a unique, small-group 7-day journey (for 8-15 participants) through southeastern Poland - the historic land of Galicia!

This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to:
- Visit the Sanok Ethnographic Park and explore the everyday life of our ancestors
- Discover the magnificent Łańcut Palace and charming Galician towns
- Enjoy an unforgettable evening with traditional folk dancing
- Experience the magic of All Saints' Day at Kraków’s Rakowicki Cemetery
- Explore Wawel Castle, the Underground Market Museum, and Auschwitz-Birkenau

We’ll travel in a comfortable minibus and stay at carefully selected 3- and 4-star hotels in Krosno and Kraków.

Daily breakfasts and 6 two-course dinners are included!
Cost: 11,800 PLN per person (approx. $3,200)
Registration is open until August 31, 2025, or until all spots are filled.

You’ll find the registration form and details in the link in the comments. Don’t miss this time-travel journey through history, culture, and family roots!

06/07/2025

Do you remember the scent of gingerbread and the sound of carols from your childhood?
In December, Poland transforms into a living story – one of hope, togetherness, and traditions that unite generations.

Now, you have a unique opportunity to relive those emotions – in the heart of Polish December.

We warmly invite you to join another confirmed group journey following our Galicia Tour – the PolishOrigins Christmas Tour, taking place December 6–14, 2025.

This is a truly special small-group experience (3–7 participants), during which you won’t just observe Poland preparing for Christmas – you’ll become part of it.

The tour begins in Warsaw, aglow with thousands of lights, filled with traditional Christmas markets and nativity scenes. We’ll visit museums and places of worship from different cultures, stroll through Wilanów Park by night, and taste classic holiday treats.

In Kraków, our morning will begin with Roraty – a traditional Advent mass by candlelight in a medieval church. We’ll visit Wawel Castle, the Main Market Square, and the famous Kraków Nativity Scene exhibition. You’ll even learn how to make pierogi – because no Polish Christmas Eve is complete without them.

We’ll also explore Wrocław – a city with deep Silesian roots and a magical holiday atmosphere. And to end the journey: a traditional Polish Christmas Eve dinner in a local home – complete with opłatek, hay under the tablecloth, and flavors you’ll never forget.

This tour is for those who want to experience Polish Christmas in its most authentic form – with heart, history, and deep personal meaning.

The group is already confirmed, but space is very limited.

We invite you to join us – and experience the beauty of Polish tradition like never before.