What if you could explore a place
most people will never see...
In a way most travelers never could?
You will if you travel to Poland with CleverDever Adventures
It's time to escape the TripAdvisor hordes
and head to a place where the potato pancakes are cooked to perfection, the windswept Baltic coast glows with amber, and the architecture doesn't have to pick whether it's Dutch, German or Polish.
Explore Historic Poland from
Gdańsk to Warsaw
with Juliana Dever
August 29 - September 8th, 2022
on a cultural immersion tour filled with windswept nature, donuts bigger than your head, history on steroids, and charming, cobblestoned cities
"The experience was so unique and amazing - it was worth it. :) I would love to have more unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences like this."
Faith S.
Welcome to a slice of History. Where the regional specialties are unusual experiences in unexpected places.
Like sailing a tall ship across the Baltic bay. We'll take off with a band of professional sailors (not a tourist ship), indulging in a trip from mainland Poland to the tiny spit of Hel. There you can visit a seal sanctuary, walk to the edge of the earth, and have a coastal dinner with a mug of rum.
or staying in your very own vacation home at a private campsite. We'll tell stories around a campfire after our cookout dinner.
or eating fresh jam-filled, golden-fried donuts in a little town near the German border...because what else do you do when you've just finished exploring a mysterious crooked forest?
My trips are all FULLY CURATED by me, personally. You'll go deeper, feel a sense of place, and come away with a first-hand cultural understanding that will stay with you forever.
There are No cookie-cutter rushed stops
No touristy-style highlights
No corporate designed, out-of-touch itineraries
...just authentic, connected, meaningful one-of-a-kind travel experiences.
Experience Poland like you've lived there without, y'know, having lived there:
Because one-of-a-kind experiences aren’t enough. Memories are made with people. The right people. You know what I mean.
Travel Fam
Top-shelf people who respect your privacy and start stellar conversations. Group dynamics can make or break a trip. That's why we make sure everyone's a good fit for these types of culturally immersive experiences before we finalize the guest list.
Slow Travel Style
You're getting years of expert reconnaissance, relationship-fostering, and lowkey travel spycraft. All rolled into 1 dreamy trip. Your itinerary is designed with enough free time to absorb every nuance, dig deep into a new culture, and enjoy the heck out of it. It's also full enough that you return home with no regrets.
Authentic Meals and Time with Locals
None of this tourist restaurant crap where they're trying to make a buck by getting you in and out. No faded menus with pictures or sad iceberg lettuce lunches. It's all the real deal here baby. Your meals are made with love, very often in the homes of locals. And the restaurants? We'll never let you eat anywhere less than memorable.
Secret Handshakes
When you travel with us, you're a name and a face we remember, not a booking reference. Once you're in, you're IN. You get preferential booking and first dibs on all future trips. There are plenty of perks for being part of the inner circle. If you know, you know.
High Touch Service
Remember the whole Travel Fam thing? We mean it. Need more travel info? A packing list? Flight advice? Whether or not you should bring that third suitcase (answer: probably not, unless it's just for wine). We're here for you if you need anything. (3 doors down, room #12. The password's "pierogiplatewithsourcream.")
Community-Based Female First Tourism
We take you places where your dollars are invested directly into the community, not skimmed into global corporations’ coffers (looking at you, Airbnb experiences). We're always striving to DIRECTLY and positively impact the regions and people we visit.
We also have a policy to work with women-owned businesses first, and then family-owned businesses so that we can contribute to the autonomy of the individuals we visit. This means you feel good about it, locals benefit, and they love sharing the finest of their culture with us even more.
Skip the "everyone is here from the same guidebook" sights
(and the tourist traps, the lines, the exhausting forced-marched schedule, and anything else that doesn't inspire "this is the best trip of my life" vibes.)
Don't have a travel buddy to go with? You don't need one. 95% of our guests are solo travelers.
New friends? Check.
Don't like rigid schedules? No worries. You'll have plenty of free time, plus we adjust on the fly depending on how everyone is feeling.
Unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime memories? Check.
Wanna go somewhere different but don't know where to start? This behind-the-scenes access tour is already curated. Just waiting for you to join us.
Ungoogleabe itinerary? Check.
You want to explore the country of Poland like a local...but you don't know any locals
Well that's an issue. But you have me - Juliana Dever - and that's almost as good!
When I fall in love with a country, I dig in and start scouting. I criss-cross a region, wander off the beaten path, and make loads of friends.
I sit and visit with people, learn from them, and ask them if they’d like to share any favorite spots that I can share with you when I bring you back.
When you travel with me, you go where the locals go
I have an innate knack for cutting through travel noise and getting past hollow theme-park-like tourist traps. What can I say? It's just a superpower of mine.
I've created this Poland adventure and I want to take you with me so you can connect with the culture in ways you wouldn't if you went by yourself.
Imagine you and me, spending time together in Poland enjoying traditional hand-made food at a small collective of farmers, cheesemongers, home chefs and brewmasters. Who does that? Poles for sure.
And now you, me, and the rest of our new BFFs on the trip.
If you're going to spend all that time and money to experience a destination, it needs to be meaningful.
I've had tour operators tell me I don't need to work so hard to bring you the little gems because you "won't know what you're missing."
But I will. That's why my itineraries are so special.
And I know you - that's not why you and I travel. We want to explore to the fullest and really understand a culture.
We love to make real, authentic human connections (and eat all the food, too. Ahem.).
That’s why my tours are so unique
That and the most awesome people go on my adventures, so having a blast traveling with each other is all but inevitable. You'll have more fun with your new traveling companions than binge-ing a season of Ted Lasso.
“Juliana’s energy, fun, enthusiasm, and ability to make everyone feel welcome and included was truly priceless and I thank you for adding that extra bit that made this trip, for me, very magical.”
Cathy S.
Do Poland the way others won't:
With a travel expert who slows down, savors each moment, and prioritizes human connection over top ten lists.
- I've traveled the world avidly for 20 years
- Journeyed through more than 60 countries
- Lived in France, Greece, the USA, and Russia
- ...and together with my Polish friend and guide Maggie, walked 82 miles/ 132 km and drove over 1,860 miles/3000 km across northwestern Poland just to scout and curate this specific tour.
During our travels throughout northern Poland, I met with ship captains, the circle of countryside women who share the old ways of baking bread, a piano teacher who runs a goat farm, a granny who makes heavenly jam-filled donuts, a woman who turned her passion for saving traditional dress into a costume museum, and monks who live in a 12th-century monastery and make herbal liqueurs.
All of whom you'll meet on this 'coasts to cobblestones' caper!
Maggie, your guide, was born and raised in Poland. In the last 10 years she's guided privately, for National Geographic, and now also with CleverDever Wherever.
We met during one of my trips to the Middle East. With a mutual love of world exploration, making people laugh and rescuing animals we became fast friends and stayed in touch for years. It was that friendship that prompted me to ask Maggie to collaborate on a cultural deep dive in Poland to share with you.
Together our knowledge and experience mean we create trips to the country of Poland like no one else.
Maggie is an Anthropologist, software engineer, and seasoned traveler. In the last decade, she has lived in 5 different countries across 3 different continents. She likes desert climates, unspoiled nature and loves exploring street food everywhere she goes.
After life on the road, she has most recently settled in her homeland Poland, together with her traveling dog Lucy and her talking cat Shukran.
She is a Polish cheesecake connoisseur and a mythology geek. She also cannot imagine her life without water.
In her free time, you will find her diving, kitesurfing, sailing, or strolling down the Baltic coast, with her insanely cute and above-average crazy dog.
She cannot wait to welcome you to her fascinating homeland, Poland.
Because of these relationships, I'm able to create experiences and introduce you to people you wouldn't have access to if you traveled here on your own.
You'll only get that kind of authentic adventure by traveling with locals, not by spending 17 hours reading reviews of the same 10 things on TripAdvisor.
"This has been the most magical week I could have imagined. Sometimes when you save and plan and sacrifice for something it’s hard for it to meet your expectations.
This was my first time to do ANYTHING like this and it blew my expectations out of the water."
— Holly K.
Your Poland Trip At-a-Glance:
Who's Going
ONLY 12 people max + your host, Juliana Dever!
Any Perks?
Culturally Immersive, Local Experiences, Guided, Fully Curated
And the Pillows?
Mix of 3* and 4* Boutique Hotels and Traditional Guest Houses
How Active Will it Be?
Moderate - Intermediate: Walking for 1-2+ hours at a time, trekking on sand dunes, you must be able to carry your own bags on cobblestone and up stairs
Languages Spoken?
My guides are local Poles who are also fluent in English (among other languages)
Group Vibe
Independent, kind, respectful, curious, absolutely inclusive, and a bit silly.
Do I Get Free Time?
Oh yeah! While we have a plan every day, you'll have plenty of time to explore on your (Or lazy gazing at the gawk-worthy scenery)
Dietary Restrictions
Poland is a comfort food lover's dream! We can accommodate almost any dietary restriction - please enquire.
What's Included in the Cultural Immersion Tour to Poland?
Your inclusive tour price covers all of this:
- All hotel accommodations - 11 nights in 3* and 4* hotels
- Local and regional transportation via private van
- Breakfast daily
- Lunch or dinner daily - including wine and beer.
- Vodka tastings
- Entry fee to all planned activities
- Private guided tours
- Gratuities at all restaurants
- Gratuities for your guide
- High-touch guest services - we're always accessible if you have questions or concerns
- Intimate group tour - There are ONLY 12 spots total!
Does not include: Air travel, airport transfers, your meals during free time, gratuities for drivers and porters
Plus These Bonuses!!
- 48-Hour Visit Gdańsk Card - FREE admission to over 20 attractions and discounts to over 30 cultural facilities and partner restaurants
- Access to our Polish Adventure Private Facebook Group - Make friends in advance!
- Exclusive Pre-Tour Group Planning Session. Virtual travel jam, just for trip members. Get your individual questions answered by the trip leaders.
- Packing List - Must have!
- Before Your Trip Countdown Checklist - Don't forget a thing!
“The tour was just awesome. Every day there was something unexpected and planned to the last detail. I saw so much more than if I'd planned the trip myself.”
Tammy T.J.
Don't Have a Travel Buddy? They're all waiting for you in Poland! 95% of My guests are solo travelers!
CleverDever Adventures attracts the BEST people. Come along and meet your new travel BFFs.
"The other travelers are amazing women and so fun to travel with. We were able to have time to get to know each other and become more than acquaintances, we became friends!!!"
Lori B.
Itching for a Peek at Your Itinerary?
WARNING: May induce FOMO
Day 1: Gdańsk
Our tour will kick off in the afternoon. Meet the group for a walking tour of Gdańsk's main town or "old" city center.
You'll be welcomed to Poland with a shot of traditional Goldwasser (a vodka of this region that is flecked with gold) and an opening night dinner at the Actor's Club.
Meals: D
Day 2: Gdańsk
Today you have an opportunity to dig deeper into the Baltic region of Poland. You can learn more about Polish history, the precious amber that is crafted into jewelry, or even learn to make pierogies!
- CleverDever Exclusive: Feast with locals. You'll get the opportunity to visit different families in small groups and feel like you're having a night in with friends.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Malbork Castle
Step back to the 13th century for a visit to Europe's largest castle. Originally built by crusaders, sold by mercenaries and occupied by royalty, this imposing brick fortress is a must-see.
Enjoy traditional hand-made food at a small collective of farmers, cheesemongers, home chefs and brewmasters.
Meals: B, L
(photo by Gregy)
Day 4: Hel
Ready to experience Poland by sea? We're taking a private tall ship, sails up across the bay to a tiny spit called Hel. Oh yeah, we're going to Hel.
Dinner will be one for the books. You haven't had a fish dinner until you've had it at an old sailor's pub with a splash of rum.
Meals: B, L, D
(photo from Zaruski)
Day 5: Pomerania
From the beach to the dunes, today is spent on the shifting sands of Poland.
You'll get a chance to visit a small, old handblown glassworks shop in the adorable village of Puck and then onward to hike the dunes of coastal Pomerania.
- CleverDever Exclusive: We'll be staying like true locals in small homes at a private campground. Tonight's dinner is under the stars around a campfire.
Meals: B, L
Day 6: Pomerania
After a leisurely morning chilling at our little homes, we'll head over to an ethnographic museum to see how this part of Poland looked for hundreds of years.
Lunch will be made together with local women who will share the secrets of their homemade meals and fresh-baked bread.
Meals: L, D
Day 7: Szczecin
We head to a very special home on the northern coast. Headed up by a local woman who not only raises her own goats (GOATS!), but also teaches piano, runs the choir, speaks French, and provides a space for all the artists in the area.
Tonight we stay in the quaint city of Szczecin where you'll have free time to dine at one of their many fantastic international restaurants.
- CleverDever Exclusive: You'll be part of a private art festival just for us! We'll have lunch at a local woman's home while regional artists set up their crafts around us.
Meals: B, L
Day 8: Poznań
Insanely large donuts, traditional Polish milk bars, and a wilderness walk to see some of the last European bison make this day a very special one.
Tonight we'll stay in the gorgeous city of Poznań.
- CleverDever Exclusive: Far off the beaten path, we'll make a misty morning stop at one of the woodland's greatest mysteries: the Crooked Forest.
Meals: B, L
Day 9: Poznań
We're soaking up the history and beauty of Renaissance-style Poznań. After a city walk and a visit to the historical costume museum, we'll indulge in the famous St. Martin's croissants, and watch the town hall's clock: two goats butting heads.
- CleverDever Exclusive: Part of the new art scene, we'll dine in front of one of Poland's 3D murals in one of the coolest neighborhoods in the city.
Meals: B, D
Day 10: Warsaw
If you've never been to a 12th-century monastery, this is your chance. We'll stop to meet the brother monks and try some of their Benedictine Liqueur or "medicine."
After lunch at an agriculture farm, we'll be on our way to the capital city of Warsaw.
- CleverDever Exclusive: Degustation of several medicinal herbal liqueurs made by a Benedictine order of monks in the Polish countryside. We'll also stop in and view the Baroque cathedral they serve.
Meals: B, L
Day 11: Warsaw
Today you'll get acquainted with the capital, Warsaw. After a history walk through the old town and a few other must-see neighborhoods, plus a stop at the oldest pastry shop in town, you'll have free time to visit a museum of your choice, shop, take yourself on an ice cream tour, or stroll the beautiful streets of the biggest city in Poland.
Our farewell event is a ride on the wild side with a retro trip through the Praga neighborhood and dinner at a very special place that showcases the Soviet Cold War era.
Meals: B, D
*activities subject to change
AS FEATURED IN
MEMBER OF / IN COMPLIANCE WITH
Ready for "Wheels Up?"
(and joyous, make-a-foodie-cry-with-happiness, wine-sipping, gut-busting, loud-singing, laugh-crying memories with new friends?)
Pricing and Payment Options
11 Day Culturally Immersive Tour to Poland
Includes lodging, daily breakfast, lunch or dinner every day, vodka tastings, professional guides, all planned activities including bonuses, PLUS travel with Juliana Dever!
(Hi! Yes, I'll be there from our first hello to the final joyfully teary 'goodbye'.)
Pay in Full
- Deposit today: $395 USD (non-refundable)
- No Payment Plan Fee: Save $100!
- Pricing based on: Double occupancy
- Single upgrade: $468
$5,975 USD
3-Payment Plan
- Deposit today: $395 USD (non-refundable)
- Payment Plan Fee: $100
- Pricing based on: Double occupancy
- Single upgrade: $468
$1,893.34 USD x 3 payments
“I loved every minute. It was so well organized, planned, and we had such great guides - it made this the best holiday of my life. I would definitely go on another CleverDever Adventure, it is worth every penny.”
–Ruth W.
Want Your Own Space?
Upgrade to a private room for the entire trip for only $464USD.
Just check the "private room" option.
- You must be of legal drinking age in your country of residence and at least 21 years of age by the start of the tour.
Want a Roommate?
Traveling Solo but want to take advantage of the double occupancy rate?
Request to share a room with another single traveler upon checkout.
We will do our best to fulfill all share requests, however, we cannot guarantee a roommate. If we cannot pair you, the private room rate will apply.
*Please note there may be instances in some of our small European hotels where you share a bed. This is the nature of small village guesthouses and we cannot change this, so please consider this when booking.
New COVID-19 Policy
Health and safety is our first priority. If we must reschedule this trip due to COVID-19, we will reschedule you onto the future trip of your choice with *no* penalty or fees. More info here.
- You MUST be fully vaccinated no less than two weeks prior to departure and provide valid proof of vaccination.
- You must also adhere to all mask and social distancing requirements as required by law.
Covid-19 Safety Guarantee
If the tour needs to be postponed due to covid, your paid-up funds are transferrable to any trip through 2023!
Please read our Poland Terms, Conditions, Refund and Cancellation Policy here.
FOR YOU, MY GORGEOUS FENCE-SITTER
Wait. Do you have so many questions right now?
I'm here for you!
Book a free 15-minute call with me and we'll have a no-presh chat about whether this trip's for you.
Because I want you to be so happy (and happy travelers make better friends both off and on the road).
© 2021 CleverDever Wherever | Terms, Conditions, Refund and Cancellation Policy