My wife and I are signed up for the Poland tour that runs May 6-15. The Guide Book says (page 16) that "May 1 is May Day and May 3 is Constitution Day: this usually causes virtually the entire country to close down for a week. Later in the month, younger children get out of school, so families go on vacation." Are these events likely to cause problems with our tour? We will arrive in Gdansk on May 5 and leave Krakow May 18.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
12291 posts
I doubt it.
Cannot believe RS would schedule a tour in the midst of a 'shutdown' from predictable recurring events.
Posted by
268 posts
That's complete nonsense. May 1 and 3 are indeed public holidays so some things like large shops will be closed but May 2 is a normal working day for many Poles - Poland is not closed down for a week. School year ends 27 June for all children- younger and older (no idea why the distinction). Families do not go on vacation in late May.
Posted by
Vancouver, WA
536 posts
We were in Gdansk on these dates in 2024. Restaurants were open, as well as the museums/churches we wanted to visit. The biggest difference (compared to the prior week) is that crowds were larger, perhaps due to some Poles taking off a couple of extra days in addition to their legal holidays. Your guide will be aware of any closures; I doubt it will be a problem. We did encounter large groups of students (all ages!) visiting museums for field trips. Being a retired teacher I really enjoyed seeing these students groups (and their adult chaperones). Are you planning to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau? That would be the one site I would advise reserving early.