Obscure Europe

Name: Gdansk Xmas Special: Where WW2 Started and Communism Ended
Start: 2026-12-11T12:00:00.000Z
End: 2026-12-13T17:00:00.000Z
Location: Gdansk Airport

4.8•1544 ratings

About us

Welcome to Obscure Europe (Formerly Get Out of London!) – Affordable tours and adventures in some of Europe's most fascinating destinations.

Providing hiking, day trips and foreign adventure since 2010, 'Get Out of London' has been rebranded 'Obscure Europe' and is now solely focussed on foreign travel for people from all over the UK. With a proliferation of groups already providing similar experiences, we are taking our vast experience to showing you Europe's more obscure and exciting destinations.

We are about discovering Europe's hidden gems and lesser-known parts of more familiar countries. From crossing the Moldovan border into the non-existent country of Transnistria, taking a scary cable-car in Albania up to a mountain trail ending in a tranquil restaurant enjoying fresh trout, to discovering the Prague you didn't know existed, Xmas markets in Poland's smaller cities and sampling sherry in Andalucía, we have trips for all tastes.

We have been to Azerbaijan, Moldova, Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia, Albania, Jordan, Morocco, Latvia, Luxembourg, Spain, France and many others.

Most importantly 'Obscure Europe' is about meeting people and building a community of like-minded travellers from all backgrounds and ages. Many of our travellers have been on several trips with us enjoying the safe and well-organised, but fun and relaxed schedules we arrange.

We know arranging holidays when you have a hectic schedule can be challenging, particularly in these times. So we arrange everything from airport taxis, 3/4 star hotels, guiding, entry fees, trains and private buses, not to mention eating and drinking tips in the evenings. You won't be short of companions and things to do. You just buy a flight to the destination and let us take care of everything else.

NOTE: This group is for people of any age BUT with at least moderate levels of physical fitness. Walking briskly in the city and moderately on longer walks.

NOTE: Although we do our best, this is NOT a package holiday, it is a still a MEETUP event and not all hotels and destinations have been visited before travel. Flexibility in expectations regarding style of guiding, hotel quality and meals etc must be taken into consideration. The organizer is doing their best on a budget to offer something to a wide range of tastes.

With a guide that has spent many years travelling and living in the destinations, your sure to have a unique experience enjoying not just the main sights, but also something a little different from the mainstream.

We look forward to you joining us on one of our adventures.

Featured event

£10.00

Gdansk Xmas Special: Where WW2 Started and Communism Ended

Fri, Dec 11 · 12:00 PM GMT

Gdansk Airport, Gdansk, PL

Minimum 8 People Required Before Trip is Confirmed
10% Off for New Attendees*
Flights from £87 return

Let's celebrate Xmas in the spectacular city of Gdansk. In the city where WW2 started and communism ended, there is a lot to see in this charming city. The award-winning Xmas market will also be in full swing, allowing us to enjoy the typical cuisine and drinks of Poland.

Note: Please read our group description for info on this group. This is a city break but we walk briskly between sites and to transport hubs etc. There's a lot to see!

Here's our itinerary (subject to change)

Friday 11 December

Fly to Gdansk Airport where a taxi will be waiting to pick you up and take you to our hotel for check in. If you are on an early flight, I will be on hand to show you the highlights of the Old Town. Highlights include the huge St. Mary's church, the massive wooden crane, the medieval streets lined with merchant's houses and the intact fortifications.
We will finish at the WW2 museum where those on Sunday early flights will have some time to visit and others can also visit or go to the market or have a rest.

After a rest we can head to the recently expanded and award-winning Xmas markets and bars enjoying some Pierogi (Polish dumplings with various fillings), potato pancakes and other delicious food (Polish is my favourite) whilst downing some mulled wine or vodka shots.

Saturday 12 December

After breakfast we will take a train the short journey to Malbork castle. The world's largest castle by area, this former residence of the Teutonic knights will easily fill 3 hours of our time.

Back In Gdansk we will have some time to visit the shipyards and the Solidarity museum or explore the markets, go amber shopping or check another museum or two if time permits.
For our final evening we can again enjoy the Old Town's delights.

Sunday 13 December

For those with later flights, today we can take the local bus up to Westerplatte. This is where WW2 started when German ships invaded despite the heroic efforts of the tiny Polish army. A sombre and moving place in the winter months it has recently developed a visitor centre and exhibition.

We will then head back to the old town and the WW2 museum housed in a uniquely designed building. This amazing museum will take up 2-3 hours to see the touching exhibitions of the suffering of the Polish people.

Late flights may have time for a nice meal in one of Gdansk's many great pubs or restaurants before the taxi back to the airport.

Payment
The total cost of the trip is £350. You’ll need to pay a £10 deposit via PayPal to reserve your place.

The remaining £340 pounds is due on 1st October.

Note: Meetup will charge £1.62 to attendees on sign up. It is better to pay the £10 deposit to the bank account below for free and I will RSVP you myself (email me first).

NOTE: I have a limited number of single rooms for £50.

* New Attendees = Anyone who hasn't been on a foreign trip with us/Get Out of London. 10% Discount on basic trip price (doesn't include initial RSVP and single room discount)

The deposit and balance are not refundable unless the trip is cancelled.

The final payment should be paid to the following account, NOT to PayPal:

Sort Code: 070116
Account: 12731649
Bank: Nationwide
Name: Ian Moran

The price includes:

• 2 nights accommodation in a quality 3 star hotel (sharing a single-sex twin bedroom) with breakfast included. The hotel is located a few bus stops (day and night) from the Old Town.
• Airport transfers to and from Gdansk airport if arriving on Friday and returning on Sunday
• Set of local bus tickets for travel to the hotel
• Return train and castle entrance in Malbork
• Casual tour of Gdansk and Markets
• Entrance to the WW2 museum
• Return bus to Westerplatte
• Westerplatte Museum Exhibition

The price doesn’t include:

Flights to Gdansk – you’ll need to book these yourself after the trip has been confirmed. You may fly from any city.

Recommended outbound flights on Friday 11 December:

08.20-11.30 - Wizzair from Luton
09.20-12.25 - Ryanair from Stansted

20.55-23.59 - Ryanair from Stansted
21.45-00.55 - Wizzair from Luton

Recommended return flights on Sunday 13 December:

06.15-07.35 - Wizzair to Luton
19.10-20.30 - Ryanair to Stansted
19.35-21.05 - Wizzair to Luton

IMPORTANT: Obscure Europe is in no way responsible for any accidents, illnesses or loss of personal belongings, please make sure you have your own adequate insurance.