Information on Poland, Krakow and how to travel to the Conference

If you need assistance to organise your stay before or after the conference, e.g. find accommodation or plan a week end in Poland, Grupa A05 can advise you. Contact Grupa A05 at:

Grupa A-05 Sp. z o.o.
31-101 Krakow, Poland
Pl. Na Groblach 14/2
P. +48 12 429 62 23
F. +48 12 429 62 87
E: info@a05.pl

Poland

Poland is situated in the heart of Europe, at a crossing of roads and cultures. Its boundaries are formed by the Baltic Sea to the North; Germany to the West, the Czech and Slovak Republics to the South; Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania and Russia to the East. The great country strives to meet the needs and interests of any profession and any group. Poland is close - easily accessible from all parts of the world by air, by car, coach and train. It offers excellent hotels, affordable prices and good services. Ten years ago it was unthinkable, but today this area is not just back in Europe, it is the centre of its vitality, able at last to display the landscapes, architecture and culture which are the heritage of a reunited continent.
Poland lies in the zone of moderate climate, intermediate between the marine and continental climates and the weather can be quite changeable. In May the temperature ranges 15oC to 25oC. The entire of Poland lies in Central European Time.
Money - euro rate: 1,00 euro = ca 4,00 zł. Paying by credit cards is widely acceptable. Cash machines (bankomats) are available all over the country.

Krakow

Krakow - the capital of Małopolska - the Southern region of Poland. The over onethousand-year history of the city which was the capital of Poland from 11th to 17th century, medieval town plan with the largest Main Market in Europe, the oldest Polish university - the Jagiellonian University, churches and cathedrals, magnificent collections and museums, the Salt Mine in Wieliczka - all this contributes to the uniqueness of the city which is listed on the Unesco World Heritage List amongst just 12 other objects.
In the year 2000, Krakow proudly handled the title of the European City of Culture granted by the Council of Ministers of the European Union. Cracow is said to be a magical city. This magic is hidden in precious collections in more than 43 museums, great artistic events and festivals. It is in the incredible atmosphere of cafes, restaurants, pubs vibrating with life in the Old Town, as well as in the fashionable Jewish district.

How to get to Cracow

By plane

By plane - Krakow-Balice, also known as John Paul II International Airport, is 18km from the centre. There are flights from and to: United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, The Netherlands, Norway, Czech, Austria, Switzerland, USA and Israel. Getting to town from the airport: a taxi ride should cost 50 - 100 zł, depending on the address.
Webpage: www.lotnisko-balice.pl

The get to the city centre from Krakow - Balice airport you may call a taxi, take a train or a bus. Details are available on the airport webpage: http://www.krakowairport.pl/en/60/4/176/Access-to-the-airport
Ca. 100 km from Krakow there is another International Airport Katowice-Pyrzowice. Webpage: www.katowice-airport.pl

Save up to 20% on your travel expenses with the Star Alliance Network! Click here

By train

By train - the main railway station (Dworzec Glowny) is conveniently situated at the northern part of the Old Town and trains from Germany, Hungary, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, plus many Polish cities, arrive here. There are several daily express and fast train services from Warsaw to Krakow and vice versa. Booking of seats is recommended. Webpage: www.pkp.pl

By car

By car - Krakow has direct access to the international motorways A4 (2 x 8,00 zł toll is paid when you enter and exit the motorway). Roads in Poland are marked with international traffic signs, and traffic regulations are similar to those in effect in other European countries.
and traffic regulations are similar to those in effect in other European countries.

Save up to 20% on travel with the Star Alliance network!

The Star Alliance™ Members Airlines are pleased to be appointed as the Official Airline Network for the 5th European Conference on Rare Diseases ECRD 2010 in Krakow.

To obtain the Star Alliance™ Conventions Plus discounts, please call the reservation office of a participating Star Alliance Member Airline and quote the following Convention Code LO02S10

Registered participants plus one accompanying person travelling to the event are automatically granted a discount of up to 20%, depending on fare and class of travel booked.

The participating airlines for this event are:
LOT Polish Airlines, Turkish Airlines, South African Airways, Scandinavian Airlines, bmi, Brussels Airlines, Air Canada, TAP Portugal, United, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Air China, SWISS International Air Lines, THAI, Lufthansa, EgyptAir, Austrian Airlines, Spanair, Croatia Airlines.
 
For booking office information please visit:
www.staralliance.com/conventionsplus

Discounts are offered on published business and economy class fares, excluding website/internet fares, senior and youth fares, group fares and Round the World fares.

Please note: For travel from Japan and New Zealand special fares or discounts are offered by the participating airlines on their own network.

When making your travel plans please present confirmation of your registration or proof of attendance.

Useful Links

www.krakow.pl useful information about Krakow
www.cracow-life.com useful information about Krakow
www.lotnisko-balice.pl - Krakow airport
www.katowice-airport.pl - Katowice Airport
www.pkp.pl - national railways
www.intercity.pl - intercity trains