Poland

Founded at the end of the 18th century, the Czartoryski Museum has a fantastic collection of prestigious art from all over the world.Most famous for its display of Leonardo da Vinci's 'Lady with the Ermine', it is also home to Rembrandt's 'Landscape with the Good Samaritan', as well as a large collection of more Western European paintings dating from the Middle Ages to the Classic era.Not just housing paintings, the impressive museum boasts a collection of Egyptian, Roman and Etruscan artefacts.The Krakow venue was originally founded by Princess Izabela Czartoryska to preserve Polish heritage and as such there remains an exhibition containing memorabilia of key figures in the country's history.Some of the building's works of art were stolen by the Nazis during World War II and have never been recovered.There are a number of cultural attractions in Krakow, including the Royal Castle, the Wawel Cathedral and the Old Synagogue.

The annual St Stanislaw Procession in Krakow is an important event in the predominantly Christian country of Poland.Each year on the first Sunday after May 8th, the country's cardinals and bishops gather at the Wavel Cathedral to follow the relics of Poland's patron saint, finishing at the Sklaka sanctuary.Thousands join the procession, which was popularised during the 20th century by former Pope John Paul II. He referred to St Stanislaw as the patron saint of moral order.Poland's patron saint was the bishop of Krakow before he was murdered on the site of the Church of St Stanislaw in 1079 on the orders of the king.Situated on the banks of the Vistula River in Krakow, this church, also referred to as the Church on the Rock, is a Paulite church and monastery.Other events taking place in Krakow include the internationally renowned Festival of Jewish Culture, The Summer Jazz Festival, the International Street Theatre Festival, the Crossroads Festival of Folk Music and Summer Organ Festival.

Celebrities, music magnates and officials get together in Gdansk once a year to celebrate the best on the big screen at Yach Film Festival.There are awards for best director and screenplay, best photo, animation, team and energy.Awards are also presented for music videos in the categories of RnB and hip hop, pop and rock.The festival takes place by the cheap hotels in Gdansk from October 10th to 12th Everyone gets together in a meeting of minds to mould the future of the film and music scene.The festival was made bigger when the Polish Videoclip Festival joined forces with Amber Eye and Little Johnny festivals.Activities include fashion shows, concerts, meetings with the artists and workshops.A series of music, performance, television, dance and video classes for children are available through the organisation's website.By taking part, maybe your child could be the star of next year's show.There's plenty to see and do to celebrate Poland's up and coming talent.A prize of $100,000 is up for grabs in association with the festival for the woman with the best business idea.Maybe this festival is where you get your next big break!Gdansk is the fourth largest city in Poland, situated on the mouth of the Motlawa River.Most of the sights are along Long Street and Long Market in the city.

Gdansk, once famous as the site of unrest against the communist regime, is now annually known for its humour.The Polish national competition for Polish television and cinematic comedy productions, the Sense of Humour Festival, takes place in the city each year.And the awards for the country's most amusing sitcoms, talk shows and series are accompanied by a host of entertainment around the region, welcoming hundreds of visitors from around the country.Alongside the comedy competition, performances in venues and on the street take place to keep the masses amused.Comedy theatre, cabarets, satirists and circus performers are among the shows that are on display.The city also hosts exhibitions of humorous caricatures, newspaper illustrations, posters and advertisements at its galleries.Situated in the north of Poland, Gdansk is home to a number of tourist attractions all year round, including a number of historical churches such as St Mary, the largest brick church in the world, as well as the museum ship SS Soldek.

Music fans touring Poland should not miss Tygmont in the capital for a taste of what jazz clubs used to be like.After descending into a smoky, subterranean cavern, enjoy the host of great live performances while tucking into a mouthwatering food and drinks menu too.Located in Warsaw's city centre, the venue is aimed a serious music aficionados rather than tourists simply looking for a good place to drink and chat, as noise levels are restricted during some performances.While a cover charge applies on certain nights access to the club is usually free, making it hugely popular.Another perennially trendy establishment in the Polish capital is Miedzy Nami on Ulica Bracka, whose clientele includes plenty of models and media types all dressed to impress.The bar also doubles up as a cool gallery for local artists and photographers who display their work on lounge walls.