Holiday house to rent for self-catering holidays in Rabka Zdroj, 1 hour's drive from Cracow, Half an hour from Zakopane, an excellent location for touring southern Poland.

The house has 5 bedrooms, sleeps max 10 in the bedrooms. Cot available if required. Jacuzzi bath, log fire. See family self-catering holidays in Poland.

Now part of the European Union, Poland is still a bit of a mystery for many in the UK and beyond.

Most people know very little about Poland or the Poles. A large number of visitors to Poland come from Ireland. Poles have a certain sympathy with the Irish; they view them as another suppressed people, in an occupied land, like themselves.

The band U2 have performed several times in Poland and are well-known and liked. There are regular cheap flights to Dublin and Shannon from Krakow and the Irish are very welcome.

Because of past invaders and peoples who have lived in Poland, the cuisine has been influenced by foreign cultures; chicken noodle soup of Jewish origin is popular in Poland, as are potato pancakes.

Visit the Jewish Quarter in Cracow

Both Poles and Germans love sauerkraut, especially with pork sausages. Goulash is another common meal.

There are plenty of cream cakes or tortes and other Austrian influences.

Come for a 'foodie' holiday and enjoy eating out all the time - you can in Poland because your western money goes an awful long way.

Try a local karczma for traditional Polish fare.

Click here for more about Krakow and or recommended restaurants in Cracow for great meals out

Wawel castle on a hill in Krakow overlooking the Vistula (Wisla) River. This is supposedly a place of high psychic energy where ley lines intersect; one of the chakras of the Earth.

Winter brings snow. Poland has numerous ski slopes in the south, the main ski resort is Zakopane which is quite 'touristy' but there are many others in neighbouring towns.

All the usual facilities are available including tows, ski hire and tuition, again at family friendly prices. Take your children to learn to ski in Poland before you tackle more expensive challenging slopes elsewhere.

Poland is great for pampering breaks with massage and beauty treatments because these offer excellent value and are a pleasant way to relax after skiing or walking.

Find out about:

• The Tatra national park
• walking holidays in Poland
• places to visit
• Krakow Christmas Market
• Cheap holidays in Poland