Start our adventure by going underground! The Underground Tourist Route in Sandomierz is a place that is sure to fascinate both children and adults. Located at Rynek 10, it is accessible all year round. Entrances are at full hours, and the last tour begins one hour before closing. Tickets can be purchased on site or online, which is a convenient option in high season when it can be crowded. Ticket prices (as of 2024) are about $24 for regular and $20 for discounted. The route is 470 meters long and goes as deep as 12 meters below the surface! During the 40-minute guided tour you will hear fascinating stories about the city's history, see fragments of ancient walls and learn how merchants used these underground passages. Remember to wear a warm sweatshirt - it's cool underground even on hot days.

Once on the surface, head towards Sandomierz Royal Castle (Zamkowa 12). This is a place that will take you back to the times of knights and kings. The castle is home to the District Museum, where you can see exhibits from the Paleolithic era to modern times. The castle courtyard offers a beautiful view of the Vistula River and the city skyline - the perfect place for a souvenir photo! The castle is open from Tuesday to Sunday, and tickets cost about 15-20 zlotys (as of 2024).

The next point on our tour is the majestic Opatowska Gate (Opatowska 40). This is Sandomierz's only surviving city gate and a great vantage point. The climb to the top requires climbing dozens of stairs, but the view that unfolds from there is worth the effort. At the top there is a telescope through which children can observe the city skyline - great fun! The gate is open daily, and tickets cost about $12 for regular and $10 for concessions (as of 2024).

At the end of this part of the tour, visit the Cathedral Basilica of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Cathedral Street 1). This is a Gothic church that impresses with the richness of its interior. The huge paintings, beautiful vaults and rich history of the place are sure to impress the whole family. Admission to the basilica is free, but remember to dress appropriately and keep quiet - it's still a place of worship.

After a busy tour of the sights, it's time to get in touch with nature! Sandomierz is famous for its picturesque loess ravines, which are the perfect place for a family walk. Let's start with the Loess Gorge, also known as Queen Jadwiga Gorge (St. Queen Jadwiga Street). This is a unique place where you can admire the 10-meter high walls overgrown with tree roots. The gorge is about 500 meters long and is easily accessible - you can walk to it from the city center in a few minutes. Admission is free and the walk takes about 30 minutes. Remember, however, that it can be slippery here after rain, so it is advisable to have suitable footwear.

For more active families, we recommend a trip to the Pepper Mountains (27-600 Kamień Łukawski). This is a nature reserve located just 3 km from the center of Sandomierz. The name comes from the color of the rocks, which shimmer in the sun and resemble pepper. The Pepper Mountains offer beautiful views of the Vistula River valley and Sandomierz. You will find a parking lot (payable PLN 10) and a lookout point (admission PLN 5, as of 2024). The route is quite challenging, so it's best to plan a half-day trip here. Remember to bring water, snacks and appropriate footwear.

If you fancy a less demanding, but equally interesting form of sightseeing, we recommend a ride on the Sandomierz Melexes. This is a great option, especially on hot days or for families with small children. The route leads through the most important points of the city, and the guide tells fascinating stories and interesting facts. Melexes start from the Market Square (Rynek 28), and the ride lasts about 35-45 minutes. Ticket prices are about 40 zloty per adult and 25 zloty per child (as of 2024). This is a great way to get a quick overview of the city's layout and plan further sightseeing.

At the end of this section, we suggest a visit to an unusual place - Czar Napary Akademia Ziołowa Marcina z Urzędów in Sandomierz (Rynek 4). This is an interactive museum that presents the history of herbalism in a fascinating way. Here, children can 'ask' the prescription of Martin of Urzędów - a famous 16th-century doctor, learn about the properties of various herbs and even play at collecting mushrooms. The museum is open daily, with entries at full hours. Ticket prices are around 20-25 zlotys (as of 2024). It's a place that combines learning with fun and is sure to appeal to both children and adults.

When planning a family trip to Sandomierz, there are a few important things to keep in mind that will make your stay comfortable and full of excitement.

First, plan at least two days for sightseeing - Sandomierz has a lot to offer and it would be a shame to miss any of the fascinating sites. If possible, consider coming during the off-peak season (July-August), when the city is less crowded and the temperatures are more walkable.

Remember to wear appropriate footwear - many of Sandomierz's attractions require walking on uneven terrain. Comfortable, flat shoes are a must, especially if you plan a trip to the gorges or the Pepper Mountains.

If you are traveling with small children, take a lightweight stroller or baby carrier with you. Some of the old town's streets are cobbled, which can make it difficult to navigate with a heavier stroller. If visiting the underground tourist route, it's a good idea to make sure your little ones are not afraid of the dark beforehand.

For families with children of all ages, we recommend the following tour:

Day 1:

• Morning: the Market Square and surrounding area, including a melex ride for a general overview of the city
• Noon: Royal Castle and District Museum
• Afternoon: Underground Tourist Route (remember to make reservations!).
• Evening: walk in the Old Town and dinner in one of the restaurants in the Market Square

Day 2:

• Morning: Queen Jadwiga Gorge (bring snacks with you for a picnic)
• Noon: Opatowska Gate and view of the city
• Afternoon: spells of the Herbal Academy (a great option especially in case of bad weather)
• Evening: for those willing - a trip to the Pepper Mountains for sunset

In terms of food, Sandomierz offers many restaurants and cafes, especially around the Market Square. It is worth trying local specialties, such as dishes made from 'Beautiful Jas' beans or Sandomierz apples. For families with young children, we recommend bringing your own snacks and drinks for trips outside the center.

When it comes to accommodation, Sandomierz offers a variety of options, from hotels to apartments and guesthouses. For families, we recommend accommodations near the Old Town, which will make sightseeing easier and allow you to enjoy the atmosphere of this charming place in the evenings as well.

Finally, remember to be flexible in your planning. Sandomierz is a city that often surprises - you may end up hitting a local festival or fair worth visiting. So leave some room for spontaneity and enjoy exploring this magical place together!

Sandomierz is a city that has the potential to delight the whole family. It combines history, nature and modern attractions, offering an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you are a history lover, an adventurer or simply want to spend time together in a beautiful setting, Sandomierz is sure to meet your expectations. Have a great trip and unforgettable family memories!