In the heart of Europe bordered by sea, mountains and several diverse and interesting countries, Poland is a fascinating place, with its heady mixture of medieval towns and cosmopolitan cities - a real mix of East and West. With its contemporary culture and traditional values, Poland is a true blend of unspoilt rural beauty seemingly untouched by modern progress, and some of the most hi-tech city dwellings in Europe.

Enriched by its long and troubled history, this up-and-coming state will introduce you to its diverse cultural background and vibrant modern energy. Still cheaper than the many European tourist destinations, Poland remains a safe and hospitable country, with friendly people, great food and a wealth of compelling natural and cultural treats waiting to be discovered.

Nature lovers will enjoy the sandy Baltic coastal beaches in the north and the rocky crags of the Tatras in the south. The wonderful network of the Great Mazurian Lakes is a magnetic for water sports fans, while hikers will enjoy the unspoilt wilds of the Bieszczady Mountains. You can also take a raft run down the Dunajec River gorge, or observe the free roaming European bison, Europe's largest animal, in the Bialowieska Forest, or enjoy a photo-safari in the unique Biebrzanskie Marshes, or watch the shifting sand dunes in the Slowinski National park.

History lovers will adore the painstaking restored old town centres, the Royal Castles of Warsaw and Cracow, and the many historic old palaces and outstanding museums, for example the unique medieval underground salt-mine in Wieliczka.

Arts connoisseurs are sure to be exhilarating cultural events in the homeland of Chopin and Penderecki. There are the world renowned Chopin Piano and the Wieniawski Violin Competions, the Warsaw Autumn Festival of Contemporary Music, the International Festival of Jazz Music, the Piknik Festival of Country Music plus various youth and folklore festivals.

Dynamic and progressive, Poland looks to the future and its economy is rapidly catching up with the rest of Western Europe. With some of the most historically interesting spots in the world, Poland boasts several captivating UNESCO world heritage sites, as well as modern cities with a vast array of luxurious hotels, fabulous nightlife and the full gamut of modern services and facilities which will allow you to get the very best out of your stay.

Here at Appearance Matters, we've come up with our top choices of things to do, whether you're filling half a day after treatment in Warsaw, or spending a few days exploring the surrounding countryside once your dental treatment is over.

Warsaw:
Take a look at our Warsaw Top Ten for our pick of the most interesting ways to fill a few hours or spend a whole day in this vibrant capital.

In and around Warsaw:
If you've decided to combine your treatment with an extended stay in Poland, you might like to see what else is on offer once you've sampled the delights of Warsaw. Below you'll find a few of our favourite ideas for day-trips out of the city.

Zelazowa Wola
Situated approximately 53 kilometres from Warsaw, this tiny village is home to the Chopin family manor, where the famous classical composer, Frederick Chopin, was born. Now a museum devoted to the great musician, the attractive house is surrounded by a beautiful park, in the grounds of which are held the famous Chopin piano recitals which take place throughout the summer, performed by virtuoso pianists.

The birthplace of Chopin is open:
May to September, Tuesday to Sunday 9.30am - 5.30pm
October to April, Tuesday to Sunday 10.00am - 4.00pm
[www.warsawtour.pl]

Nieborow
Just a thirty-minute drive from Lelazowa Wola, Nieborow is noted for its famous 17th Century Baroque Palace, which houses a fascinating collection of paintings, sculptures and furniture, as well as a library containing over 10,000 volumes. This stunning palace is situated in an informal, English-style landscaped park.

The Nieborow Palace and Museum are open:
1st March to 30th April, Tuesday to Sunday 10.00am - 4.00pm
1st May - 30th June, Monday to Sunday 10.00am - 6.00pm
1st July - 30th September, Monday to Friday 10.00am - 4.00pm, Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays 10.00am - 6.00pm
1st to 30th October, Tuesday to Sunday 10.00am - 3.30pm

Admission charge. Last entry 30 minutes before closing.
Nieborow Park is open year-round from 10.00am till dusk.
[www.nieborow.art.pl]

Arkadia Park
Leading from Nieborow is a linden tree-lined avenue stretching for seven kilometres to the romantic Arkadia Park, which was laid out in the 18th Century. Enjoy a horse ride, horse and cart trip or a leisurely walk to this fabulous area of greenery, packed with rare species of trees and shrubs as well as delightful decorative items.

The park in Arkadia is open for visitors throughout the year from 10.00am till dusk.

[www.nieborow.art.pl]

Lowicz
Also within easy reach of the capital is the town of Lowicz, well-known for its folkloric traditions of arts and crafts, as well as its Gothic collegiate church which was built during the 15th Century. But perhaps the most fascinating time to visit Lowicz is during the celebration of Corpus Christi in summer, when a long procession snakes its way through the town. This spectacular event involves large numbers of local participants who dress up in colourful traditional costumes.

[www.um.lowicz.pl]

Niepokalanow
The so-named 'City of the Immaculate' is a Catholic religious community situated not far from the capital city of Warsaw. Founded in 1927 by Franciscan Friar, Maximilian Kolbe, the community was once the largest religious community in the world, housing around 800 men.

Serving as a home and centre of education for the Franciscan brothers, the location was also a centre for charitable ministry and evangelisation through radio and printed religious materials. Providing shelter to Polish refugees during WWII, the friary was closed after the arrest of Father Kolbe, who eventually died at the hands of the Gestapo in Auschwitz. The community was re-opened after the war and today is visited by thousands of pilgrims who come to see the famous shrine, the museum of St. Maksymilian, and the Basilica.

[www.niepokalanow.pl]

If you're planning on spending a longer holiday in Poland, you might like to take a look at areas further away from Warsaw. It is a beautiful country away from the capital city. Marked walking trails are abundant and marked on most maps. Poland is full of forests and changing wildlife, from storks in the summer on the Baltic coast and deer throughout the year almost everywhere in the countryside. Tourist information centres are found in the majority of Polish cities. They offer information about tourist attractions of the region, about local accommodation, bus, train and air links; they also provide maps and tourist guides and the staff are invariably helpful and welcoming.