Exploring the haunting history of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the breathtaking salt carvings of the Wieliczka Salt Mine in a single day is a powerful and thought-provoking experience. This guided tour takes visitors through the remnants of one of history’s darkest chapters and the remarkable underground world created by miners over centuries. With expert guides, convenient transportation, and all admission tickets included, travelers can enjoy Poland’s past without the hassle of planning. But beneath the practical details lies a journey that challenges the mind and stirs the soul.
Just The Basics
- This guided full-day tour takes visitors to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Poland: Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, and Wieliczka Salt Mine.
- The tour provides an immersive and educational experience, with English-speaking guides leading visitors through the haunting history of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
- Visitors can explore the extraordinary underground salt carvings, chapels, and saline lakes at the Wieliczka Salt Mine.
- The tour includes all admission tickets, transportation, and hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless and comprehensive experience.
- The tour has a cancellation policy that allows for a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.
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Tour Description
This guided full-day tour takes visitors to two of Poland’s most renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, and the Wieliczka Salt Mine.
Both sites can only be explored in a group led by an official guide. The tour includes round-trip transportation, with the travel time between the two sites taking around 3 hours on public transport.
During the tour, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the haunting history of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, as well as the extraordinary underground salt mine, which features intricate salt carvings and chapels.
The tour is designed to provide a comprehensive and immersive experience at these two iconic Polish landmarks.
Inclusions
The tour package includes all admission tickets and fees, along with the services of an English-speaking driver and tour leader.
Plus, travelers receive hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as licensed English-speaking guides at both the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and the Wieliczka Salt Mine.
An air-conditioned vehicle transports guests between the two sites, and an optional lunch box is available for purchase at 30 Polish zloty per person.
The inclusions ensure a seamless and informative experience, allowing visitors to focus on the historical significance of the sites without the hassle of logistics.
Whether guests choose to purchase the lunch or bring their own, the tour provides a comprehensive package to make the most of the day.
Pickup and Logistics
Pickup for the tour starts from hotels, apartments, and other accommodations located within 3 km of Krakow’s city center, with the exception of certain areas where pickups aren’t allowed, requiring guests to meet at the nearest designated spot.
The tour typically begins around 8:00 AM, though in December the start time is moved up to 7:00 AM to accommodate shorter winter hours.
The group size is capped at 30 travelers, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.
Transportation is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle, and a licensed, English-speaking driver and/or tour leader will be on hand to assist throughout the day.
Cancellation Policy
Typically, guests can cancel the tour up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, but no refund is provided for cancellations less than 24 hours before the experience.
This cancellation policy is designed to provide flexibility for travelers while also ensuring the tour operator can effectively manage bookings and logistics.
The key points of the cancellation policy are:
- Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance – full refund
- No refund for cancellations less than 24 hours
This allows for last-minute changes while maintaining operational efficiency.
It encourages guests to provide ample notice if they can’t attend, and ensures the tour operator can plan accordingly and accommodate other travelers.
Tour Highlights
This full-day guided tour takes visitors to two of Poland’s most renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, and the Wieliczka Salt Mine.
At Auschwitz-Birkenau, you’ll explore the sobering grounds and learn about the harrowing history of the Nazi concentration camp.
Then, you’ll travel to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, where you’ll descend underground to marvel at the breathtaking salt sculptures, chapels, and saline lakes carved out of the salt.
The tour includes all admission tickets, transportation, and expert English-speaking guides to provide fascinating commentary throughout the day.
It’s an immersive and educational experience that offers a poignant glimpse into Poland’s past.
Visitor Information
Travelers are picked up from hotels, apartments, and other accommodations within a 3-kilometer radius of Krakow’s city center, though certain areas are off-limits for pickup, requiring redirection to the closest approved spot.
The tour typically starts around 8:00 AM, though in December this may be pushed to 7:00 AM due to shorter daylight hours.
Groups are kept small, with a maximum of 30 travelers.
The tour includes:
- All admission tickets and fees
- English-speaking driver/tour leader service
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Licensed English-speaking guides at the museums
- An air-conditioned vehicle for transportation
Cancellations made within 24 hours of the experience are non-refundable, while those made earlier qualify for a full refund.
Tour Schedule
The guided tour begins around 8:00 AM, though in December the start time may be pushed to 7:00 AM to accommodate the shorter daylight hours. Pickup for the tour is available from hotels, apartments, and accommodations within 3 km of Krakow’s city center. However, certain areas of the city are off-limits for pickups, so you’ll need to head to the nearest approved spot instead. The tour can accommodate up to 30 travelers and lasts the entire day, with around 3 hours of travel time between the two sites. An optional lunch box is available for 30 Polish zloty.
| Tour Schedule | |
|---|---|
| Start Time | 8:00 AM (7:00 AM in December) |
| Pickup | Hotels, apartments, and accommodations within 3 km of Krakow’s city center |
| Traveler Limit | 30 |
| Duration | Full day |
| Travel Time | 3 hours between sites |
| Lunch | Optional 30 Polish zloty lunch box |
Customer Reviews
Numerous travelers have shared overwhelmingly positive reviews of this guided tour, awarding it an exceptional 5.0 out of 5 stars across 1,588 customer ratings. Reviewers consistently praise the tour’s well-organized structure, knowledgeable guides, and seamless logistics.
‘Our guide was phenomenal – her passion and expertise brought the history to life.’
‘The transportation was comfortable, and the pickup/drop-off process was very convenient.’
‘Seeing the Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine in one day was an unparalleled experience.’
‘The perfect balance of guided visits and free time to explore these two remarkable sites.’
‘Incredible value for the price – an absolute must-do for anyone visiting Krakow.’
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Is the Tour at Each Site?
The tour at Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum typically lasts around 3.5 hours, while the tour at the Wieliczka Salt Mine takes approximately 2.5 hours. The total time spent at both sites is about 6 hours.
Can We Take Photos Inside the Sites?
Visitors are generally permitted to take photos inside the sites, but there may be some restrictions in certain areas. It’s best to check with the tour guides on the day of the tour for any specific photography guidelines.
Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?
The tour may not be suitable for young children, as the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial covers sensitive historical events. Young kids may find the content distressing. Parents should exercise discretion when booking this tour for families with young children.
What Kind of Lunch Is Provided?
An optional lunch box is available for an additional 30 Polish zloty. The lunch box likely contains a sandwich, snack, and drink, providing a convenient on-the-go meal during the tour.
Is There an Option to Skip the Auschwitz Tour?
No, there is no option to skip the Auschwitz-Birkenau tour on this guided full-day excursion. Both Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine are included and must be visited as part of the tour itinerary led by an official guide.
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Final Words
This guided tour offers visitors an immersive and comprehensive experience of Poland’s past.
It covers two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, and the Wieliczka Salt Mine.
With included admission tickets, transportation, and English-speaking guides, the tour provides a seamless and informative day, allowing travelers to explore the haunting history and remarkable underground salt carvings.
