Exploring the haunting remnants of one of history’s darkest chapters and marveling at the breathtaking underground salt mines of Wieliczka – this guided tour of Krakow offers a profoundly moving and captivating journey through Poland’s rich and complex past. From the somber halls of Auschwitz-Birkenau to the stunning, cathedral-like chambers carved from salt, this comprehensive 11-hour excursion provides an immersive and thought-provoking experience for those seeking to uncover the profound stories that lie within these iconic sites. The choice of whether to embark on this profound exploration, however, remains in your hands.
Key Points
- This guided tour from Krakow offers visits to both the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp and the Wieliczka Salt Mine, with a total duration of 11 hours.
- The tour includes hotel pickup, air-conditioned transportation, entry tickets, guided tours, and headsets, providing a hassle-free experience.
- The Auschwitz-Birkenau segment consists of a 2-hour guided tour of Auschwitz I and a 1-hour tour of Auschwitz II-Birkenau.
- The Wieliczka Salt Mine tour lasts 2.5 hours, with an additional 1 hour of free time for visitors.
- The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility issues, wheelchair users, or infants under 1 year due to significant walking and accessibility restrictions.
Tour Overview and Details
This guided tour combines visits to the somber Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp and the captivating Wieliczka Salt Mine, offering an immersive and educational experience over the course of 11 hours.
Priced at a discounted rate of SEK 269 per person, the tour includes hotel or meeting point pickup, transportation by air-conditioned bus, a tour leader, entry tickets, guided tours, and headsets for clear communication.
Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot without upfront payment.
However, the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues, wheelchair users, or babies under 1 year old.
Itinerary and Experience
The tour begins with a transfer to Auschwitz I concentration camp, which takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Once there, guests embark on a guided tour of Auschwitz I for 2 hours, providing a somber and educational experience. Afterward, a brief 10-minute break precedes the guided tour of Auschwitz II-Birkenau, lasting an additional hour.
The group then transfers to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a 1.5-hour journey. Visitors are given an hour of free time to explore the mine’s breathtaking chambers and galleries before embarking on a 2.5-hour guided tour.
Inclusions and Exclusions
After covering the comprehensive itinerary, the tour package includes several key elements to enhance the experience.
Travelers receive hotel or meeting point pickup and drop-off, transportation by air-conditioned bus, a tour leader, entry tickets to both Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine, guided tours at each site, and the use of headsets for clear communication throughout.
However, the tour doesn’t include food, drinks, or accommodation.
Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or babies under 1 year, as there’s significant walking involved.
Participants must also bring their passport or ID and be prepared for a long day exploring these historic and cultural sites.
Important Information
Participants must bring their passport or ID, as well as pack snacks and a lunch, when joining this guided tour.
Large bags and luggage (exceeding 20×30 cm) aren’t allowed on the tour.
Pickup times may vary between 5:30 AM and 9:00 AM, with the exact time communicated via email the day before the tour.
It’s important to note that the names on the booking must match the ID for entry.
This tour may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or babies under 1 year.
Participants are advised to be prepared for a long day with significant walking involved throughout the Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine sites.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Overall, reviewers have praised the guides for their knowledge and organization of the tour.
Auschwitz is considered a respectful but lengthy experience, while the Wieliczka Salt Mine tour is described as engaging and fun.
Suggestions include considering visiting Auschwitz independently for a potentially better experience and being prepared for a long day with significant walking.
The tour has received an impressive overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on over 5,500 reviews.
Customers highlight the tour leaders’ expertise and the well-structured itinerary, though some note the Auschwitz segment could feel rushed.
Despite the physical demands, the unique opportunity to explore these historic sites makes the tour a popular choice for visitors to Krakow.
Tour Duration and Pricing
The tour’s duration spans an impressive 11 hours, allowing visitors ample time to fully enjoy the profound history and natural wonder of the sites. Priced at SEK 539 per person, the tour offers excellent value, with a discounted rate of SEK 269 available. Visitors can also take advantage of the flexible cancellation policy, which allows for a full refund if cancelled up to 24 hours in advance. The tour’s transportation and entry fees are included, making it a hassle-free experience.
| Tour Details | Pricing |
|---|---|
| Duration: 11 hours | Full Price: SEK 539 |
| Pickup: Optional from Krakow | Discounted: SEK 269 |
| Inclusions: Transportation, Entry Fees | Cancellation: Free up to 24 hours |
Pickup and Transportation
The tour offers optional pickup from accommodations in Krakow, with the exact pickup time communicated to participants via email the day prior to the excursion.
Transportation is provided by an air-conditioned bus throughout the day. This ensures comfortable travel between the different sites, including the 1.5-hour transfer to Auschwitz I, the 1.5-hour transfer to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, and the 45-minute return trip to Krakow.
The tour leader accompanies the group during all transfers, providing guidance and insights along the way.
This seamless transportation service allows participants to focus on the immersive and educational experiences at the two historic sites without having to worry about logistics.
Accessibility and Restrictions
This tour may not be suitable for individuals with certain mobility limitations or young children. Specifically, the tour is not recommended for people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or babies under 1 year old due to the extensive walking and challenging terrain at the sites. Plus, participants are not allowed to bring large bags or luggage, with a maximum size of 20×30 cm permitted. These accessibility restrictions and size limitations are important considerations for anyone interested in booking the Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine guided tour.
| Criteria | Auschwitz-Birkenau | Wieliczka Salt Mine |
|---|---|---|
| Mobility | Extensive walking | Steep stairs, uneven surfaces |
| Luggage | Maximum 20×30 cm | Maximum 20×30 cm |
| Infants | Not recommended | Not recommended |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Extend the Tour’s Duration if I Want to Explore More?
While the tour typically lasts 11 hours, it may be possible to extend the duration in order to explore the sites more thoroughly. Travelers should inquire about extending the tour when booking to ensure availability and any additional costs.
Is There an Option to Visit the Schindler’s Factory Museum?
This tour does not include a visit to Schindler’s Factory Museum. For that, visitors would need to arrange a separate excursion. The focus of this specific tour is on the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp and the Wieliczka Salt Mine.
Can I Take Photos During the Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour?
Photography is generally allowed at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, but visitors should be respectful and avoid flash photography. However, certain areas or exhibits may have restrictions, so it’s best to follow the tour guide’s instructions.
Is There a Possibility to Customize the Itinerary for My Group?
Yes, the tour operator may accommodate customized itineraries for groups. Guests can discuss their preferences with the tour provider and request modifications to the standard itinerary, such as adjusting time allocations or adding/removing certain sites, depending on the group’s interests and needs.
Do the Tour Guides Provide Any Historical Context During the Transfers?
The tour guides provide historical context and information about the sites during the transfers between Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine. This allows participants to better understand the significance and history of the locations they’re visiting.
Recap
The Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau and Salt Mine Guided Tour offers a profound and engaging exploration of Poland’s rich history.
Participants will experience the historical significance of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the stunning Wieliczka Salt Mine, with a respectful and informative journey.
The tour’s inclusions and accessibility make it a well-rounded and accessible experience, ensuring an impactful and memorable day.
