The Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Extended Guided Tour offers a profound opportunity to explore the history and legacy of the Holocaust’s largest concentration camp. Combining a guided tour with time for personal reflection, this immersive experience allows visitors to honor the memories of those who suffered, while gaining a deeper understanding of this tragic chapter in human history. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour provides a respectful and impactful journey, leaving participants with a lasting impression and a desire to further explore the complex and challenging narratives surrounding this difficult topic.
Key Points
- This 9-hour tour in Krakow provides an extended guided visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest concentration camp of the Holocaust, with skip-the-line entry.
- The tour features a 6-hour guided study session and 2.5 hours for independent exploration, delivered in English, German, or Polish.
- Inclusions such as transportation, optional lunchbox, and immersive experience with a certified guide create a comprehensive and convenient tour package.
- Important information includes passport/ID requirements, recommended attire, and amenities like restrooms, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience.
- The tour has an overall rating of 4.3/5 based on 14 reviews, with high praise for the transportation, guide, and value for money.
Tour Overview and Details
The Auschwitz-Birkenau Extended Guided Tour is a comprehensive 9-hour experience that allows visitors to explore the largest concentration camp established during the Holocaust in-depth.
For $63.24 per person, this tour includes a 6-hour study session with a certified guide and an additional 2.5 hours for extended exploration.
Offered in English, German, and Polish, the tour departs from five locations in Krakow’s Old Town and Jewish Quarter. Pickup and drop-off service, as well as an optional lunchbox, are available.
The tour can’t be refunded, but provides skip-the-line entry and in-depth insight into the museum, barracks, and Birkenau gate.
Visitors should bring comfortable shoes and a passport, while large bags, smoking, and pets aren’t allowed.
Experience Highlights
Visitors can explore the largest concentration camp established during the Holocaust, learning about its history from a certified guide. They’ll have the opportunity to examine the museum, original barracks, and the iconic Birkenau gate, allowing for an in-depth understanding and reflection on this site’s tragic past.
The extended tour provides ample time for a comprehensive exploration of Auschwitz-Birkenau, going beyond a standard visit. This immersive experience gives guests a deeper appreciation for the significance of the memorial and museum, honoring the victims and survivors of one of history’s darkest chapters.
The thoughtful pacing and expert guidance create a powerful and impactful tour that will leave a lasting impression.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour includes the extended guided visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, along with transportation and skip-the-line entry tickets. Pickup and drop-off at the hotel or meeting point are also provided if selected, as is an optional lunchbox. However, the tour excludes hotel pickup and drop-off if not chosen, as well as any food unless the lunchbox option is purchased.
| Inclusions | Exclusions |
|---|---|
| Extended tour with certified guide | Hotel pickup/drop-off (if not selected) |
| Transportation | Food (unless lunchbox option selected) |
| Skip-the-line entry ticket | |
| Hotel/meeting point pickup and drop-off (if selected) | |
| Optional lunchbox |
Important Information
Passport or ID is required for entry, and the name on the booking must match the ID. Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the tour involves extensive walking. Oversized luggage, pets, smoking, and large bags (exceeding 20 x 30 cm) aren’t allowed. Coins are useful for restrooms at the memorial site, as visitors may find it helpful to have small change on hand.
The tour offers several helpful features for visitors:
- Transportation is provided, making the journey to Auschwitz-Birkenau convenient.
- An optional lunchbox can be added to the package, ensuring visitors have sustenance during the long day.
- Skip-the-line entry tickets are included, allowing for a seamless and efficient experience.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Overall, customers have provided positive feedback on the Auschwitz-Birkenau tour, rating it 4.3 out of 5 based on 14 reviews. Reviewers have praised the tour’s transportation and value for money, with particular commendation for the guide, Arthur, who was described as informative and helpful. However, some customers have noted issues with changes to the tour duration, for which a 50% refund was offered.
| Experience | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation | 5/5 | "Efficient and comfortable." |
| Guide | 5/5 | "Arthur was amazing, very knowledgeable." |
| Value | 4/5 | "Great price for the tour." |
| Duration | 3/5 | "Tour length changed without notice." |
| Overall | 4.3/5 | "Highly recommended." |
Meeting Points and Pickup
The Auschwitz-Birkenau tour offers five convenient meeting points located in Krakow’s Old Town and Jewish Quarter/Kazimierz, providing easy access for participants. Guests can choose to meet the group at:
- The Main Square in Old Town
- Szeroka Street in the Jewish Quarter
- The designated hotel pickup location (if selected)
These meeting points ensure a seamless start to the tour, allowing visitors to reach the departure point without hassle.
The tour also provides hotel pickup and drop-off for added convenience, making the overall experience more comfortable and accessible for travelers.
Whether you’re staying in the city center or exploring the historic Jewish district, the Auschwitz-Birkenau tour caters to your needs.
Transportation and Tickets
The tour package includes round-trip transportation from the designated meeting points in Krakow to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum site. Participants will travel comfortably by bus or minivan, which ensures a hassle-free journey to and from the historical location.
Plus, the tour provides skip-the-line entry tickets, allowing visitors to bypass long queues and access the site efficiently. This convenient transportation and ticket arrangement simplifies the logistics, enabling visitors to focus on the immersive experience at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial.
Whether travelers opt for hotel pickup or meet at one of the five designated locations in Krakow’s Old Town and Jewish Quarter, the transportation and ticket components of the tour are designed to provide a seamless and stress-free experience.
Lunchbox and Food Options
Along With the guided tour, visitors can opt for a lunchbox option that provides a convenient meal during the excursion to Auschwitz-Birkenau.
The lunchbox comes in three choices: ham, cheese, or hummus, catering to varying dietary preferences and offering a simple sustenance option for participants.
The lunchbox includes:
- A sandwich with the choice of protein (ham or cheese) or a vegetarian option (hummus)
- A piece of fruit, such as an apple or an orange
- A bottle of water to stay hydrated during the tour
This add-on feature allows visitors to focus on the emotional and educational aspects of the tour without having to worry about finding a meal during the long day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Minimum and Maximum Group Size for This Tour?
The tour does not specify a minimum or maximum group size. Tour groups are typically small to allow for an in-depth and personalized experience at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum.
Are Audio Guides or Headsets Available During the Tour?
Audio guides or headsets are not mentioned as being included in the Auschwitz-Birkenau Extended Guided Tour. The tour relies on a certified guide to provide information during the in-person visit to the memorial site.
Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible and Are There Provisions for Visitors With Disabilities?
The tour is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators provided at the memorial site. Visitors with disabilities can request special assistance when booking. Parking for disabled visitors is available at the memorial.
Are Photography and Video Recording Allowed at the Memorial Site?
Photography and video recording are generally allowed at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial site, but visitors are asked to be respectful and avoid disrupting the solemn atmosphere. Certain areas or exhibits may have restrictions, so it’s best to check with the tour guides.
Can the Tour Be Customized or Personalized for Specific Interests or Requests?
The tour can be customized to an extent, as travelers may select optional add-ons like hotel pickup or a lunchbox. However, the core itinerary and schedule are fixed for the extended guided tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum.
Recap
The Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Extended Guided Tour offers a comprehensive and thoughtful way to explore the history of the Holocaust.
With a knowledgeable guide, visitors can learn about the tragic events that occurred at Auschwitz-Birkenau while also having time for personal reflection.
This immersive 9-hour experience provides round-trip transportation, skip-the-line entry, and the option to purchase a lunchbox, ensuring a respectful and impactful visit.
