How to Plan Your Auschwitz Birkenau & Krakow Old Town Tour

When visiting Krakow, taking a private tour of Auschwitz Birkenau and Krakow Old Town is a must-do activity. This poignant journey will take you through the harrowing atrocities of the Holocaust and the beauty of the historic Old Town of Krakow. In this blog post, we will guide you on how to plan your Auschwitz Birkenau & Krakow Old Town tour, so you can make the most out of your visit.

Overview

The Auschwitz Birkenau & Krakow Old Town private tour begins with a pickup from your preferred location in Krakow or within a 15-kilometer radius from the city center. The tour operator provides private transportation just for you by comfortable air-conditioned car or minivan. An excellent English-speaking courteous driver is at your disposal throughout the tour.

The first stop on the tour is the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, which attracts over 2 million visitors annually. This is the site where the Nazis murdered over one million Jews and other minorities during World War II. You will see the gas chambers, crematoria, and barracks where the prisoners lived in unimaginable conditions.

The second stop will be to Krakow Old Town, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, where you will visit the Wawel Castle, Rynek Glowny, St. Mary’s Basilica, and Krakow Cloth Hall.

What’s Included

The tour includes hotel pick up and drop off from your preferred location within Krakow or a 15-kilometer radius from the city center. The tour operator provides private transportation just for you by comfortable air-conditioned car or minivan. An excellent English speaking courteous driver is at your disposal throughout the tour. Additionally, food and drinks during the tour are provided.

Meeting and Pickup

You can choose a pickup point from the options provided during the booking process when you book the tour on the website. Pickup times may vary, so it is essential to confirm the time with the local provider in advance of your experience. Please provide your hotel address, and the tour operator will pick you up from there.

What to Expect

This fully private tour offers a chance to see two significant historic locations in one day, suited to your pace and needs. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and the guide will offer a lot of insight into the events of the Holocaust and how they have shaped the world. Expect to see painful sights of where the atrocities happened, but you’ll also witness the beauty of the historic Old Town of Krakow.

Additional Info

Confirmation of your booking will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability. If you need special accommodations, please inform the tour operator beforehand. When you take this private tour by car, you have the guarantee of being taken back and forth at your convenience.

Book the Tour Here

Book your Auschwitz Birkenau & Krakow Old Town Tour today and discover the memory of the past, while appreciating the beauty of historical Old Town of Krakow. Don’t miss this chance!

Book the tour here

Insider’s Guide to Krakow, Poland

Krakow is a beautiful city in Poland with a rich cultural heritage and history. It’s known for its old town, historic sites, and delicious cuisine. The city boasts a wide range of experiences, from museums to world-renowned restaurants. This guide will provide everything you need to plan your Krakow tour, including the best tourist attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions.

Tourist Attractions to Visit

1. Wawel Castle – This 14th-century castle is one of the most impressive castles in Europe. It has a rich history as the royal residence of the Polish kings and is now a popular tourist destination with a museum.

2. Main Market Square – Located in the heart of the city’s old town, the Main Market Square is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe. It’s surrounded by beautiful architecture, restaurants, and cafes. Don’t miss the opportunity to climb the tower of the St. Mary’s Basilica for a panoramic view of the city.

3. Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum – Located about an hour’s drive from Krakow, this museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of the tragedy of the Holocaust.

4. Schindler’s Factory Museum – A museum dedicated to the story of Oskar Schindler, a German entrepreneur who saved the lives of more than 1,000 Jews during World War II.

Dining Spots to Try

1. Milkbar Tomasza – This traditional Polish restaurant is a must-visit. It’s known for its delicious pierogi, which are traditional Polish dumplings filled with a variety of ingredients.

2. Plac Nowy – Located in the Jewish Quarter of Krakow, Plac Nowy is a foodie’s dream come true. It’s a traditional market square where you can find everything from Polish sausages to falafels.

3. Cyrano de Bergerac – A French-inspired restaurant located in a beautiful 16th-century building. The menu features classic French dishes like escargots and beef tartare.

Cultural Experiences to Have

1. Wieliczka Salt Mine – This underground mine has been in operation since the 13th century. Take a tour to learn about the history of the mine and see the beautiful underground chambers and sculptures made entirely out of salt.

2. Polish National Museum – Located in the heart of Krakow’s old town, this museum is a must-visit for art lovers. It has an extensive collection of Polish art and artifacts ranging from ancient times to the present day.

3. Kazimierz – This is the old Jewish Quarter of Krakow with cobblestone streets and beautiful synagogues. Take a walk to see the street art, murals, and visit the numerous art galleries.

Local History to Learn

1. The Royal Wawel Castle – This castle is a perfect opportunity to learn about the history of the Polish kings. To get an in-depth insight into the history of Poland, take a guided tour.

2. The Main Market Square – It was established in the 13th century with the establishment of Krakow. It’s home to many historic buildings, including the Town Hall Tower, St. Mary’s Basilica, and many others.

3. Jewish Ghetto – Until World War II, the Jewish ghetto was situated in the Kazimierz district. The district has a poignant history and features memorials, synagogues, and street art.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

1. Nowa Huta – It is one of the perfect examples of mid-20th-century urban planning and architecture. The experience is awe-inspiring, with buildings constructed in communist and socialist designs, thus giving you an excellent opportunity for explorations.

2. Zalew Zakrzówek – It’s a beautiful artificial lake with crystal clear water, surrounded by cliffs and a forest. It’s a perfect place for swimming and sunbathing, with many water activities along the shores.

3. The Oscar Schindler Museum – The museum tells the story of the lives of Krakow’s Jews during the Nazi occupation. It’s an essential place to visit, giving visitors a greater insight into the local history.

Krakow is a city that combines its history and contemporary beauty, making it a perfect tourist destination. Whether you’re a history lover, art lover, or a foodie, you’ll find something to appreciate about Krakow. With this guide, you can have a fantastic trip planned.