How to Plan Your Auschwitz-Birkenau Self-Guided Private Tour from Krakow
Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau is a solemn and emotional experience that everyone should have in life. As one of the most popular tourist attractions in Krakow, this site is a symbol of the Holocaust and the horrific events that took place during World War II. If you’re planning to visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and Memorial, then you’ve made a great step towards learning more about humanity’s darkest chapter. In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about planning your self-guided tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau from Krakow.
Overview of the Tour
The Auschwitz-Birkenau Self-Guided Private Tour from Krakow is a six-hour long experience that includes private transportation and admission to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and Memorial. The tour is conducted in a comfortable vehicle with a professional driver who will be at your service throughout the trip.
What’s Included
Here’s a list of what you can expect to be included in the tour package:
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Driver’s assistance during the whole tour
- Courteous and excellent English speaking driver
- Admission ticket to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and Memorial
Please note that the driver will not serve as a guide during the tour. You must navigate through the grounds of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum on your own.
Meeting and Pickup Details
Before the tour, you’ll be asked to provide your hotel’s address. The driver will pick you up from there, or if your hotel is within 15km from Krakow city center, and drop you off after the tour. The tour is exclusively private for you.
What to Expect
The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum are open every day of the year, except for January 1st, December 25th, and Easter Sunday. There are several options to choose from, depending on the time that’s most convenient for you. The local providers require that you confirm your reservation time in advance. The opening hours of each option will be displayed when you select your preferred tour.
During the tour, you’ll have the chance to witness the remains of Auschwitz-Birkenau, including the original barracks, gas chambers, and crematoria. The tour is self-guided, and detailed descriptions in various languages are available throughout the museum. Please note that the maximum size of bags and backpacks allowed to carry on the Museum grounds is 30 x 20 x 10cm.
Additional Information
Here are some additional details you should know:
- Confirmation for the tour will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.
- Infant seats are available upon request.
- The Museum is not wheelchair accessible.
- It is not recommended for children aged below 14 years.
How to Book the Tour
Booking the Auschwitz-Birkenau Self-Guided Private Tour from Krakow is simple. Follow the link ( Book here) to go to the Viator website, which is the official tour provider. You’ll see a calendar with available dates and timing options, along with the price. Once you select the date you want, you’ll be asked to provide your personal details, including your hotel’s address. You’ll receive a confirmation email within 48 hours of booking.
Conclusion
Visiting the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is an experience that will stay with you forever. By planning your self-guided tour with the Auschwitz-Birkenau Self-Guided Private Tour from Krakow, you’ll be able to witness first-hand the history and impact of the Holocaust. And you’ll do it with the comfort of knowing that you’re booking the tour with a trustworthy and reliable tour provider.
Frequently Asked Questions about Krakow
Krakow is a city that is rich in history, culture, and tradition. It is no surprise that this city receives a lot of visitors every year. As a result, there are a lot of commonly asked questions about Krakow by tourists that are looking to experience all that the city has to offer. In this post, we will be answering some of the most frequently asked questions about Krakow.
1. What is the best time to travel to Krakow?
Krakow is a city that has a lot to offer year-round. However, the best time to travel to Krakow is during the shoulder seasons between March to May and September to November. During these months the weather is mild, and the city is less crowded. The months of June, July, and August are also popular but can be busy and more expensive due to summer holidays. Winter months from December to February can be quite cold, but Christmas time in Krakow is exceptional.
2. How do I get from Krakow Airport to the city center?
Krakow Airport is located about 11 km away from the city center. To get to the city center from the airport, there are several options:
- Taxi – Taxis are available outside the arrivals terminal. It costs around 90-100 PLN to the city center.
- Public transport – You can take a train or bus to the city center. The train costs around 9 PLN and takes 20-25 minutes. The bus costs around 4 PLN and takes 40-50 minutes.
- Private transfer – An excellent option for families, groups, or anyone looking for a hassle-free option. The cost depends on the provider and can be booked online in advance.
3. Which currency is used in Krakow?
The currency used in Krakow and the rest of Poland is the Polish złoty (PLN). While some businesses accept payment in euros or US dollars, it is always better to use the local currency to avoid being overcharged or receiving incorrect change.
4. What are the top tourist attractions in Krakow?
Krakow is a city that is rich in history, culture, and nature. Some of the top tourist attractions in Krakow include:
- Wawel Royal Castle – A symbol of Polish independence and the country’s history.
- Main Market Square – The largest medieval town square in Europe and home to the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica.
- Kazimierz – Krakow’s charming Jewish quarter.
- Wieliczka Salt Mine – An impressive underground world of chambers, galleries, and saline lakes.
- Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum – A significant historical site that commemorates the victims of the Holocaust.
5. What should I eat in Krakow?
Krakow has a rich culinary culture that draws influences from traditional Polish, Jewish, and Austro-Hungarian cuisine. Some of the top dishes to try in Krakow include:
- Pierogi – Dumplings filled with meat, cheese, potatoes or fruits, boiled, fried or baked.
- Zapiekanka – A toasted baguette topped with cheese, mushrooms, and other toppings.
- Kielbasa – Polish sausage usually served with bread, mustard, or sauerkraut.
- Obwarzanek – A crusty bread roll sold by street vendors from carts around the city.
- Sękacz – A traditional Polish cake made of layered, spiral-shaped dough.
6. Can I explore Krakow on foot?
Yes! Krakow is a very walkable city making it easy to explore on foot. Strolling through the streets of Krakow is an excellent way to discover its hidden gems, such as charming courtyards, quaint cafes, and local markets. However, if you want to cover more ground, public transport in Krakow, including trams and buses, is efficient and reliable.
7. Is Krakow a safe city to visit?
Krakow is a relatively safe city to visit. However, as with any other tourist destination, it is always advisable to take normal safety precautions, such as avoiding dark and isolated areas at night or keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places.
8. What is the dress code in Krakow?
There is no specific dress code in Krakow. However, it is always a good idea to dress appropriately for the activities you have planned. If you plan to visit religious sites or attend a fancy dinner, semi-formal wear is recommended. In general, dressing in layers is a good idea as the weather can change throughout the day.
9. What is the nightlife like in Krakow?
Krakow is known for its vibrant nightlife offering a wide range of options from traditional bars and clubs to trendy cocktail lounges and rooftop terraces. Some of the best nightlife areas in Krakow include the Old Town, Kazimierz, and Podgórze. Most of the bars and clubs in Krakow stay open until the early hours of the morning.
10. What souvenirs should I buy in Krakow?
If you’re looking for souvenirs to take back home, Krakow has a great selection of traditional Polish products such as:
- Amber jewelry – Amber is a beautiful resin that’s been used in jewelry for centuries.
- Pottery – Traditional Polish ceramics decorated with intricate patterns and designs.
- Pendrives – Hand-painted USB drives in the shape of various characters or city symbols.
- Oscypek cheese – A smoked sheep’s cheese from the Tatra Mountains.
- Hand-carved wooden boxes – Handmade wooden boxes with intricate carvings and designs.
Conclusion
Krakow is a beautiful city that offers something for everyone. From its rich history to its vibrant nightlife and delicious cuisine, there’s no shortage of things to do in Krakow. We hope that this FAQ post has answered some of the most commonly asked questions about Krakow and has inspired you to visit this charming city. Don’t forget to explore its hidden gems and take home a souvenir to remember your trip.
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