How to Plan Your Auschwitz, Wieliczka Salt Mine & Pickup Tour in Krakow

Krakow is a city that is steeped in history, and taking a tour of nearby landmarks can be an excellent way to explore the city’s background. The Auschwitz, Wieliczka Salt Mine & Pickup tour is among the most popular tours that take visitors to some of the most remarkable sites outside the city. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of planning your trip and make the most out of it.

Experience

The tour is designed to be an informative and emotional trip. We recommend that visitors set aside at least nine hours to experience it fully. The tour takes visitors to see both the Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration camps and the Wieliczka Salt Mine. The first stop after picking up tourists is a 1.45-hour drive to the Auschwitz camp for a guided tour. The tour then proceeds to Birkenau, another 15-minute drive away, for another guided tour.

The following stop is a free time period, where visitors can grab some food and refreshments at nearby cafes or shops. The last leg of the journey takes visitors to Wieliczka for a guided tour of the salt mine, lasting about 2.5 hours. Finally, it returns to Krakow after a 40-minute drive.

Itinerary

Here is a detailed itinerary for the tour:

• 8:00 AM – Pickup from centrally located hotels and apartments in Krakow.
• 9:45 AM – Arrival at Auschwitz I for the start of the guided tour.
• 11:30 AM – Arrival at Auschwitz II-Birkenau for the second guided tour.
• 1:00 PM – Free time for lunch and souvenir shopping.
• 2:00 PM – Arrival at Wieliczka Salt Mine for a guided tour.
• 4:30 PM – End of the Wieliczka tour.
• 5:00 PM – Return to the hotel in a hotel transfer.

Pickup Included

One of the most convenient features of this tour is that visitors will be picked up from their hotel. We recommend that visitors be ready 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time. The tour bus will pick tourists up from all centrally located hotels and apartments in Krakow.

Main Stop

The main stop on this tour is a guided tour of the Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration camps. The tour takes approximately 3.5 hours and includes a guide who will explain the history of the camps in detail. Visitors will witness the heinous crimes committed during WWII against humanity and learn about the liberation of the camps.

Highlights

Visitors will have a few stops on the way, each with its significance. Here are the highlights of each stop:

Auschwitz-Birkenau

This is the main stop on the tour. Visitors can:

• Watch an informative documentary about the liberation of Auschwitz.
• Learn about the harrowing story of the Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration camps.
• See the barracks, ruins, and the famous railway ramp, all testaments to the unimaginable horrors that took place during WWII.
• Take a guided tour of both landmarks.

Wieliczka Salt Mine

After visiting the concentration camps, the tour proceeds to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, where visitors can:

• See statues and chapels carved in salt.
• Take a guided tour of the mine.

Full Description

The Auschwitz-Birkenau camp was where the Nazis carried out some of the most barbaric acts against humanity. It was a place where millions of people were tortured and murdered. The guided tour is an educational experience, and visitors will learn about the history and liberation of the camp.

After the emotional tour of the camp, the visitors get some free time to explore the nearby cafes and shops to grab some refreshments. The tour then proceeds to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where visitors can witness the beauty of nature in a man-made environment.

Includes

The tour includes:

• Admission tickets to Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine.
• 3.5-hour guided tour of the Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration camps.
• 2.5-hour guided tour of the Wieliczka Salt Mine.
• Headsets to hear your guide clearly.
• Hotel transfer from all centrally located hotels and apartments in Krakow.

How to Book

To book this tour, visit the following link:
Book the tour here

Conclusion:
Whether you are a history buff, have a morbid curiosity, or are interested in visiting a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Auschwitz, Wieliczka Salt Mine & Pickup tour is worth taking. This tour takes visitors to witness both the horrors of World War II and the extraordinary beauty in man-made environments. Book now and experience this unique journey.

The Most Frequently Asked Questions about Krakow

Krakow is the second-largest city in Poland, and undoubtedly one of the country’s top tourist destinations. It boasts a rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and a vibrant atmosphere. With so much to discover, it’s only natural that visitors have a lot of questions. Here are the most frequently asked questions about Krakow.

1. What is the best time to visit Krakow?

Krakow is a great destination year-round, but the best time to visit largely depends on your interests. The summer months (June to August) are peak tourist season and offer warm weather and long days. However, this also means larger crowds and higher prices. Alternatively, spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) offer mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower prices. Finally, if you’re interested in seeing Krakow in winter, you’re in for a treat thanks to its magical Christmas markets and picturesque snow-covered streets.

2. What are the top attractions in Krakow?

Krakow has a wealth of attractions, from its stunning main square (Rynek Glowny) to its historical castle (Wawel Castle) and many museums. Other must-sees include the Kazimierz district, known for its Jewish heritage and eclectic nightlife, and Schindler’s Factory Museum, which tells the story of Krakow’s experience during World War II. Additionally, make sure to take a trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, located just outside of Krakow, which is one of the oldest and most extensive salt mines in the world.

3. What is the best way to get around Krakow?

Krakow is a very walkable city, and much of its historical center can be easily explored on foot. However, there are also many excellent public transportation options available, including trams, buses, and taxis. The city also has a bike-sharing program called Krakow Bike, which has over 1,500 bikes available at various locations throughout the city. Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can try one of the many horse-drawn carriages that can be found around the main square.

4. What is the local cuisine like in Krakow?

Polish cuisine is hearty comfort food at its best, and Krakow is no exception. Traditional Polish dishes include pierogi (dumplings), schabowy (breaded pork chops), bigos (hunter’s stew), and kielbasa (sausage). Make sure to also try Krakow’s famous obwarzanek, a chewy ring-shaped bread that’s typically sold by street vendors. Finally, don’t forget to indulge in some delicious Polish desserts, such as sernik (cheesecake) or makowiec (poppy seed cake).

5. Is Krakow safe for tourists?

Krakow is a very safe city to visit for tourists, and incidents of violent crime are rare. However, as with any destination, it’s always a good idea to take basic safety precautions, such as not leaving your valuables unattended and being mindful of your surroundings. Additionally, be cautious of scams, particularly around the main square, and only exchange money at reputable exchange offices.

6. What is the currency used in Krakow?

Poland uses the Polish złoty (PLN) as its currency. Many businesses in Krakow will also accept euros or US dollars, but expect to pay a premium for the convenience of using foreign currency. It’s always a good idea to have some złoty on hand when visiting Krakow, especially when shopping or dining outside of tourist areas.

7. What is the nightlife like in Krakow?

Krakow has a lively nightlife scene, with many bars and clubs catering to a wide range of tastes. The historic Kazimierz district is particularly popular, with its many bars and clubs housed in converted synagogues and other interesting buildings. Additionally, Krakow prides itself on its craft beer scene, and there are many excellent breweries and brewpubs throughout the city.

8. What is the language spoken in Krakow?

The official language of Krakow (and all of Poland) is Polish. However, most people in the tourist industry and younger generations speak excellent English, and it’s not uncommon to find menus and signs in English as well. It’s always a good idea to learn a few basic Polish phrases before visiting, but don’t worry too much about the language barrier.

9. What are the customs and etiquette in Krakow?

Polish people are generally friendly and courteous, but there are a few customs and etiquette rules to keep in mind. For example, it’s customary to greet people with a handshake and say “dzień dobry” (good morning) or “dobry wieczór” (good evening) depending on the time of day. Additionally, it’s considered impolite to cut in line or not say “please” and “thank you” when interacting with service staff.

Conclusion

Krakow is a fascinating city with a lot to offer, from its rich history to its vibrant culture and nightlife. With some basic information and preparation, you can make the most of your trip to this beautiful city. Remember to take basic safety precautions, learn a few key phrases, and indulge in the delicious local cuisine. Happy travels!