The Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine day tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore Poland’s history and culture. Spanning over 11 hours, the tour provides guided experiences at both the haunting Auschwitz concentration camp complex and the remarkable Wieliczka Salt Mine, known for its intricate salt carvings. With round-trip transportation, admission fees, and a Polish lunch included, this comprehensive tour allows travelers to explore the country’s past and present in a thought-provoking yet convenient manner. The contrasting nature of these two sites promises to leave a lasting impression on all who embark on this poignant journey.
This experience made our list of the 25 Best Lunch Experiences In Krakow.
Key Points
- This day tour from Kraków combines visits to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp and the Wieliczka Salt Mine, with round-trip transportation and a Polish-style packed lunch included.
- The Auschwitz-Birkenau tour includes guided visits to both the Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau sites, providing insight into the historical significance and human toll of the Holocaust.
- The Wieliczka Salt Mine tour offers a unique underground experience, with the opportunity to explore salt chambers and marvel at the centuries-old salt carvings and statues.
- The tour offers flexibility, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.
- Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides, efficient scheduling, and overall positive experience of the tour.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The tour includes visits to both Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine, and it lasts approximately 11 hours.
Priced at just Kč1,488 per person, this discounted tour offers incredible value. Guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and they’ve the option to reserve now and pay later.
The tour includes round-trip transportation from Kraków, as well as all admission fees, a documentary film, insurance, and a Polish-style packed lunch.
This comprehensive tour provides an immersive experience into the historical significance of these important World War II sites, making it a must-do activity for visitors to the region.
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Itinerary and Schedule
The tour begins with pickup from Kraków, followed by a 1.5-hour transfer to Auschwitz I. Guests spend 2 hours exploring this historical site with a guided tour by a museum guide.
After a brief 10-minute break, the tour continues to Auschwitz II-Birkenau, where visitors spend an additional hour learning about this infamous World War II concentration camp.
The group then transfers to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a 1.5-hour journey, where they descend 140 meters underground and tour the salt chambers for 2.5 hours.
The day concludes with the return trip to Kraków, arriving back at the hotel by 19:30.
The tour itinerary includes:
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Guided tour of Auschwitz I (2 hours)
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Tour of Auschwitz II-Birkenau (1 hour)
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Tour of Wieliczka Salt Mine (2.5 hours)
Auschwitz-Birkenau Experience
Guided tours of Auschwitz I provide visitors with a 2.5-hour exploration of this infamous World War II concentration camp, led by knowledgeable museum guides.
Guests then spend an additional hour touring Auschwitz II-Birkenau, where they learn about the historical significance of these Polish sites and the atrocities committed during the Holocaust.
Through these poignant tours, travelers gain a deeper understanding of the Holocaust’s staggering human toll and the lasting impact it had on Poland.
The opportunity to visit these somber but important locations offers a chance for reflection and commemoration, ensuring the memory of those who suffered is never forgotten.
Wieliczka Salt Mine Experience
Visitors can explore one of the oldest working salt mines, Wieliczka, which has produced salt for over 700 years. The tour begins at 16:00 or 17:00 and lasts 2-2.5 hours, taking travelers 140 meters underground via 378 wooden steps before returning via lift. Along the 2.5-kilometer tourist routes, guests can marvel at the chambers filled with intricately carved salt sculptures and statues.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine experience offers:
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A chance to descend deep into the earth and witness the remarkable salt chambers.
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Opportunities to see unique salt carvings and statues created over centuries.
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A captivating look into Poland’s rich mining heritage and the importance of salt production.
Inclusions and Important Information
This tour includes door-to-door transportation, a documentary film, all admission fees, insurance, and a packed Polish lunch served at 14:30.
Travelers should bring their passport or ID, as non-refundable tickets are required for entry to Auschwitz. Luggage isn’t allowed on the tour.
Those wishing to take photos inside the Wieliczka Salt Mine can purchase a photo permit for 10 złoty upon arrival.
The tour provides a comprehensive experience, ensuring travelers don’t have to worry about logistics or hidden fees.
With these inclusions, the tour offers excellent value for a full-day excursion to two of Poland’s most significant historical sites.
Traveler Reviews and Feedback
Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the tour, with an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 1,165 reviews. Guides received high marks for their knowledge, friendliness, and organizational skills.
Key highlights include:
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Positive feedback on the tour’s transportation and overall experience.
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Suggestions for offering a hot lunch during winter tours to improve the experience.
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Appreciation for the tour’s efficient scheduling and pacing, allowing visitors to make the most of their time at the historical sites.
The feedback underscores the tour’s exceptional value, with travelers expressing satisfaction with the comprehensive itinerary, professional service, and educational components of the Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine experience.
Transportation and Accessibility
The tour includes door-to-door transportation, making it convenient for participants to travel from Krakow to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and the Wieliczka Salt Mine and back.
The journey from Krakow to Auschwitz I takes approximately 1.5 hours, while the transfer from Auschwitz I to Auschwitz II-Birkenau takes an additional hour.
After the Auschwitz visit, it’s a 1.5-hour drive to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, where the tour lasts around 2.5 hours.
The return trip to Krakow takes 45 minutes, with travelers arriving back at their hotels by 7:30 PM.
This comprehensive transportation ensures a seamless and stress-free experience for all participants.
Tour Cancelation and Refunds
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, providing travelers with flexibility to make changes to their plans.
The tour company understands that plans can change, so they offer a no-questions-asked cancellation policy.
Travelers have three options when it comes to cancellations and refunds:
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Cancel up to 24 hours prior to the tour and receive a full refund.
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Cancel within 24 hours of the tour and receive a 50% refund.
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No-show or cancel on the day of the tour will result in a non-refundable charge.
This policy ensures that both the tour company and the travelers have peace of mind when booking their Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Children Permitted on the Tour?
Children are permitted on the tour. The tour includes transportation, admission fees, and a guided tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine. However, the content may not be suitable for young children.
Can We Take Photos Inside Auschwitz-Birkenau?
Photos are generally not allowed at Auschwitz-Birkenau, as it’s considered disrespectful. However, the tour includes a guided visit where visitors can observe the historical site without photography. Bringing a camera is not prohibited, but its use is discouraged.
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The dress code for the tour is not explicitly stated. However, visitors are advised to dress comfortably and appropriately for a solemn historical site. Warm, layered clothing is recommended, as the sites may be cool or damp.
Is the Tour Suitable for People With Disabilities?
The tour may be suitable for some people with disabilities, as it includes transportation and accessibility accommodations. However, the descents into the salt mine and history of the Auschwitz-Birkenau sites could present challenges for those with mobility issues. Guests should inquire about specific accessibility needs.
Can We Purchase Additional Items or Souvenirs During the Tour?
Yes, visitors can purchase souvenirs and additional items during the tour. The Wieliczka Salt Mine includes a gift shop where travelers can buy salt-related products and other mementos. Visitor photos are also available for purchase inside the salt mine.
Recap
The Auschwitz-Birkenau & Wieliczka Salt Mine Day Tour offers a profound and comprehensive experience, blending historical reflection and cultural exploration.
Spanning 11 hours, the tour includes guided visits to the haunting Auschwitz sites and the remarkable Wieliczka Salt Mine.
The package features convenient transportation, admission fees, a Polish lunch, and flexible cancellation.
This tour provides a unique opportunity to explore Poland’s history and heritage in a thoughtfully curated experience.
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