From Krakow: Auschwitz Birkenau and Salt Mine Guided Tour

The ‘From Krakow: Auschwitz Birkenau and Salt Mine Guided Tour’ offers a profound and meaningful experience for visitors. Exploring the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and the Wieliczka Salt Mine provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the horrors of the past while marveling at the wonders of human craftsmanship. With knowledgeable guides and convenient transportation, this full-day tour promises an emotional and educational journey that will leave a lasting impact. As participants step into the past and witness the interplay of darkness and light, they’re sure to uncover insights that challenge and inspire.

Key Points

• This guided tour from Krakow visits the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, providing a 2-hour tour of Auschwitz I and a 1.5-hour tour of Auschwitz II-Birkenau.
• The tour also includes a 2.5-hour guided tour of the Wieliczka Salt Mine, with an additional 1 hour for independent exploration.
• The tour package includes hotel pickup in Krakow, shared roundtrip transportation, entry tickets, and live guides for both historical sites.
• The tour is not recommended for children under 14 or individuals with mobility impairments, and specific dress code requirements must be followed.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.8/5 based on 24 reviews, with praise for the emotional and impactful experience at Auschwitz.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers a comprehensive exploration of two iconic landmarks in southern Poland: the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, and the renowned Wieliczka Salt Mine.

Priced at €107.19 per person, the tour lasts approximately 11-12 hours and follows a non-refundable cancellation policy, with the option for hotel pickup in Krakow.

Conducted in English, the tour departs from the Kiss & Ride bus stop on Wielopole Street, across from the Lajkonik coffee shop.

Not suitable for children under 14 or those with mobility issues, the experience requires visitors to bring appropriate attire and refrain from bringing large bags or wearing shorts, sleeveless shirts, or short skirts.

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

The tour’s Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum segment starts with a 1.5-hour bus or coach ride to the site. Once there, visitors embark on a guided tour lasting 2 hours at Auschwitz I and 1.5 hours at Auschwitz II-Birkenau, exploring the original camp buildings, crematoria, and gas chambers as they reflect on the profound history of the Holocaust.

Emotion	Description
Somberness	The eerie silence and somber atmosphere as visitors walk the grounds, reflecting on the immense suffering that occurred here.
Reverence	A deep sense of respect and reverence for the victims, as the tour highlights the atrocities committed and the resilience of the human spirit.
Solemnity	The weight of the experience, as the tour provides a poignant and sobering look into one of the darkest chapters in human history.

Wieliczka Salt Mine

After exploring the somber and reverent Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, the tour group then heads to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, located about a 1.5-hour bus or coach ride away.

The guided tour of the underground salt mine lasts 2.5 hours, allowing visitors to marvel at the intricate underground corridors, sculptures, bas-reliefs, and chapels carved entirely out of salt.

The highlights of the Wieliczka Salt Mine visit include:

• Vast underground chambers and tunnels

• Impressive salt crystal chandeliers

• Detailed salt carvings and sculptures

• The magnificent St. Kinga’s Chapel

• A complimentary 1-hour free time to explore on your own.

Inclusions

According to the tour details, the price of the guided tour includes a number of key features.

Specifically, the tour package covers hotel pickup (if selected), shared roundtrip transfer, live guides, a professional driver, and entry tickets for both the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum as well as the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

However, food, drinks, and accommodation drop-off at the end of the tour aren’t included in the price.

This comprehensive package ensures a seamless and informative experience for visitors, allowing them to focus on the emotional and educational aspects of the tour without worrying about logistics.

The inclusions provide excellent value for money, making this guided excursion an attractive option for those looking to explore these significant historical sites.

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Important Information

Certain important guidelines apply for those joining this guided tour. Visitors aren’t permitted to wear shorts, large bags, short skirts, or sleeveless shirts. The tour isn’t suitable for children under 14 or those with mobility impairments.

Participants should bring their passport or ID and dress appropriately for the weather, as the temperature in the Wieliczka Salt Mine remains a constant 14-15 degrees Celsius.

Key information to note:

• Not suitable for children under 14 years and people with mobility impairments

• What to bring: Passport or ID, weather-appropriate clothing

• Not allowed: Shorts, large bags, short skirts, sleeveless shirts

• Temperature in Wieliczka Salt Mine: 14-15 degrees Celsius

• Emotional and impactful experience at Auschwitz

Customer Reviews

Travelers have left overwhelmingly positive reviews for this guided tour, awarding it an impressive 4.8/5 rating based on 24 reviews.

They praised the emotional and impactful experience at Auschwitz, calling it a powerful learning opportunity.

While some noted organizational concerns, especially around time management, the majority commended the quality of transportation and the knowledgeable guide at the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

Overall, customers felt they received excellent value for their money, with one reviewer describing the tour as ‘a must-do’ for anyone visiting Krakow.

The tour’s high ratings and positive feedback suggest it provides a comprehensive and meaningful exploration of these two historic and culturally significant sites.

Pickup and Meeting Point

The tour offers optional hotel pickup from accommodations in Krakow, conveniently departing from the Kiss & Ride bus stop on Wielopole Street across from the Lajkonik coffee shop. This meeting point is easily accessible and serves as the starting point for the day’s adventure.

The tour includes:

• Shared roundtrip transportation from the meeting point

• Live guides to provide insightful commentary throughout the journey

• Professional drivers ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride

• Arrival at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum site

• Transfer to the Wieliczka Salt Mine after the Auschwitz tour concludes

With these convenient pickup and meeting arrangements, guests can focus on the impactful experience ahead without having to worry about the logistics.

Itinerary Details

After being picked up or meeting at the designated location, the tour embarks on its informative and emotionally impactful journey. The first stop is the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, where guests spend 2 hours exploring the original camp buildings and 1.5 hours at Auschwitz II-Birkenau. Highlights include the crematoria and gas chambers, providing a somber reflection on the Holocaust.

Site	Travel Time	Guided Tour Duration
Auschwitz-Birkenau	1.5 hours	2 hours at Auschwitz I, 1.5 hours at Auschwitz II-Birkenau
Wieliczka Salt Mine	1.5 hours	2.5 hours

The tour then moves on to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, where guests enjoy a 2.5-hour guided tour through the underground corridors, sculptures, and chapels, with an additional 1 hour of free time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Food and Water Available for Purchase During the Tour?

Food and drinks are not included in the tour. However, participants can purchase food and water during the free time at the Wieliczka Salt Mine if desired. Specific dining options are not mentioned in the tour overview.

Can I Take Photographs Inside the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial?

Photography is generally allowed at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, but visitors are asked to be respectful and avoid taking photos inside the gas chambers and other sensitive areas. Strict guidelines apply to ensure the dignity of the site is maintained.

Is There a Facility to Store Luggage While Touring the Sites?

There is no dedicated luggage storage facility at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Wieliczka Salt Mine sites. Visitors are advised to travel light and avoid bringing large bags, as these may not be allowed inside the sites.

Is There a Possibility to Extend the Free Time at the Salt Mine?

The tour does not explicitly offer an option to extend the free time at the Wieliczka Salt Mine. The scheduled guided tour duration is 2.5 hours, with an additional 1 hour of free time, which can be used for optional activities.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Visit Other Sites in Krakow?

The tour can be customized to visit other sites in Krakow, but this would likely require booking a private tour or arranging additional activities separately. The standard tour focuses on Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

Recap

The ‘From Krakow: Auschwitz Birkenau and Salt Mine Guided Tour’ offers a profound and emotional experience.

Participants will visit the somber Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, followed by a mesmerizing tour of the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

With knowledgeable guides and convenient hotel pickup, this full-day tour provides deep insights into both the history of the Holocaust and the stunning craftsmanship of the salt mine.

You can check if your dates are available here: