From Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau & Salt Mines With Lunch

Visiting the solemn grounds of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the enchanting Wieliczka Salt Mines offers a profound exploration of Poland’s history. This fully guided tour from Krakow immerses participants in the realities of the Holocaust while unveiling the breathtaking underground beauty of the salt mines, a UNESCO World Heritage site. With convenient transportation, a fresh lunch, and expert commentary, the experience provides a thought-provoking juxtaposition that illuminates the human capacity for both immense cruelty and remarkable resilience. For those seeking a transformative journey, this tour promises an encounter that will linger long after the last step is taken.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Lunch Experiences In Krakow.

Key Points

• Comprehensive full-day tour from Krakow that explores the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp and the UNESCO-listed Wieliczka Salt Mines.
• Tour includes pickup and drop-off from accommodation in Krakow, a fresh lunch box, and an English-speaking guide.
• Auschwitz-Birkenau visit provides a deeper understanding of the horrors of the Holocaust, while the salt mines offer a contrast in human achievement.
• Tour not recommended for children under 14 due to the emotional impact of the Auschwitz-Birkenau visit.
• Booking requires full name, contact details, and matching ID for entry at Auschwitz Museum; larger bags are not permitted.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour offers a comprehensive exploration of two prominent historical sites – Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mines – with a price of 2,683 PLN per person.

This non-refundable activity lasts 10 hours and includes pickup from your accommodation in Krakow.

At Auschwitz-Birkenau, you’ll walk through the Auschwitz I camp and see the infamous ‘Arbeit Macht Frei’ gate, then travel to the much larger Auschwitz II-Birkenau.

In the Wieliczka Salt Mines, you’ll descend underground to witness the captivating galleries, lakes, chapels, and murals.

A fresh lunch box with sandwiches, fruit, and drinks is also provided during the tour.

Itinerary and Highlights

Visitors first explore Auschwitz I, where they walk through the infamous barracks and witness the ‘Arbeit Macht Frei’ gate at the entrance.

They then travel to the much larger Auschwitz II-Birkenau, which was 25 times the size of the original camp. Here, they gain a deeper understanding of the horrors of the Holocaust.

Following this harrowing experience, the tour takes guests to the UNESCO-listed Wieliczka Salt Mines. As they descend underground, they’re treated to a unique sight – galleries, lakes, chapels, and murals, all carved from salt.

The tour concludes with a fresh lunch box, providing a welcome respite after an emotionally impactful day.

Inclusions and Transportation

The tour package includes pickup and drop-off from the participant’s accommodation in Krakow, ensuring a seamless transportation experience.

During the tour, you will enjoy a lunch box with sandwiches, fruit, dark chocolate wafer, and water.

The air-conditioned minivan provides comfortable transportation to and from the sites. An English-speaking driver and local guide are included, and you will be equipped with headsets to enhance the tour experience.

The price also covers all necessary entrance fees, allowing for an immersive and hassle-free exploration of the historical Auschwitz-Birkenau and the stunning Wieliczka Salt Mines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Participant Information and Requirements

Participants range from adults aged 18 to 74, children aged 5 to 17, infants 4 and younger, seniors aged 75 to 99, and students aged 18 to 25 with valid ID.

Booking requires providing full name and contact details, and the matching ID is required for entry.

However, the tour isn’t recommended for children under 14 years due to the emotional impact of the Auschwitz-Birkenau visit.

Visitors should bring their passport or ID, wear comfortable shoes, and dress warmly.

Bags larger than 20x30x10 cm aren’t permitted inside the Auschwitz Museum.

Participants should be prepared to climb 800 steps in the salt mines where the temperature ranges from 14°C to 16°C.

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Important Notes

Bags larger than 20x30x10 cm aren’t permitted inside the Auschwitz Museum, and participants should be prepared to climb 800 steps in the salt mines where the temperature ranges from 14°C to 16°C. Visitors should keep the following in mind:

Pickup times may change for advance bookings, and guests will be informed via phone or email.

The overall rating for this tour is 4.2/5 from 10 reviews, with the guide receiving a 5/5 rating and the transportation a 3/5.

Customer feedback highlights the emotional impact of the Auschwitz-Birkenau visit and minor issues with the pickup location.

This tour isn’t recommended for children under the age of 14 due to the sensitive nature of the subject matter.

Appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes are essential for navigating the sites.

Customer Feedback

Customers have highlighted the tour’s emotional impact as a key takeaway, with many praising the guide’s expertise while noting some minor issues with the pickup location.

The overall rating of the tour is 4.2 out of 5, with the guide receiving a 5/5 score and the value for money a 4/5.

Some customers mentioned the difficulty in finding the pickup point, but the majority were satisfied with the transportation provided in the air-conditioned minivan.

Reviewers emphasized the powerful and moving experience of visiting the Auschwitz-Birkenau site, despite the challenging subject matter.

The salt mine portion of the tour was also widely enjoyed, with customers marveling at the underground chapels and murals.

Booking and Availability

The tour can be booked online through the service provider’s website, requiring full name and contact details.

Matching ID is necessary for entry at the Auschwitz Museum. Pickup and drop-off from accommodation in Krakow are included in the tour package.

Key booking and availability details:

• Tour is non-refundable.

• Participants include adults (18-74), children (5-17), infants (4 and younger), seniors (75-99), and students (18-25 with ID).

• Not recommended for children under 14 years.

• Bags larger than 20x30x10 cm not permitted in Auschwitz Museum.

• Pickup times may change for advance bookings, with updates provided via phone or email.

Exploring Auschwitz-Birkenau and Salt Mines

The tour begins with a sobering visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, a profound reminder of the horrors of World War II. Participants walk through the Auschwitz I site, viewing the iconic ‘Arbeit Macht Frei’ gate and exploring the preserved barracks. They then travel to the much larger Auschwitz II-Birkenau, gaining a deeper understanding of the scale and devastation of this Nazi extermination camp.

Next, the group descends into the Wieliczka Salt Mines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Descending hundreds of steps, they witness the remarkable salt galleries, underground lakes, and intricate chapels carved from salt.

This poignant contrast between tragedy and human achievement leaves a lasting impression on all who experience this comprehensive tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?

There don’t seem to be any discounts or special offers mentioned for this tour. Prices appear fixed at 2,683 PLN per person, with no indication of promotional rates or package deals available.

How Much Time Is Allotted for Each Attraction?

The tour allots approximately 3-4 hours to explore Auschwitz-Birkenau and 2-3 hours to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mines. The total duration of the tour is 10 hours, including transportation, lunch, and time at each site.

Can We Take Photographs Inside Auschwitz-Birkenau?

Photographs are generally allowed inside Auschwitz-Birkenau, but visitors must be respectful and not take pictures of certain sensitive areas. Flash photography is prohibited, and visitors should avoid disrupting the solemn atmosphere of the memorial site.

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Based on the information provided, it doesn’t appear there’s an option to customize the itinerary for this particular tour. The tour seems to have a set program that includes visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mines.

Are There Any Accessibility Accommodations for Disabled Participants?

The tour company provides some accessibility accommodations for disabled participants, such as assistance getting on and off the transportation and navigating the Auschwitz-Birkenau and salt mine sites. However, the sites themselves may pose challenges for those with mobility issues.

Recap

This captivating tour allows visitors to explore Poland’s complex history.

Exploring the somber Auschwitz-Birkenau site provides a profound understanding of the Holocaust’s horrors.

Contrasting this, the Wieliczka Salt Mines showcase the country’s natural wonders, with their stunning salt-carved chapels and galleries.

This comprehensive experience offers a deeply moving and unforgettable journey, bridging the past and present through historical reflection and natural beauty.

You can check if your dates are available here: