From Warsaw: Guided Tour to Auschwitz-Birkenau and Krakow

Visiting the infamous Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp is a somber yet profound experience that sheds light on one of history’s darkest chapters. This guided tour from Warsaw allows travelers to comprehend the gravity of the Holocaust through an immersive exploration of the UNESCO-listed site. While the subject matter is heavy, the tour also includes time in the vibrant city of Krakow, offering a chance to reflect and gain a deeper understanding of Poland’s resilient spirit. Whether seeking historical insight or personal growth, this excursion promises to leave a lasting impression on all who embark on the journey.

Key Points

• The full-day guided tour from Warsaw to Auschwitz-Birkenau and Krakow costs $144.96 per person and lasts 16 hours.
• The tour includes a 2.5-hour train ride from Warsaw, a guided tour of Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, and 2 hours of free time in Krakow.
• Visitors will explore the history of the Holocaust and WWII at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The tour package includes round-trip train tickets, transportation to and from Auschwitz, and guided tour tickets with skip-the-line access.
• Customers have provided an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, highlighting the guide’s knowledge and the tour’s emotional impact.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This full-day guided tour from Warsaw to Auschwitz-Birkenau and Krakow costs from $144.96 per person and lasts 16 hours. The tour is likely to sell out, so it’s best to check availability in advance.

Travelers can cancel their booking up to 3 days before the tour for a full refund.

The tour starts at Warsaw Central Railway Station, with a 2.5-hour train ride to Krakow. After a 30-minute break in Krakow, the group takes a 1.5-hour bus ride to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, where they’ll enjoy a 3.5-hour guided tour.

After the museum visit, the tour returns to Krakow for 2 hours of free time and concludes with the 2.5-hour train ride back to Warsaw.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins at the Warsaw Central Railway Station, where participants embark on a 2.5-hour train ride to Krakow.

Once in Krakow, they enjoy a 30-minute break before boarding a bus for the 1.5-hour journey to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum.

Upon arrival, a guided tour takes them through the Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau sites, lasting 3.5 hours in total.

Afterward, the group travels back to Krakow for 2 hours of free time to explore the city’s historical landmarks.

The final leg of the journey is a 2.5-hour train ride back to Warsaw, completing the 16-hour tour.

Tour Highlights

The tour allows visitors to learn about the Holocaust and World War II history through guided explorations of the Auschwitz-Birkenau extermination camp, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tour highlights include:

Site	Focus
Auschwitz I	Explore the original camp and learn about the horrors of the Nazi regime.
Auschwitz II-Birkenau	Visit the largest extermination camp, where millions were murdered.
Krakow	Discover the city’s historical sites, including the Old Market, the largest medieval market square in Europe.

This powerful and emotional experience provides invaluable insight into one of the darkest chapters of human history, ensuring these events are never forgotten.

Inclusions and Requirements

For this full-day guided tour from Warsaw to Auschwitz-Birkenau and Krakow, the tour package includes a return train ticket between Warsaw and Krakow, pickup from the train platform in Krakow, and transportation between Krakow and Auschwitz by bus or mini-van.

Visitors will also receive guided tour tickets with skip-the-line entrance to both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau.

Plus, the tour provides free time for sightseeing in Krakow.

To book the tour, participants must provide their full name and contact details.

It’s important to note that bags larger than A4 size aren’t allowed in the Auschwitz museum, and participants should bring a passport or valid ID.

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Customer Reviews and Feedback

Based on the provided information, the guided tour received an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars across a total of 181 reviews. Reviewers positively highlighted the guide’s knowledge and the transportation provided.

However, some reviews mentioned challenges with the comfort of the transportation and the clarity of the guide’s explanations.

The emotional impact of the visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau site was emphasized in several reviews, reflecting the somber and impactful nature of the experience.

While the majority of feedback was positive, the mixed reviews suggest room for improvement in certain aspects of the tour delivery.

Train Journey and Transfers

The tour begins with a train ride from Warsaw Central Railway Station to Krakow, a journey of approximately 2.5 hours. The comfortable train takes travelers through the Polish countryside, offering scenic views along the way.

Upon arrival in Krakow, a short 30-minute break allows participants to stretch their legs before boarding a bus for the 1.5-hour drive to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum. After the guided tour, the group boards the bus again for the return trip to Krakow, where they’ll have 2 hours of free time to explore the city’s historic sites.

Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour

Arriving at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, the guided tour delves into the dark history of this former German extermination camp, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 3.5-hour tour provides an in-depth exploration, spending 2 hours at Auschwitz I and 1 hour at Auschwitz II-Birkenau.

Visitors learn about the Holocaust and WWII history from an expert guide. They walk through the notorious gates of Auschwitz I, bearing the chilling slogan ‘Work Sets You Free.’

The expansive grounds of Auschwitz II-Birkenau, the largest of the Nazi concentration camps, serve as a somber reminder of the scale of the atrocities. Artifacts and memorials throughout the sites evoke the immense human suffering that occurred.

The emotional impact of this historic visit is deeply felt by all who undertake the tour.

Exploring Krakow

After the somber visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau, the tour provides a welcome respite in the historic city of Krakow, where participants enjoy 2 hours of free time to explore its renowned landmarks. The city’s Old Market Square, the largest medieval market square in Europe, is a highlight, with its picturesque architecture, bustling cafes, and lively atmosphere. Krakow’s Wawel Castle and Cathedral, perched atop a hill, offer panoramic views of the city. Visitors can also stroll along the charming Planty Park, which surrounds the Old Town. With its rich history and vibrant culture, Krakow offers a captivating contrast to the gravity of the Auschwitz-Birkenau experience.

Top Sights in Krakow	Duration
Old Market Square	45 mins
Wawel Castle and Cathedral	30 mins
Planty Park	30 mins
St. Mary’s Basilica	20 mins
Kazimierz District	45 mins

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Lunch or Snacks on the Tour?

Yes, participants are allowed to bring their own lunch or snacks on the tour. The guided tour does not provide any meals, so bringing personal food and drinks is recommended to sustain yourself throughout the long day.

Is the Tour Accessible for People With Disabilities?

The tour is generally accessible for people with disabilities, but specific accommodations may vary. Travelers with disabilities should inquire about accessibility options when booking to ensure the tour meets their needs.

What Languages Are the Guided Tours Offered In?

The guided tours are offered in multiple languages, typically including English, Polish, and other European languages. Specific language offerings may vary, so customers should inquire about available language options when booking the tour.

Can I Extend My Stay in Krakow After the Tour?

The tour package does not include an extension in Krakow after the tour. However, travelers can choose to stay longer in Krakow on their own and explore the city further at their own pace and expense.

Are There Any Safety Precautions Taken During the Auschwitz Visit?

The tour provides safety precautions for the Auschwitz visit. Participants must carry only small bags, and guides ensure visitors follow strict museum rules and procedures to maintain a respectful, secure environment during the tour.

Recap

This guided tour from Warsaw provides a profound and poignant opportunity to explore the harrowing history of the Holocaust at Auschwitz-Birkenau.

After the in-depth guided tour, travelers can then enjoy the vibrant and historic city of Krakow, giving them a well-rounded experience of Poland’s past and present.

With transportation and admission included, this full-day excursion is a convenient and comprehensive way to explore this significant and somber chapter of history.

You can check if your dates are available here: