Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau & Wieliczka Salt Mine With Lunch

The Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau & Wieliczka Salt Mine tour offers a profound and visually stunning exploration of Poland’s poignant history. Priced at €237.44 per person, this comprehensive 11-hour journey takes visitors through the haunting Auschwitz concentration camp and the breathtaking Wieliczka Salt Mine, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Featuring comfortable transfers, informative commentary from licensed guides, and a lunch break, this tour provides a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the country’s complex past. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a thought-provoking cultural experience, this tour is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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

Key Points

• This all-inclusive 11-hour tour covers visits to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp and the Wieliczka Salt Mine near Krakow, Poland.
• The tour is priced at €237.44 per person and includes pickup from locations within 1.5 km of Krakow’s city center.
• Guided tours at both Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine provide in-depth exploration of the historical and natural wonders.
• Visitors can expect to encounter breathtaking salt formations, underground chapels, and informative commentary from licensed guides during the tour.
• The tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option for convenience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour includes visits to both the Auschwitz concentration camp and the Wieliczka Salt Mine, and it’s priced at €237.44 per person.

The tour lasts for 11 hours and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Travelers can also take advantage of the reserve now and pay later option.

The tour provides a comprehensive experience, covering the major highlights of these two significant destinations in Poland.

Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or natural wonders, this tour offers a balanced and immersive experience that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

Itinerary and Experience

Participants begin their journey with pickup from locations within 1.5 km of Krakow’s city center, commencing the 11-hour tour.

The itinerary starts with a guided tour of Auschwitz I for 2 hours, followed by a 1.5-hour guided tour of Auschwitz II-Birkenau. The total visit at the Auschwitz Museum is approximately 3.5 hours.

Afterward, the tour continues to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, where visitors embark on a 2.5-hour guided underground journey, descending 700 steps and covering 3 km.

Throughout the tour, participants have limited break times ranging from 10 to 30 minutes, allowing them to fully enjoy the historical and cultural experiences.

Highlights and Inclusions

After exploring the emotional and historical experiences at Auschwitz, the tour moves on to the highlights and inclusions at the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

Visitors can discover the 14-17 °C temperatures underground as they descend 700 steps and cover 3 km during the 2.5-hour guided tour.

The tour includes:

1. Breathtaking salt formations and sculptures carved directly from the salt deposits.

2. Impressive underground chapels and cathedrals, including the magnificent St. Kinga’s Chapel.

3. Fascinating geological formations and saline lakes that showcase the natural beauty of the salt mine.

4. Informative and insightful commentary from the licensed tour guide to enhance the experience.

Pickup and Transfers

The tour provides pickup from locations within 1.5 km of Krakow’s city center. This ensures that guests are conveniently transported to the starting point of the journey.

The first transfer takes 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum from Krakow. After the Auschwitz tour, there’s another 1 hour and 15 minute transfer to the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

Finally, the return trip from the salt mine to Krakow takes approximately 40 minutes.

With these well-planned transfers, the tour maximizes the time spent exploring the historic sites, offering an efficient and seamless experience for participants.

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Visitor Requirements and Policies

Visitors typically must bring their passport or ID, as well as any applicable student cards, to gain entry. Comfortable shoes are also essential, as the tours involve extensive walking. Plus, pets, large bags, alcohol, and drugs are strictly prohibited on the premises.

The tour has the following important guidelines:

1. Full names of all participants must be provided at the time of booking.

2. Break times during the tours are limited to 10 to 30 minutes.

3. Transfers from Krakow to Auschwitz, Auschwitz to Wieliczka, and Wieliczka to Krakow are included, with travel times of approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, 1 hour 15 minutes, and 40 minutes, respectively.

4. Adhering to these rules ensures a smooth and memorable experience for all visitors.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

According to customer reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 189 reviews, with high marks for the guide (4.6/5), transportation (4.4/5), value (4.5/5), and service (4.7/5).

Reviewers describe the experience at Auschwitz as emotional, while the sights in the Wieliczka Salt Mine are stunning. Many emphasize the importance of wearing comfortable footwear for the tour.

Feedback on the quality of the included lunch is mixed, with some praising it and others finding it lacking.

Recommended as Must-Visit

Despite the emotionally charged experience at Auschwitz and the stunning visuals of the Wieliczka Salt Mine, the tour is widely recommended as a must-visit experience for those traveling to Poland.

The tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the nation’s history, from the horrors of the Holocaust to the marvels of its natural heritage.

Four key reasons why this tour is so highly regarded:

1. Immersive learning experience at two UNESCO World Heritage sites

2. Knowledgeable and empathetic tour guides who bring the stories to life

3. Seamless logistics, including hotel pickup and drop-off

4. Exceptional value for the comprehensive 11-hour itinerary

Ultimately, this tour provides a powerful and unforgettable glimpse into Poland’s past, making it an essential part of any visit to the country.

Tour Booking and Availability

For those interested in booking this tour, there are several convenient options available.

Travelers can reserve their spot in advance through the tour provider’s website, taking advantage of the ‘reserve now & pay later‘ feature. Alternatively, they can choose to pay in full at the time of booking to secure their reservation.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for flexibility in planning. Plus, the tour provider arranges pickup from locations within 1.5 km of Krakow’s city center, making it accessible for visitors.

With a duration of 11 hours and an all-inclusive price of €237.44 per person, this comprehensive tour offers an immersive experience at both the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Visit the Sites Individually Instead of the Tour?

Yes, visitors can explore the Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine sites individually. However, taking a guided tour provides the benefits of transportation, skip-the-line access, and in-depth explanations from a licensed guide to enhance the experience.

Is Photography Allowed at the Sites?

Photography is generally allowed at Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine, but there may be some restrictions. Visitors should check with the sites’ staff for the latest rules and guidelines before taking pictures during their visits.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Limited Mobility?

The tour may not be suitable for those with limited mobility, as it involves walking long distances and descending 700 steps at the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Visitors should check with the tour operator about accessibility and accommodation options for those with mobility challenges.

How Much Time Should I Allocate for Each Site?

The itinerary allots around 3.5 hours for the Auschwitz Museum, with 2 hours at Auschwitz I and 1.5 hours at Auschwitz II-Birkenau. For the Wieliczka Salt Mine, the guided tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

What Is the Difference Between Auschwitz I and Auschwitz Ii-Birkenau?

Auschwitz I was the main camp where prisoners were housed, while Auschwitz II-Birkenau was a larger, extermination camp primarily used for mass murder. The guided tours cover both sites, providing visitors a comprehensive understanding of the Auschwitz concentration camp complex.

Recap

The Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau & Wieliczka Salt Mine tour offers a poignant and captivating experience that takes visitors on a journey through Poland’s history.

Visiting the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine, this comprehensive tour provides a unique opportunity to take in the country’s past while also enjoying the stunning natural beauty of the salt sculptures.

Priced at €237.44 per person, this tour is a must-visit for travelers seeking a profound and memorable exploration of Poland.

You can check if your dates are available here: