Krakow: Auschwitz Guided Tour With Optional Lunch and Pickup

Visiting the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp is a somber and profound experience that offers deep insight into the tragic history of the Holocaust. The Krakow: Auschwitz Guided Tour provides a comprehensive exploration of this complex, led by knowledgeable guides in multiple languages. With the option for hotel pickup and a lunch box, this 7-hour tour ensures a comfortable and impactful journey through the key landmarks of Auschwitz I and II-Birkenau. As one reflects on the past, the guides skillfully navigate the delicate balance of educating visitors while honoring the gravity of the site. The tour’s carefully curated itinerary promises an immersive experience that will stay with participants long after the day’s end.

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

Key Points

• Guided tour of Auschwitz Museum and Birkenau Camp, including 2.5 hours at Auschwitz I and 1 hour at Auschwitz II-Birkenau.
• Convenient pickup and drop-off service from Krakow hotels, with air-conditioned vehicle transport and English-speaking driver/host.
• Entrance tickets to Auschwitz-Birkenau included, with a licensed guide providing in-depth historical insights.
• Optional lunch box available for participants, and free toilet facilities accessible at both sites, except Birkenau parking area.
• Tour suitable for adults and children aged 5-17, with respect for the site’s solemnity and adherence to guide’s instructions required.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Krakow Auschwitz Guided Tour offers a comprehensive 7-hour experience, with prices ranging from $44.01 to $22.00 per person, providing up to 50% savings for visitors.

The tour duration can vary from 3.5 to 7 hours, and it features a non-refundable cancellation policy.

Participants can skip the ticket line and enjoy the services of a live tour guide available in multiple languages, including German, English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Polish.

The tour provides an immersive insight into the history of the Auschwitz Museum and Birkenau Camp, with a duration of 2.5 hours at Auschwitz I and 1 hour at Auschwitz II-Birkenau.

Itinerary and Experience

The tour kicks off with pickup from the hotel or a designated meeting point in Krakow, followed by a 1.5-hour transfer to the Auschwitz site.

Visitors then embark on a guided tour of Auschwitz I, which lasts approximately 2.5 hours and provides an in-depth exploration of the original barracks, personal items of prisoners, gas chambers, and the railway unloading ramp.

After a brief 10-minute break, the tour continues with a guided visit to Auschwitz II-Birkenau, lasting around 1 hour.

The experience concludes with a 1.5-hour return transfer to Krakow.

The tour includes:

• Guided visits to both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau

• Exploration of original historical sites and artifacts

• English-speaking guide and transportation

• Optional lunch box available

Inclusions and Transportation

The tour package includes air-conditioned vehicle transport and hotel pickup and drop-off service, if selected. Entrance tickets to Auschwitz-Birkenau are provided, along with a licensed guide and English-speaking driver/host. Participants can also opt for a lunch box, and free toilet facilities are available in both parts of the site, except for the Birkenau parking area.

Inclusions	Details
Transportation	Air-conditioned vehicle, hotel pickup and drop-off
Entrance Tickets	Auschwitz-Birkenau
Guide and Host	Licensed guide, English-speaking driver/host
Lunch	Lunch box option available
Facilities	Free toilet facilities (except Birkenau parking)

Participant Guidelines and Restrictions

Participants for this tour must meet certain age and mobility requirements. The tour is suitable for adults aged 18-74, children aged 5-17, and seniors aged 75-99, but it isn’t recommended for children under 13 or wheelchair users.

Visitors must provide their full name and contact details upon booking and present a valid passport or ID card for entry. To ensure a smooth experience, there are restrictions on the size of hand luggage, with a maximum size of 30x20x10 cm. Larger bags must be left on the bus.

Plus, the tour provider requires participants to:

• Be prepared for varying weather conditions

• Expect an emotional and impactful experience

• Follow the guide’s instructions throughout the tour

• Respect the site’s solemnity and refrain from inappropriate behavior

• Notify the tour operator of any special needs or accessibility requirements

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Customer Feedback and Recommendations

Customers have provided an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 14,953 reviews for this guided tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Reviewers were particularly impressed by the guide’s knowledge and the powerful emotional impact of the experience.

However, some issues were noted, such as problems with audio equipment and timing during the tour. Parents are advised to carefully consider the suitability of the tour for younger children, given the heavy subject matter.

The tour company recommends wearing warm, waterproof clothing due to the unpredictable weather conditions at the historical sites.

Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau

Visiting the Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial and museum is a profoundly moving and educational experience, offering a powerful glimpse into the horrors of the Holocaust. Guests embark on a guided tour through the original barracks, gas chambers, and other preserved artifacts that bear witness to the systematic genocide that occurred at this infamous Nazi concentration camp complex.

The tour highlights key landmarks and historical details, including:

• The Arbeit Macht Frei (‘Work Sets You Free’) gate at the Auschwitz I camp

• The railway lines and unloading ramp at Auschwitz II-Birkenau

• Personal belongings and possessions confiscated from prisoners

• The gas chambers and crematoria where millions were murdered

• The somber atmosphere and emotional weight of the site

Tour Duration and Schedule

The tour duration and schedule provide guests with a structured itinerary and ample time to explore the solemn grounds of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Lasting between 3.5 to 7 hours, the guided experience begins with a 1.5-hour transfer from Krakow, followed by a 2.5-hour tour of the Auschwitz I camp and a 1-hour visit to the larger Auschwitz II-Birkenau site, before the 1.5-hour return journey to Krakow.

Tour Stage	Duration
Transfer to Auschwitz	1.5 hours
Guided Tour of Auschwitz I	2.5 hours
Guided Tour of Auschwitz II-Birkenau	1 hour
Transfer to Krakow	1.5 hours

The comprehensive schedule allows visitors to enjoy the history and significance of these somber sites, providing a profound and impactful educational experience.

Getting to the Tour

After exploring the comprehensive tour schedule, guests can conveniently access the Auschwitz-Birkenau sites through the provided transportation options. The tour offers a hassle-free experience with the following:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off service: Guests can be picked up directly from their hotel or a designated meeting point in Krakow, ensuring a seamless start to the day.

• Air-conditioned vehicle transport: Comfortable, climate-controlled transportation is available for the roundtrip journey from Krakow to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial.

• Licensed guide and English-speaking driver/host: Knowledgeable professionals accompany guests throughout the tour, providing guidance and ensuring a smooth experience.

• Free toilet facilities: Restroom breaks are available at both the Auschwitz and Birkenau sites, except for the Birkenau parking area.

• Maximum hand luggage size: Guests are required to adhere to a 30x20x10 cm limit for hand luggage, with larger bags stored on the bus.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the COVID-19 Safety Measures in Place for the Tour?

The tour operator has safety measures in place to protect against COVID-19. These include requiring masks, providing hand sanitizer, limiting group sizes, and ensuring social distancing during the tour. Customers must follow all guidelines to participate.

Can I Take Photos and Videos During the Tour?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photos and videos during the tour, but they must respect the solemn nature of the site. Some areas, such as the gas chambers, may have restrictions on photography. Visitors should follow the guide’s instructions.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour or Smaller Group Size?

Yes, the tour offers the option of a private tour or smaller group size. Customers can select a private tour for an additional fee, which provides a more personalized and intimate experience. Smaller group tours are also available for a reduced price per person.

Can I Leave the Tour Early or Split up From the Group?

Participants generally cannot leave the tour early or split up from the group. The tour is guided, and guests are expected to remain with the group for the full duration. Early departure or splitting up may not be permitted without prior arrangement with the tour operator.

What Is the Cancelation and Refund Policy in Case of Emergencies?

The tour has a non-refundable cancellation policy. However, in emergencies, customers should contact the tour provider as soon as possible to discuss options, such as rescheduling or receiving a partial refund, which will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Recap

This Krakow: Auschwitz Guided Tour offers a profoundly immersive experience, allowing visitors to gain deep insights into the tragic history of the Holocaust.

With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and the option for a lunch box, the tour ensures an impactful visit to the Auschwitz I and II-Birkenau sites.

It’s an opportunity to reflect on the past and honor the victims of this dark chapter in history.

You can check if your dates are available here: