Super Saver: Auschwitz Birkenau & Wieliczka Salt Mine – Guide With Hotel Pickup

Exploring the profound historical depths of Auschwitz Birkenau and the breathtaking beauty of the Wieliczka Salt Mine, this comprehensive tour offers an insightful journey through Poland’s iconic sites. With convenient hotel pickup, a professional English-speaking guide, and comfortable transportation, the "Super Saver: Auschwitz Birkenau & Wieliczka Salt Mine" tour provides a seamless and memorable experience. Reflecting on the Holocaust and immersing in the underground salt mine’s captivating chambers, this 11-hour excursion promises to leave a lasting impression on participants. What more can one expect from this thought-provoking and visually stunning exploration?

Key Points

• This tour combines visits to Auschwitz Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine, covering Holocaust history and salt mine exploration.
• Transportation is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide, and hotel pickup is included.
• The tour lasts approximately 11 hours, starting at 7:00 am, with a maximum group size of 30 participants.
• Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before the tour without fees, and luggage size is limited.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible and involves extensive walking, so it is important to assess physical capabilities before booking.

Tour Overview and Details

The tour package includes visits to both the Auschwitz Birkenau concentration camp and the Wieliczka Salt Mine, with hotel pickup provided in central Krakow.

The tour lasts approximately 11 hours, starting at 7:00 am. Transportation is provided in an air-conditioned car, and travelers will be accompanied by a professional English-speaking guide at both locations.

The maximum group size is 30 people, and confirmation is provided at the time of booking. Customers can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours before the tour starts without any fees.

Pickup and Meeting Information

Pickup times for the tour are typically between 6:30-8:00 am. Customers must provide their accommodation address for pickup.

Some hotels in Krakow’s Old Town are in traffic-restricted areas, so alternative pickup points will be provided. If the accommodation information is missing, customers will need to wait at the designated meeting point. The exact pickup details will be shared with customers one day before the tour.

The tour operator aims to accommodate all travelers, but customers should note that the locations aren’t wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for those with claustrophobia or walking disabilities.

Infants must sit on laps, and a valid student ID is required for youth discounts.

Luggage and Clothing Requirements

Typically, the maximum hand luggage size for this tour is 30 x 20 x 10 cm (or 35 x 20 x 20 cm for some tours). Larger luggage can be stored in a locked bus.

In terms of clothing, weather-appropriate attire is recommended, as temperatures in the Wieliczka Salt Mine range from 14 to 16 degrees Celsius. Comfortable shoes are essential due to the extensive walking, including over 300 steps at the Salt Mine and 800 steps at Birkenau.

Additionally:

• Small handbags or wallets are allowed
• Infants must sit on laps
• Valid student ID is required for youth discounts
• The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and not recommended for those with claustrophobia or walking disabilities.

Health and Accessibility Notes

As the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it isn’t recommended for individuals with claustrophobia or walking disabilities.

Infants must sit on laps, and valid student IDs are required for youth discounts.

The tour involves extensive walking, including over 300 steps at the Wieliczka Salt Mine and 800 steps at Birkenau. Comfortable shoes are essential for this physically demanding excursion.

The tour may not be suitable for those with mobility or other health concerns that could be exacerbated by the extensive walking and enclosed spaces.

Prospective travelers should carefully consider their physical capabilities before booking this tour.

Customer Experiences and Feedback

Based on the reviews, the customer experiences with this tour have been mixed.

While some praised the efficient organization and clear communication, others reported poor service and a lack of information about food options.

Issues included no-show pickups, unresponsive operators, and uncomfortable seating.

On the positive side, customers highlighted the effectiveness of the drivers and timely updates during the tour.

The tour has received a rating of 4.0 out of 5 based on 30 reviews.

The key customer experiences include:

• Efficient organization and clear communication
• Poor service and lack of food information
• No-show pickups and unresponsive operators
• Comfortable seating and effective drivers
• Timely updates during the tour

Included in the Tour

What does the tour include? This comprehensive tour packs a punch, offering visits to both the Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial and the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Travelers are transported in an air-conditioned vehicle, accompanied by an expert English-speaking guide at each location. The tour duration is approximately 11 hours, with pickup in central Krakow around 6:30-8:00 am. Customers must provide their accommodation address for pickup, though alternative meeting points are available. Luggage is limited, and comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended due to the extensive walking and temperature variations in the salt mine. The tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not suited for those with claustrophobia or mobility issues.

Tour Inclusions	Details
Locations Visited	Auschwitz Birkenau, Wieliczka Salt Mine
Transportation	Air-conditioned vehicle
Guides	Professional English-speaking guides
Duration	Approximately 11 hours
Pickup	Central Krakow, 6:30-8:00 am

Preparing for the Tour

Preparing for the tour requires careful consideration of the logistics and requirements to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Travelers should plan to bring only small handbags or wallets, as larger luggage can be stored in a locked bus. Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes are essential, as the tour involves extensive walking, including over 300 steps at the Wieliczka Salt Mine and 800 steps at Birkenau.

Individuals with claustrophobia or walking disabilities may find the tour challenging, as it isn’t wheelchair accessible. Plus, infants must sit on laps, and valid student IDs are required for youth discounts.

• Maximum hand luggage size: 30 x 20 x 10 cm (or 35 x 20 x 20 cm for some tours)
• Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes recommended
• Not wheelchair accessible; not recommended for those with claustrophobia or walking disabilities
• Infants must sit on laps, and valid student IDs required for youth discounts

Exploring Auschwitz Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine

The tour begins with a visit to the Auschwitz Birkenau, a sobering reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust. Guests will explore the infamous concentration camp with a professional English guide, learning about its history and the plight of its victims.

After this emotional experience, the tour moves on to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a stunning underground world of chapels, statues, and saline lakes. Guests will descend 135 meters underground and marvel at the intricate salt carvings throughout the mine’s labyrinth of tunnels.

The tour provides a comprehensive experience, offering insights into both the dark and the stunning aspects of Poland’s history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Site?

Photography is generally allowed at the Auschwitz-Birkenau site, but visitors must be respectful and follow the site’s rules. Flash photography is prohibited, and certain areas may have additional restrictions to preserve the solemn nature of the memorial.

Are Any Meals or Snacks Provided During the Tour?

The tour does not include any meals or snacks. Customers are responsible for bringing their own food and refreshments. There are no catering services provided during the tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Customers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, there are no designated eating areas or facilities for consuming personal items during the tour. It’s recommended to consume any snacks or meals before or after the tour.

How Long Do We Typically Spend at Each Location?

According to the tour overview, visitors typically spend approximately 4-5 hours at Auschwitz Birkenau and 2-3 hours at the Wieliczka Salt Mine, for a total duration of around 11 hours for the complete tour experience.

Is There an Option to Visit Only One of the Sites?

The tour offers an option to visit only one location, either Auschwitz Birkenau or Wieliczka Salt Mine, though the full tour covers both sites. Travelers can select their preferred single-site option during booking.

Recap

This comprehensive tour offers a profound and insightful exploration of Auschwitz Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine. With convenient hotel pickup, a professional English-speaking guide, and comfortable transportation, it ensures a memorable experience. Visitors can reflect on the sobering history of the Holocaust and marvel at the breathtaking beauty of the salt mine, all in a single day-long excursion.