Guided Tour from Krakow to Auschwitz Birkenau with hotel pick up
Description
Embark on a profound journey into the harrowing chapters of history with our Auschwitz-Birkenau tour. This comprehensive exploration ensures the memories of the victims are honoured. Enjoy a hassle-free start with a pick-up from your hotel or a set meeting point. With round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and a pre-scheduled entry, you'll avoid long ticket queues. An expert museum guide will lead your group, which ranges from 16 to 30 participants, through the poignant sites of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Highlights: •Auschwitz I: See the chilling "Arbeit macht frei" gate, evidence of wartime atrocities, and the remnants of a gas chamber and crematorium. •Auschwitz II - Birkenau: Explore the Death Gate, initial selection ramp, inmate barracks, and ruins of gas chambers and crematoriums. Anticipate a concise yet impactful 3-hour tour, enriching your grasp of this significant historical site.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Your trip to Auschwitz will start with picking up from a previously determined place in Krakow from a hotel or apartment or from our meeting point. The journey from Krakow to Auschwitz takes about 1,5 hour. Information about your pick up time you will get one day before the trip.
When you arrive at Auschwitz, you will meet your guide. Together you will enter the museum and in less than 2 hours of walking he will show you one of the darkest places from the World War II. During your visit to this place you will see: the gate "Arbeit mach frei", the last one gas chamber that survived and a lot of exhibitions with photos and remains of prisoners
After the break, the driver will take you to the second camp, Auschwitz II Birkenau. You will meet your guide again in front of the entrance gate. During the more than an hour walk, your guide will show you the second camp, which was the largest concentration camp built by the Nazis. In this camp you will see: "Death Gate" with the tracks leading to the camp, the unloading ramp where the trains with prisoners arrived, the ruins of the gas chambers and crematoria, the monument to the victims of the Holocaust and buildings where prisoners lived.
After completing the tour, the driver will drop you to your hotel/hostel/apartament in Krakow.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
According to the museum's regulations, EACH TOUR OPERATOR must first collect a complete list of names and only then can they receive an entry time. As confirmation, they send all the names, which cannot be changed later. We request the time you selected, but the final decision depends on the museum, which is based on their guidelines and building limits. Please remember this is the most popular place in Poland, visited by 8-10 thousand people daily. The entry time is also influenced by various ceremonies and VIP groups about which the museum cannot inform anyone. In different months, the start times can be as follows: January: 5:30 AM - 12:00 PM February: 5:30 AM - 1:00 PM March: 5:30 AM - 2:00 PM April: 5:30 AM - 2:00 PM May: 5:30 AM - 2:00 PM June: 5:30 AM - 2:00 PM July: 5:30 AM - 2:00 PM August: 5:30 AM - 2:00 PM September: 5:30 AM - 2:00 PM October: 5:30 AM - 2:00 PM November: 5:30 AM - 12:00 PM December: 5:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- TRANSPORT: For transportation, we use minibuses and minivans. If you have motion sickness or any other issues related to traveling by car, please inform us in advance. The travel time depends on the weather and road conditions, so it may be extended.
- VISIT: The Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum attracts numerous visitors daily. Exploring at your own pace may not be feasible due to the high volume of visitors. It is essential to maintain appropriate and respectful behavior while in the camps. The dress code is smart casual, reflecting the solemnity of the site. Activities such as eating, smoking, and loud behavior are strictly prohibited within the Museum premises.
- PICKUP: A few hotels in Krakow are situated in traffic-restricted areas. Your pickup will be arranged from the nearest accessible point, and you will receive notification.
- DEPARTURE: Due to the museum's policy, capacity limits within the buildings, and the high number of visitors, the pickup time may be subject to change. We kindly ask for your understanding and suggest avoiding planning other activities on the day, as rescheduling might pose a challenge. We understand that our clients want to explore our city as much as possible, and we strive to provide advance notice regarding the pickup time frame. Typically, around 3-7 days before your visit, we will reach out to everyone, allowing you to plan your day accordingly.
- DOCUMENTS: As it is obligatory at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum to confirm your personal details, you must provide the full names of all participants when making a reservation. Additionally, please ensure to carry your passport or ID with you, as it may be checked at the museum entrance. Failure to do so may result in denial of entry to the museum.
- BAG SIZE: Please be aware that entry to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum is not allowed with large bags or backpacks. The maximum permissible size is 30cm x 20cm x 10cm. You can securely leave your bags in your car, which will be locked during your visit.
- LUNCH: Lunch is not included in the tour package. There isn't ample time for a regular lunch break between visits to Auschwitz (1st camp) and Birkenau (2nd camp), so it's advisable to bring along a snack or some food to stave off hunger. However, if you prefer a more substantial meal, you can opt to order lunch boxes through us for an additional fee. We'll send you the offer the day before the excursion. Please note that at the parking lot, only vending machines with snacks are available, as the restaurant is currently under construction.
- SECURITY: Please be prepared to undergo a security check, similar to airport procedures, before entering the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum.
- WEATHER: Our operations run regardless of weather conditions. You will spend up to 70% of your time outdoors, particularly at Auschwitz II-Birkenau. Therefore, we advise you to dress accordingly for the weather and bring water, especially on sunny days.
- CHILDREN: Children must be accompanied by an adult, and infant seats are available for younger children. Due to the potentially traumatic nature of the visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, we recommend that visitors be at least 13 years old.
- PICTURES: Visitors are generally permitted to take photographs, with a few exceptions clearly indicated. However, taking photos inside buildings using flash is strictly prohibited.
- CONTACT: We confirm all tours via messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Viber, Signal, and Telegram. According to us and our clients, this is the most convenient form of communication. If you don't use any of them, don't worry, we'll send you an email. Emails are sent through the system, so please also check your spam folder to ensure you don't miss our message.
- GROUP: The group is of the standard size recommended by the museum, typically ranging between 16 and 30 people.
- There is a lot of walking in the museum. It is not recommended for people with mobility issues.
Reviews(306)
An extremely sobering visit putting photos and films into a more realistic context. It was such a moving experience that it left my soul and heart broken.
A lot of walking and very fast paced. Someone commented they didn’t even have time to tie their shoe lace
The driver was very polite and professional the car was new and clean , the tour guide was amazing explaining everything thank you for the opportunity to ride and spend the day with you
Thank you very much for your kind review. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your day with us and that both the transportation and guided tour met your expectations. It is wonderful to know that you found your driver polite and professional and appreciated the comfort and cleanliness of the vehicle. We are also very pleased that the tour guide made such a positive impression with their explanations and knowledge throughout the visit. Thank you for choosing our tour and for your warm words. It was our pleasure to be part of your experience, and we hope to welcome you back to Krakow again in the future.
The transport, driver and tour guide were excellent . I was kept well informed in advance of the visit . Just disappointed that we originally booked a 9 am pick up which changed to 5.30 am .
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are delighted to hear that you were pleased with the transportation, your driver, and the tour guide, and that the communication before the visit kept you well informed. At the same time, we completely understand your disappointment regarding the change in the pick-up time. Unfortunately, entry times to Auschwitz-Birkenau are assigned by the Memorial and can sometimes differ from the original schedule requested when booking. We know that an earlier departure can affect your plans, and we appreciate your flexibility and understanding in this situation. We are grateful that, despite this inconvenience, you enjoyed the overall experience and the service provided by our team.
The communication leading up to tour was excellent - we received regular text messages and communication about what to expect, travel to our destination, and we pre-ordered lunch from our driver - all best in class. What we were not expecting was to be "herded" in a very large group with other tourists with differing walking capabilities. The tour guide walked extremely fast and did not check in/wait for the full group. She was also hard to understand in English, and she did not seem to understand the needs of those on her tour, not did she seem to care about our understanding her or our comfort. My recommendations are that guests are offered a slower or faster walking tour group and that native English speakers provide feedback to the tour guide.
Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed feedback. We are very pleased to hear that you were satisfied with the communication before the tour and that the regular updates, travel information, and lunch arrangements met your expectations. It is wonderful to know that you found this aspect of the experience to be best in class. At the same time, we are sorry to learn that the guided tour itself did not fully meet your expectations. We understand how important it is for guests to feel comfortable, included, and able to follow the guide at a suitable pace. We regret that the pace of the tour and the size of the group made the experience less enjoyable for you. We also appreciate your comments regarding the guide's English and communication style. Clear and engaging communication is essential, especially during such an important and educational visit, and we are sorry that this affected your overall experience. Thank you as well for your constructive suggestions regarding different walking pace groups and additional feedback opportunities for guides. We value comments such as yours, as they help us identify areas where improvements can be made. We appreciate your balanced review and are grateful that, despite these concerns, you recognised the quality of the organisation and communication provided by our team.
The driver picked us up at our hotel, he gave us information during the journey about what to expect and timings for the tour, the guide Anna was excellent, such passion for what she does, the information she passed on to us and the way she told the story was brilliant. The lunch provided was good. This tour is worth seeing, everyone should experience this place. There is a lot of walking and some surfaces are uneven. Thanks so much.
Thank you very much for your wonderful review. We are delighted to hear that your experience was so positive from start to finish. It is great to know that your driver made the journey comfortable and informative by providing helpful information about the day ahead. We are especially pleased to hear your kind words about Anna. Her passion, knowledge, and ability to share the history in a meaningful and engaging way are truly appreciated, and we will be sure to pass your compliments on to her. We are also glad that you enjoyed the lunch provided and found the overall organisation of the tour to your satisfaction. Thank you for mentioning the walking involved and the uneven surfaces, as this is very useful information for future visitors. We truly appreciate your recommendation and your belief that everyone should experience this important place. Thank you for choosing our tour and for sharing your thoughts.
The whole process was very smooth. There was frequent communication regarding what time to expect to be picked up as well as general information such as what we need to bring. I had read in reviews of other tour companies about relatively late cancellations, but there was no concern about that with this company as they kept in contact.
Thank you very much for your kind review. We are delighted to hear that you found the entire process smooth and well organized. Clear and timely communication is something we place great importance on, so it is wonderful to know that the updates regarding pickup times and practical information helped you feel prepared and confident before the tour. We especially appreciate your comments about staying in contact throughout the booking process. We understand that reliability and communication are very important when planning a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau, and we are pleased that our team was able to provide you with peace of mind and reassurance leading up to your tour. Thank you for choosing our company and for taking the time to share your experience. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you again on a future visit to Kraków.
Must be willing to walk long distances but it is worth the effort. New exhibits were excellent. Very moving experience.
Thank you for your review. We are pleased to hear that you found the visit worthwhile and that the experience was so moving and meaningful. You are absolutely right that the tour involves a considerable amount of walking, and we appreciate you highlighting this for future visitors. We are also glad that you enjoyed the exhibits and found them informative and impactful. Thank you for choosing our tour and for sharing your feedback. We truly appreciate it.
A very moving and thought provoking experience. The scale of what happened at Auschwitz is unimaginable. Nothing really prepare you for the level of cruelty and the conditions that the inmates had to live under. Our tour guide was excellent. We understand a lot more of life in the camp. The movies don't come close.
Thank you for sharing your thoughtful reflections on your visit. Auschwitz-Birkenau is a place that leaves a profound impression on many visitors, and we appreciate your heartfelt words about the impact of the experience. As you noted, the scale of what occurred there is difficult to comprehend until seen firsthand, and no film or book can fully convey the reality of the site and the suffering endured by its victims. We are delighted to hear that your guide helped deepen your understanding of life in the camp. Providing historical context with accuracy, respect, and sensitivity is incredibly important, and we are pleased that the tour was both informative and meaningful for you. Thank you for choosing our tour and for taking the time to share your experience. We truly appreciate your feedback.
Communication fantastic all the way along including on the day, lovely driver and modern mini bus in all very good trip the second time booking with Viator and not been let down
Thank you very much for your kind review. We are delighted to hear that you were pleased with the communication throughout the booking process and on the day of the tour. It is wonderful to know that you enjoyed the service provided by your driver and appreciated the comfort of the modern minibus. We work hard to ensure that every aspect of the experience runs smoothly, so your positive feedback means a great deal to us. We are especially grateful that you chose to book with us again and are delighted that your second experience met your expectations. Thank you for your trust and support. We look forward to welcoming you again on a future visit to Kraków.
