Guided Tour from Krakow to Auschwitz Birkenau with hotel pick up
Active
7h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
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.
Available options
English tour- Hotel pick up
Hotel pick included <br/>Inclusions:: Certified Auschwitz & Birkenau guide (museum employee), shared group in museum and transportation <br/>Duration: 7 hours: 3 hours of sightseeing and 1 hour 20 minutes drive each way<br/>Trip plan: 1-4 hotel pick up, 1 hour 20 minutes drive, 3 hours sightseeing, return and drop off in requested location in City Centre<br/>Vehicle type: Minivan, minibus <br/>Pickup included
What's included
Visiting the camp Auschwitz I with a licensed English-speaking guide
English-speaking driver
Visiting the camp Auschwitz II Birkenau with a licensed English-speaking guide
Drop off in your hotel or any place in Krakow City Centre(If you choose the option "Hotel pick up")
Pick up from your hotel/apartament/hostel in Krakow(If you choose the option "Hotel pick up" )
Tickets(Entry tickets are booked in advance, so you don't need to wait in line at the ticket office)
Transportation by air-conditioned minivan or minibus
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
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.
2
Stop 2
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
3
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.
4
Stop 4
Pass by
After completing the tour, the driver will drop you to your hotel/hostel/apartament in Krakow.
What's not included
Lunch
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
153 reviews
5★
146
4★
7
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.9
105 reviews
5★
99
4★
5
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
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.
Important notes
As for Auschwitz, we usually leave between 7 - 11 am, but this may change due to Auschwitz policy. Each day they arrange the schedule for the next day and inform the tour operator of the entry time. So if you have any important plans that may be disrupted by a change of the tour time, please let me know as early as possible and I do our best to fit it. If you are flexible, also let me know. I always try to leave at the time you choose. Also please remember that all pick-ups take 15 - 30 minutes depending on the distance between the apartments and the number of collection points.
I will write you the exact pick-up time the day before the trip around 6 pm. I usually use WhatsApp to contact because I think I can answer your questions faster. If you don't have WhatsApp, no problem. I will call or write an e-mail.
DO NOT forget to take your Passport or ID card or any document with your photograph and name on it. Museum Auschwitz Birkenau requires the visitors to have such a document with you. YOU WILL GET ENTRY TICKETS FROM THE DRIVER BEFORE THE START OF THE SIGHTSEEING.
During the tour, we will have 3 short breaks (approximately 15 minutes each). There are often queues at the museum so the break may not be enough to buy anything, I suggest taking food with you or ordering a lunch box from the driver, he will contact you the day before the trip. Remember that this is an open air museum and you will spend about 70% of your time outside. Dress appropriately for the weather.
About Krakow
Krakow, the former capital of Poland, is a city rich in history, culture, and stunning architecture. It's home to the Wawel Royal Castle, the historic Main Market Square, and the largest medieval old town in Europe. Krakow's vibrant arts scene, bustling nightlife, and proximity to Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine make it a must-visit destination.
Top Attractions
Wawel Royal Castle
This iconic castle was the residence of Polish kings and a symbol of Polish statehood. It offers a glimpse into Poland's rich history.
Historical/Architecture
2-3 hours
30-50 PLN (€7-12)
Main Market Square (Rynek Główny)
One of the largest medieval town squares in Europe, surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, and shops.
Historical/Cultural
1-2 hours
Free to explore
Wieliczka Salt Mine
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring underground chambers, chapels, and sculptures carved out of salt.
Historical/Adventure
4-5 hours
89-139 PLN (€20-32)
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum
A poignant and sobering visit to the largest Nazi concentration camp, now a memorial and museum.
Historical/Educational
Full day
70-100 PLN (€16-23)
Kazimierz District
The historic Jewish quarter with a rich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, and charming streets.
Cultural/Historical
2-3 hours
Free to explore
Must-Try Local Dishes
Pierogi
Dumplings filled with various ingredients like meat, cheese, potatoes, or fruits.
Dinner
Can be vegetarian or vegan
Obwarzanek
A type of bread ring, similar to a bagel, often sold by street vendors.
Snack
Vegetarian
Zapiekanka
A Polish street food consisting of a half-baguette topped with mushrooms, cheese, and various condiments.
Snack
Can be vegetarian
Schabowy
A breaded pork cutlet, similar to schnitzel, often served with potatoes and cabbage.
Dinner
Contains meat
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Tatra Mountains
Skiing in Zakopane
Spa and wellness treatments
Strolling through parks and gardens
Visiting museums and galleries
Attending concerts and performances
Boating on the Vistula River
Skiing and snowboarding in the nearby mountains
Best Time to Visit
May to September
This is the best time to visit Krakow for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city is lively with festivals and tourists.
15°C to 28°C
59°F to 82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Polish
- Widely spoken: English, German, Russian
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Polish Złoty (PLN)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Krakow is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure in crowded areas.
- • Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps.
- • Be cautious when withdrawing money from ATMs.
Getting there
By air
- John Paul II International Airport Krakow-Balice • 11 km from city center
By train
Krakow Glowny, Krakow Plaza
By bus
Krakow Main Bus Station, Młocińscy Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Krakow's tram system is efficient and covers most of the city. Trams are comfortable and frequent.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Bolt, FreeNow
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Old Town (Stare Miasto)
Kazimierz
Nowa Huta
Zakrzówek
Day trips
Wieliczka Salt Mine
14 km from Krakow • Full day
Explore the underground chambers, chapels, and sculptures carved out of salt in this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum
70 km from Krakow • Full day
Visit the largest Nazi concentration camp, now a memorial and museum, to learn about the Holocaust.
Zakopane
100 km from Krakow • Full day
A picturesque mountain town known for its stunning scenery, hiking trails, and skiing opportunities.
Festivals
Krakow Jewish Festival • June or July (annual)
Krakow Film Festival • May (annual)
Krakow Christmas Market • December (annual)
Pro tips
- Use the Krakow Card for unlimited public transport and free entry to many attractions.
- Visit the Wawel Dragon statue and make a wish by placing a coin in its mouth.
- Try traditional Polish dishes like pierogi and żurek at local restaurants.
- Explore the Kazimierz district for its vibrant nightlife and cultural scene.
- Take a day trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine or Auschwitz-Birkenau for a deeper understanding of Polish history.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
