Auschwitz & Birkenau Guided Tour with Hotel Pickup from Krakow
Active
7h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Choose from several convenient door-to-door pickup options, ensuring you are collected directly from your address for a smooth and comfortable start to your tour.
Visit UNESCO World Heritage Site, a former German - Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau, where more than a million Jews and other prisoners were oppressed or killed during World War II. The flower-strewn Death Wall, national memorials, gas chambers and crematoriums, preserved ruins, the remains of hundreds of barracks, watchtowers, the railway line and ramp - all form a moving testimony to the number of those who lost their lives.
Available options
ENG Tour - Limited to 15 pax
ENG Small Tour Max 15 Visitors: Half the Size of Regular Tours! (group is up to 15, not just transport) <br/>Travel: from your address in a cozy atmosphere with a van and an ENG-speaking driver<br/>This option: was well-received by 98% of our customers (best of the best 2024)<br/>Pickup included
ENG Tour - Estimated Dep. Time
Selected time may vary - TBC: Final departure time may change - it will be adjusted to the museum’s schedule and confirmed closer to the tour date!<br/>30-Person English Tour: Official Museum Size<br/>Quick Meet & Go: Convenient pickup and drop-off available from most Krakow addresses
<br/>Pickup included
ENG Tour - Time Guaranteed
Departure: time is guaranteed within ±30 minutes and will not change<br/>Entry time: has already been verified with the Auschwitz Museum<br/>English guide: up to 30 people, the official group size at the Museum<br/>Quick Meet & Go: Convenient pickup and drop-off available from most Krakow addresses<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Headsets to hear the guide clearly
Professional assistance in case of any issue
Round-trip transportation from and to Krakow by air-conditioned vehicle (van or mini-bus)
Licensed, English speaking local guide (up to 15 or 30 visitors)
Highly qualified, helpful and friendly customer service
Entry fees (Auschwitz I & Auschwitz II Birkenau), insurance and taxes
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Your tour begins with transportation from Krakow (hotel or address you specified). Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum is located in the town Oswiecim, about 1h15min in one way (65km). Every driver we cooperate with has all required by EU permissions for passenger transport. An English speaking and friendly leader of the group will assist you at any time you need. After arriving in Oswiecim, have a short break to grab a coffee or keep an eye on outdoor exhibitions.Then be kindly introduced to your local and professional guide who is licensed by Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum.
2
Stop 2
Start your tour by walking through the gate to the first camp - Auschwitz I - originally conceived as a concentration camp, to be used as a detention centre for the many Polish citizens arrested after Germany annexed the country in 1939, with the most recognizable sign Arbeit Macht Frei (Work Makes You Free).This part usually takes 2 hours and you will be using a headset to hear your guide clearly. The group according to the Museum’s rule counts up to 30 people making the visit comfortable and accessible for every participant. Visit the original wooden buildings, fortified walls, barbed wires, gas chambers and crematoria - all of those leave a shocking impression allowing to imagine the scale of Holocaust.
3
Stop 3
After the 1st camp short break up to 15 minutes is planned. You will be taken by us to visit the second part of the tour - Birkenau (Auschwitz II), only 3 minutes away, which is the largest camp built and operated for the specific purpose of making Europe ''Judenrein'' (free of Jews). The same guide continues a poignant lecture about the camp in the village Brzezinka (Birkenau) which was constructed in 1941 on the order of Heinrich Himmler (SS commander) and could hold some 90 000 prisoners.You will be told about terrible stories of unimaginable living conditions as well as cruel selection and pseudo-scientific medical experiments made by prominent Nazi doctors including Josef Mengele. A history about soldiers of the 60th Army of the First Ukrainian Front opened the gates of Auschwitz on January 27, 1945, which meant the final liberation, ends your tour with a feeling, both this genocide should never have happened and it can not happen again.
4
Stop 4
After completing the tour, the driver will drop you at your hotel or address in Krakow.
What's not included
Food and drinks
departure time may be changed due to schedule at the Auschwitz Museum
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.7
21 reviews
5★
16
4★
4
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.9
649 reviews
5★
616
4★
27
3★
4
2★
0
1★
2
Important information
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
[DEPARTURE] Booked times are tentative and may change due to schedule at the Auschwitz Museum and traffic conditions.
[DOCUMENTS] **Full names of all participants MUST be provided during booking (the same as on ID or passport, no nicknames). Passport or ID is MANDATORY for each participant and will be checked. No ID = NO ENTRY!**
[VISIT] Guided group tour only, no individual pacing. Respectful behavior and smart casual dress required. Eating, smoking, and loud behavior are not allowed.
[PICKUP] Some Krakow hotels are in traffic-restricted zones. Pickup will be arranged from the nearest accessible point and you will be informed in advance.
[LUNCH] Lunch is not included. There is no time for a full meal between visits, and no food facilities on-site, so please bring a snack.
[SECURITY] An airport-style security check is required before entering the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum.
[WEATHER] The tour runs in all weather. Up to 70% of the visit takes place outdoors, so please dress appropriately and bring water on warm days.
[CHILDREN] Children must be accompanied by an adult. Infant seats are available. Due to the sensitive nature of the site, the tour is recommended for ages 13+.
[PHOTOS] Photography is allowed except in marked areas. Flash is not permitted inside buildings.
[RENOVATIONS] Due to roadworks in western Krakow, pickups in that area are not possible. The Straszewskiego 19 meeting point is temporarily closed. We will arrange a nearby alternative if needed.
Important notes
**Please ignore the time indicated on your voucher. We will contact you with the exact pick-up time prior to the tour. Your Auschwitz Museum ticket will be handed to you by our tour leader during the visit.**
[VISIT]
Sightseeing takes place in groups, at a fixed pace.
✓ Respectful behavior required (no eating, smoking, or loud talking).
✓ Dress code: smart casual.
[PICKUP]
Some Krakow hotels are in traffic-restricted zones.
→ Pickup will be from the nearest accessible location (you'll be informed in advance).
[DEPARTURE TIME]
Times are approximate and may change.
Travel time depends on pickup location, traffic and time of day.
[DOCUMENTS]
**You must provide full names of all participants (the same as on ID or passport, no nicknames).**
**Passport or ID is MANDATORY for entry for each participant – checks are 100% enforced. No ID = no entry!**
[BAG POLICY]
✘ No large bags or backpacks allowed.
✓ Max size: 30 x 20 x 10 cm.
Larger bags can stay locked in the vehicle.
[FOOD]
✘ Lunch not included.
✓ No time for a full meal between camps – bring a snack.
On site: grocery store, snack bar, and restaurant available.
[SECURITY]
Expect an airport-style security check before entry.
[WEATHER]
Tour runs in all weather conditions.
Up to 70% of the visit is outdoors – dress appropriately and bring water on hot days.
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
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