Krakow Vistula River Cruise with Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour
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Krakow Vistula River Cruise with Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour

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(2 reviews)
5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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About this experience

Relax on a modern boat as you cruise along the Vistula River, taking in some of Krakow's most stunning sights. With a heated deck and comfortable leather sofas, you'll feel cozy and at home even on chilly days. On warmer days, head to the upper deck to enjoy breathtaking views while spending time outdoors.

Afterward, switch to a bus for a trip to Wieliczka, a quaint town near Krakow, home to one of Europe's largest and oldest salt mines, dating back 700 years. The mine extends 340 meters deep, with over 245 kilometers of corridors and tunnels. The tourist route spans over 3 kilometers and includes more than 20 chambers, underground lakes, and a variety of corridors and structures. Among them is the remarkable Church of St. Kinga, the patron saint of miners—a unique underground church adorned with chandeliers, carvings, and statues all sculpted from salt. The mine boasts a special healing microclimate, and at a depth of 135 meters, there's even a sanatorium.

Available options

Krakow Vistula River Cruise with Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour

What's included

Transfer Krakow-Wieliczka-Krakow
Group tour of the mine with a guide
Sightseeing cruise on the Vistula River (~1h)
Admission ticket to the mine

Detailed itinerary

1

Sailing on a catamaran on the Vistula River on a small two-way cruise, you will get to know Krakow's monuments, visible from the side of the river.
Admire all the most important places in Krakow from the Vistula River. See Krakow from a new perspective as you follow the flow of the queen of Polish rivers.

2
Stop 2 Pass by

The Kościuszko Mound in Krakow is one of the five mounds located in Krakow. It was erected in honor of Tadeusz Kościuszko - a great patriot and leader of the national uprising

3

Fortified like a castle, this mighty monastery, founded in the 12th century, was destroyed and rebuilt several times. The most important Krakow traditions are also associated with it: here, on Monday after Easter, the annual Emmaus festival is celebrated. Hence, the Lajkonik procession - the most important symbol of Krakow - sets off every June.

4
Stop 4 Pass by

The limestone hill rising above the Vistula River is the former center of power, the legendary (associated with the mythical founder of Krakow and his descendants) and historical: princely, episcopal and royal. Wawel is a complex of castle and sacred buildings - a symbol of the city, but most of all a museum presenting the most valuable monuments of Polish material culture. Take a good look and you will also notice the silhouette of the famous Wawel dragon breathing fire towards onlookers

5

The original, modern form of the building housing the museum of art and technology is perfectly seen from the river level. The wavy line of its roof is to refer directly to the waves of the Vistula River.

6
Stop 6 Pass by

The baroque church of Saint Michael the Archangel and Saint Stanislaus on Skałka rises above the boulevards, right on the Vistula River, on a small hill made of white Jurassic limestones. The basilica is also a national pantheon (many distinguished painters, musicians and poets are buried here) and a library with priceless documents, books and incunabula.

7
Stop 7 Pass by

Once independent, the city situated south of Wawel was the hub of Jewish life in Kraków for centuries, and today it is one of the greatest tourist attractions of the city.

8
Stop 8

Ballroom, concert hall, art gallery, shrine - all made of salt and located underground. The tourist route through the Wieliczka Mine passes by chambers and drifts, salt and wooden chapels, brine lakes, and around you there are breathtaking views. The walk resembles an expedition not only deep into the Earth, but also into the depths of history. Mining machines, tools, traces of manual salt extraction - all this fits into the story of people and the place that they have created over the centuries. The sacred places of the mine, including the delightful chapel of St. Kinga, create a unique, unique in Europe, and perhaps in the world, underground pilgrimage route.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0
2 reviews
5★
2
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1★
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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Please note that part of the tour is walking and operated by a live guide. The rest of the tour includes the care of the driver (cruise, transfer), without a guide
The regular Salt Mine tour requires lots of walking and climbing stairs.
Please remember that it is quite cool in the mine (between 14° C and 16° C). Make sure to take warmer clothing even in summer and wear comfortable shoes, as well.

Meeting point

Let's meet at the Inflancki Boulevard 3, at the bank of Vistula river, next to the water tram stop called "Paulinska” (in Polish: Przystanek tramwajowy „Paulińska").
Look for the person with a "Cracow Boat" sign, wait please for the boat with the name "Cracowboat".

Important notes

At the meeting point you will find a coordinator with an "ExcursionsCity" sign who will help you board the catamaran (a separate ticket is not required) and the bus to the Wieliczka Salt Mine (your driver will have an entrance ticket to the mine).

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

Adults
Age 18-99
1
Childs
Age 5-17
0
Infants
Age 0-4
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
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Free cancellation available
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