Group Travel Tour Operator for holidays to Krakow, Poland
Historic Kraków and Auschwitz
-
Krakow ©Polish Tourist Organisation
-
Krakow ©Polish Tourist Organisation
-
Krakow ©Polish Tourist Organisation
-
Auschwitz, Birkenau, Poland ©Poland Tourist Organisation, K Kobus
-
Wawel Castle, Krakow © Poland Tourist Organisation
According to legend, King Krak slew a dragon and built Kraków on its cave. Historic Kraków certainly has the mythical atmosphere of a city built on legends and folklore. This charming city, once the seat of kings and scholars, nestles at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains. Wander through the Old Town to discover Europe’s largest medieval market square and the arches, spires and gargoyles of this UNESCO Site.
Read moreHistoric Kraków
As the only major Polish city which survived being reduced to rubble during World War II, Kraków is bursting with history. Its beautiful old buildings remain and its museums host collections of priceless artefacts. Follow in the footsteps of kings on the ‘Royal Route’ – the coronation path of Polish monarchs – from Florianska Gate to Wawel Castle. These heavily fortified castle walls are a symbol of national pride and self-rule dating from the 14th century. The complex contains a wealth of vibrant treasures, so catch a glimpse of the crown jewels. Kraków is one of the oldest cities in Poland and it’s proximity to the Czech border has led to Kraków playing a significant role in European history.
Auschwitz-Birkenau
A visit to historic Kraków isn’t complete without an excursion to Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and Memorial. Here you can explore one of modern history’s darkest periods. Learn about the realities of the lives and deaths of the people detained in this most notorious concentration camp. A truly sobering place to visit, nothing can prepare you for the plethora of emotions the old site evokes. As you meander through the rooms of the former death camp, you will witness evidence of one of the greatest crimes in human history. To pay a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau is to truly attempt to fathom the magnitude of the crimes perpetrated here. All tours here are led by an experienced and local guide, allowing you to thoroughly explore this deplorable part of European history.
See this fascinating historic city and pay your respects to those we won’t forget. To incorporate Krakow into a longer coach tour, why not check out our Discover Poland tour.
Dates
Dates throughout 2024
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1-2
Depart the UK
Travel to Dover for the ferry crossing to Calais, then continue via Belgium into Germany and an overnight stop in the Düsseldorf area. Next day drive east through Germany stopping for a second overnight stop near Leipzig.
Day 3
Arrive in Kraków
Depart your hotel in the Leipzig area and travel into Poland to your hotel in Krakow. If time permits, begin exploring this wonderful city.
Day 4
Kraków Sightseeing
This morning we enjoy a guided walking tour of the oldest part of this remarkable city. Kraków’s Old Town escaped serious damage during WWII. As a result, and unlike many other European cities whose centre have been rebuilt, what you see in Kraków is genuine. The wealth of Gothic and Renaissance monuments and churches, and the sheer number of architecturally wonderful buildings, makes this a very special place. The imposing Wawel Castle is the big attraction, along with the vast Rynek Główny, Europe’s largest market square. The former Jewish quarter, Kazimierz, whose narrow streets are scattered with lively squares and remnant synagogues, was the setting for the film Schindler’s List. River cruises can be arranged to take in the highlights of Kraków from a different perspective.
Day 5
Wieliczka Salt Mine
Today we visit Europe’s oldest salt mine at Wieliczka. Many generations of Polish miners have created an impressive underground world of salt lakes, chambers, galleries and a unique Salt Works Museum. The visit takes you through a labyrinth of galleries and caverns and some walking on uneven ground will be required. Return to Krakow where there may be time for more sightseeing in Kraków. If you haven’t had enough of the city’s historical delights yet, perhaps visit Oskar Schindler’s Factory.
Day 6
Auschwitz – Birkenau
Today we visit somewhere that is, put simply, unlike anywhere else on earth. The Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and Memorial is the former German Nazi concentration and extermination camp used during World War II. Many of the original buildings survived after the war. Today, a visit takes you to the two parts of the site to learn about the realities of the lives and deaths of the people who were brought there. A guided tour will take you to see the remaining prison blocks and watch towers, as well as the gas chambers and crematorium. Learn about the tragedy of the Holocaust and the realities faced by those detained in this most notorious concentration camp.
Day 7
Zakopane and Tatra Mountains
Visit Poland’s Winter capital renowned for its beautiful villas constructed in traditional style and located at the foot of Tatra Mountains. The journey will take you through scenic mountain valleys, past lakes and waterfalls. We will meet our guide who will take us on a sightseeing tour of the city followed by a funicular ride to Mount Gubalowka to admire the spectacular panoramas.
Day 8
Free day in Krakow
Enjoy some time at leisure to explore Krakow or perhaps visit some of the attractions you have not yet had time to see.
Day 9-10
Return to the UK
Depart Krakow and travel back through Germany for an overnight stop in the Leipzig area. The journey continues with a final overnight stop in the Dusseldorf area before continuing the next day to Calais for the return ferry crossing to the UK and journey home.
Suggested Hotels
Hotel Wyspianski ***
500 metres from the lively Main Square, the hotel is also 1.9 km from ICE Kraków Congress Centre and 1.3 km from Wawel Castle. The airy rooms come with flat-screen TVs and desks. Upgraded rooms feature sitting areas, as well as tea and coffee-making facilities. Cribs, room service and free Wi-Fi are also available. There’s an airy restaurant serving international cuisine, plus a cosy bar, and terrace seating in the garden. Other amenities include a gift shop, a casino, meeting rooms and event space.
Novotel Kraków Centrum ****
The Novotel Kraków Centrum is located near the Vistula Boulevards with convenient access to Wawel Royal Castle as well as the Old Town. Highlights of the hotel include its new restaurant which has a modern interior, filled with natural light with a cosy atmosphere. Furthermore there’s a fitness centre with indoor swimming pool and sauna. The rooms feature Wi-Fi, LCD TVs, air-conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities and safes.
You may also be interested in:
| 10 days / 9 nights |
Half twin | Single supplement |
| 2024 dates | Price on request | Price on request |
Please note when visiting Wieliczka Salt Mine, visitors must descend a wooden stairway of 378 steps to reach the mine level. After the tour, a lift transports visitors back.
Auschwitz tours and English-speaking guides are subject to availability when reservations open 3 months prior and are in very high demand, therefore we have costed in an English-speaking assistant, who can act as a translator on the day – available entrance slots start at 08h00 and therefore require an early start from Kraków (1.5 hours away).
