Krakow & Auschwitz
About this tour
Krakow was the capital of Poland, located in Southern Poland, it managed to escape destruction during WWII, and it is an ideal tour destination for studying WWll and the Holocaust. Krakow had a thriving Jewish Community before it was devastated during the Holocaust. The Jewish Quarter, synagogue, Jewish Cemetery and Jewish Museum still give insight into the Jewish story. Visits can include Wawel Castle, Cloth Hall, the Barbikan, Medieval City Walls as well as Auschwitz Birkenau and Wieczla Salt Mine outside of Krakow. It’s also possible to do a day trip to Warsaw by train or coach.
What’s Included
- Flights from a UK airport to Krakow
- Airport Transfer in Poland
- Accommodation with your choice of board basis (B&B, Half board, Full Board)
- Visits and English-speaking guides
- Executive coach transfers as per the itinerary
- Dedicated tour manager to assist throughout your tour planning
- 24-hour on call, emergency assistance
Sample Itinerary
Battlefield and History Tours recommends the following
- Auschwitz-Birkenau: Auschwitz-Birkenau the infamous concentration camps used by the Nazis to exterminate 1.1 million inmates. The site now a museum and memorial, houses several artefacts and exhibitions detailing the events of the holocaust.
- Nowa Huta Museum: Nowa Huta Museum The museum is in the Kino Światowid, a typical social realist architectural building. It houses exhibitions dedicated to the history of Poland from 1944 to 1989 and the everyday life under communist rule.
- Wieliczka Salt Mine: Wieliczka Salt Mine A UNESCO world heritage site, the mines where in operation from the 13th century to 2007. The mines are now one of Poland’s most popular tourist attractions. A visit will leave you in awe with the stunning chapels, chambers and carvings located in the mine.
- Warsaw: Warsaw is the capital city of Poland; the Old Town was heavily damaged during WWII, but it has been restored. It is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Monument. The widely varied architecture reflects its long turbulent history from its Gothic churches, neoclassical palaces, Soviet-era blocks and skyscrapers.
- Galicia Jewish Museum: Galicia Jewish Museum The museum houses a photo exhibition which documents the Jewish culture and vibrant way of life before the holocaust. It provides several educational opportunities such as meeting concentration camp survivors, educational classes and workshops on the Holocaust.
- Oskar Schindler's Factory: Oskar Schindler's Factory The factory owned by Oskar Schindler employed several Jews during WW2 which resulted in saving lives. It now houses a permanent exhibition about Kraków under Nazi Occupation from 1939–1945.
Other Visits & Excursions
- Empty chair memorial: The Memorial located on Ghetto Heroes Square is made up of 33 bronze and iron chairs which symbolise the tragedy of the Polish Jews.
- Jewish District (Kazimierz): The origins of the Jewish influence in the district dates to the 14th century but it wasn’t until the late 19th when the influence really started to take over the neighbourhood. Today the district is one of the city’s most popular tourist spots to experience Bohemian style and culture.
- Church of St. Francis of Assisi: The church dates to the 13th century. Saint Maximillian Kolbe led the first service at the church in 1919 on Poland’s return to sovereignty.
- Wawel Royal Castle: The Castle was ordered to be built by King Casimir III the Great and was built in the 13th and 14th centuries. Today the castle is a UNESCO world heritage site and houses one of the country’s finest art museums.
Experience information
Each group will have its own special interests and curricular needs. That is why every visit can be completely tailored to you. You will find some suggestions below, but you can always call us to discuss more options.
Other variations on numbers and duration available, plus day trips available on request.
