Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour with Hotel Transfer
Step back in time to explore the poignant history of Auschwitz-Birkenau. This guided tour provides profound insights into one of modern history’s darkest chapters, leaving you deeply moved.
Overview
Embark on a profound journey through history with a guided tour of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, a site that stands as a solemn reminder of the atrocities committed during World War II. Located near the town of Oświęcim, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is preserved to honor the victims of the Holocaust and educate future generations about the importance of remembrance and tolerance.
Your experience begins with a convenient transfer from Krakow, accompanied by an English-speaking driver who ensures a smooth and comfortable journey. Upon arrival at Auschwitz I, you’ll be greeted by a licensed guide who will lead you through the camp’s harrowing yet essential history. The infamous gates inscribed with the phrase “Arbeit Macht Frei” mark the start of your visit, setting the tone for an experience that is both humbling and thought-provoking.
Within the preserved grounds of Auschwitz I, you’ll explore original barracks, watchtowers, and the exhibition halls, where artifacts such as suitcases, shoes, and personal belongings serve as stark reminders of the individuals who suffered here. These displays, curated with care and respect, provide a window into the lives of the victims and the unimaginable conditions they endured. Your guide will share stories of survival, resilience, and loss, offering context and insight into the camp’s operation.
After a break, the tour continues to Birkenau (Auschwitz II), the largest extermination camp established by the Nazi regime. The vastness of this site is overwhelming, with remnants of barracks, gas chambers, and the iconic railway tracks that transported millions to their fate. As you walk through this haunting space, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the scale of the atrocities and the impact they had on countless families and communities. The solemn atmosphere of Birkenau provides a moment for reflection and the opportunity to pay your respects to the victims.
Throughout the tour, your expert guide will navigate this sensitive history with professionalism and care, ensuring that each visitor gains a meaningful and respectful understanding of the events that took place here. The narrative is not only one of tragedy but also of resilience, as the stories of survivors remind us of the strength of the human spirit even in the darkest of times.
The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is more than a historical site—it is a call to action to ensure that such horrors are never repeated. By visiting, you join a global effort to remember, educate, and advocate for a world free from hatred and intolerance. This experience, though emotional, is essential for anyone seeking to understand the past and its relevance to the present.
At the end of the tour, you’ll return to Krakow with a renewed perspective and a deep appreciation for the importance of preserving history. This unforgettable journey is not just a tour but an opportunity to reflect on humanity’s capacity for both cruelty and compassion, leaving you profoundly impacted.
Select date, participants and language
Excursion Itinerary
Your driver will collect you from your accommodation or meeting point, and you'll begin your journey in an air-conditioned vehicle.
Duration: 2 Hours.
The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum stands as a solemn tribute to the victims of the Holocaust, preserving the history of one of the darkest chapters of humanity.
Duration: 2.5 Hours.
Explore the main camp with a licensed guide, visiting barracks, exhibits, and original structures while learning about the site's harrowing history.
Duration: 1 Hour.
Walk through the vast grounds of Birkenau, including the ruins of gas chambers, barracks, and the iconic railway tracks.
Relax on the return journey to your hotel or meeting point, reflecting on this deeply moving experience.
For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.
Highlights
- ● Witness the history of Auschwitz-Birkenau with a professional guide.
- ● Explore a UNESCO-protected site filled with poignant exhibits.
- ● Learn the harrowing stories of life inside the Nazi camps.
- ● Pay tribute to the victims of the Holocaust and their legacy.
- ● Enjoy convenient transfers for a seamless journey from Krakow.
What's Included and What's Not?
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (depending on the option selected)
- English-speaking driver
- Professional licensed guide
- Entrance ticket
- Air-conditioned bus
- Lunchbox (if add-on selected at checkout)
Not Included
- Breakfast
Not Suitable For This Activities
- ●People with mobility impairments
Not Allowed This Activities
- ●Alcohol and drugs
- ●Flash photography
- ●Luggage or large bags
- ●Pets
Important Information
What to Bring
Information Before Booking
- ●This is an emotionally impactful experience; be prepared for sensitive content.
- ●Ensure the name on your ID matches your booking to avoid entrance issues.
- ●The museum enforces a strict bag size policy (maximum 30 x 20 x 10 cm).
- ●Pick-up times are approximate and may be adjusted based on museum schedules.
- ●Photos are allowed, but please refrain from using flash photography.
Know Before You Go
- ●The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum requires all participants to provide their full name.
- ●Tickets to the museum are non-refundable; please confirm your plans before booking.
- ●The tour includes significant walking; wear comfortable shoes.
- ●Please note that the Birkenau section may feel colder; dress warmly.
- ●Arrive on time to ensure a smooth experience with your group.
Highlighted reviews from other travelers
Harmonie Oakley - Colombia
05 May
Great value for money with on time pickup and a comfortable ride. Our guide was really knowledgeable and organized everything smoothly. It was a lot of walking, which was a bit tiring, and unfortunately, the Birkenau part happened in the dark because of the season, so that was a bit disappointing. S...
Read More
Stefan Aubrie - Colombia
09 May
The trip was really informative and well paced. Stan, our driver, was fantastic super knowledgeable and communicated clearly throughout the day. It made the whole experience smooth and enjoyable. Would definitely recommend!
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Customer Reviews
All reviews are from verified customers who purchased the activity. Reviews can only be submitted after the activity takes place.
Overall Rating
4.6/5
Based on 14 Reviews
4.6/5
4.6/5
4.6/5
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By Traveler Types
By star rating
05 May
Great value for money with on time pickup and a comfortable ride. Our guide was really knowledgeable and organized everything smoothly. It was a lot of walking, which was a bit tiring, and unfortunately, the Birkenau part happened in the dark because of the season, so that was a bit disappointing. Still, definitely worth doing if you want a meaningful experience.
Helpful? Yes
09 May
The trip was really informative and well paced. Stan, our driver, was fantastic super knowledgeable and communicated clearly throughout the day. It made the whole experience smooth and enjoyable. Would definitely recommend!
Helpful? Yes
11 May
We were picked up right on time, which made the whole day start smoothly. Our guide at Auschwitz was really thoughtful and took the time to explain everything carefully. He stayed with us throughout the visit, including the tour of Birkenau, which added a lot of depth to the experience. The whole trip was perfectly organized. It was an intense and impressive day, something important to see at least once.
Helpful? Yes
15 May
Everything from booking to pickup went super smoothly. Communication was clear, and everyone spoke excellent English, which made the whole experience stress free. Our guide was fantastic not only did he explain what happened in each place, but he also shared personal stories of survivors, which made it all feel much more real. Definitely worth the money. A meaningful and respectful visit.
Helpful? Yes
18 May
We had a great experience from start to finish. The service was really well organized, and our escort to the sites was friendly and informative throughout the day. Everything ran on time, and we felt well taken care of. Definitely recommend this tour if you want a respectful and educational visit.
Helpful? Yes
20 May
Really smooth experience from beginning to end. Our driver sent a message the day before confirming pick up time and location, which made everything super easy and stress free. No issues at all just a well run day with excellent communication. Would definitely recommend.
Helpful? Yes
24 May
The tour was really well-organized and ran smoothly from start to finish. I appreciated how everything was clearly communicated and timed. Personally, I would have preferred doing Birkenau first and then Auschwitz, as I felt like the context at Auschwitz would have hit even harder after seeing Birkenau. That said, the whole experience was very powerful and moving. Highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in understanding this important part of history.
Helpful? Yes
27 May
Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau was an incredibly powerful and moving experience. It’s hard to put into words just how important and emotional this visit was. Our guide was respectful, knowledgeable, and helped us understand the history in a very human way. It’s not an easy visit, but I truly believe it’s something everyone should do at least once. Everything with the tour from pickup to coordination was smooth and well managed. An unforgettable and necessary experience
Helpful? Yes
30 May
I had a small hiccup booking online my card initially didn’t go through, so I wasn’t sure if the reservation worked. But I really appreciated getting a follow up email from the guide confirming everything shortly after. That personal touch gave me peace of mind. The rest of the experience was smooth and well organized. Definitely recommend booking with this team they clearly care about communication and making sure guests are taken care of.
Helpful? Yes
04 June
My partner and I joined the tour in a small minibus, which made the whole experience more personal and less stressful. We were taken to both Auschwitz and Birkenau, and at each location, a local guide led us through with so much knowledge and care. The information was delivered clearly and respectfully, which we really appreciated given the emotional weight of the place. Everything was well organized, and the whole day went smoothly. Would absolutely recommend this if you’re visiting Krakow.
Helpful? Yes
09 June
The tour itself was powerful and extremely informative. Our guide spoke very good English and was clearly very knowledgeable about the history, which really helped bring everything into context. My only small issue was the long wait before the tour started we were picked up quite early and had to wait about an hour and a half before entering. There's not much to do around the museum area while waiting, so that part could be improved. Still, once the tour began, it was incredibly moving and well worth the visit.
Helpful? Yes
11 June
The logistics were mostly smooth the driver contacted us the day before to confirm pickup, which we appreciated. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate, and it rained quite heavily throughout the day. We’d brought lunch and extra clothes in a backpack, but were told that larger bags weren’t allowed inside. We ended up leaving our bag with the driver and forgot to take out our lunch and umbrellas, which made for a very wet and hungry visit. It would have been helpful to get a short safety and logistics briefing before entering the museum, just so we knew what to expect regarding bag sizes and weather preparedness. That said, the site and the guided tour were extremely moving, and the experience is one we won’t forget. Just pack light and be weather aware.
Helpful? Yes
16 June
Really appreciated the warm welcome from the team and our driver was on time and friendly throughout. The guide at Auschwitz was knowledgeable and respectful, covering a lot of difficult history with care. The only downside was the audio system headphones weren’t great for such a large group (around 30 people), and it was hard to hear at times when we were spaced out. Still, a powerful and important visit that was well organized overall. Would definitely recommend, just maybe bring your own headphones if possible.
Helpful? Yes
20 June
Visiting the camps was a deeply emotional and demoralizing experience. It’s hard to put into words how heavy the atmosphere is, but it’s an important reminder of history that everyone should see at least once. The tour was very well organized, and our guide handled the sensitive topics with respect and care. It’s not an easy visit, but a necessary one to truly understand the past.
Helpful? Yes
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