The Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour from Krakow offers a profound educational experience for those seeking to understand the dark history of the Holocaust. Departing from the centrally located Radisson Blu Hotel, the tour provides comfortable transportation and ample time to explore the harrowing sites of Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. Accompanied by an expert English-speaking guide, you will gain invaluable insight into this tragic chapter of human history, leaving them with a deeper appreciation for the significance of these World Heritage sites.

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Key Points

A guided tour from Krakow to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, including roundtrip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
Duration of the tour ranges from 8 to 11 hours, with flexible booking options and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour includes entry tickets to both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, as well as a documentary film during the transportation.
Visitors will explore the Judenrampe, Auschwitz II-Birkenau, and Auschwitz I, with a lunch break in between.
The tour is guided by an English-speaking host and includes an informative guidebook with maps and descriptions of the historical site.

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Tour Overview

This Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour from Krakow is an 8 to 11-hour excursion that allows visitors to explore the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camps.

Priced from $12.89 to $6.44 per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and flexible booking.

Participants will travel by bus/coach to the camps, starting at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Krakow.

The self-guided tour includes visiting the Judenrampe, Auschwitz II-Birkenau, and Auschwitz I, with breaks for a documentary film and lunch.

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Itinerary Details

The tour begins at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Krakow, where participants board a bus or coach for the 75-minute journey to Auschwitz. During the ride, a documentary film about Auschwitz is played. Upon arrival, the self-guided tour commences, starting with the Judenrampe (30 minutes). Next, visitors explore Auschwitz II-Birkenau for 2 hours, followed by a 1.5-hour break for lunch. The final stop is Auschwitz I, which is toured for 2 hours. The day concludes with the return bus/coach journey (75 minutes) back to the Radisson Blu Hotel in Krakow.

| Stop | Duration |

| — | — |

| Judenrampe | 30 minutes |

| Auschwitz II-Birkenau | 2 hours |

| Break/Lunch | 1.5 hours |

| Auschwitz I | 2 hours |

Historical Context

Auschwitz-Birkenau was the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp, established by June 1940. Over 700 political prisoners and Jews were sent there initially.

Birkenau was the site of mass extermination, where approximately 1 million Jews were murdered. Auschwitz I was the first camp for men and women, and it was here that the Zyklon B experiments began.

These camps were part of the Nazis’ systematic genocide of the Jewish people, which led to the deaths of 6 million Jews across Europe.

The Auschwitz-Birkenau tour provides a sobering look at this dark chapter in history.

Tour Inclusions

The tour includes entry tickets to both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, ensuring visitors can explore the full scope of this historic site. The tour also provides round-trip shared transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle from a central meeting point in Krakow. During the journey, a documentary film about Auschwitz is played to provide historical context. An English-speaking tour host is available to assist participants throughout the experience. Plus, an informative guidebook with maps and descriptions is included to enhance the educational aspect of the tour.

| Tour Inclusions | | |

|—————–|——————-|——————|

| Entry Tickets | Transportation | Historical Info |

| Auschwitz I | Round-trip Bus | Documentary Film |

| Auschwitz II- | Air-conditioned | Guidebook |

| Birkenau | Vehicle | |

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Participant Information

Where does the tour start? The meeting point is the entrance to the Radisson Blu Hotel at the Tourist Bus Stop.

Participants need to bring their passport or ID card and wear comfortable shoes. Large bags, luggage, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed.

The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments. Booking requires providing full name and contact details.

The tour provides an informative and immersive experience exploring the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration and extermination camps from Krakow, Poland.

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Departure and Transportation

The tour starts at the entrance to the Radisson Blu Hotel in Krakow, where you will board a comfortable air-conditioned bus or coach for the 75-minute journey to the Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial site.

During the drive, a documentary film about the history of Auschwitz will be shown, providing context and information about the camps.

The round-trip transportation is included in the tour price, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience for visitors.

The round-trip transportation is included in the tour price, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience for visitors.

The tour host will be available to assist participants throughout the journey and provide any necessary guidance.

Auschwitz I: The Main Camp

Upon arriving at the Auschwitz I camp, the self-guided tour begins. Visitors explore the former prison blocks, gas chambers, and crematoriums that were the heart of the Nazi’s extermination efforts.

| Historical Locations | Key Events | Impact |

| — | — | — |

| Auschwitz I | Zyklon B experiments began | Over 1 million murdered |

| Block 11 "Death Block" | Prisoners were tortured, sentenced, and executed | Symbol of Nazi cruelty |

| The gas chambers | Jews and other groups were systematically murdered | Epitome of the Holocaust |

The guides provide a powerful and somber look into the horrors of Auschwitz I, leaving a lasting impact on all who visit.

Auschwitz II-Birkenau: The Extermination Camp

After exploring the main Auschwitz I camp, the self-guided tour continues on to Auschwitz II-Birkenau, the site of mass extermination.

Here, the Nazis constructed massive gas chambers and crematoria to systematically murder approximately one million Jews. Visitors can walk along the infamous train tracks that delivered victims to their deaths.

The remains of the gas chambers and crematoriums serve as somber reminders of the scale and brutality of the Holocaust. The expanse of the camp provides a tangible sense of the immense suffering that occurred within its boundaries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

According to the tour details, you can’t bring your own food and drinks. The tour includes a break/lunch stop, but you’ll need to purchase your own meals and refreshments during the tour.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children Under 12 Years Old?

The tour may not be suitable for children under 12 years old as it covers the somber historical context of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps. Parents should exercise discretion and consider their child’s maturity level before booking.

Do I Need to Purchase Additional Tickets at Auschwitz-Birkenau?

No, additional tickets don’t need to be purchased at Auschwitz-Birkenau. The tour includes the necessary entry tickets for both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, as well as round-trip transportation from the meeting point in Krakow.

Can I Extend My Stay at Auschwitz-Birkenau After the Tour Ends?

No, visitors can’t extend their stay at Auschwitz-Birkenau after the tour ends. The tour includes a set itinerary and duration, and doesn’t allow for additional time at the site beyond what’s scheduled.

Are Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

Yes, the tour offers discounts for seniors and students. Seniors can save up to 50% on the tour price, while students receive a discounted rate too. Interested parties should inquire about these savings when booking the tour.

The Sum Up

The Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour from Krakow provides an impactful and educational experience. Participants will visit the infamous concentration camp sites, learn about the history, and have time for personal reflection. With comfortable transportation, insightful guides, and all-inclusive features, this tour offers a profound opportunity to understand the horrors of the Holocaust and honor the lives lost.