Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine Full Day Tour

This full-day tour takes visitors on a profound journey through Poland’s history. Exploring the somber Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial and the captivating Wieliczka Salt Mine, the tour provides a unique opportunity to gain deep insights into the country’s past. Led by knowledgeable experts, the experience promises an informative and meaningful day. With comfortable transportation and small group sizes, this tour offers an immersive look at two of Poland’s most significant landmarks.

Key Points

• This full-day tour provides in-depth guided visits to both the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum and the Wieliczka Salt Mine.
• The tour includes roundtrip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and entry tickets to both sites.
• The group size is capped at 30 travelers, and the tour is led by professional, licensed English-speaking guides.
• Visitors should wear warm clothing and comfortable shoes as the tour involves significant walking and underground temperatures.
• The tour has received mixed reviews, with some praise for the guides but criticism regarding coordination and communication issues.

Tour Overview and Highlights

Though a full-day experience, this tour provides travelers the opportunity to explore two significant Polish landmarks – the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, and the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

Guided tours at both sites offer in-depth historical insights. Entry tickets are included, ensuring seamless access. The tour covers Auschwitz I, Auschwitz II (Birkenau), and the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

Professional, licensed English-speaking guides accompany visitors throughout the day. An air-conditioned vehicle transports the group, with a maximum size of 30 travelers.

This comprehensive tour allows visitors to experience two of Poland’s most iconic attractions in a single day.

Logistics and Meeting Information

The tour meeting point is Przystanek Turystyczny Kiss&Ride, located at Wielopole 2 in Kraków.

From here, an air-conditioned vehicle will transport guests to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, as well as the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

The tour ends back at the original meeting point.

The group size is capped at 30 travelers, and confirmation is provided upon booking.

Key logistics include:

• Air-conditioned vehicle transportation
• Maximum group size of 30 travelers
• Confirmation received at time of booking

Tour Requirements and Recommendations

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s located near public transportation.

Infant seats are available, though the tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems.

Warm clothing is advised, as the underground temperatures range between 14°-16°C.

Comfortable shoes are required, as there are 800 steps to climb and 350 initial steps down into the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

Luggage is limited to 30 x 20 x 10 cm at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum.

Full name and contact details are required for the Auschwitz-Birkenau booking.

Tour Experience and Feedback

Reviews of the tour experience have been mixed, with some positive remarks on the guides and informative nature of the tours, but also criticism regarding timing, waiting periods, and lack of clarity in organization and communication.

Travelers have commented on:

• The informative and knowledgeable guides who provided valuable historical insights

• Frustration with unclear coordination and communication from the tour operator

• Long waiting periods and rushed experiences at the sites due to timing issues

Cancellation and Pricing Information

The tour is priced from $112.28 per person. Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Plus, there is a reserve now and pay later option available.

Pricing and Cancellation
Price	From $112.28 per person
Cancellation Policy	Free cancellation up to 24 hours before experience starts
Payment Options	Reserve now and pay later
Tour Duration	Approximately 11-12 hours, including travel and site visits

The tour provides a comprehensive full-day exploration of two significant Polish landmarks, Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum and Wieliczka Salt Mine, with all entry tickets included.

Exploring Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

Though the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is a somber and emotionally-charged destination, the guided experience provides in-depth historical insights into one of the most tragic events of the 20th century.

Visitors can expect to:

• Explore the Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II (Birkenau) sites, learning about the horrific conditions and atrocities that occurred within the camp walls.

• Gain a deeper understanding of the Holocaust through artifacts, personal belongings, and historical accounts.

• Reflect on the profound impact and lasting legacy of this dark chapter in human history.

The informative guided tours aim to educate and honor the memory of those who perished at Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Discovering the Wieliczka Salt Mine

Complementing the somber exploration of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the tour also takes visitors to the captivating Wieliczka Salt Mine.

This unique underground world features a labyrinth of tunnels, chapels, and chambers carved entirely from salt. Descending 135 meters below the surface, guests marvel at the stunning salt sculptures, chandeliers, and even a salt-carved altar.

The highlight is the jaw-dropping St. Kinga’s Chapel, a grand cathedral-like space adorned with intricate salt carvings.

After wandering the mine’s saline wonders, travelers return to the surface, completing a full-day immersion in Poland’s most iconic historical sites.

Combining the Two Landmarks in One Day

By combining the somber exploration of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum with the captivating underground wonders of the Wieliczka Salt Mine, this full-day tour provides an immersive experience showcasing Poland’s most iconic historical and cultural landmarks.

Over the course of approximately 11-12 hours, travelers will:

• Explore the history and horrors of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp through guided tours and exhibitions.

• Descend 350 steps underground to marvel at the intricate salt carvings, chapels, and saline lakes of the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

• Travel between the sites in an air-conditioned vehicle, with all entry tickets and professional English-speaking guides included.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Take Photographs at Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial?

Visitors can take photographs at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, but there are some restrictions. Cameras and photography are allowed in most areas, but flash photography is prohibited out of respect for the solemn nature of the site.

Are Audio Guides Available at the Wieliczka Salt Mine?

Audio guides are available at the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Visitors can rent audio guides to enhance their self-guided tour and learn more about the historical and geological significance of this unique underground attraction.

Is Food and Drink Provided During the Tour?

No, food and drink are not provided during the tour. Travelers are responsible for bringing their own refreshments. There are restaurants and cafes available at the sites for purchasing food and beverages.

What Should We Do if We Get Separated From the Group?

If separated from the group, they should try to contact their guide immediately. They should also look for signs or staff who can assist in reuniting them with the group as soon as possible.

Can We Leave the Tour at Auschwitz and Visit Wieliczka Later?

It’s not recommended to leave the tour at Auschwitz. The tour package includes entry tickets and transportation to both sites. Leaving the group would require arranging separate transportation to Wieliczka Salt Mine, which may incur additional costs.

The Sum Up

The Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine Full Day Tour offers a profound and informative experience. Visitors can explore two significant historical sites in Poland, guided by expert professionals. The tour includes entry tickets, transportation, and a small group size, ensuring a meaningful and memorable day. It provides an opportunity to gain in-depth insights into the somber history of Auschwitz and the fascinating underground world of the Wieliczka Salt Mine.