Exploring Krakow’s past is a captivating journey that blends history and natural beauty. The Vistula Cruise and Plaszow Concentration Camp Tour offers a unique opportunity to experience this duality. Gliding along the Vistula River, you’ll witness Krakow’s iconic landmarks from a refreshing vantage point. But the tour’s true power lies in the sobering exploration of Plaszow, where the weight of the past still lingers. As you walk the grounds, the stories of those who suffered here will resonate, providing a deeper understanding of the city’s complex legacy.
Key Points

- This tour combines a scenic cruise on the Vistula River with a guided walking tour of the former Plaszow Concentration Camp in Krakow.
- The tour is priced from $51.82 per person and lasts 2.5 hours, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- The cruise offers panoramic views of Krakow’s landmarks, with insights from an audio guide, while the walking tour explores the grim history of Plaszow.
- The tour provides an immersive experience, contrasting Krakow’s rich heritage with the somber history of the concentration camp.
- The tour includes a catamaran cruise, audio guide, guided walking tour, tram ticket, and return transportation, but excludes hotel accommodations, meals, gratuities, and personal expenses.
Tour Overview

The Krakow’s Vistula Cruise & Plaszow Concentration Camp Tour offers an immersive experience that combines a scenic river cruise along the Vistula River with a poignant exploration of the Plaszow Concentration Camp site.
The Krakow’s Vistula Cruise & Plaszow Concentration Camp Tour offers an immersive experience of a scenic river cruise and camp exploration.
Priced from $51.82 per person and lasting 2.5 hours, the tour is conducted in English with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Highlights include panoramic views from the boat’s open or heated deck, a guided walking tour of the former Plaszow camp, and learning about Krakow’s history and the Shoah from a knowledgeable guide.
Convenient transportation and hotel pickup/drop-off are included.
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Key Tour Highlights
Cruising along the Vistula River, the tour offers panoramic views of Krakow’s iconic landmarks, including the majestic Wawel Hill, the city’s royal castle, and its striking cathedral.
The highlights of this immersive experience include:
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A guided walking tour of the former Krakow-Płaszow concentration camp, featured in the acclaimed film "Schindler’s List," where visitors learn about the site’s harrowing history.
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Insights into Krakow’s past, the Krakow Ghetto, and the Shoah, provided by a knowledgeable guide.
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An audio-guided river cruise with comfortable leather seating, allowing guests to fully appreciate the city’s beauty.
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The opportunity to witness the powerful contrast between Krakow’s rich heritage and the somber history of the Plaszow Concentration Camp.
Cruise Itinerary

As guests board the modern catamaran at the Inflancki Boulevard along the Vistula River, a leisurely cruise commences, offering unparalleled panoramic views of Krakow’s iconic landmarks.
From the open or heated deck, travelers can admire Wawel Hill, the royal castle, and the majestic cathedral. An audio guide provides insightful commentary, immersing guests in the city’s rich history.
The cruise’s comfortable leather sofas and panoramic vistas create an enchanting atmosphere, allowing travelers to fully appreciate Krakow’s architectural splendor from the serene waters of the Vistula.
Comfortable leather sofas and panoramic vistas create an enchanting atmosphere for appreciating Krakow’s architectural splendor from the serene Vistula.
This scenic journey sets the stage for the next part of the tour – the sobering visit to the Plaszow Concentration Camp.
Walking Tour of Plaszow Concentration Camp
What happens next as the tour transitions to the Plaszow Concentration Camp? Guests disembark the cruise and meet their guide for a walking tour of the former concentration camp site.
The guide leads them through the haunting grounds, sharing stories of deportation and camp life under Nazi rule. Visitors learn about:
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The camp’s grim history as a forced labor camp and mass grave for thousands of victims.
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The daily struggles and atrocities endured by prisoners, including those featured in the film "Schindler’s List."
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The lasting impact on Krakow’s Jewish community and the Shoah.
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Efforts to preserve the site’s memory and honor those who perished.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour package includes a one-way catamaran cruise along the Vistula River, complete with an audio guide to bring the scenic views to life. Plus, guests will enjoy a guided walking tour of the former Krakow-Płaszow concentration camp, where they’ll learn about the site’s history and the Shoah from a knowledgeable guide. The tour also includes a tram ticket and return transportation at the end.
| Included | Excluded |
|———-|———-|
| Catamaran Cruise | Hotel Accommodations |
| Audio Guide | Meals |
| Walking Tour | Gratuities |
| Tram Ticket | Personal Expenses |
| Return Transportation | – |
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Meeting Point and Logistics
Visitors will find the meeting point for the Krakow’s Vistula Cruise & Plaszow Concentration Camp Tour on the Inflancki Boulevard, at the bank of the Vistula River, near the water tram stop "Paulińska."
There, they’ll spot a guide holding a Cracow Boat sign and should wait for the boat named Cracowboat.
The tour logistics include:
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Children under 4 years old are free but must sit on an adult’s lap during the river cruise.
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A tram ticket, worth approximately 4 PLN, is included in the tour.
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Return transportation is provided at the end of the tour.
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Guests are advised to arrive promptly, as the boat won’t wait for late arrivals.
Making Your Booking
How does one go about making a booking for the Krakow’s Vistula Cruise & Plaszow Concentration Camp Tour? The process couldn’t be simpler.
Customers can reserve their spot instantly and pay later. The tour costs $51.82 per person and lasts 2.5 hours, with the option to cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.
Booking includes a scenic river cruise, guided walking tour of Plaszow Concentration Camp, transportation, and more. With free cancellation and pay later options, it’s easy to secure one’s place on this immersive Krakow experience.
Simply visit the tour page, select desired date and time, and complete the booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Concentration Camp Tour Emotionally Difficult to Attend?
The concentration camp tour can be an emotionally challenging experience. Visitors may feel somber reflection on the atrocities that occurred there. However, the guided tour provides important historical context and an opportunity to honor the victims.
Can I Take Photographs During the Concentration Camp Tour?
Taking photographs during the concentration camp tour is generally not allowed out of respect for the site’s somber history. Visitors are encouraged to observe quietly, listen to the guide, and reflect on the experiences shared about this dark chapter.
Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment for the Cruise or Tour?
For the cruise, visitors don’t need any special equipment beyond their camera or smartphone. However, warm layers may be helpful to stay comfortable on the open-air deck. The walking tour of the concentration camp doesn’t require any specialized gear.
Is the Tour Suitable for People With Limited Mobility?
The tour may not be suitable for those with limited mobility. The cruise involves boarding a boat, and the walking tour of the concentration camp site has uneven terrain. Individuals should assess their abilities before booking.
What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Reschedule My Tour?
The tour has a flexible cancellation policy – you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This makes it easy to reschedule if your plans change.
The Sum Up
Set out on a captivating journey through Krakow’s history. The Vistula Cruise offers stunning city views, while the Plaszow Concentration Camp tour provides a poignant glimpse into the past. This thought-provoking experience blends the beauty and tragedy of the city, leaving a lasting impression on all who partake in this insightful and enlightening excursion.
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