Krakow city break: history & culture
The small Polish city of Krakow is one of Europe's jewels. If you are yearning for an authentic city break complete with history, charming atmosphere, and exquisite culture, book this five-day tour.
Over the course of five days, you will delve into the heart of Krakow as well as explore its sensational natural surroundings. Spend some time soaking up the ambiance of Krakow's legendary Old Town, Jewish Quarter, and the Royal Wawel Castle situated on a hill overlooking a serene river. You will visit museums and monuments including the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp Memorial, as well as natural wonders like the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Embark on a journey to one of Poland's most magnificent cities and encounter a rich culture and an unrivaled history.
Services
Included:
- 4x nights accommodation
- 4x breakfast, 1x lunch, 1x dinner
- Private transfers by air-conditioned car with private English-speaking driver
- Pick-up and drop-off directly at your hotel
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure days
- Free Wifi onboard
- Guided group tours with local English-speaking guide in Auschwitz-Birkenau and Salt Mine
- Private licensed English-speaking guide for Krakow Old Town tour and Krakow Outskirts Tour
- Private licensed English-speaking guide for World War II Tour including Schindler’s Factory & Jewish Quarters visit.
- Dunajec River Gorge Cruise on a traditional wooden raft
- Entry to classical music concert
- Medieval Benedictine Abbey in Tyniec wall exploration and listening to the monks’ stories
- All entrance fees and tickets
Excluded:
- Airfare
- All other meals
Optional:
- Vistula River Cruise (ca. 20 USD per person)
- Krakow Rynek Underground Museum Tour (from 25 USD per person)
- Food Tour (from 35 USD per person)
- Dinner & Folk Show Music Evening at the traditional restaurant (from 20 USD per person)
Itinerary at a Glance
Krakow
Welcome to One of Europe's Most Charming Cities
Krakow
Explore Krakow's Atmospheric Jewish Quarter
Auschwitz - Wieliczka
Honor Holocaust Victims and Explore an Underground Salt Mine
Zakopane - Szczawnica
Rafting in Krakow's Spectacular Natural Surroundings
Tyniec
Visit a Memorial to Poland's National Hero and a Benedictine Monastery
Detailed Itinerary
Krakow
Day 1: Welcome to One of Europe's Most Charming Cities
Upon arrival in Krakow, your private driver will meet you at the airport and accompany you to your hotel.
After check-in, join a guided afternoon walking tour around the beautiful Old Town of Krakow. As you pass through St. Florian's Gate, a medieval city landmark, you will head straight into the heart of Krakow's atmospheric Old Town.
During your two-hour stroll around this charming city, you will wander past renaissance palaces and baroque churches. Spend some time in Market Square, home to the renowned Cloth Hall and St Mary’s Church. Make sure you listen out for the church's trumpet-call, which sounds every hour!
Continuing on, you will stroll along cobbled streets lined with medieval townhouses to Wawel Hill, home to the Royal Castle. Your expert guide will offer interesting information about Krakow, as well as recommend restaurants and shops to visit during your stay.
Krakow
Day 2: Explore Krakow's Atmospheric Jewish Quarter
Today you will delve into the history of Krakow, exploring the city's Jewish quarter.
Take some time soaking up the authentic atmosphere of the quarter, which is home to museums, synagogues, and picturesque squares - as well as delightful restaurants and cafes.
You will have the chance to visit Oskar Schindler’s Factory and learn about what life was like in Nazi-occupied Krakow.
In the evening you are invited to attend a one-hour concert of music by Chopin at an exquisite Krakow palace.
Auschwitz - Wieliczka
Day 3: Honor Holocaust Victims and Explore an Underground Salt Mine
Today you will journey to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial to remember the victims of the Holocaust. It was the largest of the Nazi German concentration camps, an estimated 1.3 million people were sent to Auschwitz and at least 1.1 million people died here.
Later, you will visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine, situated just outside Krakow. Here, you can explore a series of underground salt chambers, corridors, and spacious chapels. A local guide will lead you along this labyrinth of astonishing passages, where you can admire sculptures carved by miners who have worked here since the 13th century.
Zakopane - Szczawnica
Day 4: Rafting in Krakow's Spectacular Natural Surroundings
Today is all about adventure. You will spend an exciting day in Zakopane - Poland's most celebrated mountain resort. Located at the foot of the Tatra mountains, this spectacular region is home to the extraordinary Dunajec River Gorge where rushing river waters careen through limestone mountains creating incredible rock formations.
The Pieniny National Park is a beautiful natural area untouched by civilization. Here, you will embark on a relaxing two-hour rafting excursion on a traditional, wooden raft.
En route you will visit one of Poland's most renowned landmarks - St. Michael Archangel's Church in the charming village of Debno.
Tyniec
Day 5: Visit a Memorial to Poland's National Hero and a Benedictine Monastery
On the final day of your five-day Krakow tour, you will visit the famous Kosciuszko Mound, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding region, including the ruins of a historic fortress.
This significant historical site was constructed in memory of Poland’s national hero - Tadeusz Kosciuszko. You can learn about the beloved military leader during a visit to a museum devoted to his life and work.
Your day also includes a visit to the Benedictine Abbey in Tyniec, which is located on a hill overlooking the Vistula River. At the historic abbey, you can hear the monk's stories about life in the monastery, which goes back to the 11th century.
At the end of this memorable day, you will be transferred to the airport in time to board your onward flight. We hope you have enjoyed your tour of Krakow.
