Auschwitz Tour 7h tour from Krakow

£ 59
per person

  • 7 h tour, door-to-door transport from Krakow in comfortable VW minivans
  • 8-passenger van transport
  • All fees & tickets included in price
  • Auschwitz & Birkenau camps visit
  • 3.5 h guided tour in English
  • Book in advance! Tickets are likely to be sold out 2-3 weeks before the tour date.
  • Book in advance! Tickets are likely to be sold out 2-3 weeks before the tour date
  • 7 h tour from Krakow to Auschwitz-Birkenau
    Please note that all times are approximate and depend on traffic. On several dates the site is closed - this information will be available upon booking.
  • 7.30 - 8.00 Hotel pick-up
    Our experienced driver picks you up from your centrally located Krakow hotel/apartment. Shared transportation in a comfortable A/C minivan (up to 8 passengers). Exact pick-up time will be given after reservation is confirmed.
  • 8.00 - 9.30 Transport from Krakow to Auschwitz
    We drive from Krakow to Oswiecim town (1.5 h travel time), where Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum is located.
  • 9.30 - 9.45 Coffee break
    15 min break to grab a cup of coffee, snack or to go to the bathroom.
  • 9.45  - 11.30 Auschwitz camp visit
    Guided tour of Auschwitz concentration camp in English with a licensed museum guide. Headsets to hear the guide clearly are provided. All fees included in price. Please note, to enter the Museum premises you need to show your valid passport or ID card.
  • 11.30 - 11.45 Transport from Auschwitz to Birkenau
    We take you to the second part of the sightseeing tour to Birkenau camp grounds.
  • 11.45 - 13.00 Birkenau camp visit
    Guided tour of Birkenau concentration camp in English. All fees included in price. Please note that due to our schedules, after the end of the tour with guide in Birkenau, you should come to the car promptly, as you driver cannot wait for you more than 10 minutes.
  • 13.00 - 14.30 Transport from Birkenau to Krakow
    Return transportation from Birkenau to Krakow (1.5 h travel time).
  • 14.30 - 15.00 Hotel drop-off
    Our driver drops you off at your hotel.

Book in advance! Tickets are likely to be sold out 2-3 weeks before the tour date. 

Auschwitz - Birkenau was the largest concentration camp established by the Nazi regime in June 1940 to carry the extermination of 1.1 million European Jews but also 140,000 Poles, 23,000 Gypsies, 15,000 Soviet prisoners of war and 25,000 prisoners of other nationalities, mostly Czech, Belarusian, German, French, Russian, Yugoslavian, Ukrainian and many others from the countries of Nazi-occupied Europe. It consisted of three main camps: Auschwitz I, Auschwitz II - Birkenau (the largest center for the extermination of Jews and the largest Nazi German concentration camp) and Auschwitz III (Monowitz). After WW2 the Polish government restored Auschwitz and turned it into a museum. It was also included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979. What makes this an exceptional place is the fact that it was the largest extermination center, and is the only camp to be preserved to such an extent in its original condition. The museum consists of the grounds containing human ashes, ruins of gas chambers and crematoria, the places where Nazi doctors carried out selection, the roads leading to the gas chambers, the places where Jewish families awaited death and execution sites. The most moving evidence of crimes are almost two tons of victim's hair.

    • On this tour you will be able to see:
    • The famous main gate with the inscription "Arbeit macht frei", where thousands of prisoners walked through on their way to hard labour.
    • Living and sanitary-hygienic conditions of the prisoners
    • Personal belongings seized from murdered Jews (glasses, Jewish prayer shawls, pans, bowls, suitcases, shoes, shaving brushes)
    • Enlarged camp mugshots and victims' hair. All the women and all the man shown in these photographs were killed in the camp.
    • The roll call square with a booth where the SS man in charge of roll call could supervise the proceedings during bad weather.
    • The collective gallows. As a way of intimidating the prisoners, the death penalty by hanging was carried out during roll call.
    • Death Block and Death Wall, where people were shot as a method of execution. The SS shot more than 5,000 people sentenced to death by German summary courts.
    • Crematorium 1 and the first gas chamber. Auschwitz was the only extermination camp where the corpses of murdered Jews were cremated on such a mass scale in modern complexes of crematorium furnaces. After the unburned bones were ground up, the ashes were loaded on trucks and dumped in the Vistula river.
    • The main entrance to Auschwitz II Birkenau (The Gate of Death). Prisoners' barracks, watchtowers and fence system.
    • The unloading platform (the so called 'Judenrampe' was the destination for trains carrying Jews to Auschwitz). The wagon placed at the ramp is a reminder of the conditions in which people were brought to the camp and  the symbol of the Holocaust.
    • What our Clients say:
    • "A very well managed tour with an expert guide at Auschwitz and Birkenau. This was a trip I had long promised myself and was so pleased to see that the people I depended on to organise it for me were so expert."     John Owens
    • "Pick up from our hotel was bang on time. Driver was friendly, bus was comfortable. The tour was outstanding !! Tour guide who took us round both concentration camps was full of interesting facts and was able to answer all questions. The head sets ensured that everything said was heard also. Would definitely rebook."     Graham Bell
    • "Easy to book, perfectly on time with clean comfortable vehicles. Used for airport transfers and their trip to Auschwitz. Definitely recommended."     Rachel Walsh

     

    • What is your cancellation policy?
      Entrance tickets to Auschwitz - Birkenau Museum and Wieliczka Salt Mine are personal tickets without option for cost free change or cancellation. Due to the museums' policy we also do not offer free cancellation or any change in the confirmed reservation. All of the cancellations and changes are subject to 100% (of the total tour price) cancellation fee. If the museums or state borders lockdown occurs, the customer would be offered full payment refund, however AT will deduct 20% handling fee from the refund.
    • Pick-up points in Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter) restricted traffic zone.
      The map     shows the restricted traffic area, due to major roadworks and road closures to be carried out in 2019. Guests staying in hotels/apartments located in the zone are kindly requested to use one of 4 arranged pick-up points. Exact pick-up point and time will be sent in confirmation e-mail.
    • How do I pay for the tour?
      You pay all up-front, or locally to our driver.
    • Do i need any special documents to enter the Auschwitz Museum?
      To enter the Museum premises you need to show your valid passport or ID card.
    • What is the pick-up time?
      We confirm your exact pick up time just after we confirm you reservation. It is between 8.20 am and 9.00 am from centrally located Krakow hotels/apartments.
    • Can I take this tour in other languages?
      Yes, French, Italian, German, Spanish are available on request.
    • How many people will there be in the van and on the guided tour of Auschwitz?
      To guarantee you a comfortable journey, we use max. 8 passenger vehicles - VW Caravelle, VW Transporter (shared transportation). If you are the only clients that day, we may sometimes use a 4 passenger minivan. The group  visiting  the  Museum may consist of up to 30 visitors. In the period between 1 April and 31 October from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. the entry on the grounds of the former Auschwitz I camp is permitted only with the Entry Pass for Guided Tours (literally it means, that each guest has to purchase a ticket for the official tour organized by the Museum and we include these tickets in the price).
    • Can children visit Auschwitz?
      Although it is the parents' decision, it is not advised for children under the age of 12 to visit the camps. Prams and strollers are not allowed.
    • Can I bring my bag inside Auschwitz Museum?
      The max. size of handbags brought into the museum is 30x20x10cm.
    • Can I take pictures on site?
      Yes, taking photos for your own purposes is free of charge.



    PEOPLE1-6
    7-8*
    PRICE PER PERSON£ 59
    300 zł

    £ 54
    275 zł

    *private transport for the group

     

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    Auschwitz Main Camp before WW2

    Before the war, Auschwitz I, also known as Auschwitz Main Camp, was initially established as a Polish military barracks. It was built in the late 19th century on the outskirts of Oswiecim (Auschwitz), Poland, as part of the Habsburg Empire's fortifications. The purpose of the barracks was to house troops and serve as a garrison.

    Auschwitz I comprised a cluster of brick buildings surrounded by a high wall. The complex included administrative offices, living quarters for the troops, storage facilities, and other military infrastructure. The original purpose of the camp was purely military, and it had no connection to the atrocities that would later occur there during World War II.

    However, after the German occupation of Poland in 1939, the Nazis transformed Auschwitz I into a concentration camp. It became the administrative centre and base for the Auschwitz complex, including several sub-camps. 

    Before the war, Auschwitz I, also known as Auschwitz Main Camp, was initially established as a Polish military barracks. It was built in the late 19th century on the outskirts of Oswiecim (Auschwitz), Poland, as part of the Habsburg Empire's fortifications. The purpose of the barracks was to house troops and serve as a garrison.
    Auschwitz I comprised a cluster of brick buildings surrounded by a high wall. The complex included administrative offices, living quarters for the troops, storage facilities, and other military infrastructure. The original purpose of the camp was purely military, and it had no connection to the atrocities that would later occur there during World War II.
    However, after the German occupation of Poland in 1939, the Nazis transformed Auschwitz I into a concentration camp. It became the administrative centre and base for the Auschwitz complex, including several sub-ca
    Facts About Saint Maximilian Kolbe
    Maximilian Kolbe was a Polish Catholic priest and Franciscan friar. He gained international recognition for his selfless sacrifice during World War II. When a fellow prisoner at Auschwitz concentration camp was chosen to be executed, Kolbe volunteered to take his place, ultimately giving his life to another man. His actions exemplified courage, compassion, and the highest ideals of humanity.
    • St. Maximilian Kolbe was a Catholic priest born in 1894.
    • During WWII, he welcomed thousands of immigrants, in particular Jews, in his hometown Niepokalanów.
    • He was detained and sent to the death camp of Auschwitz in 1941 by the Nazis.
    • He gave his life in a starvation bunker for another inmate and was sentenced to a slow death.
    • He was killed with a carbolic acid injection on August 14, 1941.
    • In 1982, Pope John Paul II canonised him as a Saint of Charity.
    • St.Maximilian is known to be the patron of journalists, communities, inmates, pro-life activists and chemically dependent.
    Did you realize that?

    KL Auschwitz was located outside the small town of Oswiecim in southern Poland. That largest and deadliest camp in the Nazi concentration and death camp system consisted of three major camps and 45 smaller sub-camps. In total, 1.1 million of the 1.3 million people deported to Auschwitz are believed to have died. On January 27, 1945, the Auschwitz complex was liberated by the Soviet Army.

    • The first surroundings where the camp was built were formerly Polish military barracks.
    • The first inmates were mainly Germans who had been relocated from Sachsenhausen and Polish political prisoners who had been transported from Dachau.
    • For prisoners who lived in the Auschwitz camps, a tattoo scheme was introduced.
      Other camps, on the other hand, often only required the number on the prisoner's uniform.
    • In Birkenau, nine out of every ten people killed were Jews.
    • Prussic acid, also known as "Zyklon B," was used in the gas chambers.
      This gas was widely known in orchards as a pesticide.
    Symbols on Jewish gravestones

    While visiting Jewish cemeteries by yourselves or on our Schindler's List tour of Krakow, please look at the signs carved on tombs. 

    Jewish gravestones often contain various symbols and inscriptions with deep religious and cultural significance. These symbols reflect Jewish beliefs, traditions, and themes associated with mourning and remembrance. Here are explanations of some common symbols found on Jewish gravestones:
    Star of David: The Star of David, also known as the Magen David, is a six-pointed star formed by two overlapping triangles. It is one of the most recognizable symbols of Judaism and represents the Jewish identity and connection to God.
    Menorah: The menorah is a seven-branched candelabrum that symbolizes the Temple of Jerusalem and the eternal light. It represents the spiritual and intellectual enlightenment in Judaism.
    Hands: One or two hands forming the shape of the priestly blessing are often depicted on Jewish gravestones. This symbol represents the blessing bestowed by the descendants of Aaron, the High Priest, upon the Jewish people.
    Candle: A lit candle or a pair of candles is a common symbol in Jewish gravestones. It represents the eternal flame and reminds us of the soul's eternal presence.
    Hebrew Inscriptions: Hebrew inscriptions on gravestones often include the name of the deceased, their Hebrew name (traditionally used for religious purposes), and the date of their passing. These inscriptions may include prayers, biblical verses, or epitaphs reflecting the family's sentiments and beliefs.
    Broken or Rounded Letters: In Hebrew inscriptions, certain letters may be intentionally modified, broken, or rounded to symbolize the notion of incompleteness and mourning. This practice acknowledges that the deceased's life was cut short and serves as a visual representation of grief.
    Acronyms or Abbreviations: Jewish gravestones may feature acronyms or abbreviations that reflect a person's achievements, affiliations, or religious dedication during their lifetime. For example, "צדיק וקדוש" (Tzadik Vekadosh) denotes a person of great righteousness and holiness.

    Jewish gravestones often contain various symbols and inscriptions with deep religious and cultural significance. These symbols reflect Jewish beliefs, traditions, and themes associated with mourning and remembrance. Here are explanations of some common symbols found on Jewish gravestones:

    1. Star of David: The Star of David, also known as the Magen David, is a six-pointed star formed by two overlapping triangles. It is one of the most recognizable symbols of Judaism and represents the Jewish identity and connection to God.

    2. Menorah: The menorah is a seven-branched candelabrum that symbolizes the Temple of Jerusalem and the eternal light. It represents the spiritual and intellectual enlightenment in Judaism.

    3. Hands: One or two hands forming the shape of the priestly blessing are often depicted on Jewish gravestones. This symbol represents the blessing bestowed by the descendants of Aaron, the High Priest, upon the Jewish people.

    4. Candle: A lit candle or a pair of candles is a common symbol in Jewish gravestones. It represents the eternal flame and reminds us of the soul's eternal presence.

    5. Hebrew Inscriptions: Hebrew inscriptions on gravestones often include the name of the deceased, their Hebrew name (traditionally used for religious purposes), and the date of their passing. These inscriptions may include prayers, biblical verses, or epitaphs reflecting the family's sentiments and beliefs.

    6. Broken or Rounded Letters: In Hebrew inscriptions, certain letters may be intentionally modified, broken, or rounded to symbolize the notion of incompleteness and mourning. This practice acknowledges that the deceased's life was cut short and serves as a visual representation of grief.

      Auschwitz-Birkenau Timeline
      • 1939 - 1 Sep, Nazi Germany invades Poland
      • 1940 - Oswiecim chosen as the location of the Nazi's new concentration camp
      • 1940 - First transportation of German Jews into Nazi-occupied Poland
      • 1941 - Himmler makes first visit to Auschwitz and orders its enlargement
      • 1941 - First gas chamber goes into operation
      • 1941 - Hitler reported to have ordered 'Final Solution'
      • 1942 - First section of Birkenau camp finished
      • 1942 - Beginning of mass deportations to Auschwitz
      • 1943 - Four gas chambers completed for the purpose of mass murder
      • 1944 - As the Soviet Army closes on Auschwitz, the SS begin destroying all evidence and documentation of the camp
      • 1945 - 18 Jan, 56,000 people evacuated on 'Death March'
      • 1945 - 27 Jan, Soviet soldiers free the few remaining prisoners at Auschwitz
      • 1945 - 7 May, Nazi Germany surrenders to the Allies