One Day Guided Tour: Auschwitz Birkenau + Wieliczka Salt Mine

The one-day guided tour to Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine offers a profound and immersive experience for those interested in exploring two of Poland’s most significant historical sites. With air-conditioned transportation, knowledgeable guides, and all necessary admission tickets included, this tour provides a seamless and convenient way to explore the complex histories of these remarkable locations. While the tour may not suit all fitness levels, the opportunity to learn about the past and witness these awe-inspiring sites firsthand is one that many find deeply meaningful. But what exactly can participants expect to discover on this thought-provoking journey?

Good To Know

• This tour combines visits to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp and the Wieliczka Salt Mine in a single day.
• The tour provides admission tickets, air-conditioned transportation, and all necessary fees, with a maximum group size of 30 travelers.
• The tour is conducted in English, and participants are advised to wear warm clothing for the Salt Mine portion.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps during the tour.
• The tour requires compliance with bag size restrictions at Auschwitz-Birkenau and moderate fitness for the 800 steps at the Salt Mine.

Tour Overview

The one-day guided tour combines visits to the Auschwitz Birkenau concentration camp and the historic Wieliczka Salt Mine, both located near the city of Krakow, Poland.

Included in the tour are admission tickets to both sites, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and all taxes and fees. The maximum group size is 30 travelers, and the tour is conducted in English.

Visitors should note that the Salt Mine requires walking 800 steps, with 380 at the start, and that the temperature inside is approximately 57°F (14°C), so warm clothing is recommended.

Plus, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

Meeting and Pickup

The meeting point for this tour is Pawia 18b, 31-154 Krakow, Poland, near the Mercure hotel, the Kiss and Ride, and a BUS STOP.

This is where travelers will meet their guide and begin the tour. At the end of the day, the tour returns to the same meeting point.

The meeting point is easily accessible, situated near public transportation and other landmarks.

Travelers should plan to arrive on time as the tour departs promptly.

With a maximum group size of 30, the tour offers a personalized experience as participants explore Auschwitz Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

Tour Details and Requirements

This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s situated near public transportation for easy access.

Infants must sit on laps during the tour. Within the Wieliczka Salt Mine, the temperature is approximately 57°F (14°C), so visitors should wear warm clothes and comfortable shoes.

The Salt Mine includes 800 steps, with 380 at the start, so a moderate level of fitness is required.

At the Auschwitz site, the maximum dimensions for bags are 30x20x10 cm.

Accessibility and Transportation

Accessibility and transportation are important considerations for this tour. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s located near public transportation.

Infants are allowed to sit on laps during the tour. The temperature at the Wieliczka Salt Mine is around 57°F (14°C), so visitors are advised to wear warm clothes and comfortable shoes.

The Salt Mine involves climbing 800 steps, with 380 steps at the start. Plus, the maximum dimensions for bags allowed at Auschwitz are 30x20x10 cm.

Temperature and Attire

Visitors to the Wieliczka Salt Mine can expect a cool, constant temperature of approximately 57°F (14°C) underground.

It’s recommended to wear warm clothes and comfortable shoes when exploring the mine. The temperature remains chilly throughout the tour, which includes a descent of 800 steps, with 380 of them at the start.

Dressing in layers can help maintain comfort during the experience. Visitors should also prepare for the physical exertion required, as navigating the mine’s intricate tunnels and chambers can be strenuous.

Bag Dimensions

Prior to entry into Auschwitz-Birkenau, visitors must adhere to strict bag size restrictions.

The maximum dimensions for bags allowed on the tour are 30x20x10 cm. This size limit is enforced to ensure the safety and security of all participants.

Larger bags aren’t permitted, as they can create bottlenecks and obstruct the flow of the tour group. Visitors are advised to pack light and choose a bag that meets the specified dimensions.

Compliance with this policy helps to maintain an organized and efficient tour experience for everyone involved.

Reviews and Ratings

The tour has received mixed reviews from past participants, with a total of 2 reviews and an overall rating of 3.0 out of 5 stars. The reviews highlight both positive and negative experiences, providing valuable insights for potential customers.

Rating	Number of Reviews
5 stars	0
4 stars	0
3 stars	0
2 stars	0
1 star	0

While one customer, Sarah_B, appreciated the helpfulness of the staff and the informative tour guides, another, Sarah_H, reported being left stranded despite confirmation. The tour operator has acknowledged the need for improved communication and service to address the negative feedback.

Customer Feedback

The feedback from past participants highlights both positive and negative experiences with the tour.

One customer, Sarah_H, reported being left stranded despite confirmation, with no support offered. In contrast, Sarah_B appreciated the helpfulness in changing dates and found the tour guides informative and friendly.

The tour operator’s customer support acknowledged the need for improved communication and service, apologizing for the negative experience.

The key takeaways for potential customers are:

1. Communication and support from the tour operator can be inconsistent.
2. The tour guides are generally informative and friendly.
3. Flexibility in changing dates may be possible, but the experience can vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Time Does the Tour Start and End?

The tour begins at the meeting point and returns to the same location, but the specific start and end times are not provided in the information given. The duration of the tour is not explicitly stated.

Is Food or Water Provided During the Tour?

The tour does not include any food or water provisions. Travelers are responsible for bringing their own snacks and beverages to sustain themselves during the day. Some light refreshments may be available for purchase at the tour sites.

Can We Take Photography Inside the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photographs at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, but they’re not permitted in certain areas due to the solemn and sensitive nature of the site. It’s important to be respectful and follow the guidelines provided by the memorial staff.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour has no specific age restrictions, but infants must sit on laps. Children are welcome, though the heavy subject matter may not be suitable for all young visitors. The minimum age is not specified.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour or Add Additional Activities?

The tour does not appear to offer any options to extend the excursion or add additional activities. The tour seems to be a fixed one-day itinerary without any customizable elements based on the provided information.

The Sum Up

The One Day Guided Tour to Auschwitz Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine offers a profound and comprehensive experience. With air-conditioned transportation, knowledgeable guides, and admission tickets, the tour provides a well-organized way to explore these significant historical sites. While the tour requires moderate fitness, the overall experience is enhanced by the guides’ insights, making it an informative and memorable day for travelers.