Warsaw: Auschwitz-Birkenau and Krakow Tour by Car

Key Points

• Comprehensive day trip from Warsaw combines a sobering visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau with a sightseeing tour of Krakow’s Old Town.
• Includes private round-trip transfer with pickup from any Warsaw city center address, providing convenience and comfort.
• Guided tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau lasts approximately 3.5 hours, with a detailed history led by an English-speaking guide.
• Free time in Krakow allows exploration of the Main Market Square, Wawel Hill, and other historic sites for about 3 hours.
• Duration is around 17 hours, making it a long but well-structured day suited for those interested in history and architecture.
• Rated 4.7/5 from 77 reviews, with many travelers praising the helpful guides and smooth transportation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Auschwitz-Birkenau and Krakow Tour by Car: An Efficient Day of History and Culture

This 17-hour private tour offers a balanced combination of somber history and vibrant city life. Starting with a pickup from your Warsaw accommodation, the tour takes you to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a powerful 3.5-hour guided visit. Afterward, a 1.5-hour drive brings you to Krakow, where you enjoy three hours to explore its famous Old Town and other notable sights. This tour is ideal for those wanting a full-day, insightful experience without the hassle of arranging transportation or guides themselves.

A key strength of this tour is the round-trip private transfer, which ensures a comfortable and flexible experience. The guide at Auschwitz-Birkenau provides detailed explanations in English, making the history accessible and engaging. Travelers should be aware that the tour involves a significant amount of walking and a long day, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Some reviews highlight the professionalism of the guides and the ease of coordination, though one mentions that the museum guide’s speaking clarity could improve.

From the Warsaw City Center to Auschwitz: Private Pickup and Drive

The tour begins with a pick-up from any address in Warsaw’s city center, scheduled early in the morning. The exact pickup time depends on the availability of entrance tickets for Auschwitz-Birkenau, so flexibility is advised. Once picked up, travelers enjoy a comfortable drive through the Polish countryside toward Oswiecim. The private nature of the transfer means that the group size is limited, and the vehicle is reserved for your party, ensuring a personal and relaxed journey.

This logistics setup eliminates the need to navigate public transportation or organize multiple bookings. The driver, who speaks English, is available to answer questions and provide tips, as praised in several reviews. The pre-arranged itinerary guarantees a timely arrival at Auschwitz-Birkenau for the scheduled guided tour, which lasts around 3.5 hours.

Guided Tour of Auschwitz and Birkenau: A Deeply Moving Experience

The guided group tour of Auschwitz and Birkenau is the highlight, offering insights into the history of the Nazi concentration camps. The tour begins at Auschwitz I, where visitors learn about its hotel by German Nazis in 1940. The guide explains how the camp was transformed into a museum displaying evidence of genocide, including a post-liberation film shown in multiple languages.

Next, the group moves to Birkenau (Auschwitz II), established in 1941. This vast site housed around 1.5 million people between 1942 and 1945, most of whom were Jews, with others being Poles, Gypsies, Russians, and prisoners from 28 European countries. The site has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979, underscoring its importance.

The guided visit provides a respectful, educational experience, helping visitors grasp the scale and horror of the Holocaust. Some reviews note that the guide’s delivery can vary, with one mentioning unclear speech, but overall, the guide’s knowledge is appreciated. Visitors spend about 3.5 hours at the site, with time for browsing the exhibits and watching the film.

Traveling to Krakow: Scenic Drive and Free Time in the Old Town

After the Auschwitz visit, the group departs for Krakow, enjoying a 1.5-hour scenic drive through the Polish countryside. Upon arrival in Krakow, travelers are given around 3 hours to explore the city’s Old Town, which is listed as a UNESCO site. The Main Market Square is the tour’s centerpiece, featuring the Wawel Hill, Cathedral, Royal Castle, St. Mary’s Basilica, and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice).

The Old Town is lively, with hundreds of cafes, bars, and historic buildings. Visitors can see the Town Hall Tower, walk past the Krakow Barbican, and observe the bustling street life, including horse-drawn carriages. The free time allows for sightseeing, shopping, or dining in regional restaurants, making it easy to soak in Krakow’s atmosphere.

During this stop, there’s also an opportunity to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, adding to the experience. The tour’s timing ensures you get a taste of Krakow’s historic beauty without feeling rushed.

More Great Tours Nearby

Practical Details: Group Size, Accessibility, and Requirements

This tour is conducted by AB Everest Travel, with English-speaking drivers and guides. It is designed to be accessible for most travelers; however, participants should bring comfortable shoes due to the walking involved at Auschwitz and in the Old Town.

The pickup includes any address in Warsaw’s city center, but travelers are asked to provide full name and contact details early, as entrance tickets require matching ID to reservation. The maximum allowed size for bags at Auschwitz is 30x20x10 cm, and large or oversize luggage is not permitted.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and allows for reservation without immediate payment, providing flexibility for planning.

Highlights and Traveler Feedback

Many reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and smooth transportation, emphasizing the helpfulness of drivers like Mateusz, Maciej, and Kris. Travelers appreciate the personalized service, with drivers often going out of their way to assist, even accommodating special needs, as one review notes.

The long day is seen as rewarding, especially for those interested in history and architecture, though some mention that the museum guide’s delivery could be clearer. Overall, reviewers describe the experience as well-organized, respectful, and emotionally impactful.

Why Choose This Tour: Balancing Depth and Convenience

This private car tour offers a compelling way to see Auschwitz-Birkenau and Krakow in one day without the stress of logistics. The combined visit provides a profound historical perspective alongside the chance to enjoy Krakow’s charming Old Town.

The flexible pickup from Warsaw, expert guides, and careful planning make this itinerary accessible and insightful. The positive reviews highlight that the driver’s helpfulness and knowledge significantly enhance the experience.

While it’s a long day, it suits those who want a rundown of Poland’s history and cultural heritage in a single trip. The inclusion of free time in Krakow allows for some personal exploration and dining, rounding out the experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early do I need to be ready for pickup?
Pickup time depends on ticket availability for Auschwitz-Birkenau but is scheduled early morning, with flexible arrangements for your Warsaw address.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
The tour involves walking at Auschwitz and in Krakow’s Old Town, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Some mobility issues may require caution or assistance.

Can I bring large luggage or backpacks?
Large luggage and oversize bags are not allowed at Auschwitz. The maximum size for backpacks is 30x20x10 cm.

What does the guided tour at Auschwitz include?
The guide explains the history of Auschwitz and Birkenau, including their hotel, use, and significance, along with viewing exhibits and a post-liberation film.

How long is the free time in Krakow?
You get about 3 hours to explore the Main Market Square, Wawel Hill, and surrounding sights, with options to dine or shop.

Is this tour available in English?
Yes, all guides and drivers speak English, ensuring clear communication throughout the day.

This tour provides a meaningful, well-organized way to connect Poland’s most poignant historical site with the beauty of Krakow’s historic center, all in one thoughtfully planned day.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby