Krakow
The realities of the Nazi occupation are truly brought to life by a trip to Krakow, especially Auschwitz. Underpin the teachings of the horrors of war and provide students with a better understanding of the persecution of the Jews.
PLACES TO VISIT
Auschwitz-Birkenau
60km from Krakow is the site of the largest Nazi concentration camp used during World War II. The museum provides one of the most memorable lessons in Modern European History.
Old Town, Krakow
This is where most visitors will begin their tour of the city, and where many of the key landmarks are to be found. It is full of ancient buildings and narrow streets which have lost none of their character.
Krakow Royal Castle
A visit to the castle can include exhibitions in the State Rooms, Treasury and Armoury.
Old Town Square (Rynek Glowny)
This is where Krakow had the largest town square in medieval Europe. The hub of the city since the 13th century, its spectacular landmarks include the gothic St. Mary’s Church, the Town Hall Tower and the Cloth Hall.
Kazimierz
In the old narrow streets of the eastern half of Krakow’s Kazimierz district you will still find a unique atmosphere of the Jewish past of this area.
Wawel Cathedral
Also known as the Cathedral Basilica of St. Stanislaw and Vaclav, the present cathedral is the third to stand on the existing site.
St. Mary's Church, Krakow
The largest church in Krakow is not only famous for its altar carved by Veit Stoss, but also the bugle call played every hour from the tower window.
Schindler's Factory
This modern museum is housed in the former administration building of the factory owned by Oskar Schindler, and tells the story of Krakow under Nazi Occupation.
Galicia Museum
Located in the heart of Kazimierz, Krakow’s Jewish quarter, this museum was established by British photographer Chris Schwarz to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust and to celebrate the Jewish culture of Galicia.
Podgorze
It was in Podgorze (as featured in ‘Schindler’s List’) that the Jewish population from Kazimierz was moved into the Jewish ghetto. From 1941 until 1943, Krakow’s estimated 60,000 Jews were packed into an areaof 20 hectares, often squeezing four families into one flat.
Wieliczka Salt Mine
Located 15km from Krakow is this World Heritage Site. The world’s oldest continuously operating company has been mining here since the 13th century.
A two hour guided tour will take you through 20 chambers on different underground levels.
Wawel Hill
Situated overlooking the city and river, it is the prime location for the city’s Cathedral and Royal Castle.
Itinerary Example
4-Day Krakow & Auschwitz-Birkenau:
Heritage, Remembrance & WWII History
Discover one of Europe's best preserved historic cities alongside deeply reflective historical learning. Designed for History, Religious Studies, and Humanities groups, this 4-day flight residential combines medieval Polish culture with a solemn study of World War II, the Holocaust, and Jewish heritage.
Day 1: UK Flight to Krakow & Old Town Orientation (Arrival & Culture)
Day 1
Morning/Afternoon: Fly from your local UK airport directly to Krakow John Paul II International Airport. Transfer by private coach to your central accommodation.
Late Afternoon: Check in, unpack, and enjoy an introductory walking tour around Rynek Główny (Main Market Square), exploring medieval cloth halls, town hall towers, and historic streets.
Evening: Group dinner at a local traditional restaurant followed by an evening walk through the illuminated old town.
Day 2: Guided Krakow Walking Tour, Wawel Castle & Kazimierz (History & Heritage)
Day 2
Morning: Depart after breakfast for an expert-guided walking tour of Krakow, exploring Wawel Royal Castle, Saint Mary's Basilica, and the historic Jewish quarter of Kazimierz.
Afternoon: Free time for independent sightseeing and portfolio research. Options include visiting the Galicia Jewish Museum or exploring Schindler's Factory museum in the Podgórze district.
Evening: Group dinner in the Kazimierz district followed by a reflection session on pre-war Jewish life in Poland.
Day 3: Guided Excursion to Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial (Remembrance & Holocaust Study)
Day 3
Morning & Afternoon: Depart by private coach for a full-day guided visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum. Tour the brick barracks of Auschwitz I and the vast expanse of Birkenau (Auschwitz II) with an official guide, studying Holocaust history, camp infrastructure, and personal stories of victims and survivors.
Evening: Return to Krakow for a quiet group dinner and a dedicated evening debrief and discussion session.
Day 4: Wieliczka Salt Mine or Schindler's Factory & Return Flight (Homeward Journey)
Day 4
Morning: Check out after breakfast. Option to visit the underground chambers of the Wieliczka Salt Mine or tour Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory before departure.
Afternoon: Private coach transfer to Krakow Airport for your return flight back to the UK, returning home with profound educational reflections.
Optional En Route Visits & Extensions
Depending on your your organisation's flight schedules, budget, and syllabus needs, popular add on stops for Krakow routes include:
Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory: Interactive museum detailing Krakow under Nazi occupation from 1939 to 1945.
Wieliczka Salt Mine: UNESCO World Heritage site featuring underground chapels, salt carvings, and subterranean lakes.
Galicia Jewish Museum: Contemporary photo exhibition documenting Jewish heritage and remembrance in southern Poland.
Note on Flight Schedules: Available visit time on Day 1 and Day 4 depends on airline timetables and airport transfer schedules.
PLACES TO STAY
Hotel Wyspianski
Hotel Wyspiański is a 3-star, 231-room hotel located in the heart of Krakow, Poland, just a 5-minute walk from the Main Market Square. Known for its central location near Planty Park and Old Town, it offers comfortable rooms, an on-site restaurant, and a 24-hour reception. The hotel is convenient for sightseeing, shopping, and transportation, including proximity to the central railway station.
Hotel Wilga
Hotel Wilga in Kraków is a 3-star hotel offering comfortable, functional accommodation, often cited as a solid, budget-friendly option near the city center. The hotel features an on-site restaurant serving traditional Polish cuisine and international dishes, including grilled items and desserts, providing a convenient dining option for guests.
Hotel Regent
Located in the historic Jewish district.
• Relatively small hotel with 39 rooms
• Students in 2-3 bedded en suite rooms
• Staff in twin en suite rooms
• Meeting room available