From Krakow: Auschwitz & Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour

Visiting the camps was a profound experience. Getting there and back was not. It lacked the most basic parts of a good tour. First off, I was notified that the tour was going to start an hour late because of crowding at Auschwitz. I was finally picked up by the driver in a van that was also a taxi. There were already two people in the van. I just assumed the van would be taking us to a larger bus for the rest of the tour. The driver picked up five more people so there were eight of us in the van. Every seat was taken. The driver never said a word, never explained what the day was going to be like. He didn’t speak a word until we got to Auschwitz. We had about 10 minutes and then we’re handed over to our guide. After Auschwitz we went to Birkenau. Since this was a combination tour of the two camps plus the salt mines, we drove all the way back to Krakow to drop off half the group that was not going to the salt mines. We finally got to the salt mines and had been promised a break because there was no time during the entire day to have lunch anywhere, but we were informed that the tour was running behind and we had to start the tour to the salt mines immediately. So basically we had a 12 hour tour with no time to get some lunch. The only time the driver spoke was to let us know where to start each tour. I’ve never been on a tour so long without the opportunity of getting something to eat beside a drink or a bag of chips. Riding in the van was extremely uncomfortable for me just because they were so many people in there. I enjoyed the three destinations but the transportation was completely thoughtless. I wrote to the company and they told me I should’ve booked a private tour. I should also mention that there is an incredible amount of walking at all three of these destinations and there is really no opportunity to rest, sit down or just take a short break. There was absolutely no place to sit at the two camps. There were a couple of short opportunities at the salt mines. I logged in 15,000 steps on this tour. Do not take this tour.

It was a great experience. The guides were very helpful and polite but the bus was very old and in bad condition. The seats were all occupied, tight and there was no legroom.

Very hot to be outside walking. The suggestion to open your umbrella might have helped if had been suggested prior to trip. The very specific instructions to wear clothes below the knees and no tank tops was ignored by many. I was dying with blue jeans on while others walked around in shorts. Not enough time for rest between events. Would have been better to skip Birkenau and let us enjoy a meal.

We were informed that the tour will start later due to overwhelming demand to Auschwitz 1 day beforehand. On the day itself driver pick us up at the hotel on time and we went to the salt mine first instead. The salt mine was interesting and worth the visit. However the journey to Auschwitz was delayed due to some tour members being late and raining. The company did not prepare any umbrella too. So we ended up have to spend money to buy umbrella there and also waited almost an hour to start the tour. In the end we don't have enough time and have to cut short the tour.

I was picked up, from my chosen hotel and it took about 90 mins maybe 2 hours to get to Auschwitz. The tour was supposed to start at 8.30, which would've given me time to have breakfast etc However, the day before, due to high volume of visitors, the time slot changed to a 6.45am pick up!! No lunch is provided and I didn't know if there was food available there, especially with the nature of the museum. So, I took a packed lunch. There are restaurants at Auschwitz, Birkenau and the Salt Mine. So don't feel you have to take any food with you. I had an excellent guide. Think her name was Sylvia? She knew so much about the 2 sites. There were 30 of us and she spoke into a microphone and we all had headphones on to hear her. There were many other groups but, she kept us at an appropriate distance. Photos are allowed to be taken, even if it does feel strange to be doing so. Between each site we were given a break and told what time to meet back at the minibus, by the other guide Phillip. At the Salt Mine we had an hour and 20 minutes before the tour actually started but there is so much to go and look at - spa area, local village, park and restaurants. The salt mine was last and took longer than I thought - at least 2 hours. Our guide was great, dealt with questions fantastically even though at times it felt like he'd memorised a script lol But, that also could be necessary for the information such as kings, depths and years etc 27 minutes afterwards we were dropped back at Krakow's main square. Definitely recommend this tour. Cheaper than the others, no lunch but you get 3 sites, travel to all sites with polite professionals. It is a long day, about 12 hours and was suddenly very tired, soon after being dropped off.

A somber day in the former Concentration Camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau, Poland. Hard to fathom the utter disregard for human life by mankind. Heartbreaking, even 75+ years later.

Auschwitz was so heart wrenching and thought provoking. It was good to go to the salt mine afterwards too as part of the day

The tour was well organised, the staff helpful and informative. The guides at both sites were engaging and spoke excellent English. The only negative was a last minute change to the pick up time in the morning but overall an amazing experience.

Auschwitz was emotional and uncomprehendable...needed to be done Salt mines were incredible...guides were superb

well-organised trip with quality guides and places. very interesting trip everybody should do it. excellent work