Use free time today to visit Auschwitz, travel to see old salt mines, or stay in the city to explore the Jewish Quarter. In the afternoon, enjoy an orientation walk. Opt to visit Rynek Główny - Europe’s largest medieval market square; savour a traditional Polish breakfast (kielbasa, yum), or sit back with a coffee and a slice of Poland's famous cheesecake (sernik babci) at one of the many cafes in the area. Then, walk it off with a stroll uphill to marvel at the impressive Wawel Royal Castle.
Accommodation:
Ginger Hostel Krakow
Included Experiences
- Orientation With CEO: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
- Free Time: With so much to see and do, you'd better get out there.
Optional Experiences
- Auschwitz Tour: Visit the former Nazi concentration camps at Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau on this 7-hour trip from Krakow. During the Second World War, around 1 million Jewish lives and 100,000 Poles, Roma, Soviet prisoners of war and others were lost at Auschwitz. On the way to Auschwitz, which takes around 45 minutes, we show a short documentary about the liberation of Auschwitz - Birkenau to give you some insight about the history of the camp. Upon the arrival, our tour leader will provide you with all the essential rules and procedures which must be followed at the museum. After a short break, the group will skip the line to begin the guided tour. The museum is divided into two parts: Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II - Birkenau, with sightseeing included for both camps.
- Old Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz): For some of the history that makes Krakow so famous, visit the Jewish district of Kazimierz, just south of Old Town. Once the centre of Jewish life for more than 500 years, it was destroyed during the Second World War, only to be revitalized in the 1990s following the popularity of Steven Spielberg's film, Schindler’s List. During your Jewish culture crawl, see synagogues, Gothic churches, and art galleries, then stop for a drink in one of the more than 800 pubs that populate the nooks and alleys of this historic district.
- Wawel Royal Castle: Take a stroll up Wawel hill (or catch a ride on a horse and carriage) to 16th century Wawel Castle. Roam the gardens, or the museum featuring exhibitions that give you some insight into life as a royal, such as Royal Private Apartments, and Crown Treasury and Armoury.
- Bar Mleczny (Milk Bar) Meal: Originally set up as an affordable canteen for Polish workers, bar mlecznys ("Milk Bars") are now known as a must visit for authentic, Polish comfort food. Try the pierogi (traditional dumplings), placki ziemniaczane (potato pancakes), or (and?) kielbasa (sausages).
- Wieliczka Salt Mines Visit : If you can tear yourself away from the charms of Krakow, make a visit the Wieliczka Salt Mines, located only a short distance away.
Built in the 13th century, these mines produced table salt until 2007, making it one of the world's oldest salt mines. Head deep into an underground network of tunnels and chambers some 135m (443 ft) below the surface. Visit the Blessed King's Chapel, a salt cathedral carved by miners, complete with elaborate chandeliers and sculptures.
- Rynek Underground Museum: Travel beneath the market square for a tour of the underground route of forgotten medieval market stalls.