Back   

AUSCHWITZ - BIRKENAU MUSEUM

The largest German Nazi Concentration and, since 1942, Death Camp built on the occupied Polish territory. Operating from May 1940 to January 1945. Within this time the camp system was developed to over 45 sub-camps, abusing the slave workforce of Auschwitz prisoners. Since 1942 Birkenau was chosen to be the mass extermination center of European Jews. It is estimated that over 1,3 million people, mainly Jews were murdered in Auschwitz-Birkenau. Since 1947  territory of the former camp was changed into a State Museum. The remaining former camp structures spread over vast territory, the general number of victims as well as their very diversified nationality led Auschwitz to be recognized as the main symbol of Holocaust in the world. Each year the Museum is visited by approximately 1 million visitors, who choose to learn the history of the Holocaust by getting to know history of Auschwitz-Birkenau. In 2005 the International Centre of Education about Auschwitz and the Holocaust  was created, in order to raise historical awareness about Shoa and promote values of dialogue among nations.

The regular guided tour through the territories of Auschwitz and Birkenau lasts approximately 3,5 hours. This time can be extended up to even few days if there is a need for more detailed or more personal approach.

How do we visit Auschwitz-Birkenau on a one day tour?

Respectfully, following a tailor-made itinerary, with a certified guide only and at the pace of a visitor.

It is important for us to show the whole complicity of the German Nazi policy against the Jews and other nations of Europe. Only by getting a full picture of events and proper chronology it is possible to encompass the history and function of Auschwitz-Birkenau. For this reason we lead the tour according to the specially designed itinerary presented below and we  cooperate only with the best and fully certified guides in all places that we visit. Our guides have broad academic background and are all the time with you to answer your questions.

Suggested itinerary for one day tour of Auschwitz and Birkenau.

In the morning

Hotel pick-up

In order to keep proper chronology our tour always starts in the morning in Cracow with visiting the former Cracow Ghetto territory, Schindler's Factory and former terrains of the Plaszow Camp.

From Cracow to Auschwitz-Birkenau

The 1 h 15 min. journey is a perfect occasion for an introduction into the camp structure and German occupation of Poland. On the way we drive past Auschwitz III - Monowitz - IG Farben complex  which introduces a topic of sub-camps.

Noon

We start to visit Auschwitz after the morning crowds of tourists. Usually first we visit Auschwitz I Camp with its exhibitions, which helps to grasp camp's history and prisoners life reality. Parts of the guided tour are based on testimonies of the survivors. After at least 2 hours (up to 4 hours - dependently on visitor's needs) we take a little break to rest (this time can be used for coffee or lunch).

Afternoon

Visit to Auschwitz II - Birkenau. On the way from Auschwitz to Birkenau we would visit the Altejudenrampe (Old Jewish Unloading Platform) with two cattle rail cars which commemorate the place.

In Birkenau  we spend at least 1,5 hour on the guided tour  (up to 4 hours - dependently on visitor's needs).

Evening 

Drive back to your hotel in  Cracow with optional visit to the only remaining synagogue in Oswiecim/Auschwitz.

The whole tour is private and guided usually by one guide who holds separate certificates for all visited sites. In this way during one day he or she can create a full and complete picture of the Holocaust chronology and reality.

We can start and finish our tour at any appointed pick up and drop off place in Cracow including the Balice/Kraków Airport and Pyrzowice/Katowice Airport.  We regularly service visitors from: Sheraton Hotel, Copernicus Hotel, Stary Hotel, Pod Roza Hotel, Novotel Hotel, Radisson SAS  Hotel, Grand Hotel, Campanile Hotel, Classic Hotel, Eden Hotel, Ester Hotel, Dawid Hotel, Andels Hotel, Holiday Inn Hotel and others.

For more details, availability and prices please contact us.


POLIN TRAVEL
ul. Markowskiego 8/9
31-881 Krakow
POLAND
http://www.jewish-guide.pl
e-mail: info@jewish-guide.pl
jewish-guide@hotmail.com
phone: (+48) 513-158-001