Auschwitz and Krakow – Learn of the Holocaust and WW2 in Poland

Auschwitz is renowned all over the world as a symbol of the Holocaust. Here students can learn about the realities of the lives and deaths of the people who were detained here. A tour includes a short documentary film, museum visit with exhibitions inside some of the remaining prison blocks, the gas chamber and crematorium. At Birkenau, you can climb the watchtower for a view of the biggest Nazi extermination camp. Allow around 3 hours to visit both camps.

Krakow’s district of Kazimierz, south of the Old Town, was the centre of Jewish life in Krakow for over 500 years, before it was systematically destroyed during World War II. Discover the streets that the Jewish residents once called home, see lovingly restored synagogues and perhaps visit Schindler’s factory.

In the communist era, Kazimierz became one of Krakow’s most dangerous districts while gradually falling into disrepair. After the fall of the regime and worldwide exposure through the lens of Steven Spielberg, Kazimierz has been revived and today is Krakow’s most exciting district – a bustling, bohemian neighbourhood packed with historical sites, atmospheric cafes and art galleries.

Explore the historical capital of Poland with a guided tour. See Europe’s largest medieval market square, Wawel Castle and Cathedral. Every hour you can hear the bugle call to the four corners of the world from the tower of St. Mary’s Church.

Wawel is a fortified architectural complex located next the Vistula River. It is by far the most important collection of buildings in Poland and a symbol of national pride, hope and patriotism. The architecture is predominantly Romanesque, Renaissance and Gothic, dating from around the 14th century onwards, with the oldest parts of the complex date back to the 9th century. Wawel is the crown jewel of Krakow’s architectural treasures and required visiting for Poles and foreigners alike. Made up of the Castle and the Cathedral, Wawel’s must-see highlights include the Cathedral’s mind-boggling interior, a tantalising glimpse of Poland’s very own crown jewels inside the Crown Treasury and a leisurely stroll around its courtyards and gardens.

As the political and cultural heart of Poland through the 16th century, Wawel Castle is a symbol of national identity. It is now a museum containing five separate sections: the Crown Treasury & Armoury; State Rooms; Royal Private Apartments; Lost Wawel and the Exhibition of Oriental Art.

Wawel Cathedral has seen the crowning of almost every Polish king and queen throughout history. The Cathedral is a fascinating place to explore due to its 1000-year-old history and a great variety of excellent works of art, from Gothic and Renaissance to Baroque and Classicist. It is also the burial ground of most Polish royalty as well as national heroes, two poets, four saints and countless Krakow bishops.

Visit Europe’s oldest salt mine at Wieliczka. Many generations of Polish miners have created an impressive underground world of salt lakes, chambers, galleries and a unique Salt Works Museum. The visit takes you through a labyrinth of galleries and caverns and some walking on uneven ground will be required.

Visit Poland’s Winter capital renowned for its beautiful villas constructed in traditional style and located at the foot of Tatra Mountains. Travel through scenic mountain valleys, past lakes and waterfalls. From Zakopane you can take a funicular to Mount Gubalowka to admire the spectacular panorama.