From Krakow: Live Guided Tour Auschwitz-Birkenau

Probably due the number of tours going on we were rushed through each section and skipped a few buildings. It may just be how things are there because of the number of visitors coming through. However, the tour operator gave us only 10 minutes to use the toilets (long line), buy (long line, even lines for the vending machines), and eat food so the rushing continued. It was pouring rain during our last 20 minutes at Birkenau. Our instructions from the driver when he dropped us off were to meet him at the bus parking lot (a 10-minute walk from the main entrance). It was a small bus so he could've easily picked us up at the main entrance where we could've waited for him under cover. All it would've taken was a call from the guide to the driver to say we were done. Instead, we all had to dodge puddles in the pouring rain to get to the bus and we were all soaked. That is a terrible way to end a tour. Sadly, we were in such a rush to get on the bus and get dry that I don't even know where our guide was so that I could tip her. Our guide had some limited English vocabulary, problems with eye contact, and a stuttering problem. This is definitely a great job for her to help overcome those issues so I do applaud the company for giving her an opportunity. However, typically that is not the kind of tour guide one is looking for.

The bus arrived on time and the driver was really nice. We got there on time and it was good that we only had to queue to get our bags searched rather than waiting for tickets as the queues were massive. We needed a quick toilet break and you have to pay 2 zloty for the toilet which we didn't mind paying. There was a big queue for the toilet but it moves quickly. There is a restaurant and snacks to eat before you enter and these can also be visited on the way out too. You can only take a small bag into the Auschwitz which I wasn't aware of but luckily I only was carrying a small bag anyway. Your bag gets searched and you also walk through a metal detector which I thought was good, I believe this should happen at large attractions. On entering you are given your head phones and you meet your guide. Our guide was amazing and was so passionate about the Auschwitz story which made our visit even more memorable. The guide was very respectful and full of information. He guided us around Auschwitz and I couldn't believe we were actually there, there was so much to take in, I was emotional and very over whelmed by the place and the stories. The tour takes around two hours and then you are taken to Birkenau which is takes about ten minutes to drive to. This place is unbelievable, at first you see the tracks and the famous station and this is really something to see. When I entered and looked left and looked right, I couldn't believe how big the site is. We stood at the place where the selection would have happened and we walked the walk that many many people walked to the gas chambers, the walk gives you chills. The remembrance monument is breath taking we spend a few moments in silence there. Seeing the gas chambers in the state that they was found in was an unbelievable site. We went into one of the huts which housed dying ladies, this site is something I will never forget. This trip is a must once in your life. Our guide made our visit very memorable.

Booked all our trips using this company before setting off to Krakow. This tour was excellent, we had the same English speaking guide to show us around both camps, His knowledge of the atrocities that happened on these sights was excellent, It was a very moving experience, lots of walking involved & sometimes on uneven ground, wear comfortable shoes Everybody needs to see this, & to fight to make sure nothing like this ever happens again