02 Sep 2024
My husband and I pre booked this tour when we knew we were coming to Krakow for our city break.
We were picked up from our hotel by Bartek who was extremely polite, helpful and knowledgeable and also very kind. We collected on our way 3 other couples and made our way to Auschwitz.
On arrival, we were given a packed lunch and had something to eat before being given our tickets and joining the fast track queue to gain entrance and to meet our guide. You do not walk around Auschwitz as an individual but a tour guide takes you through the camp.
From the beginning when you walk through a long tunnel and are listening to the names of the dead, you start to feel very humbled and slightly nervous at what you are about to see. Our guide (and I am really sorry but I cant remember her name) was excellent. She was compassionate, empathetic and still emotional. She explained things very clearly and welcomed questions at any point. After visiting Auschwitz 1 you then get back into your mini van and go and see Birkenau and the death camp. Again, it is a very thought provoking place to see and I found myself wandering and just taking in the vastness at the size of the camp.
It is really difficult to put into words the things you see, the rooms you visit, the steps you are re tracing of those that died before you but it is definitely something I would recommend you visit; young or old. We should never forget. You also do ALOT of walking so if you struggle keeping a pace, or walking in general you might struggle with this tour.