Top Krakow Art & Culture - page 33

Experience one of Poland’s most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites with a visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mine. This underground cave system dates back 700+ years and consists of sculptures, furniture, and chandeliers made of salt—and even an underground lake. Exploring the caves with a guide enriches the experience as you can hear about the history of the mine, its most important carvings, and the meaning behind the sculptures.

There are many places worldwide which were beloved by John Paul II. But among them there are three which can unquestionably be considered the most meaningful ones for him. His birth place – Wadowice – “where everything started” but also where“time was running, eternity was waiting”, Kalwaria Zebrzydowska with its splendid monastery and church, which JPII asked us tovisit “during his life and after his death” and the Sanctuary of Łagiewniki – connected strictly with his message to people about the Divine Mercy of God, which he found in the holy visions of Sister Faustina Kowalska.

In the 19th century Zakopane was a sleepy village inhabited by the Mountain People who, living for years in isolation, had created their own and unique culture. The special atmosphere and wild beauty of this place was discovered by Dr Tytus Chałubiński, who started to send his patients there, appreciating the blessings of the nature. In a short time, artists and the cream of society announced Zakopane was their favourite place in Poland, where they rested, create their works of art and had love affairs… Now the city is visited by countless tourists who, wanting to experience tradition, very often complain about the “tacky face” of 21st-century Zakopane. Thus we decided to show our guests the face of “the winter capital of Poland” and its neighborhood which still expresses the charm of the past days and the beauty of unharmed nature.

Located in the southern suburbs of Krakow, Plaszow is a Nazi concentration camp founded shortly after the German invasion of Poland. This camp featured in the movie Schindler's List (1993) about the life of Oskar Schindler. The site is now a nature preserve with a large memorial to the victims. A camp replica was built nearby by director Steven Spielberg, all of which will be explored on this private, guided tour.

Visit the Plaszow Concentration Camp to learn about one of the darkest chapters in human history. Explore the site with a professional guide and learn about the history of the camp and the stories of the people who were held there. Originally conceived as a labor camp, its purpose soon morphed into something far more sinister. Over two harrowing years, it transformed into a concentration camp. Today, visiting this site offers a glimpse into the pain suffered by the 30 thousand souls who were held captive within its wires. Pay respect to the memory of the 5 thousand individuals who never walked free from its shadows. Each step taken within these grounds carries the weight of history and serves as a reminder of the atrocities committed during one of humanity's darkest periods. Accompanied by a professional guide, learn about the different parts of the complex and the history and stories of the site.

Experience an unforgettable adventure in the saline underground of the Wieliczka Mine. See beautiful salt chambers and corridors. Learn about the history of the miners who worked there, as well as the mining and transport of salt.

First go skiing, then have some quality rest and relaxation time with this perfect combination of a ski trip and a visit to a thermal bath complex. Instead of traveling on busy local buses, get to the southern Polish slopes with ease as round-trip private transfers from Krakow are included. As a bonus—to save time waiting in ticket lines, a ski pass and a thermal bath pass are both included.

„Winter capital of Poland“, as it is often called, is a place you must see with your own eyes! During winter it is a sports centre for all kind of sports, from skiing to snowboarding and many others. In summer it tempts with plenty of scenic trails both very easy, and really demanding. Less advanced hikers should first choose the trail to Morskie Oko- Sea Eye (available even for parents with strollers) or Hala Gąsienicowa. After tiring hikes, you can get some rest in the Krupowki Street – a short and this time gastronomic „trail” in the centre of Zakopane, to give you a taste of regional cuisine and souvenirs. It is 10h trip: 2h - way from Krakow to Chochołów,  0,5h - free time in Chochołów, 0,5h - way from Chochołów to Ski Jump,  45 minutes - free time in Ski Jump, 0,5h - way from Ski Jump to car park in Zakopane, 3h - free time in Zakopane, 2h - way from Zakopane to Kraków.

The Oskar Schindler's Museum is very popular among tourists. First of all because the tragic events that took place in Krakow during the Second World War are shown in Stephen Spielberg's Oscar-Winning film "Schindler's List". The museum's atypical and modern exhibition will leave no one indifferent. Learn the story of a German entrepreneur who led many Jews through the war. Wieliczka - a small town 10 km from Krakow, where one of the largest ancient salt mines in Europe (700 years). The depth of the mine is 340 metres, the total length of corridors and tunnels is over 245 kilometres. The tourist route is more than 3 km long and includes more than 20 halls, including the largest and unique St. Kinga's Church - the patroness of miners. The underground church is richly decorated with chandeliers, carvings and sculptures of saints carved out of salt. There is a special curative microclimate in the mine and at a depth of 135 m there is a sanatorium.

Embark on a guided tour to explore the historic sites of the Jewish ghetto and one of the Nazi concentration camps established during World War II. Begin your journey near Schindler's Factory in Krakow's Podgórze district. Though the local streets and alleys have changed over time, they still conceal remnants of the harrowing years when the Nazis confined thousands of people within the ghetto, only to later transport them to concentration camps. Visit the remaining fragments of the ghetto wall, the famous square with its poignant chair monument, and the building of the Pharmacy Under the Eagle, a beacon of hope during those dark times. Next, take a tram to Płaszów, the site of a former Nazi concentration camp located in the Krakow suburbs, built on the grounds of old Jewish cemeteries. Płaszów served as a labor camp for several military factories and a quarry, as well as a site for the extermination of Jews deported from the ghetto.

For those short on time, we offer a one day excursion to see two important sites in the Krakow area: Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine. This tour includes tickets and professional guides for each stop, transportation to and from Krakow, and a boxed lunch to eat between both tours. Leave the planning, scheduling, driving, and ticket purchase to us while you focus on discovering the sometimes tragic, sometimes inspiring history of the region.

Join us on New Year's Eve for a huge celebration! We will lead you on a tour of Krakow's best bars and clubs, with a group of party-goers led by fun and experienced guides. Join for 1 hour of unlimited drinking, VIP entrance, and a free welcome shot at each club. We will even have snacks for you! We meet up at the Eros Bendato Statue (AKA Eros bound, it's a statue of a face lying sideways) in the heart of Krakow's Old Town. Meet your guides, who should be holding a blue umbrella, along with other guests at 7:45 PM. From there, we will walk to the first stop where you can enjoy 1 hour of unlimited vodka, beer, rum, gin, whisky, shots, and mixers. After that, we will guide you on to different clubs around the Old Town. Explore a total of 3 of Krakow's best clubs. Enjoy free VIP entry and a welcome shot at each location. It will be a night to remember!

Enjoy a cozy evening of Christmas music performed by the esteemed Candlelight Chamber Orchestra, composed of Kraków's finest musicians. Set in the enchanting historical tenement house 'Dębinskim,' built in the 15th Century, this concert provides a unique ambiance enriched by the beauty of the venue. Sip on a glass of wine as you immerse yourself in festive melodies, creating a delightful start to your holiday season. This ticket includes entry to the concert and a glass of wine, perfect for celebrating the spirit of Christmas in a charming atmosphere.

Enjoy a winter day, Polish-style, on this private tour to Zakopane. This mountain resort town is famous for skiing, regional specialities (including smoked cheese), and a rich highlander culture, where old-fashioned wintertime traditions still thrive. Here you'll enjoy a traditional Polish meal, a horse-drawn sleigh ride, and forested scenery. This excursion is only available in the winter, provided there is enough snow.