Frequently Asked Questions

Planning your visit? Here you’ll find clear answers regarding tickets, transport, accessibility, and everything else you need to know before joining our tours.

General Information

  • In what languages are the tours available?

    Standard tours are conducted in English.


    Upon request, we can arrange private tours in: German, Italian, French, Spanish, Dutch, Swedish.

    Please specify your language preference when booking private tour.

  • What type of vehicles do you use for transport?

    Depending on the number of participants:


    • Modern air-conditioned minivans (up to 8 people),
    • Larger minibuses,
    • Comfortable coaches for bigger groups.

    Private and small group tours are operated exclusively with comfortable minivans.

  • Why do I need to provide my full name and surname when booking?

    Providing your full and correct name is required by most museums and tourist attractions we cooperate with. This information is necessary for:


    • Issuing personalized tickets,
    • Security verification upon entry,
    • Compliance with local regulations and venue policies.

    ❗️Incorrect or incomplete data may result in denied entry to the attraction.

  • Why do I need to bring my ID or passport?

    You must carry a valid ID or passport for:


    • Ticket and identity verification at museums and historical sites,
    • Age verification where applicable,
    • Compliance with local laws and security requirements.

    ❗️Without a valid document, participation in the tour may not be possible.

  • Are there baggage or size restrictions for bags and backpacks?

    Yes. In many museums and attractions, there are strict bag size limits:


    • Maximum size is usually 30 cm × 20 cm × 10 cm.
    • Larger bags must be left on the bus or in a designated storage area if available.
    • For safety reasons, large backpacks, suitcases, tripods, and large camera bags are not allowed.
  • Are the tours accessible for people with disabilities or reduced mobility?

    Accessibility depends on the attraction:


    • Some sites may have stairs, uneven surfaces, or no ramps (e.g., Auschwitz-Birkenau, Wieliczka Salt Mine).
    • In the Salt Mine, standard tourist routes include approximately 800 steps and are not wheelchair accessible.

    For visitors with special needs, we recommend contacting us in advance to arrange possible accommodations or offer alternative options.

  • What happens if I am late for the pickup or meeting point?

    For group tours, punctuality is essential. The group will depart according to the schedule, and waiting time is limited to 5 minutes.


    For private tours, flexibility is possible, but any delays should be communicated as early as possible.


    Refunds are not available for missed tours due to late arrival without prior notice.

  • Is hotel pickup included in my tour?

    Pickup options vary by tour; please check your specific booking description to see if it includes door-to-door transport or a designated central meeting point. 

    Check your voucher: Your booking confirmation clearly states the pickup type.

    • Meeting points: For "Meet & Go" options, we select easily accessible locations in Krakow city center.
    • Private tours: Typically offer full door-to-door service from hotels and apartments.

Booking, Payments and Cancellation

  • How can I book a tour or transfer?

    You can book directly through our website, by email or by phone.

  • Can I pay on the day of the tour?

    In most cases, full payment is required in advance. Last-minute cash payments are possible only in specific situations and must be confirmed with our team.

  • Can I cancel my booking?

    Yes, but cancellation terms vary by tour type, payment status and time before departure. For full details, please check our Terms & Conditions or contact us.

Practical Information During the Tour

  • Can I bring food or drinks on the tour?

    You may bring snacks and water for the journey.

    Inside museums or historical sites, food and drink (except water) are generally not allowed.

    On longer tours and private tours, free time is planned for meals, and lunch options may be included.

  • Are toilets available during the tours?

    At most attractions, toilets are available.

  • What should I wear?

    • Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
    • For Wieliczka Salt Mine: a warm layer is recommended (14°C/57°F inside the mine).
    • For Auschwitz: dress respectfully and according to weather conditions.
  • What about bad weather?

    Tours run in all weather conditions unless otherwise noted. Up to 70% of Auschwitz tour is outdoors—dress accordingly. Wieliczka mine is ~14 °C year-round. Bring suitable clothing.

  • Are there any seasonal closures?

    Some museums or attractions may close on public holidays.

    We will inform you during booking if any sites are unavailable during your chosen dates.

  • Can I bring large luggage on the tour?

    Yes, we can accommodate large luggage, but you must notify us in advance so we can provide a vehicle with a larger trunk. 


    Advance notice: Please inform us during booking if you plan to bring suitcases.


    Security: Your luggage stays safely in the locked vehicle while you are sightseeing with the guide.


    Small bags: Remember that most museums (like Auschwitz) only allow small handbags (30x20x10cm) inside.

Last-Minute & Custom Requests

  • Can I book a private guide or a custom itinerary?

    Yes, we offer fully private tours, including flexible timing and personal guides in your chosen language.

  • Can I join a tour last-minute?

    Depending on availability, yes. Please contact us via phone or WhatsApp for urgent requests.

  • Do you offer child seats for transport?

    Yes, please request a child seat during booking if traveling with young children.

  • Can I bring a stroller or pram?

    Not recommended for Auschwitz and Wieliczka due to uneven ground and stairs.

    For Zakopane and Schindler's Factory tours, strollers are generally allowed.

  • Can I travel with my pet?

    Pets are not allowed on most tours due to museum policies and shared transport. Assistance dogs may be permitted on some tours with prior notification.

Tour-Specific Questions

Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour

  • How long does the Auschwitz-Birkenau tour last?

    The tour lasts approximately 7 hours (the actual sightseeing takes around 3 hours), including transport from and back to Krakow. It covers both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau.

  • Is a guide included in the price?

    Yes. All tours include a licensed, professional guide, usually in English.

    Other languages are available upon request.

  • Where does the tour start?

    Two options are available:


    • Hotel pickup (usually for private tours),
    • Pickup from designated meeting points (Quick Meet & Go system).

    You will see available options on checkout.

  • Do I need to bring my ID for Auschwitz?

    Yes, an official identity document is required for security and verification reasons.

  • Can children join the Auschwitz tour?

    Yes, but the recommended minimum age is 13 due to the sensitive nature of the site.

  • Are there any restrictions regarding luggage or bags?

    Yes, bags larger than 30 × 20 × 10 cm are not allowed inside the museum grounds.

  • Is food included in the Auschwitz tour?

    No. We recommend bringing snacks and water. Some tours may offer lunch as an extra option.

  • What is the appropriate dress code?

    Dress respectfully ("smart casual"), avoiding casual or revealing attire.

  • Is there security screening?

    Yes, Auschwitz‑Birkenau visitors must pass through an airport-style security check. 

  • Is flash photography allowed?

    Photography is generally permitted, but flash is forbidden in buildings at Auschwitz and in marked restricted areas.

    We kindly remind all visitors that Auschwitz-Birkenau is a place of remembrance and mourning. Please take photos with respect—avoid posing or behavior that may be considered inappropriate in this context.

  • Is Auschwitz suitable for children?


  • Is advance booking of Auschwitz tour required?

    Yes, we strongly recommend booking your tour well in advance. Tickets to the Memorial are in high demand and often sell out weeks or even months ahead of time. Early reservation is the only way to guarantee your entry.

  • How far is Auschwitz from Krakow?

    The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial is located approximately 70 km (43 miles) west of Krakow. The journey typically takes between 1 hour 15 minutes and 1.5 hours by car or bus, depending on traffic conditions.

  • Are headsets provided for the tour?

    Yes. To ensure the guide is heard clearly without noise or shouting, visitors receive a dedicated headset system. This allows for listening to the commentary comfortably while moving through the Memorial site.

  • Is there a break between visiting Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau?

    Yes, there is usually a short 10-15 minutes break between the two camps, which is the best time for a quick snack or to use the restroom. 

    After the break, our driver or guide will ensure you are transported to the second part of the memorial (Birkenau).

    Since eating is forbidden on the museum grounds, this break is the only time to consume your own snacks.

  • Is eating allowed during the visit?

    Eating is prohibited on the grounds of the Memorial to maintain respect for the site. Visitors may bring water, but full meals or snacks should be consumed only during the break between visiting the two parts of the camp.

  • Is the tour held indoors or outdoors?

    The visit takes place both indoors and outdoors. While the museum exhibitions in Auschwitz I are inside buildings, the Birkenau camp is a vast open space exposed to the elements. The tour proceeds regardless of weather conditions, so dressing appropriately for rain, cold, or strong sun is essential.

  • Is it possible to visit Auschwitz and the Salt Mine in one day?

    Yes, it is a popular option to combine both sites in a single day. The total duration involves approximately 10–12 hours. It is recommended to book an organized tour (not each tour separately) to manage logistics and transfer times efficiently between the two locations.

Want to learn more before visiting Auschwitz? Check VisitAuschwitz.info, run by a licensed Auschwitz Museum guide.

Wieliczka Salt Mine Tour

  • How long does the Wieliczka tour last?

    Approximately 4 hours in total, including transport. The mine tour itself takes about 2–3 hours.

  • Is a guide included?

    Yes, all visitors are guided by a licensed professional guide in the chosen language.

  • How many steps are there in the Salt Mine?

    There are around 800 steps in total, including 380 at the beginning. An elevator is available at the end of the route.

  • What is the temperature inside the Salt Mine?

    Around 14°C (57°F) year-round. We recommend bringing a warmer layer and comfortable shoes.

  • Is the Salt Mine accessible for people with walking disabilities?

    The standard tourist route is not wheelchair accessible. Special tours for reduced mobility visitors are available but must be booked separately.

  • Is the tour suitable for people with claustrophobia?

    Most of the tourist route consists of spacious chambers and wide corridors, which generally do not cause discomfort. However, the elevator ride back to the surface takes about 45 seconds and can be quite tight (up to 9 people per car). Visitors with severe claustrophobia should take this into consideration.

  • Can I take photos during the tour?

    In Wieliczka Salt Mine photos for private use are allowed, but commercial photography requires a permit.

  • Do visitors have to walk back up to the surface?

    No. While the tour begins with a descent down approximately 380 stairs, the return to the surface is much easier. At the end of the tour, visitors are transported back up by a mining elevator.

  • Are restrooms available underground?

    Yes. Unlike many other museums, the Salt Mine has restrooms located underground. They are available at two specific points during the tour (approximately 40 and 90 minutes after the start). It is still recommended to use the facilities at the entrance before the tour begins.

  • Is the air inside the mine healthy?

    Yes. The microclimate inside the mine is free of pollutants and allergens, and is rich in micronutrients. The air is considered highly beneficial for the respiratory system, offering relief for visitors with asthma or allergies.

  • Is exploring the mine without a guide possible?

    No. Due to strict safety regulations, all visits must take place under the constant supervision of a licensed museum guide. Self-guided tours are not permitted at any time.

  • Is mobile coverage or WiFi available underground?

    Mobile signal is available in specific areas of the mine, but reception may be lost in deeper corridors. Free WiFi is accessible in designated zones, such as the underground reception area and the restaurant at the end of the tour.

  • Are baby strollers allowed on the Tourist Route?

    While not strictly forbidden, bringing a stroller is highly discouraged due to the large number of stairs (approx. 800). It is strongly recommended to leave strollers in the luggage storage area and use a baby carrier or sling instead.

  • Are pets allowed in the mine?

    No, domestic animals are not permitted underground. The only exception is made for service dogs assisting visitors with disabilities.

Zakopane & Thermal Baths Tour

  • How long does the Zakopane and Thermal Baths tour last?

    Around 11 hours in total. The itinerary includes Zakopane town, a cable car ride to Gubałówka, a visit to Chochołów, and time in the thermal baths.

  • What is included in the price?

    • Transport from and back to Krakow,
    • Gubałówka cable car ticket,
    • Entry to thermal baths (approx. 3 hours),
    • Oscypek cheese tasting and a visit to Chochołów wooden village.
  • What should I bring?

    Swimsuit, towel, flip-flops, comfortable shoes, and a jacket (mountain weather may change).

  • Is there time for food during the Zakopane tour?

    Yes, free time is planned in Zakopane for meals and exploring Krupówki street.

Schindler’s Factory Tour

  • How long does the Schindler’s Factory tour last?

    Approximately 1.5 hours. Combo packages (including Kazimierz district or the Jewish Ghetto) may take longer.

  • Is a guide included in the tour?

    Yes, all our tours include a professional guide.

  • Is the Schindler’s Factory tour suitable for children?

    Yes, although due to the historical content, we recommend it for teenagers and adults.

  • Can I book a last-minute tour?

    Yes, subject to availability. During peak season, we recommend booking in advance.

Didn’t find your question here?

📩 Contact us at office@hellocracow.com or via our contact form.

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