Excursion d'une journée à Auschwitz-Birkenau depuis Varsovie en voiture

Our visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau was profoundly meaningful, and I am very grateful that we had the opportunity to experience such an important historical site. The museum itself was powerful, sobering, and unforgettable. However, the structure of the group tour often felt rushed. We were part of a fairly large English-speaking group, with one group frequently following closely behind another, and at times we were moved quickly from one building or exhibit to the next. In a place carrying such extraordinary historical weight, I found myself wishing for more time to stand quietly, reflect, and absorb what I was seeing. The personal belongings, eyeglasses, clothing, human hair, discussions of medical experimentation, railway tracks, and barracks were deeply affecting. These are not exhibits that one simply looks at; they require time for contemplation. If I were to visit again, I would strongly consider a smaller or more personalized tour that allows more time to engage with the site and fully appreciate its historical significance. My experience with the transportation portion of the tour was more disappointing. Our driver, Oleksandr, was not especially personable, and communication about the day could have been clearer. On the way to Auschwitz, we stopped early at a gas station and convenience store for snacks and restroom use, although we had already eaten breakfast. We were not told in advance that this stop was planned. Later, when we asked whether there would be an opportunity to stop for a late lunch on the return journey, we were told there would be no additional stop and that we would need to eat whatever was available at the Auschwitz-Birkenau site. There were also several moments during the drive when the driver had to brake very abruptly, jolting us forward in our seats while reacting to traffic situations. Although no accident occurred, the repeated sudden braking made the journey feel less comfortable and less safe than I would have expected for such a long-distance tour. In addition, when one member of our original party could not attend and another person came in her place, we were required to purchase an entirely new personalized admission ticket for approximately 150 PLN. I understand that this may have been a museum policy, but the situation could have been handled with greater courtesy and clearer explanation. Overall, would I still have gone on this tour? Yes, absolutely. Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau was an important and worthwhile experience, and I am grateful that I went. My concerns are not about the significance of the destination, but about how the experience was organized and delivered. With a smaller group, more time for reflection, clearer communication, and a more attentive transportation experience, the day could have been even more meaningful.

It’s the first I visited Poland and I joined the tour on my second day in Warsaw. It turned out that what we experienced was more than what was expected - viewing the sites / actually objects are quite different from just reading photos in the internet. The guide was very knowledgeable about the history and we found the tour very informative and mind blowing. It should be a not to be missed visit there - highly recommended for anyone who wanted to visit in person these horrible history of the past.

I got scammed by someone connected to Viator. The scammer had all my travel details from Viator and asked for an advance to purchase the museum tickets. Then the scammer disappeared.

We all need to remember what happened at these concentration camps. This experience brings it alive. It is chilling and we need to remember so it never happens again.

All very correct, the stay and the driver very very well.

Very well organized, quick and efficient transport from Warsaw. Otherwise an emotionally difficult day.

Coordination from booking the tickets all the way through pickup and the round trip from my hotel to Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum was really simple and straightforward. The driver showed up on time that morning in a clean van. There were six other tourists already in the van and then we headed out. Each of us were given a bottle of water, which was nice. We made one short stop at a petrol station on the way so people could use the washroom and grab a coffee or snacks. The drive was about three hours. We were first dropped off at Auschwitz I. There is a washroom and vending machines located right out front of the museum. The guided tour there was around two hours and was all in English. The museum will give you headphones so you can hear the guide clearly the whole time, which helps since the group was probably around 30 people. There is a lot of walking, so definitely wear comfortable clothes and shoes. It was cold and overcast the day I went, so plan for that. There are also some stairs in certain parts. It was not an issue for me, but something to keep in mind. That said, I did see plenty of older visitors managing it though. After that, we had a quick washroom break and then drove a few minutes over to Auschwitz II-Birkenau. This part is even more walking since the site is massive and the ground is uneven in most places. You do not need to be super fit, but decent shoes will help a lot. You can take photos in most areas of both camps, but using your flash is prohibited and the guide will ask you not to do it several times. The guide will tell you when you are entering places where photos are not allowed at all. The Birkenau portion of the guided tour was about an hour to an hour and a half, and then we headed back to the van and made the drive back to Warsaw. There was no stop on the way back, so I would use the washroom before leaving if you need to. As far as the concentration camps go…well it is hard to find words to accurately describe how heavy it all felt on the soul. It is important to see and remember, and even more important to never allow such tragedies to happen again. I would recommend this guided trip without question to anyone.

It is a 3-5 hour ride from Warsaw. There was construction and 3 accidents along our way there. Felt like forever in the van. Once there it was very rushed, busy, and a lot of walking including up and down many staircases. Alex our driver was excellent and would give him 5 stars for his stellar driving skills and his patience with the construction and accidents. He really helped the uncontrollable situation and made the journey enjoyable.

The tour itself was very informative and provide insight on how Jews were treated. However, Alex, our driver, might have been having a bad day, or he just doesn’t like his job. He was a few minutes late picking us up, and he did apologize for that, but he didn’t say anything else unless it was to provide direction, which was limiting, or responded when asked a question. We were in the very back of the van. He didn’t say anything, didn’t ask how we were doing climate wise or if a stop was needed, which was provided in an email the night before. We ended up not stopping either way. We were at least an hour early with nothing to do with the exception of using the facilities, so not quite sure why we were in such a hurry. When we got into the van after the second stop, I finally asked that air be turned on, he showed where it was and turned it on, but we were in the back row, so we couldn't adjust, but it was better with air circulation. We were told the night before that we would arrive at 8 pm, but I believe we ended up arriving at 6:15 ish… not so bad but again no stop on the way back and I had to make a beeline to the water closet when we arrived at our hotel.

This was a well organised trip, driver was very pleasant and informative. Tour guild was extremely knowledgeable, very respectful about the victims and survivors her passionate shone through