Vanuit Krakau: Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour met pick-up

The driver was very nice, spoke excellent English, and navigated us very well through the traffic in Krakow, to Auschwitz and back. The tour itself could be improved. Unfortunately, the quality of the technology (microphone) was very poor, making it difficult to understand the text. Moreover, it is impossible to take the necessary time for reflection amidst the crowds being funneled through the exhibition, which is needed to give the horrific events the respect they deserve. I understand that there are many interested individuals who wish to visit Auschwitz, and I personally believe that visiting one of the memorial sites should be part of the mandatory program for European youth. However, I doubt that young people take much away from their visit to Auschwitz, as there is no time to truly absorb the experience. This is, however, not a criticism of the organizers of the visit; Auschwitz should consider solutions for this issue. Many heartfelt thanks to today's driver, Tuesday, June 26. Ride with 5 German guests to Auschwitz.

We did not book until two months prior, so had limited options. Booked a 10:30 tour Apr 29 including box lunch. At 5 pm on the 28th (after the payment and cancellation deadline) we received a text stating that departure time switched to 6 am (also received too late to cancel prepaid hotel breakfast - $40 Cdn). Discovered that several others on tour with various reservation times also switched to 6:00. Classic “bait and switch” con. Offer a wide variety of options to attract customers (bait), then transfer all to a single, more cost effective starting time (1 bus, driver and guide) after receiving payment (switch). Of course, the prepaid box lunch delivered to us at 9:30 am was pointless as the return trip started just after 11 and we were not allowed to eat on the bus. The tour itself was fine but I strongly resent being manipulated in this manner. Avoid this tour operator at all costs.

I just want to thank Beata for making it possible for my whole family to visit the Auschwitz camp. We initially booked with another high profile company only to be informed our tickets weren’t secured and had to be cancelled 2 days before the tour!! Left in a frenzy, I googled and found Beata from Time4Poland, who successfully booked us in under such short notice. The arrangement was seamless and the guide was v informative and patient. Than you so much!!!

Very disorganized! They changed my departure last minute and didn’t let me know. I showed up and had no idea the time was changed. Had to call Viator and the tour company multiple times. Very stressful and unnecessary frustration. The did end up scheduling me for a tour that was an hour later but at that point I was exhausted and upset. No partial refund was given, no apologies!

After one tour group basically stole our money for nothing received and never picked us up nor provided their "booklet", This company was absolutely top notch! Don't use anyone else. They picked us up in a Mercedes Mini Bus exactly on time and waited for sandwiches and then picked up everyone else on time. We then drove to Auschwitz , which is about an hour plus drive. It is a two part tour. Auschwitz is first. Everything you have always seen does not prepare you for the reality, which was much worse. Our guide, and the guide stays with you for the entire two parts was EXCELLENT. ( a lovely mid-aged dark haired and I think Sabrina or Maresca) I do not know how these guides revisit this horror every day in such a sensitive and caring manner. Then you travel a very short distance to Birkenau by the bus. This next part is even more walking and we both were struggling physically even though we are in good shape for our age. Everything the authorities could preserve after the Nazis tried to destroy the evidence, they did and still today, they continue their efforts. The scale is monumental of the death and havoc wreaked. The entire site was huge and you only see parts. The site stretches as far as you can see. Prepare yourself mentally and physically, but this is something everyone needs to see. Especially in the light of the mislabeling and deception done now in the current conflicts, by descendants of the people that were the first Mid East allies of Hitler. As he famous quote says, "Those who do not know history are doomed to repeat it."

This tour was everything I hoped/expected and more and I would highly recommend to anyone considering booking with this company. Our bus ride there and back was very pleasant, the lunch was quite good, and most importantly our guide was phenomenal. She was incredibly knowledgeable, seemed to cover every small detail, and was even on numerous occasions answering private questions with me and others. It made such a visit very impactful and memorable.

Seeing is believing, a prayer for understanding, we all have it in us, wonderful country, people, food, drink,

The guide at the museum was very knowledgeable. The organisation of the whole day was fab with no waiting around. I’ve used Viator before and will be back.

Incredibly emotional day but the tour was excellent. Communication prior to the tour was great. Transportation was provided was really nice and spacious. Bag Lunch was provided with an apple, banana, 2 ham sandwiches and a snack bar. It was filling. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone.