Yes — a group of 7–30 participants is an excellent size: intimate enough to stay flexible with the program and large enough to spread guide costs advantageously.
In practice, it’s wise to plan visits so that some attractions are booked in advance. Some places (for example the Market Underground, selected Wawel chambers, caves or certain museum exhibitions) have limits on group size — with nearly 30 people you may need to negotiate entry times, split the group or request special arrangements.
In this article you’ll find sample routes (half-day, full-day and themed), logistical tips, a list of recommended dining spots and practical checklists to make organizing the trip simple and predictable.
Start with three questions: how much time do you have (2–3 hours, half a day, a full day), does anyone have restrictions (mobility, diet), and do you want to add an excursion outside the city (Wieliczka, Ojców National Park, Oświęcim).
Transport: for groups of 7–30 people the most convenient option is a minibus or a small coach. In Krakow’s center it’s better to plan meeting points near Wawel or the Main Market to avoid restricted traffic zones and parking problems.
Reservations and tickets: book museum tickets and entries (e.g., Market Underground, caves, selected rooms of the Royal Castle) in advance — dates fill up quickly in season. When booking, give the exact number of participants because group discounts and limits per group often apply.
Sound system: for programs where the guide speaks in crowded spaces it’s worth renting a portable PA. It spreads the cost and improves comprehension — especially when the group is close to 30 people.
Half-day (approx. 2–3 hours) – a quick walk around the Main Market: Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica (outside or with entry if tickets are reserved), Wawel courtyard. Ideal for groups with limited time or those who want a concise overview.
Half-day (Kazimierz, 2–3 hours) – Szeroka Street, Remuh Synagogue, the Jewish cemetery, Plac Now and the café atmosphere. A good option for groups interested in the district’s history and its contemporary stories.
Full day – the classic: Wawel with a visit to the Cathedral and Castle in the morning, walk through the Old Town, lunch in a reserved restaurant, afternoon in Kazimierz, and optionally an evening Vistula river cruise or themed dinner.
Day trip outside the city (full day) – Ojców National Park: Pieskowa Skała Castle, walk to the Hercules’ Club (Maczuga Herkulesa), a short visit to caves (if available) or a picnic. Travel time from Krakow is usually 30–40 minutes, making this a great choice for groups seeking nature.
A themed 3–4 hour route connects parts of Kazimierz with Podgórze: Old Synagogue, Remuh Synagogue and cemetery, sites linked to the film "Schindler’s List" and the history of the Podgórze ghetto. This route requires a sensitive and empathetic narrative — it’s best led by a guide experienced in historical topics.
The itinerary usually includes time for reflection and a short break for coffee or lunch in one of Kazimierz’s local restaurants. Because of the subject’s weight, smaller groups or splitting into subgroups with separate museum entries is recommended.
If the group wants to break the usual pattern, plan a route combining a walk with activity: bike rental and a ride along the Planty or the Vistula boulevards, an outdoor game with historical tasks, or workshops (e.g., cooking, ceramics, cookie-decorating).
For activities outside the city (e.g., climbing or via ferrata in the Jurassic region) book an instructor and equipment in advance. For transport, remember space for bikes or equipment on the bus/coach.
Book in advance. Well-rated places happily accept groups but need advance information (set menu, arrival time, allergies). Offer simple group menus so service is quick.
Some reliable addresses (highly rated, group-friendly): Wierzynek (restaurant by the Main Market, historical option), Pod Aniołami (traditional Polish cuisine in the centre), Hamsa and Mleczarnia (Kazimierz — atmospheric places with good group menus), Café Camelot and Massolit Books & Café (for coffee and dessert).
If you plan a sweet break or a workshop (e.g., cookie decorating), contact local pâtisseries — table-based workshops are a great team-building activity.
Costs depend on trip length, number of guides, entry fees and transport. A short city tour (approx. 2–3 hours) often starts at a few hundred PLN for the group; extended programs or full-day trips will be more expensive. Programs with transport and extra attractions (caves, mine, museums) increase the cost by ticket fees and any instructor charges.
Additional costs to consider: museum tickets (often lower group rates), PA rental, parking fees, catering or group menus at restaurants and potential fees for special reservations (guided visits to places with limited capacity).
With many attractions the per-person fee decreases as group size increases — groups of 10–20 people often reach a good balance between a private program and economy.
Don’t leave bookings to the last minute — in season (May–September, holidays) tickets and restaurant tables disappear weeks in advance.
Don’t assume every venue will accept one large group — check entry limits (many museums and monuments set per-group caps). For nearly 30 people have a plan B (splitting into subgroups, a different entry time or an alternative attraction).
Confirm accessibility for people with limited mobility — some monuments have architectural barriers and some cellars or towers are inaccessible.
Don’t forget toilets and breaks — plan a pause every 60–90 minutes, especially for mixed-age groups.
The Planty park was created on the site of the medieval city walls — walking the Planty is a stroll along Krakow’s former fortifications.
The Market Underground literally layers history — a walk there is a journey through the medieval Market and the city’s former commercial life.
Wawel hides not only castle halls but also stories of royal secrets, legends and smaller, lesser-known nooks that often remain the most memorable parts of a tour.
Q: How much time is needed to show the Old Town properly? A: At least 2 hours for the essentials; 3–4 hours if you want to enter several museums and include a meal break.
Q: With 30 people is an additional guide necessary? A: It depends on the attractions — some venues’ limits force a split; often an extra guide or a PA system is sufficient.
Q: When is the best time to book? A: Ideally 2–4 weeks in advance in normal season; in high season and for programs requiring tickets to popular attractions, book several months ahead.
Pack a participant list with allergy and special needs information, prepare a rainy-day backup plan and confirm all reservations 48–72 hours before the event.
If you want a fully tailored route from A to Z, feel free to contact me — I’m Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz), a licensed guide, and I can prepare a program tailored to your group (theme, pace, breaks and restaurant recommendations). Contact details and offer information are available on the guide’s website.
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