Wawel is a place that brings together royal, sacred and architectural history. On the hill you will see Wawel Cathedral with royal tombs, representative castle chambers, historic tapestries and places connected to Polish monarchy and legends. Some rooms and stories about royal life are best experienced with a licensed guide — then the visit becomes a story rather than a lecture.
The Market Underground (Podziemia Rynku) is a journey into medieval Kraków. Archaeological layers, everyday objects from long ago and reconstructions of urban spaces show what city life looked like centuries ago. For students it is an excellent complement to history lessons: you can see material traces of trade, crafts and city organization.
Combining a walk along the Royal Route with a visit to Wawel and the Market Underground gives a fuller picture of the city: from royal residences through the everyday life of the Main Market Square to the hidden layers beneath its surface.
School trips led by Małgorzata Kasprowicz combine solid knowledge with storytelling adapted to the age of participants. Programs are interactive — the guide uses anecdotes, questions and tasks that engage children and teenagers and help them remember historical facts.
Standard school itineraries include: a walk along the Royal Route (Barbakan – St. Florian's Gate – Main Market Square), a climb to Wawel Hill with a visit to the Cathedral and selected chambers or exhibitions, and a visit to the Market Underground. The length of activities can be adjusted — typically 2–4 hours depending on the program and the group's pace.
The guide has many years of experience working with school groups and can adapt language, pace and format for both the youngest pupils and high-school students. There are also themed programs available: legend trails, the history of crafts, elements of art and architecture, and special educational scenarios aligned with the school curriculum.
Guiding fees vary depending on language, tour length and group size. Different rates apply for small groups (up to around 35 people) and larger groups; time-limited promotions may also be available. It’s worth checking current offers before booking, as discounted rates can apply for specific dates.
The guide can provide convenient headset sets — especially useful for larger groups or in crowded places. The fee for headset sets is usually nominal and helps maintain clear communication with students during the walk.
Organizers should also budget for museum and exhibition entrance fees (for example, some Wawel exhibitions or the Market Underground may require separate tickets). Some entries and exhibitions have limited capacity — booking in advance is therefore recommended.
It’s safest to reserve a date in advance — especially in the tourist season and on popular school dates (May–June, September, long weekends). When booking, include the number of students, the group's age, the preferred tour length and any special needs (e.g. wheelchair access).
Remember that access to selected sites (for example certain castle chambers) may require separate museum tickets. Coordinate ticket purchases with your guide’s booking — the guide can advise which entrances are best to plan for a given day.
If you plan to visit Wawel, check opening hours for the hill and any rules regarding entry to the Cathedral and exhibitions. For the Market Underground, specific entry times often apply because of limited space and scheduled group slots.
Typical meeting points for school trips are: the Main Market Square (for example near the Cloth Hall or by St. Mary's Church) and areas near Wawel Hill (entrance to the hill). The exact meeting spot is confirmed when booking to avoid confusion and to make gathering easier.
Prepare your students with comfortable shoes, water and a small snack (if you plan a longer route), student IDs for discounts and spare clothing in case of changeable weather. For large groups, a system of chaperones works well: divide into smaller subgroups and exchange phone numbers among chaperones.
For safety and order it’s helpful to set rules of conduct before the trip — a short reminder about respecting monuments, staying away from barriers and staying together makes guiding the group much easier.
Some monuments and exhibitions (especially in older buildings and underground spaces) have limited accessibility for wheelchair users. The Market Underground contains areas with uneven floors and stairs — before arrival, report any accessibility needs to find the best solution.
Wawel is a complex with different zones: the open hill area, the Cathedral and separate museum exhibitions — not all areas have the same accessibility. Ask the guide about adapting the route to the group's needs.
On busy days expect larger crowds at the Market and Wawel — in such cases shorter, focused modules and the use of headsets help keep students’ attention.
After a busy visit students and chaperones often look for a place to eat or rest. A few nearby options:
- Restaurant Wierzynek (Main Market Square) — historic interior and traditional cuisine; a good choice for more formal groups.
- Szara (Main Market Square) — a popular spot with Polish and European dishes, convenient for larger groups with the possibility of advance reservation.
- Charlotte (Szczepański Square) — bakery and bistro ideal for a quick break, small sandwiches and pastries.
- Cafe Camelot (St. Thomas Street) — a cozy café, good for a short break or dessert.
The guide is happy to recommend places suited to your budget and group size and can help contact venues in advance.
How long does a typical school trip last? - Typical programs last from 2 to 4 hours. You can prepare shorter modules (e.g. only Wawel or only the Market Underground) or a longer combined program with a meal break.
Are additional tickets needed? - Yes, some exhibitions and chambers require separate admission tickets. When booking, decide which places you want to visit so you can plan costs and buy tickets in advance.
How many chaperones does a school group need? - It’s recommended to divide students into smaller subgroups with at least one chaperone per several dozen pupils. Exact ratios depend on students’ age and school policy.
Does the guide have experience with children? - Yes, Małgorzata Kasprowicz has worked with school groups for many years and can run engaging sessions for pupils of different ages.
What if the weather is bad? - Most itineraries can be adapted to spend more time indoors in castle buildings and covered exhibitions. If conditions are extreme, discuss an alternative plan with the guide.
Can the tour be tailored to a specific subject or curriculum? - Yes, if you have a theme in mind (for example medieval history or Gothic art), tell the guide when booking — she can prepare materials and emphasize topics that match your curriculum.
Book your date in advance — this secures the guide and museum slots.
Prepare a student list with chaperone contact numbers and set a clear meeting point in case the group gets separated.
Bring proof of entitlement to discounts (student IDs) — many museums and institutions offer reduced fares for youth and chaperones.
Use the guide’s experience: if you have a specific theme for the trip, mention it when booking — the guide will prepare materials and highlights tailored to your program.
Enjoy Kraków! Good preparation will make the trip not only educational but full of pleasant memories for students and chaperones.
