If you want to feel the real atmosphere of Krakow — not just on the surface, but with stories, context and a touch of anecdote — a private tour is an excellent choice. A small group of 2-6 people gives comfort, the chance to ask questions and the ability to adjust the pace to your interests.
As a licensed guide (I have held my license since 2012) I lead visitors so that history is clear and the walk enjoyable — both for people who are just beginning their Krakow adventure and for those returning to discover something new.
Small groups are also practical: it’s easier to move through Kazimierz’s narrow streets, to get more quickly to places where crowds can be an issue, and more convenient to organize a trip to Ojców National Park when we plan to spend the whole day there.
Kazimierz is a district that combines history, memory and the modern vibe of café courtyards. In a standard 2-hour program we visit the main points: Szeroka Street — the historic center of the Jewish town; the Old Synagogue (Stara Synagoga) or the Old-New Synagogue depending on the route; the Remuh Synagogue and the adjacent Remuh Cemetery; the Izaak Synagogue; the Tempel Synagogue; and the characteristic courtyards and places linked to everyday life from centuries past.
We also look at places known from film and literature, for example Józefa Street with its tucked-away corners that appear in movies, and Plac Nowy — a culinary and cultural hotspot famous for its zapiekanka and evening atmosphere.
I talk about customs, rituals, the Yiddish language, the meaning of matzevot (tombstones) and the specifics of ceremonies, but also about how the district changed over the centuries. Everything is presented in an accessible way, with a pinch of humor and local curiosities.
Ojców National Park is a perfect complement to a city program — it’s the smallest national park in Poland, but full of Jurassic limestone formations, caves and picturesque valleys. The most visited spots include Ojców Castle, Łokietek’s Cave, Ciemna Cave, the Prądnik Valley and the famous rock formation called Maczuga Herkulesa (Hercules’ Club).
The trip to Ojców can be planned as a standalone day or combined with a morning walk in Kazimierz and an afternoon in the park. In practice this means a drive by car or minibus from Krakow (about 25-40 minutes depending on traffic) and walks on easier trails — suitable even for families with children. I show the most interesting places and tell stories about geology, local flora and regional legends.
For those interested in caves it’s worth wearing comfortable shoes and bringing a warm layer — caves are often cooler than the outside air. If you want to visit specific caves or castle interiors, we will check availability and ticketing in advance.
Tours for 2-6 people are designed for couples, families and small groups of friends — a format where everyone can speak up, ask questions and request more detail. The pace is flexible and the route is tailored to the group’s interests.
Advantages include shorter wait times at entrances, easier movement in crowded places and a greater ability to personalize the program, for example a stronger focus on Jewish culture, architecture, photography or culinary stops.
If you wish, I can prepare a tailor-made route — more time at synagogues, quick culinary stops or an extended stroll through Kazimierz’s parks and courtyards.
Standard prices for private guiding start from the small-group rate — for example a 2-hour tour of Kazimierz is offered as a small-group private option. Exact rates and current promotions are arranged at booking — it’s worth asking about available dates and possible off-season discounts.
Booking is simple: the easiest way is to contact me by phone or email, giving the date, an approximate number of people and your preferred language. When planning trips to Ojców National Park we also arrange travel logistics and departure times from Krakow.
Entrance fees to synagogues, some museums or caves are not always included in the guiding fee — I usually advise and help purchase tickets on site or online to avoid queues.
Clothing and footwear - for a Kazimierz walk comfortable shoes and a light layer are enough. For Ojców bring sturdy walking shoes, a light jacket or sweater and water — shaded valleys can feel cooler.
Children and pace - I adapt the tour to participants’ ages; for families with children the program includes short, engaging stops and tasks that involve the youngest visitors.
Photos - I’m happy to point out the best photo spots along the route; if you plan a professional session, let me know in advance so we can adjust the route and timing.
Weather - tours run in most weather; in very poor conditions we can modify the route to spend more time indoors and in museums.
How long is the tour of Kazimierz? - Usually 2 hours is enough to see the main places and learn the district’s history. Longer versions of 3 or 4 hours are also possible.
Does the guide speak English? - Yes, I can lead tours in English. Please specify your preferred language when booking.
Are entrance fees included? - The price covers the guiding service; entrance fees to some sites (e.g. synagogues, caves) are extra. I assist with ticket purchase and recommend current rates.
What if it rains? - Tours run in the rain as well; in case of very bad weather we have a plan B with more indoor visits and museums.
Where do we meet at the start of the tour? - The meeting point is arranged individually, most often in central Krakow to be convenient for all participants.
Kazimierz + Ojców National Park in one day - a morning walk in Kazimierz, transfer to Ojców and an afternoon in the national park. It’s an intense but very rewarding day.
Themed routes - I can prepare a route focused on Jewish culture, a photography tour, a culinary trip to taste local specialties or a walk following film and literary locations.
Family and school tours - educational programs with tasks for children, workshop elements and an adapted pace.
To book a tour, simply write or call — provide the date, number of participants, preferred language and a short description of interests (for example a strong focus on Jewish history, photography, nature).
When booking a trip to Ojców National Park, please indicate preferred transport — I can assist with arranging a transfer from Krakow if needed.
If you have questions about available dates, prices or special requests — feel free to write or call. Individual bookings provide flexibility and program personalization.
Kazimierz and Ojców National Park are two different worlds that together form a complete picture of this part of Lesser Poland - culture and memory in the city and silence and geology among the Jurassic rocks. If you want a day full of stories, views and local flavors - come for a walk.
My goal is for you to finish the tour with knowledge that stays and a smile — hence flexibility, curiosities and an approach adapted to small groups. I look forward to your questions and date proposals.
