Yes — with a good plan, an early start and private transport you can visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine and the main points of Krakow’s Old Town without rushing and while keeping a VIP atmosphere. The key is advance reservations, a private driver/guide and leaving time for a lunch break and short business meetings.
For business guests I recommend starting the day in Wieliczka — you avoid the largest crowds in the mine, and after returning to Krakow you have a relaxed afternoon for a walk around the Market Square, a visit to Wawel and a coffee or dinner meeting in an elegant restaurant. The reverse order also works if guests have important morning appointments in the city.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is a UNESCO-listed site, famous for St. Kinga’s Chapel - the largest and most spectacular underground hall in Poland. The tourist route stretches for several kilometres and descends to depths of about 64 to 135 m below the surface, so it requires some physical fitness (stairs).
Krakow’s Old Town - the Main Market Square, St. Mary’s Basilica, the Cloth Hall and Wawel with its Cathedral and courtyards - is the essence of Polish history and a great place for short, representative walks after business meetings. Most highlights are relatively close to each other, so walking sightseeing is convenient.
For VIP guests the main benefits are: controlled timing, private entrances/reservations, a comfortable car with driver, program flexibility and space for business conversations during meals.
07:30 - pick-up from the hotel or designated address; premium private car, driver and a short welcome from the guide.
08:15 - arrival in Wieliczka; private entry to the tourist route. The route usually takes 2–3 hours; the guide explains the mine’s history, shows St. Kinga’s Chapel, chambers and underground lakes.
11:30 - transfer to central Krakow (approx. 25–35 minutes depending on traffic). Quick refresh at the hotel or proceed directly to the walk.
12:30 - 14:00 - representative walk around the Main Market Square: the Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica (exterior and optional entry), time for photos and a short coffee stop.
14:15 - business lunch at a selected, highly rated restaurant (VIP table reservation).
16:00 - visit to Wawel: courtyards, Cathedral, royal tombs; optional castle entry (depending on time and preference).
17:30 - optional short visit to the Jewish quarter of Kazimierz (if time and interest) or return to the hotel; end of program and transfer to further meetings or the airport.
A private car with a driver is a must for VIP guests: comfort, punctuality and space for luggage or documents. Popular options include a limousine, a premium van or a premium people carrier for groups up to 6 people. Offerings should include Wi-Fi, bottled water, air conditioning and English-speaking service.
Book the driver for the full day and plan time buffers (min. 30–45 minutes) for possible traffic, especially at peak times and when returning from the airport. The trip from Wieliczka to central Krakow usually takes 20–35 minutes.
For very demanding guests consider helicopter transfer (seasonal, subject to availability) or renting a luxury minibus with onboard workspace - check availability and landing/parking rules in advance.
Buy and book in advance: tickets to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, possible tickets to Wawel Castle and a table at the restaurant. For business groups private guided entries or group entries at fixed times are recommended to minimize waiting.
Ask for email confirmations and reservation numbers, and keep a participant list handy. For larger groups in Wieliczka inquire about alternative routes or a shorter tour version if clients have limited time.
Choose restaurants with excellent reviews and the option to reserve a private room or a separate table. A few trusted options in central Krakow: Wierzynek (historic and representative), Bottiglieria 1881 (fine dining, intimate atmosphere), Restauracja Szara (Market Square) and the SkyBar at Hotel Stary - perfect for an evening toast with a city view.
For a quick breakfast or coffee try well-known spots with reliable service: Cafe Camelot, Massolit Bookstore & Café, or the hotel lobby bars at Hotel Stary or Hotel Copernicus - convenient, discreet and well prepared to host business guests.
Wieliczka Salt Mine has accessible sections of the tourist route, but the standard tour includes stairs and longer walks. Before booking, check availability of routes adapted for visitors with limited mobility and the possibility of using lifts/internal transport.
In Krakow most central attractions are reachable on foot, but some historic interiors have access restrictions - report special needs in advance so the guide and staff can prepare alternatives.
Not booking in advance - tickets to Wieliczka and tables at top restaurants fill up quickly, especially in the high season.
Planning without time buffers - traffic around the city or flight delays are common; always leave 30–45 minutes between program points.
Not adapting the route to guests’ fitness - the mine tour involves stairs; ask about health and preferences before confirming the program.
St. Kinga’s Chapel in Wieliczka is not only an aesthetic salt marvel - its floor and chandeliers are made of salt, and the space is often compared to an underground cathedral.
The underground tourist route stretches for several kilometres overall, though the visitor-accessible section is usually a few kilometres long and descends to zones at various depths - it impresses both architecturally and atmospherically.
How long does a Wieliczka visit take? Usually 2–3 hours including entry and descent plus short photo stops.
Should I start in Wieliczka or Krakow? For VIP guests it’s better to start in Wieliczka (fewer crowds in the morning) and return to Krakow for a relaxed afternoon; the choice depends on your business meeting schedule.
What is the dress code? Neat, conservative clothing is appropriate in the mine and churches. For higher-standard restaurants choose smart casual or formal wear.
Do guests have to walk a lot? Yes - prepare guests for walks and stairs. Plan alternatives for people with mobility issues.
If you are planning a day for VIP or business guests, I’m happy to help refine it - from transport and priority reservations to comfortable dining options and spaces for confidential conversations. Share this plan with colleagues, and if you wish you can use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) - contact details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Good preparation guarantees the day will be efficient, enjoyable and memorable for your guests.
If you’d like, I can prepare a personalized plan based on the number of participants, arrival times or culinary preferences - tell me the basics and I will create a detailed proposal.
