Krakow is a city that blends history, legend and everyday life. The Main Market Square, the Cloth Hall, Wawel and Kazimierz are places almost everyone wants to see. Remember, though, that the best memories come not only from looking at monuments but from the stories that bring them to life. That is why many people choose a guide — especially when traveling with a school class or family.
In this article I will explain what’s worth knowing about one of the most recognizable moments of visiting Krakow — the Hejnal from St. Mary’s Church — and how to plan a one-day trip with a guide to Ojców National Park. The text is useful for teachers planning school trips, parents and tourists who want to get the most out of their visit.
If you’re planning a trip with a school group, family or friends and want to be led by a licensed guide with experience, Małgorzata Kasprowicz offers routes adapted to the age, theme and pace of the group. In the sections that follow you’ll find practical information, sample programs and tips for organizing your visit.
Małgorzata Kasprowicz is a licensed Krakow guide who has led thousands of visitors and runs tours tailored to many kinds of groups: from preschoolers to seniors. Her approach combines solid knowledge with anecdotes and humor, making tours engaging for participants of all ages.
For school groups she offers educational programs with interactive elements — contests, puzzles and stories that help pupils remember historical facts. She also has radio-guide headset sets, which are extremely helpful with larger groups and in crowded places.
Her offer includes classic routes through the Old Town, the Royal Route and Kazimierz, as well as themed tours and day trips such as to Ojców National Park. Programs are flexible — length and content can be adjusted to the needs of a school or family outing.
St. Mary’s Church (St. Mary’s Basilica) is one of Krakow’s symbols. It’s worth stopping here not only for the extraordinary altarpiece by Veit Stoss but also for the atmosphere, architectural details and the Hejnal that sounds from the church tower.
The Hejnal is a short, melodic trumpet signal played from the tower of St. Mary’s Church. It is played in memory of the medieval trumpeter who warned the city of an attack and is said to have fallen while sounding the alarm. The Hejnal plays regularly — it’s a moment you shouldn’t miss while walking around the Main Market Square.
On a guided visit you will learn where the tradition comes from, the legends connected with it and which architectural details of the church are worth a closer look. The guide will also show the best vantage points to watch the Hejnal and tell the story of Veit Stoss’ altarpiece and other treasures of the basilica.
A walk along the Royal Route is a natural part of the program: the Barbican, St. Florian’s Gate, Floriańska Street, the Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Church, the Town Hall Tower and on to Wawel. The guide explains the history of the city’s fortifications, craft regulations and the daily life of Krakow’s former inhabitants — all presented in an accessible way for students.
Małgorzata adapts stories and activities to the age of participants: for younger children she prepares simpler tasks and legends, for older students she includes historical topics and cultural context. This way the tour mixes learning with play and engages participants in different ways.
The program can also include a visit to the Market Underground or Wawel Hill — the guide has the experience and licenses to lead groups in the city’s major sites, which makes organizing group entrances much easier.
For schools there are shorter and longer options: two-hour, three- or four-hour walks through the Old Town and Kazimierz, as well as full-day trips combined with other attractions. Everything depends on the children’s age, the trip’s goals and the school timetable.
The guide offers special educational routes that include project-style work: control questions, mini-quizzes and field tasks. This gives teachers a ready-made, interactive program with clearly defined educational objectives.
For large groups headset sets are available to improve listening comfort. Prices and details about group size (min/max participants, duration, travel costs) are arranged individually — the guide provides approximate rates and booking conditions when contacted.
Ojców National Park is a great escape from the city noise. Located near Krakow, the park offers picturesque valleys, impressive rock formations, the castle at Pieskowa Skała and numerous caves and cliffs — all reachable on a day trip.
On a guided visit the group sees the key points: the Kraków Gate, the Maczuga Herkulesa (Hercules’ Club), castle ruins and, depending on the program, the interior of Pieskowa Skała. The guide blends historical stories with natural curiosities so students learn both the region’s geology and its history.
Organization of the trip includes a travel plan (by coach or minibus), a pace adjusted to the group and breaks for meals. School programs include outdoor activities and short educational tasks related to the park’s nature.
Transport: Ojców National Park is easily accessible from Krakow by car or coach — the journey usually takes about 30–50 minutes depending on the starting point and traffic. It’s worth planning departure times to avoid the busiest exits from the city.
Clothing and preparation: For a park visit we recommend comfortable shoes, a rain jacket (weather in the valleys can change) and a small backpack with water and snacks. For school groups pack a first-aid kit and spare clothing for the youngest children.
Duration: Day programs generally include 4–6 hours of field touring plus travel time. If a group wants to combine Ojców Park with a short city visit the same day, add extra time for transport and breaks.
Tickets and reservations: For visits to some sites (e.g., castles, museum exhibitions) it’s recommended to reserve entries in advance, especially for larger groups. The guide assists with planning and advises where it’s best to book.
In the heart of Krakow, after sightseeing on the Market Square, you can recommend places of different character: the historic Wierzynek restaurant for groups seeking a special setting, cafes like Cafe Camelot or Charlotte for a quick cake and coffee, and family-friendly milk bars or local bistros serving Polish dishes.
Near Ojców National Park there are roadside inns and restaurants serving regional meals — perfect for a warm meal after a walk. For school groups simple, reliable venues offering set lunches and quick service work best.
If you plan a picnic in the park, follow park rules: don’t leave trash and use designated rest areas. In the high season popular eateries can be busy — consider reserving in advance or arranging group catering.
Does the guide accept school groups arriving by coach? - Yes, school programs are adapted to coach arrivals; the guide helps plan drop-off points and indicates the best places to disembark.
How long is the Hejnal and is it always played? - The Hejnal is a short trumpet signal from the tower of St. Mary’s Church. It’s a symbolic moment during a Market Square walk and the guide will explain the history and meaning of the tradition.
Does the guide provide headset sets? - For larger groups there are headset sets available, which improve audibility and comfort — useful in crowded places.
Can you combine Krakow sightseeing with a trip to Ojców National Park? - Yes, many groups choose to combine a morning walk through the Old Town with an afternoon trip to Ojców National Park. Just plan the logistics and allow time for transport.
How is the program adapted to pupils’ ages? - The guide prepares versions of routes with more puzzles and activities for younger children and expanded historical context for older students.
Booking: It’s best to reserve a date in advance, especially in the tourist season and during school travel periods. When booking, provide the number of participants, pupils’ ages, planned duration and any special needs (e.g., radio-guide sets).
Approximate prices: For school and small groups prices depend on duration and group size. There are hourly rates for small groups (up to about 35 people) and per-person rates for larger groups. Extra costs may include headset rental and entry fees to paid sites.
Contact: If you want to book a tour or ask about a program for a school or family, direct contact is the best option — the guide provides information on dates, availability and helps tailor a program to your needs.
Plan realistically: allow time for breaks, restroom stops and possible meal breaks. Children need shorter, more dynamic activity blocks, while older pupils appreciate historical context.
Be flexible: weather and traffic affect touring pace. A good guide will quickly adapt the route so the group sees the highlights without rushing.
Enjoy the stories: the best moments on trips are the ones that stay with you — funny anecdotes, vivid descriptions and interaction with participants. This turns sightseeing into an experience, not just a checklist of places to tick off.
