Should you take a class to Kraków with a guide? Short answer: definitely yes. A guide focuses students' attention, shows the most interesting places in a well-organised way and pulls children into the story — which often means even the most distracted pupils listen with interest.
With a guide you save time and nerves: the route is planned, you have clear meeting points and breaks, and the guide knows shorter cut-throughs, the most convenient entrances and ways to avoid the longest queues (for example at museums). A professional guide can also tell the story so students remember facts without being forced to learn dates.
The school version has another advantage — the guide can adapt the narration to the group's age: simple stories and games for younger children, context and references for high school students, and educational elements useful for the school curriculum. And if you plan to visit Wieliczka or travel outside the city, the guide will help with logistics and the timing so everything fits together.
Because this text was written to help teachers — you'll find practical routes, organisational tips, indicative prices and an FAQ here. Everything in plain language, so preparing the trip is as little stressful as possible.
A few facts about me that are good to know: since 2012 I have led groups around Kraków, I have experience with school trips and I work so that students are active and safe.
Short and concrete — I offer guided tours adjusted to the age and theme of the trip (for example the Royal Route, Kazimierz, educational routes linked to history, and combined trips: Kraków + Wieliczka). I work with groups from small (1–35 people) to large (36 people and more).
Indicative prices in 2025 look like this (it's worth checking availability earlier):
- Small groups (1–35 people): 2 hours — about 350 PLN; 3 hours — about 450 PLN; 4 hours — about 550 PLN. Each additional hour is an extra charge.
- Large groups (36 people and more): prices calculated per person — for example 2 hours from about 14 PLN/person, 3 hours from about 17 PLN/person, 4 hours from about 20 PLN/person (exact rates depend on group composition and programme).
- Tours in English are priced a bit higher than in Polish — different rates apply for small and large groups.
For the convenience of large groups, headset sets are usually available for a small fee per person. Thanks to them, even in crowded places everyone hears the guide.
If you plan a trip that includes Wieliczka, remember that tickets to the mine and any guiding inside the mine are additional costs — we usually reserve them in advance to avoid queues and sold-out slots.
1-day trip: Kraków + Wieliczka (quick version) - A perfect plan when time is limited.
- Morning: arrival and meeting at an agreed meeting point in the centre; 2–3 hours walking around the Old Town and Wawel (key places, short stories, 1–2 stops for questions).
- Afternoon: transfer to Wieliczka (approx. 20–30 minutes), visit the tourist route of the salt mine with a mining guide — salt chambers, St. Kinga's Chapel, salt lakes; return to Kraków in the evening.
- Tips: book Wieliczka tickets in advance; plan toilet breaks and simple snacks. For younger classes it's worth shortening the Kraków route and giving more time in the mine.
2-day trip: Kraków + Wieliczka + extra attractions
- Day 1: Old Town, Wawel, a shorter visit to Kazimierz; evening workshops or a themed walk.
- Day 2: Wieliczka in the morning; in the afternoon Ojcowski National Park (short trails, caves, castle ruins) or a visit to the Czartoryski Museum / Rynek Underground depending on the group's interests.
- Tips: spread the attractions so children have breaks and time for lunch in a convenient place. Reserve museum entries for specific times — it saves a lot of stress.
Alternative to Wieliczka: if the group prefers nature, I recommend Ojcowski National Park as a calming, safe and interesting area to learn about geology and nature.
Preparation is half the success. Here is a list of things that really help the day run smoothly:
- Arrive 25–30 minutes before the scheduled start — this is time to gather the group, give explanations and contact ticket offices if needed.
- Appoint one person responsible for contact with the guide (the trip leader).
- Keep all confirmations on your phone: ticket numbers, entry times, route maps, contact numbers of places (ticket office, security).
- Think through luggage storage: where backpacks will be, whether you have access to a cloakroom or lockers.
- Take a first-aid kit, a list of pupils and basic allergy information. A short '60-second before leaving' checklist — attendance list, leader, meeting point after a break — works wonders.
How to shorten queues and not waste time? Book tickets to popular attractions in advance, plan routes to avoid the busiest hours (for example early mornings or late afternoons), and use the guide's tips about group entrances.
Plan toilets and breaks ahead — in some places public toilets are faster to access than museum facilities. For younger classes, agree a simple gesture or call that means 'gather' — it works better than loud commands.
Many museums in Kraków and nearby attractions require group reservations. A few practical rules:
- Book dates in advance — popular days (for example June, September) fill up quickly.
- Arriving 25–30 minutes before the entry time gives you time to count the group and leave items in a cloakroom.
- Check rules about free supervisors — many institutions allow free entry for supervisors at a certain ratio of children; have confirmations of these arrangements.
- If something goes wrong: call the ticket office in advance — sometimes you can move the entry by 15–20 minutes instead of losing the whole slot.
For Wieliczka tickets: choose a route suited to the age and fitness of pupils. The tourist route is the most popular, but check availability of special or educational routes if you want something less crowded.
Safety is the most important, especially with large classes. Simple rules that work in practice:
- Always keep the group in subgroups of 6–8 people with an assigned supervisor. This makes counting and monitoring easier.
- In the city set clear meeting points (for example a specific museum entrance, a sculpture, a tram stop) and write them on the leader's card.
- Agree emergency codes and gestures: a short sound signal, an SMS to the leader, or a meeting point in case someone gets lost.
- Remember the group's physical conditions — if someone has health issues, reserve a seat on the bus and plan more frequent breaks.
Have a plan B for the weather: shorter routes, more stops indoors, or swapping the order of attractions. In a crisis use a simple 10s-60s-5min procedure: quick assessment, role assignment, controlled action.
Does the guide help with museum and mine bookings? - Yes, I can advise which times are best and which entrances to choose; however, tickets are usually booked by the trip organiser. I cooperate on planning the logistics.
How much should I budget for a class meal? - Basic catering options along the routes (buffets, milk bars) work well for large groups, but it's worth choosing a place in advance and reserving tables or planning packed lunches. 45–60 minutes for a break is a reasonable time.
How does a tour with small children look? - We shorten routes, add more activities (field games, riddles) and plan more frequent breaks. Make sure children have comfortable shoes and light snacks.
Is Wieliczka safe for children? - Yes, the tourist route is prepared for a wide age range. Remember the stairs and the low temperature underground — appropriate clothing is necessary.
What about accessibility for people with limited mobility? - Not all routes are fully adapted; before booking check availability of a specific route and possible alternatives for those who cannot climb many stairs.
- Make a simple 'who is who' map with supervisors' phone numbers and distribute it to leaders.
- Assign 'short roles' in the class — for example attendance person, photographer, timekeeper — it engages students and helps organisation.
- Carry quick snacks in the backpack — a bar and water can save the situation during a long wait.
- Photograph key moments and send photos to parents after the trip — this reduces calls during the outing and gives parents peace of mind.
- For longer routes plan a toilet stop every 60–90 minutes for younger children.
1) Confirm all reservations: museums, Wieliczka, transport and the place for lunch.
2) Send parents a detailed itinerary: times, what to bring, clothing advice and information about possible fees.
3) Prepare a short 'what to do if...' list for leaders and supervisors (for example the guide's contact number, meeting point, procedure in case a pupil gets lost).
4) Make sure all supervisors have a copy of the participants' list and know which children have special health needs or other limitations.
5) The day before check the weather forecast and consider alternatives in case of rain.
Organising a school trip to Kraków and Wieliczka does not have to be stressful. With good communication, a clear plan and cooperation with a guide, the day can be interesting, safe and educational. If you like, I can help plan a route tailored to the class's age, curriculum and pace — from short walks to multi-day trips.
If you have questions about the programme, prices or available dates — I will gladly answer and prepare a tailor-made proposal. Let's plan a trip that is a lesson, an adventure and a good memory for the pupils. Let me know your expectations and together we'll work out the details.
Good luck with planning — and see you on the Kraków route! - Małgorzata Kasprowicz (guide)
Extra FAQ: if you want, I can attach ready-to-print 1-day and 2-day plans for parents. Tell me which class is travelling and your preferred transport — I'll prepare the material.
