Yes — it can be done, but you need to plan the day sensibly, start early and remember a few important organizational rules. For large groups the key elements are: good transport (coach), smooth reservations at the Museum in Oswiecim, headset sets for participants and a realistic schedule that accounts for travel time and the time needed to visit the memorial site.
The route Krakow – Oswiecim is about 60–70 km one way; travel usually takes roughly 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes depending on traffic. When planning it’s wise to allow extra time for congestion leaving the city or entering Oswiecim.
Keep in mind that a visit on the territory of the Memorial Site (Auschwitz I + Birkenau) usually takes at least around 3.5 hours if you want to calmly see the exhibitions and places of remembrance. For that reason a typical one‑day programme is morning in Krakow and afternoon in Oswiecim.
If you prefer a gentler pace — consider modifying the route (for example shorter Krakow sightseeing or visiting Oswiecim in the morning and a shorter walk in the city in the evening). As a guide I can help tailor the route to the age, fitness and expectations of your group.
In the article you will find a sample plan, logistical tips, practical rules that apply at the Memorial Site and a checklist of things worth remembering before the trip.
07:30 – Meeting point in Krakow, brief welcome and short organizational briefing (attendance list, splitting into smaller subgroups if needed).
08:00–11:00 – Guided sightseeing in Krakow: Wawel (outside and entry to the Cathedral), the Royal Route, Main Market Square, Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Church. Pace adapted to the group, with short photo stops and time for questions.
11:15 – Load the coach and depart for Oswiecim. Coach transfer approx. 1–1.5 hours. During the trip a short historical introduction and practical instructions before the visit to the memorial site.
13:00–16:30 – Visit to the Auschwitz‑Birkenau Memorial Site: arrival, collecting entry passes/reservations, guided tour with a museum educator/guide (organized groups usually must use a museum educator). The visiting time includes Auschwitz I and Birkenau and a moment for reflection and silence.
16:45 – Return to the coach, depart for Krakow; possible stop for dinner on the way back if the schedule allows.
approx. 18:30–19:30 – Arrival in Krakow and end of the trip.
Note – times are approximate and depend on season, traffic and the chosen visiting variant. For groups of 30–60 people I recommend coordinating times in advance with the driver, group coordinators and the museum.
Organized groups must reserve their visit in advance and are usually led by a museum educator — this is the standard procedure. It’s strongly recommended to book the date as early as possible: popular dates (especially in high season) fill up quickly.
On site entry is regulated by timed entry passes that specify the start time of the visit. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled start to complete formalities and check‑in.
The Museum has limitations on admissions to preserve the memory and the comfort of visitors — that’s why reservation and punctuality are important. Also check rules on luggage and left‑luggage/lockers ahead of time to avoid unpleasant surprises.
As a guide I offer help organising the whole day, including support with reservations and group logistics, providing headset sets and giving short instructions on behaviour during the visit.
Remember that the Memorial Site has a special code of conduct — silence, respect and solemnity. It is not a place for loud jokes or souvenir games.
For groups of 30–60 people the best solution is hiring one large coach or two vehicles depending on seat availability and preferences. Make sure the driver knows the day plan and planned stops.
There are coach parking areas in Oswiecim near the Memorial Site grounds. Some parking lots are paid, others have different rates depending on vehicle type. In practice it’s worth notifying the transport company in advance about the need to stop and any parking fees.
When planning include a restroom stop and possible meal break. The coach can stop for a short break leaving Krakow or entering Oswiecim if the schedule allows.
Also ensure participants have identity documents, the attendance list and the contact details of the person responsible for the group. Good communication between the driver and the group coordinator greatly smooths the day.
If you need help arranging a coach or advice on the number of seats — I’m happy to suggest trusted solutions and help coordinate details.
Visits to memorial sites require special respect. Please remind the group to keep quiet, act with restraint and dress appropriately for a place of reflection.
The Museum has rules regarding luggage — maximum dimensions usually allow small bags/backpacks. Larger luggage must be left on the coach or placed in left‑luggage. Check size limits ahead of time so no one is denied entry.
Photography is permitted for private purposes in most areas, with exceptions — photographing the room with victims’ hair and certain underground areas is forbidden. Do not use flash or tripods. Commercial photography requires museum permission.
Do not eat on exhibition grounds, do not make noise or shout. This is a time for silence and memory. Also respect moments of prayer or remembrance if they occur.
For comfort, I recommend comfortable, flat shoes and weather‑appropriate clothing — part of the Birkenau tour is outdoors and offers little shelter from sun or rain.
For groups of 30–60 people it’s worth using a headset system — it helps keep order and allows everyone to hear the guide even in crowds. I have headset sets available which greatly ease working with large groups.
I break the route into short segments with breaks — short stories and anecdotes at specific points work better than long monologues. This keeps the group engaged and helps participants remember the stories.
It’s important to appoint one or two contact persons from the group — ideally the guardian or organizer. This makes taking attendance, managing time and communication with the guide and driver much easier.
If your group includes people with limited mobility, let me know in advance — I will adapt the route so everyone can participate as much as possible or plan alternatives.
I aim to lead tours in a friendly atmosphere, with attention to historical context and a touch of humour where appropriate. Working with large groups is also an art of good pacing and empathy.
On my website you will find the price list for guiding — for large groups (from about 36 people) the fee is usually calculated in złoty per person for longer tours, while shorter walks have a fixed group rate. I also offer headset rental, which significantly improves the comfort of sightseeing with large groups.
Transport costs (coach), parking fees and possible left‑luggage charges in Oswiecim are independent of the guiding service and are set by the carrier or parking administration. For larger bookings I’m happy to help estimate the total price and prepare an offer.
Because prices and promotions can change, it’s worth confirming the final quote and availability before the trip. I’m very willing to prepare a tailor‑made offer — write or call and we’ll arrange the details.
My goal is a clear offer with no hidden costs — so organizers can feel confident and participants can focus on the visit.
My services can include: guiding in Polish, organising headset sets, assistance coordinating museum reservations and practical pre‑trip advice.
- Reservation confirmations (printout or file) – especially the confirmation for the Memorial Site and the coach booking.
- Attendance list with contact phone numbers and the ID of the person responsible for the group.
- Comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for the weather — part of the Birkenau visit is outdoors.
- A small backpack/purse that complies with the museum’s luggage restrictions – larger suitcases stay on the coach.
- Water and light snacks for breaks (no eating on the museum exhibition).
- Stickers or name tags for participants – they help counting and quick identification in a large group.
- Power bank and chargers – useful if the group uses mobile devices for photos or communication.
If you are planning a one‑day Krakow + Oswiecim trip for 30–60 people, I’ll gladly help plan everything so the day is safe, well organised and full of meaningful experiences. I have experience with groups in this size range, headset sets and the practical know‑how to make everything run smoothly.
Simply tell me how much time you have, the group structure (ages, any limitations), and whether you want more time in Krakow or in Oswiecim — I will prepare several route options and a detailed quote.
Travel is not only logistics — it’s stories, memory and shared experiences. Let’s make sure this day is well lived and organised with respect.
See you on the route — warmly, Małgorzata.
Contact and bookings: please use the reservation form on the website zwiedzaniekrakowa.com or write directly – I will gladly answer all questions and prepare an offer tailored to your group.
