Kraków is a city with a dense concentration of monuments — Wawel, the Royal Route and the Main Market Square are close to one another, which allows for top-class sightseeing even with limited time. For business guests and VIPs the most important things are efficiency, comfort and the ability to move quickly from meetings to cultural experiences without unnecessary waiting.
In winter the route requires extra planning: shorter days and changeable weather mean more indoor attractions, convenient breaks with a hot cup of coffee and organised transport that minimises exposure to low temperatures. The specially selected “Kings of Poland Route” highlights symbolic places connected with the history of the monarchy and the former capital while keeping the pace and elegance expected by demanding guests.
The Kings of Poland Route should start at Wawel Hill — home to the Royal Castle and the Cathedral, the site of coronations and burials of Polish rulers. The programme should include a short walk around the castle courtyard and, if the schedule allows, visits inside the Castle and the Cathedral with the crypts.
Next comes the walk along the Royal Route: Kanonicza Street and Grodzka Street lead toward the Main Market Square. Along the way show carefully selected highlights — historic townhouses, university courtyards and representative churches that illustrate the city’s layered history.
The Main Market Square is the central point of the programme: the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica with the Veit Stoss altarpiece and the characteristic bugle call are must-see elements. For guests who prefer comfort, include entry to the basilica or a short visit to the Rynek Underground — an archaeological museum that explains the medieval layout of the city.
Premium optional module: transfer to the Wieliczka Salt Mine or to selected castle museums. Alternatively — a transfer to the Kazimierz district for a short overview of Jewish heritage and an elegant lunch.
Short variant - 90–120 minutes (for delegations with a tight time window): exterior presentation of Wawel with the option of a quick courtyard visit, express stroll along the Royal Route with selected viewpoints and a short stop at the Market Square. An ideal combination of a concise historical introduction and photo opportunities.
Classic variant - 3–4 hours (most commonly chosen): detailed visit to Wawel (courtyard, Cathedral, optionally state rooms), a walk along the Royal Route with a stop at Collegium Maius and St. Mary’s Basilica, plus a short visit to the Rynek Underground or the Cloth Hall. Time for coffee or a light lunch in an elegant café.
Premium variant - full day (6–8 hours): in addition to the classic elements the programme is expanded to include interior visits to selected Castle rooms, a tailored visit to one of the exhibition halls, transfer to Wieliczka or an added culinary module with a private lunch or dinner in a restaurant overlooking the Market Square.
Transport: in winter it’s worth providing a comfortable heated car or van with an English-speaking driver; depending on group size — a chauffeur-driven car, SUV or minivan will ensure quick transfers between points and a warm place to wait between stages.
Reservations: indoor spaces (Wawel — state rooms, Cathedral, Rynek Underground, the salt mine) should be booked in advance; for VIP guests it’s advisable to arrange tickets and priority entry where possible. Contacting institutions and confirming availability before arrival prevents unpleasant delays.
Pace and guide: we recommend a licensed guide experienced with international VIP service — short, anecdote-rich narrations and clear historical context that do not overload listeners. For VIPs prepare both a condensed and an in-depth version of the commentary so you can flexibly match the content to the group’s mood.
Weather and clothing: lower temperatures and occasional snow require preparation — slip-resistant shoes, elegant outerwear and an option to store coats in a secure place while visiting interiors. Short warm breaks inside raise comfort levels during the tour.
Duration of outdoor stages: in winter avoid long outdoor walks without opportunities to go inside. Keep planned exterior sections short and include more indoor attractions (museums, exhibition halls, cafés) in the itinerary.
Seasonality of attractions: in winter the Main Market Square often hosts fairs and festive decorations, which can be an added attraction — consider this in plans, especially for visits in December.
Etiquette: when visiting sacred and representative sites remind guests of basic rules: keep silence, switch phones to silent and respect restricted zones. For official visits it’s appropriate to plan a moment of silence at state graves or memorial sites.
Safety: for business delegations it’s useful to provide a logistical guardian who handles passes, timing adjustments and any programme changes. Also inform guests about local medical facilities and emergency contacts for the duration of the stay.
Accessibility: some historic sites have limited access for guests with mobility restrictions. On booking, specify accessibility requirements and — if necessary — plan alternative solutions guided by the needs of the visitors.
0:00–0:20 - Pick-up by car from the hotel or meeting place; transfer to Wawel Hill, short briefing and exterior presentation of the castle.
0:20–1:20 - Wawel visit: courtyard, Cathedral and the most important points related to the history of the monarchy; optional entry to the state rooms (depending on reservations).
1:20–1:40 - Walk along the Royal Route (Kanonicza, Grodzka) with stops at representative viewpoints and short guide commentary.
1:40–2:20 - Main Market Square: entry to St. Mary’s Basilica or the Rynek Underground, presentation of the Cloth Hall and the Market panorama; time for photos.
2:20–3:00 - Closing: short stop in an elegant café or restaurant by the Market Square, summary of the tour and transfer back.
Reservations: confirm availability of Wawel interiors, St. Mary’s Basilica and the Rynek Underground — book tickets in advance.
Transport: order a heated car/van with an experienced driver and, if required, an interpreter or guide speaking the guests’ language.
Catering: plan a short lunch or a served set by the Market Square for guests expecting private service; make sure the venue accepts advance winter reservations.
Clothing and comfort: provide guests with weather information, recommended footwear and a short packing list (gloves, hats, elegant coats).
Plan B: set alternative routes and attractions in case of severe weather (more museums, shorter transfers).
The Kings of Poland Route in its winter version is an ideal solution for VIPs and business delegations: it combines the most important symbols of Kraków with comfort, flexibility and attention to detail. The key to success is meticulous logistics, advance reservations for interiors and a well-timed rhythm of visits that protects guests from the cold while delivering maximum cultural value in a short time.
If you would like, Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz), tour guide at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com, can prepare a tailored itinerary for a specific date and group size — including transport proposals, timed entry windows and suggestions for elegant lunch or dinner venues by the Market Square.
Language: many museum staff and professional guides speak English; still, for VIP groups it’s worth arranging an English-speaking guide or interpreter in advance.
Currency and payments: the local currency is Polish złoty (PLN). Major restaurants and hotels accept cards, but it’s useful to have some cash for small purchases at market stalls or seasonal fairs.
Tipping: a 10–15% tip in restaurants is customary if service is not included. For drivers and guides a modest cash tip is appreciated for excellent service.
Recommended venues near the Market Square: Café Camelot (cozy café atmosphere), Wierzynek (historic restaurant for special occasions), Szara Gęś (contemporary Polish cuisine). These places accept reservations and are suitable for VIP lunches or dinners.
Health and mobility: if guests have mobility limitations, notify sites when booking and choose routes that minimise stairs. Many institutions offer alternative access or adapted programmes on request.
