A private tour allows the program to be tailored to the students’ age, the group’s pace and the class’s educational goals - from lessons about the Middle Ages to modern history. With a licensed guide, the class does more than look at sights: students take part actively, ask questions, complete simple tasks and remember information through stories, anecdotes and educational games.
Choosing a licensed guide with experience guarantees a substantive and safe route. An experienced guide plans the itinerary to avoid excessive fatigue and uses stops for short educational exercises.
Practical matters are important for schools — the guide can help organize the group, brief chaperones, coordinate contact information exchange and suggest a place for a lunch break or snack. For larger groups, headset sets (audio guides) can be used so everyone hears the guide’s narration — a convenient solution when the Market Square is crowded.
Rynek Underground is a unique space beneath the Main Market Square where archaeology meets a modern exhibition. Students can see layers of the medieval city, view everyday objects from centuries past and learn how Krakow’s residents lived long ago.
It’s a perfect opportunity for a lesson about historical sources: how archaeologists read the past from excavations, what finds tell us about trade, crafts and daily life, and why archaeological layers are like a written chronicle of the city.
Visits to the Underground appeal to a wide age range — from younger classes fascinated by “discovering treasures” to older students offered more complex historical and interpretative themes.
2-hour program - a quick walk along the Royal Route with a short visit to Rynek Underground. Ideal for classes with limited time: focus on the main attractions and a few interactive educational points.
3-hour program - an extended route: Main Market Square and Rynek Underground, a short visit to Wawel Cathedral or Wawel Hill (outside or inside, depending on time), finishing at a spot suitable for a mid-morning snack. In this version the guide can include quizzes and themed tasks for the class.
4-hour program - a themed route with more stops: Rynek Underground + walk along the Royal Route + Kazimierz or part of Wawel Hill. The longer schedule allows entry to selected museums and a lunch break. This option also makes room for additional educational activities such as mini-workshops or field tasks.
Meeting point and start time - it’s easiest to agree on a recognizable spot in the Main Market Square (for example near the Cloth Hall). The guide will set meeting details, number of chaperones and a contingency plan in case of bad weather.
Tickets to Rynek Underground - tickets are sometimes required and checked; it’s often worth reserving entries in advance, especially for larger school groups. The guide can help organize reservations and coordinate entry so the group doesn’t lose time queuing.
Group size and equipment - programs are flexible: there are rates for small groups (e.g. up to 35 people) and different rates for larger groups. For bigger groups headset sets (audio guides) are available — convenient for students and the guide. The guide holds the necessary licenses to lead tours in Krakow’s main sites, including Rynek Underground.
Prices - guide fees depend on duration and group size. There are also promotional offers at certain times; it’s best to ask about current offers and booking conditions when you contact the guide.
Prepare an attendance list, contact phone numbers for chaperones and a short code of conduct before leaving (for example, stay with the group, don’t wander off without permission). The guide will remind students of the rules at the start of the tour.
Breaks plan - schedule one short break to stretch legs and one longer break (for example, a lunch break) for longer programs. There are public toilets and food outlets in the city center — the guide will point out the nearest ones.
Accessibility - some parts of the routes (and especially historic sites) may have limited accessibility for people with reduced mobility. If there are participants with special needs in the group, inform the guide in advance so the route can be adapted and necessary accommodations arranged.
The Market and its surroundings offer many venues prepared to welcome school groups - from classic restaurants to cozy cafés. A few tried-and-true suggestions:
- Wierzynek Restaurant - a historic place with tradition where you can feel the atmosphere of old Krakow.
- Café Camelot - a charming café close to the Market, good for a short break and a pastry for younger participants.
- Starka (Kazimierz) - a friendly spot for a meal after a walk, especially if the program includes a visit to the Jewish Quarter.
It’s wise to reserve space in advance for larger groups or choose a place that offers quick, served meal sets for schools.
Are Rynek Underground visits suitable for younger students? - Yes. Visits can be adapted: shorter explanations, more visual and engaging elements and tasks help keep the youngest focused.
Does the guide take responsibility for the group? - The guide leads and educates, but formal responsibility for student supervision rests with the school chaperones. In practice the guide cooperates with teachers, explains the rules and assists with organization.
Do we need to bring documents for discounts? - Yes. If students or chaperones have student IDs or other documents entitling them to discounts, it’s good to have them on hand.
What if the weather is bad? - Routes can be shortened or modified, focusing on covered parts like some museums or Rynek Underground. The guide will advise on the best solution.
Booking is best through the contact form or email available on ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com - there you can provide a preferred date, number of participants, students’ ages and your educational expectations. It’s also helpful to include the number of chaperones and any special needs.
When confirming the reservation you will discuss route details, meeting time, start location and any ticket needs for Rynek Underground. The guide will also indicate available headset sets for larger groups and go over organizational rules.
If you need help designing a program aligned with the school curriculum or want the guide to prepare classroom tasks for the visit, mention this when booking. That way the visit will be as educationally valuable as possible.
Clothing and footwear - comfortable shoes and layered clothing are essential, especially in autumn and winter. It can be cooler in the underground spaces, so a light jacket is recommended.
Duration - plan the pace realistically: 2 hours is a good minimum to feel the city’s atmosphere; 3–4 hours gives real space to learn the history.
Student engagement - ask students to prepare one question before the trip - a simple way to boost curiosity and participation during the tour.
Contact before departure - confirm the reservation a few days before, check the weather and confirm the meeting point. This helps avoid stressful situations on the day of the trip.
