Did you know that Kazimierz is one of those places in Kraków where the histories of two traditions — Christian and Jewish — meet on almost every corner? During Easter this cultural mosaic takes on extra meaning: on one hand living Catholic rituals and customs, and on the other the history and memorial sites connected with Jewish culture. A private tour gives you the chance to introduce the group to these threads calmly, adjust the pace and timing of visits, and discuss sensitive topics with respect and context.
A private tour for a group of 7-30 people makes logistics easier — from reserving entries to synagogues or museums, through restaurant bookings, to splitting the group when an attraction cannot accept large parties. That way participants are comfortable and the organizer doesn’t have to improvise on the day of the trip.
Easter in Poland is primarily about święconka (the blessing of Easter baskets), the Resurrection Mass (Ressurection procession) and śmigus-dyngus (the light-hearted tradition of splashing water on Easter Monday). In Kraków these traditions have local variants and can be observed in churches and on the streets on Easter Sunday and Monday. If you plan to visit at this time, remember to account for church service times — access to church interiors may be limited during Masses.
If your group has a curious interest in culture, it’s worth explaining how these customs looked in the past and how they are practiced in Kraków today, and offering alternative activities during liturgy hours — a walk through Kazimierz’s streets, a coffee break, or a visit to a museum that remains open. Always check opening hours in advance and expect possible schedule changes during holidays.
Jewish holidays such as Passover have their own rituals and may fall near the Easter date. Kazimierz is home to historic synagogues and cemeteries that are important places of memory and culture. When planning your route, explain the differences between observances and emphasize the need to respect places of worship and remembrance.
Practical note: active synagogues and religious sites may have their own rules for entry — some may be closed on Friday evenings or Saturdays, and access can be limited on holidays. For that reason it is wise to contact specific venues in advance or plan visits outside of service hours.
A short route (2–3 hours) in Kazimierz should focus on the key points: Szeroka Street, the Old Synagogue (from the outside or with entry if tickets are reserved), the Remuh Synagogue and cemetery, Nowy Square and the atmosphere of local cafés. Such a walk gives a general picture of the district’s history and contemporary life.
A full-day plan can combine Wawel and the Old Town in the morning, a walk to Kazimierz with lunch at one of the recommended restaurants, and in the afternoon a visit to a museum (for example Schindler’s Factory) or a Vistula river cruise. If you want to add an excursion outside the city — Wieliczka or Auschwitz require advance reservation and extra travel time. For longer programs it’s worth negotiating a flat fee for guiding, which often turns out to be more economical.
Indicative prices for guiding a city tour for groups of 7–30 people depend on the tour length and scope of services. For example, shorter tours (up to about 3 hours) can start at a few hundred zlotys per group, while more extensive programs (3–4 hours and longer) have higher rates. On top of that you should add entrance fees to museums and attractions, sometimes group discounts apply, but there can also be extra charges for special reservations.
Important: many sites have limits for single groups — for example exhibitions on Wawel or in the Underground Museum at the Main Square may limit numbers. For groups approaching 30 people consider a sound system, splitting into smaller subgroups or adjusting entry times to avoid problems at the entrance.
If you plan a group meal, pick restaurants experienced in handling group bookings. A few well-known and established venues in the center include Wierzynek, Wentzl, Pod Nosem and Szara Gęś — each has space and menus that can be adapted for larger reservations. For a more informal meal consider places in Kazimierz, and for a quick, iconic snack try the zapiekanki at Nowy Square.
Regarding accommodation — for groups of 7–30 people good options are hotels offering multiple-bed rooms, hostels with breakfast rooms or small guesthouses that can reserve several adjacent rooms. Book well in advance, inform the property if a coach will arrive and tell them the planned breakfast time to avoid misunderstandings with a large number of guests.
Confirm all bookings by email and carry a list of participants — this speeds up group entries and helps when discounts or group tickets are required. Plan a clear meeting point and time that is easy for everyone to find.
Take the weather into account and have a backup plan — museums, cafés or short covered stops work well if it rains. For large groups consider renting a portable sound system so the guide can be heard clearly by everyone.
Kazimierz is more than synagogues and little cafés — over the centuries it was a separate town with its own institutions and legal structure, which gives it a unique character in Kraków’s history. A short urban and social history helps participants better understand the places they visit.
Not obvious: in season it can pay off to buy a ready-made package from an organizer or guide who has set rates and knows how to arrange entries and queues — this can sometimes be cheaper than buying all the tickets separately.
Booking too late — especially during holiday periods and the tourist season — leads to queues, lack of restaurant availability and issues with entries to popular attractions. Book with sufficient lead time.
Lack of information about group limits in museums and churches — find out in advance whether a venue requires splitting the group or an additional guide. This will help avoid unpleasant surprises on site.
How early should I book a guide and tickets? The sooner the better — especially if you plan to enter Wawel, Wieliczka or special interiors, book weeks or even months in advance.
Are synagogues open every day? Not always — some synagogues have restrictions related to services, especially on Friday evenings and Saturdays; check opening hours before planning a visit.
What to do if the group is nearly 30 people? Consider a sound system, splitting into smaller subgroups for interior visits, and give participants clear instructions about meeting points and return times.
If you found this article useful, share it with other organizers or friends — a small gesture that makes planning a stress-free trip to Kraków easier. If you would like an experienced guide to lead your group, I invite you to consider booking with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — she can tailor the program to your group size, preferences and travel dates, including during holiday periods. Contact details and booking information are available on the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com website.
Thank you for your trust — I wish you many rewarding discoveries during your visit to Kraków, especially in the unique atmosphere of Kazimierz and the holiday days.
