Hi — my name is Małgorzata Kasprowicz. I am a licensed guide in Krakow (licensed since 2012) and I have happily led thousands of people around the city. If you are planning a school trip, a family visit, or simply want to learn Krakow’s history in an accessible way — you’ve come to the right place. In this article I explain the Wawel and Royal Route itinerary, how to organize a respectful and well-planned visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, and give practical tips that make planning easier.
My guided tours combine solid knowledge with anecdotes and interaction — students listen more willingly, and adults discover little details that guidebooks often miss. I have experience with school groups, international groups and families; I can provide audio headsets for larger groups and hold the necessary authorizations for selected museum sites.
Below you’ll find practical tips, sample programs, approximate timing suggestions and an FAQ — everything to help your trip run smoothly and leave lasting, positive memories.
The Wawel and Royal Route itinerary is a Krakow classic — perfect for a first introduction to the city. We usually start on Wawel Hill: the Royal Castle and the Cathedral — the place of coronations and burials of Polish rulers, and a site rich in art, legends and royal craftsmanship stories. From there we continue along the Royal Route through the city gates and medieval fortifications toward the Main Market Square.
On the Main Market Square we stop by the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and admire St. Mary’s Basilica — I tell the story of the hejnał (trumpet signal) and the significance of the Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz) altar — and we also visit lesser-known corners while talking about everyday life in old Krakow. The route is flexible — it can be adapted to the participants’ age, group pace and the time you have available.
For school classes I often combine educational content with tasks and questions that engage students. For families I prepare shorter versions with legends and curiosities, and for adult groups I add deeper stories about art, architecture and the behind-the-scenes life of Krakow’s institutions.
A visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum is an important educational experience and requires appropriate preparation — especially for school-aged participants. A well-organized trip blends reliable information with sensitivity and space for reflection.
Practical tips: - Plan enough time — a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau usually takes several hours (including transport and time for a calm visit). - For younger groups it’s useful to provide an introduction before arrival: explain the purpose of the visit, present the historical context in an age-appropriate way, and review the museum’s rules of conduct. - Check formalities: tickets and any necessary guide reservations at the museum should be arranged in advance. - Provide supervisors and breaks — the subject matter is emotionally demanding; children and teenagers may need time to rest and talk. - I recommend a short meeting after the visit to discuss questions and reflections; this helps students process the experience and draw educational conclusions.
As a guide I help prepare the group for such a visit and can lead an introductory or wrap-up session. I also offer logistical advice for travel from Krakow and for combining the Auschwitz trip with a Krakow program — for example, visiting Wawel and the Royal Route before or after the Auschwitz visit, depending on time and group pace.
Approximate duration: - Wawel + Royal Route: 2–4 hours depending on chosen pace and number of stops. - School trip combined with Auschwitz: usually half a day to a full day (including transport).
Pricing (approximate): I offer tours in Polish and English, with flexible options for small and large groups. Prices can vary by season and promotions — there are hourly rates for groups up to around 35 people and per-person rates for larger groups. For large groups I can arrange audio headset sets, which greatly improve the comfort of touring in crowded places.
Equipment and amenities: - Audio headset sets available for groups (recommended for larger groups and noisy locations). - Program adaptation to participants’ ages (educational scenarios for primary and secondary school). - Possibility to integrate visits with museum entries — I have experience and authorizations for guiding in selected museum venues, which simplifies bookings.
It’s best to book well in advance — especially during the school year and the tourist season. When requesting a booking, please provide: the date and an approximate duration of the tour, the number of participants, the students’ ages (if it’s a school trip), whether the group also wants to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau, and in which language you want the tour.
I will help plan the program so it’s balanced and tailored to your group’s needs. We can schedule a short preliminary meeting (phone or online) to finalize logistics, ticket arrangements and any educational materials for students.
When booking, also consider: - Transport and rest time for longer routes. - Ensuring an appropriate number of supervisors for school groups (in line with the school’s rules). - A short information note for parents — a summary of the program and the educational goals of the trip makes communication easier.
Is the route suitable for children? - Yes. School routes are designed with participants’ ages in mind. For younger children I propose shorter, interactive formats with legends and tasks; for older students I offer more in-depth historical content.
How many people can one guide lead at once? - I typically accommodate groups of around 30–35 people without additional equipment; for larger groups I recommend audio headsets or the support of a second guide.
Can you combine sightseeing in Krakow with a visit to Auschwitz in one day? - It depends on the schedule and the start time. Technically it’s possible, but it can be a very full day. Often it’s better to split the program across two days — one for Krakow and one for Auschwitz — to allow time for reflection and rest.
Do you provide educational materials for schools? - Yes — I can prepare short introductory materials and tasks for students that help them understand the context and reinforce learning after the trip.
How far in advance should we book? - Book as early as possible, especially if you plan visits during popular school dates or want to enter specific museums. Reserving a few weeks in advance usually ensures everything can be arranged smoothly.
Arrive early — especially at Wawel and the Market Square to avoid the biggest crowds. - Wear comfortable shoes — there’s a lot of walking and the Old Town’s cobbles can be uneven. - Plan breaks and bring something to drink — children (and adults) absorb information better when they have moments to rest. - For an Auschwitz visit: talk to students beforehand, prepare them emotionally and allow time for reflection afterward.
If you’d like, I can prepare short tasks or a city game matched to your class’s age — a great way to consolidate what students learned during the walk.
If you are planning meal breaks in the Old Town, some well-known and family-friendly places include Wierzynek (historic dining), Pod Wawelem Kompania Kuflowa (hearty Polish dishes), and Café Camelot (cozy café near the Market). For a quick snack or traditional street food try local zapiekanka stalls near the Main Square.
If you want your class, family or group to see Krakow with a warm, professional and engaged guide — write or call and we’ll plan a route tailored to your needs. I’ll help with timing, entry reservations and preparing students for sensitive topics like the Auschwitz visit.
Together we’ll create a program that is educational, safe and memorable — so Krakow becomes a place of not only great photos but meaningful experiences. I warmly invite you — Małgorzata Kasprowicz.
