The Royal Route is the heart of old Krakow - a walk through St. Florian's Gate, Floriańska Street, the Main Market Square, Grodzka Street all the way to Wawel. It is a route full of castles, churches, legends and places that children often remember for a long time (the Dragon's Den, the helmets in the cathedral, fairytale stories about kings).
With a guide the walk becomes easier and more interesting: I adapt stories to the children's ages, weaving in anecdotes and simple tasks for the youngest, so parents can relax and kids learn through play.
If you're coming with children, choose a family-paced route - shorter stops, more stories and scheduled breaks for ice cream or a playground.
The Barbican and St. Florian's Gate - the beginning of the Royal Route, a great spot for first photos and a short story about the city's fortifications.
Floriańska Street - tenement houses, former market stalls and the rhythm of the city; ideal for a short game: who can find the oldest house?
Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall - the center of Krakow life, the trumpet call from St. Mary's Basilica and famous sculptures. Children enjoy tales about the city guards and royal parades here.
St. Mary's Basilica - behind the main altar you'll find a sculptural masterpiece that always impresses. Entrance to the church is usually paid.
Grodzka and Kanonicza Streets - atmospheric lanes leading to Wawel, with stories about canons and former townspeople.
Wawel Hill and the Cathedral - the heart of Poland's royal history: tombs of famous Poles, the treasury, the armory and the Dragon's Den at the foot of the hill.
The most comfortable amount of time to calmly see the main sights is about 4 hours - that's the full version of the Wawel and Royal Route tour. Shorter options (2 or 3 hours) are also available and work well with small children or when time is limited.
Price options vary (group and private tours are available) - for small groups I usually offer 2, 3 or 4-hour walks. When you book we agree the pace and stops to suit your needs.
For larger groups audio-guide headset sets are available - useful when visiting a crowded center (small rental fee applies).
Tickets for most attractions (for example St. Mary's Basilica, Wawel Cathedral or selected exhibitions at Wawel) are usually charged separately. Prices depend on the object and the exhibition - entrance fees commonly range from a few to several dozen złoty, with reduced rates where applicable.
Wawel and its exhibitions have seasonal hours and rules about last admission - outdoor displays and permanent exhibitions are generally open in the morning and afternoon (many exhibitions allow entry roughly between 9:00–17:00, with variations by season). Some parts of the cathedral or museum may have different opening days or separate rules.
As a guide I can help organize tickets - I inform you about current prices and availability and can assist with purchasing group or individual tickets before the tour.
On the day of your visit it's wise to have small change for tickets and any optional exhibitions, and for larger groups consider buying tickets online in advance to avoid queues.
Booking is simple - write or call to set the date, length of the route and a starting point. During booking I tailor the pace to the children and arrange convenient places for breaks.
I usually meet on the Main Market Square by the Adam Mickiewicz monument, but the start point can be agreed individually: I can meet you at your hotel, the station or another central location.
Contact for booking is by phone or email - before the visit we confirm details like number of people, children's ages and any special needs.
Clothing and shoes - comfortable shoes are essential. The Royal Route mostly follows pavements and cobbles and there are some uneven sections.
What to bring - water, snacks, a small daypack with essentials, a hat in summer and a light jacket for cooler days. If you plan to enter exhibitions, a small bag will be needed but remember that some sites have baggage size restrictions.
Strollers - much of the route is stroller-friendly, but on Wawel and inside some historic interiors there are stairs or narrow passages. I can suggest a stroller-friendly version of the route.
Children and boredom - I plan short stops and active tasks: riddles, mini-quizzes and stories that engage the youngest. If the little ones love legends, the Dragon's Den and tales about the king are always a hit.
How long is the tour? - The standard Wawel and Royal Route tour lasts about 4 hours, but 2- and 3-hour versions are available.
Does the guide speak English? - Yes, tours can be conducted in Polish and in English.
Are entrance tickets included in the tour price? - Usually the price covers the guiding service; entrance tickets to museums and the cathedral are paid separately. I can help with ticket purchase and provide estimated costs.
What if it rains? - Tours take place regardless of most weather; if conditions are very bad I adapt the route to spend more time inside monuments and covered spaces.
Is the route suitable for small children? - Yes, routes are adapted for family groups. I aim to make stories engaging for different age groups.
Can I book a tour only at Wawel? - Yes, shorter, themed options focused on Wawel alone can be arranged.
Morning is the best time to avoid the biggest crowds - if you want a calmer visit to Wawel and the Market, let's meet earlier than most tours.
If you plan to enter specific exhibitions at Wawel during a weekend, buying tickets online in advance is recommended - some entrances have limits and set start times.
For large groups I recommend audio-guide headset sets - they allow everyone to hear the guide's story even in dense crowds (small rental fee).
If you'd like the walk to be more thematic (legends, kings, children's stories), tell me when you book and I will prepare games and tales tailored to your expectations.
To schedule a walk: call or send an email and we'll agree the best date and a route adapted to your needs.
When booking please provide: the date, number of people, children's ages and preferred tour length. This helps me prepare materials and attractions perfect for your family.
