Krakow and Auschwitz

From your centrally located hotel located inside Krakow's historic walls you will be able to easily explore this beautiful renaissance city.  Countless attractions, including Wawel Castle and the beautiful old town square are all within easy walking distance of your home away from home.  If you would like to participate in structured tours, a fast train to excursion to Warsaw will be available from your on site tour manager.  A visit to Auschwitz, one of the most unsettling locations in the world, and a stop-n-shop at the pottery factories in Boleslowiac on the way to Krakow will complete your visit to Poland.

Spaces on this trip are expected to sell out quickly. Reserve yours today with Kaiserslautern Outdoor Recreation.

Estimated Itinerary

Thursday: Check in

After settling into your seat, just lean back and relax while your comfortable coach whisks you away to Poland. Don’t forget the essentials for your overnight ride. Blankets, pillows, power banks, snacks and drinks will all make your journey to Krakow more enjoyable.

Friday: Pottery Shopping in Boleslowiac and Krakow

Hand-made ceramics with a distinctive blue glaze have been a local specialty in Boleslowiac since the middle ages.  An en-route Stop-N-Shop will allow you to buy directly from the factories, keeping your purchasing prices low.  Whether you are just starting to outfit your kitchen, or just need that one last piece to complete your collection, this is your chance in Boleslowiac.  A city tour in the afternoon will familiarize you with the city of Krakow before your free evening.

Saturday: Free day or visit to Warsaw**/***

Today you can continue to explore Krakow independently, or take a Fast Track Train to Warsaw***.  Warsaw replaced Krakow as the capital of Poland in the late 16th century, and is relatively young for an old town.  While the Old Town Market Place dates to the end of the 13th century, the houses surrounding it were rebuilt after the fire of 1607 in the renaissance style.  Castle Square, built between the Old Town and the Royal Castle, and dominated by Sigismund’s Column is an impressive sight, while the triangular Canon Square, tucked behind St. John’s Cathedral holds the bronze bell of Warsaw.

Sunday: Auschwitz* and Krakow

After breakfast, you will visit one of the most historically significant and somber sites in the world, Auschwitz Concentration Camp. While your visit to both Auschwitz and Birkenau will be deeply impactful, it is an important experience to have while serving in Europe. Auschwitz is not just a historical/tourist site but a solemn memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. It is a place for reflection, a reminder of the consequences of hatred and intolerance. Visiting Auschwitz is an emotional and sobering experience, one that leaves an indelible mark on the heart and mind. It is a trip that implores us to remember, to mourn, and to ensure that such horrors are never repeated.  

Monday: Dresden and return to Kaiserslautern

After an early departure, you can expect to arrive in Kaiserslautern late in the evening. On your way home, you will have a short lunch stop in Dresden, the beautifully rebuilt East German cultural center which has been called the “Florence on the Elbe”.

* Auschwitz reserves the right to deny entry to the camp to children under 12
** Not Included
*** Optional excursion at additional fee paid directly to tour manager
****Extensive walking on uneven surfaces required

Price, on or prior to Friday, January 10:

• Double Occupancy: $479 per person
• Single Occupancy: $629

Price, on or after Saturday, January 11:

• Double Occupancy: $529 per person
• Single Occupancy: $729
   
• Up to 2 children under 12 with 2 paid adults in triple room or unconnected double rooms: $399
• Infants under 3 in existing bedding with adult: $179
   
• Children under 12 will be accommodated in either a triple room for two adults and one child or in unconnected double rooms for families with multiple children.
• Infant price does not apply in triple rooms. 

Deadlines and Discounts:

• Early Bird Discount expires on Friday, January 10
• Register before Wednesday, January 29

Trip Includes:

• Round trip tour bus transportation 
• 3 nights lodging at Campanile Krakow*** or equivalent
• Daily breakfast
• Guided tours of Krakow
• Guided tour of Auschwitz
• Polish Pottery Shop-N-Stop

Optional Excursion (Paid cash directly to tour manager):

• Fasttrack train to Warsaw: €95 per person

Physical Fitness: Visiting Auschwitz involves extensive walking on uneven surfaces.

Departure: 

• Bus departs Wagon Wheel Theater, Smith Barracks at 7:30 pm to Pulaski Barracks.
• Bus departs Kaiserslautern Outdoor Recreation, Pulaski Barracks, bldg. 2905 at 9 p.m. to Poland

Return: Monday Night