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Auschwitz Small group tour?

Posted by (Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada) on

A friend and I are looking for a tour in early October. All the travel sites seem to have dozens of offerings for tours but its nearly impossible to tell them apart (I know they're essentially offering the same thing).

We are looking for a small group tour if possible - I don't really want a motorcoach of 50 people, but don't necessarily want to hire a private guide. Has anyone had a good experience with an operator that had 20 or less in the group?

And if I'm understanding everything correctly, those operators take you to the location where you will join a group tour provided by the museum, so there may be additional people beside your group?

I don't mind paying a higher rate for a smaller group, I just find big groups have a higher chance of disruptive people attending and I just want to avoid that as best as possible.

Any leads on tour operators that gave the experience you wanted are welcomed.

Posted by
8524 posts

The tours of Auschwitz are always conducted by the Auschwitz/Birkenau, organization. Yes, you can take a "private" tour to the camps, but for the actual tour of the camp, you are with the rest of the people that have arrived the camp. So maybe by taking a small group tour you get information on the ride to the camp, and an easy mode of transportation, but I don't see real gain in booking a "private" tour. Auschwitz is easily visited via public transportation from Krakow. You must purchase tickets well in advance! So, if you find that you've waited too long, you can pay more for a "private tour" with an organization that has purchased tickets.

My husband visited from Krakow on his own. He said it was a somber experience and nobody was disruptive.

Posted by
696 posts

as Jules mentioned, the "private tour" is actually a transfer to Auschwitz. Everyone is required to get tickets directly from the museum - some well regarded tour companies pre-purchase those tickets and provide a transfer to Auschwitz. But upon arrival, you have to join the group tour within your appointment time. I believe it's 30 per group on the standard 3.5 hour Auschwitz tour.

I'll be visiting in September and have researched all options. I know some people in this forum have gone by public transport (which i will do) but others have also arrange for a private transfer/tour. But it appears straight forward enough to just get on the bus or train. But I also understand that some people get hesitate and uncomfortable and might prefer a "tour" or private transport.

Posted by
13 posts

Yes, I assumed the transport included a ticket for entry (will verify before purchase). I have lower mobility which will already be a challenge for the day, so I'm looking to make it as easy on myself as possible - as "door to door" as I can. My hope is to locate a tour using a Sprinter van so the travel portion is as easy/comfortable as possible.

For all the traveling I've done, I've never seen a site have so many options of operators, and deciphering their offerings is overwhelming.

Posted by
9752 posts

Maybe ask your hotel for guidance. They know the operators who will pick up there.

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