An Unforgettable Experience Awaits
Cross-curricular school groups enjoy the vibrant, cosmopolitan city of Krakow and its rich heritage of architecture, culture and hospitality. There is a lot to be learned about a dark area of history that is important for young learners to understand and discuss. We’ll put together the ideal itinerary to cover this key ground.
Trip Highlights
The ornate Cloth Hall in the vast Market Square
The illuminated chambers of Wieliczka Salt Mine
The lessons of Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp
Music and dancing at the Polish Folklore evening
Recommended excursions
Kazimierz Jewish Quarter
This historic district of Krakow was home to a large Jewish community from the 14th century until World War II when its Jewish inhabitants were relocated by force to other parts of Poland and in 1941 many thousands were sent to the Krakow Ghetto in Podgórze. The synagogues of Kazimierz that were damaged during World War II have since been restored and the Galicia Jewish Museum provides students with some context.
Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp
A visit to the largest Nazi concentration camp of World War II is a chilling and truly memorable experience. More than 1.1 million men, women, and children lost their lives here. Much of the camp remains as a memorial and museum. Its dramatic authenticity lends more significance to the educational activities here. Children under 13 are not allowed to visit.
Schindler’s Factory
Visit the factory where Oscar Schindler employed hundreds of Jewish people to protect them during the Holocaust. Krakow’s past has been recreated here in an evocative way, presenting the tragedy of World War II as well as every day life of the city. Exhibits include a recreated hairdresser’s salon, stereoscopic studio and typical basement apartment.
Galicia Jewish Museum
At the heart of Kazimierz, the former Krakow ghetto, is a museum that presents a contemporary look at the Jewish past in Poland. As well as commemorating the victims of the Holocaust, it celebrates the Jewish culture of Polish Galicia, giving students a new perspective on Jewish history.
Wieliczka Salt Mine
It’s well worth the 13km trip out of the city to visit these spectacular salt mines, 130m underground. A network of chambers, some lit by crystal chandeliers, are connected by richly illuminated corridors, filled with backlit sculptures made out of translucent salt. Students can learn about the history of ‘white gold’ mining since the 14th century.
Nowa Huta
Krakow’s largest, easternmost district, which translates as ‘New Foundry’, was conceived in the 1940s, under the ruthless communist rule of Poland, as an ideal ‘proletarian city’ tied to a giant steelworks. Students can see relics of the Soviet-era architecture and other sites, from the prehistoric Mound of Wanda to the 13th-century Monastery of Mogila. Photo © Christopher Walker.
Rynek Underground Museum
This unique museum underneath Rynek Glowny – Market Square – is on the site of an archaeological excavation that unveils secrets of Krakow’s evolution since its founding in the early Middle Ages. Students can walk over a glass-bottomed footbridge that lets them see elements of medieval architecture and paving below, including stalls dating from the 12th century. Photo © Poland MFA
Park Wodny Waterpark
Park Wodny is Poland’s largest water park. Among its attractions are the longest network of slides in Poland, which stretch to nearly 800m, a huge ‘Tornado’ bowl, a rapid river, wave pool and a climbing wall.
Tatra National Park
Take your group on a trip into the beautiful mountainous Alpine landscape of Tatra National Park. It boasts jagged granite ridges and forested slopes, post-glacial depressions, lakes, numerous caves and scenic valleys with rushing mountain streams. The park is home to the marmot and the chamois, and if you’re really lucky you might spot a golden eagle.
Guided walking tour of Krakow old Town
A half-day guided tour of Krakow old town will give an overview of Krakow’s rich history and included the largest medieval market square in Europe and the renaissance Cloth Hall. You will then see the unique carves wooden altar of St Mary’s Church. Then onto Wawel cathedral with the Royal Tombs and Sigismond’s bell.
Typical accommodation
Atrium Hotel ★★★
Why groups like it:
- A central location makes this hotel a great base for exploring the city centre
- Well-equipped rooms as well as helpful and welcoming staff
- 3-star hotel
Facilities:
- Hairdryers in rooms
- Private bathrooms with showers
- Free Wi-Fi access
Batory Guest Rooms ★★
Why groups like it:
- Located in the city centre near great tourist attractions, such as the Jewish district, Kazimierz
- A few minutes’ walk from Europe’s largest main square
- Family-run
Facilities:
- Free Wi-Fi access
- Packed lunches available
- Private bathroom with shower and hairdryers in rooms
Hotel Campanile★★★
Why groups like it:
- Conveniently located with many shops and restaurants nearby
- St Mary’s Basilica and Draper’s Hall are within walking distance
- Breakfast buffet
Facilities:
- Free Wi-Fi access
- Air-conditioning
- Private bathrooms with shower and bath
Hotel Wyspianski ★★★
Why groups like it:
- Located in the Old Town close to the main market square and Wawel Castle
- St Mary’s Basilica and St Florian’s Gate are also nearby
- 3-star hotel
Facilities:
- Luggage storage
- Free Wi-Fi access
- Private bathroom with hairdryers in rooms
Itinerary suggestion
1 Flight to Krakow – about 2.5 hours
2 Coach transfer to accommodation
3 We suggest a guided city walking tour of the Old Town including Wawel Castle (flight time permitting)
4 Evening meal
1 Breakfast
2 Sightseeing – we suggest a guided tour of the Jewish Quarter and Schindler’s Factory
3 Wieliczka salt mines
4 We suggest the Park Wodny-water park – evening meal
1 Breakfast
2 Guided visit to Auschwitz
3 shopping
4 We suggest a folklore evening -evening meal
1 Breakfast
2 Galicja Jewish Museum (flight time permitting)
3 Coach transfer to the airport
4 Return flight Krakow to UK
Learning outcomes
Subject focus
Students can:
- Experience learning outside the classroom in another country – the language, culture, history, religion, art, architecture and geography
- Understand the history of Poland and its war-time history, and reflect on atrocities committed during World War II
- Build confidence and learn to value the skills and techniques needed for personal and team success
- Broaden the mind through the study of another culture
- Discover, explore and have fun with fellow students and teachers
Student outcomes
Students will have had an opportunity to:
- Visit a foreign country and experience another language and culture
- Explore some of Europe’s most important historical sites
- Ponder how the repetition of tragic events from the past can be avoided in the future
- Gain independence and self-confidence
- Strengthen existing friendships and make new friends
- Understand personal organisation, co-operating and working with others in a variety of environments
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The smooth running of the trip demonstrated excellent organisation.
King Edward VI High School
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