This was our second return to Poland, Krakow after visiting last year. My girlfriend and I decided after our travels last October to treat my aunt to a trip to Krakow for her Christmas with a trip to Auschwitz/Birkenau & Salt Mines. Booking with KrakowDirect was excellent with direct email containing all information in regards to our trip and settling any queries or questions. We were collected at our apartment at 9:15 in Krakow Main Square at Apartment Rynek Glowny by our driver for the day, Martin. The first trip was to Auschwitz/Birkenau and took roughly an hour or so drive. The journey was pleasant as we chatted away to Martin about Poland and its surroundings and he passed on some knowledge along the way. When arriving at our destination, Martin had already organised our tickets and entry, whilst we had some hot drinks as the weather was -12!. We shortly met up with our tour guide and small tour group and were on our way. The trip around the first camp is an experience that one simply cannot put into words, but only suggest that others may travel and experience for themselves. The first part of the tour took around one and a half hours accompanied by a tour guide. On our exit we were met by Martin and our nice warm Mercedes van for the short trip to the second camp. We made the journey around the second camp and took in the surroundings and excellent knowledge of our tour guide once more. The snow and cold bite in the air added effect to the history around us. We made our way from the camps and headed for the Salt Mines of Wielicka, which was around one hour thirty minutes drive. On our travels once more we enjoyed chatting to Martin, our driver, about our experience so far. Arriving at the Salt Mines, Martin told us that it\\\'s common to attend a nearby restaurant for lunch as part of our trip, however today was a celebration day in Poland and a Catholic celebration therefore the Salt Mines were closing sooner than usual. We had more of an appetite for history than food so we soldiered on with our tour. Martin sent us in to have a coffee and relax for a short spell whilst he braced the cold and once more arranged our tickets and entry. We began the tour accompanied by our tour guide and group. The Salt Mines were beautiful to the eye, packed with history generations deep. The tour took around the two hour mark and once again by an excellent tour guide. We were met by our driver Martin once more, as darkness fell upon us we drove our short journey back to Krakow. The tours were both excellent and interesting, accompanied for the day by a delightful, helpful and pleasure of a gentleman Martin, who my aunt, girlfriend and I could not speak more highly!. For anyone looking for a hassle free trip, without the stresses of booking then look no further than KrakowDirect Tours, they are organised, friendly and professional.
Colin Gallagher. January 2017