Popular Tickets in Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau

Everything worked according to plan, the pickup point in Krakow at 11:30, the tour guide overview, the video, and the guide books in the appropriate languages. On arrival we got our tickets for Auschwitz 1, to ensure we could go straight in, after our visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau first. We had plenty of time to walk round both sites on our own and at our own pace. (The guide books were very informative.) Our coaches took us between the sites, with clear instructions for pick up times and returned us to Krakow by early evening. Our drivers and guides (2 coaches) were friendly and helpful. What was the day like? We weren’t expecting it to be pleasant or enjoyable. It was certainly challenging and very difficult to take in the unimaginable horrors, which had taken place there. The sadistic wickedness was terrifying to consider. The Nazi perpetrators had no consciences; it was truly demonic. The holocaust took place in Poland, but they were Nazi camps, not Polish. Many Poles died too.

Met the coach and had another pick up, which took up 30 mins (the company had over booked and 3 people were left at the roadside with barely an apology, just told to come back another day!!!) Coach was comfortable and air conditioned. Although 'tickets' were included we had to queue at Auschwich to obtain free tickets for late in the afternoon (it's free after 3 but only with reserved places) (EACH PERSON NEEDS SOME FORM OF ID TO OBTAIN the AUSCHWITZ TICKETS) which took up another chunk of time. We then had to get back on the coach and visit Birkenau first. We had 1.30 hrs here and had to be back on the bus for 3.50 (bus driver left 2 people who weren't on time) we got to Auschwitz at 4pm and told to be back for 5.50. We didn't have enough time to look around leisurely and had to miss some exhibits to ensure we were back on time as we didn't want leaving behind! It was very poignant visiting these sites but would have been better if we had the 3 hours promised at Auschwitz

You may be able to visit Auschwitz cheaper, as entrance to both sites is actually free. Auschwitz ii, you just walk through the entrance, no ticket required. A ticket is required for Auschwitz i, you can get them from the official Auschwitz website for free, but you can only enter at certain times of the day. Using this tour took out all the hassle of sorting tickets and travel to and from Auschwitz. We watched an informative video on the bus, and got free 25pln (£5.50 ish) guide book included within the cost. We didn't mind not having a tour guide as the booklet you receive has more than enough information in it. Also, the guy on the bus sorts everything out for you, tells you best bits to visit on each site and tells you where to be and where to go for tickets. Highly recommend if you want a stress free day visiting Auschwitz.

if you want to know the history of europe, the second world war or the holocaust then this is a must-see place. auschwitz ii (the birkenau site) is beyond belief for its site and when you see the remains of the baracks and gas chambers you can see for yourself the horrors that took place here. auschwitz i (the former polish army camp) is now a museum and there are buildings dedicated to the history the holocaust for many countries. the only place i can compare it to in terms of gravity and impact is the wannseekonferenz in berlin where the endlosung was planned by the nazis.

I cannot believe how huge this place is and the absolute horror that occurred here. I cannot fathom the de-humanisation and murder that took place. I am lost for words. The tour was a little rushed due to the time it took to enter the camp. I feel tour groups should have had a more efficient entrance as small self guided groups of two or three had to wait up to an hour to enter. Much better to drive yourself and see it at your leisure rather than on a tour bus with time constraints. Lots of walking, wear sturdy shoes. Overall a moving tour.