School trips to Krakow are the ideal choice for both history and religious studies groups studying the Nazis and the Holocaust.

Our experts know Krakow very well and will work closely with you to tailor-make an itinerary that satisfies your specific requirements and learning objectives.

Read more  about our school trips to Krakow

Why visit Krakow?

Understand the scale of the Holocaust

One of the main reasons for school groups to visit Krakow is to learn more about what happened to the city’s Jewish community in the early 20 th century. First, they were forcibly moved into the city’s ghetto, to separate them from the rest of the city’s residents. And from there, they were transported to one of the Nazi extermination camps, such as nearby Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Your students will, of course, have the opportunity to visit Auschwitz on your school trip. They will learn more about what happened here and how the Nazis industrialised murder. They will also have the chance to find out more about some of the individual victims. This will be a sobering yet unforgettable experience and the best lesson they could ever receive on why tolerance is so important and why hate cannot be allowed to take over.

Discover Polish culture and history

Krakow is Poland’s best-preserved city, having largely escaped the destruction that most other large cities in the country experienced during the Second World War. This makes it a wonderful setting in which to learn more about general Polish history and culture.

Although Poland’s capital was moved from Krakow to Warsaw in the 16 th century, the city’s famous Wawel Hill, home to the royal castle and the 14th-centurycathedral, continued to be the focus for royal coronations and funerals. This is well worth a visit on your school trip to Krakow, to learn about a different era of Polish history.

Another must-see is the Wieliczka Salt Mines. The highlight of your visit will, without a doubt, be the Chapel of St. Kinga, which is all carved out of salt, from the altar to the statues and even the chandeliers!

Explore Judaism and Catholicism in Poland

On a religious studies school trip to Krakow, your students will explore the history of the Jewish community in Poland from the Middle Ages up to the early 20 th century and beyond.

Before the Second World War, Krakow was an important cultural and spiritual centre for European Jews and the city still boasts some fantastic examples of sacred Jewish architecture. Before the outbreak of war, there were estimated to be around 80,000 Jews living in Krakow. Most were forcibly removed from their homes and forced into ghettos before being murdered in extermination camps, such as Auschwitz. By the end of the war, less than 6,000 Jews remained in the city.

As well as learning about the Jewish community in Poland, your students will also have the opportunity to explore Catholicism. Poland is one of the most devoutly Catholic countries in Europe and Krakow is famous for its numerous churches.

Book with Halsbury

Take a look at our range of Krakow school trips below, and then get in touch with one of our tour advisers to discuss your requirements.

Prices from £531 pp

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Case Studies

Activities for Krakow

Auschwitz Concentration Camp

Auschwitz Concentration Camp

At this site, chosen by the SS for no other reason than its convenient location at a railway junction, some… Read More

Schindler's Factory

Schindler's Factory

Kraków under Nazi Occupation 1939–1945 is on display at the former administrative building of Oskar Schindlers Enamel Factory at 4… Read More

Galicia Jewish Museum

Galicia Jewish Museum

The exhibition 'Traces of Memory' is a photographic tribute to a vanished world, a powerful acknowledgement of Poland's Jewish heritage.… Read More

Wieliczka Salt Mine

Wieliczka Salt Mine

This deposit of rock salt has been mined since 13th century. Spread over nine levels, it has 300km of galleries… Read More

Wawel Royal Castle

Wawel Royal Castle

Beautifully situated on a hill overlooking the River Vistila, Wawel Castle was the capital residence and burial place of Poland's… Read More

Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter)

Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter)

The medieval Jewish quarter of Kraków became the city's ghetto between 1939 and 1941, and a film set during the… Read More

The Main Square (Rynek Glówny)

The Main Square (Rynek Glówny)

The Main Square (Rynek Glówny) is the natural centre of Krakow. The centrally located Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) has, despite the… Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

All the main sights are within easy walking distance of each other. A coach will be provided if you are visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Three to four days is ideal for a school trip to Krakow as you will need one full day for the excursion to Auschwitz-Birkenau. If you are combining your school trip to Krakow with Berlin, you should expect to spend five to six days on your trip.

Yes, many history groups studying the Nazis and the Holocaust choose to combine Krakow with Berlin for a five or six-day tour.

Yes, Krakow works really well as a destination for both history and religious studies. Please don't hesitate to contact us for further information on how your cross-curricular school trip to Krakow might work.

We also highly recommend Schindler's Factory Museum.

Yes, you can do some sightseeing from Wawel Hill, and you can soak up the atmosphere at the main square, Rynek Glowny and the Ghetto Heroes Square.

All of our Auschwitz tours include a guided tour of Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. Students wear headphones and are lead around by a knowledgeable guide, which allows them to fully take in their surroundings.

The tours of both Auschwitz sites, Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, take around three and a half hours.

Auschwitz does not have a dress code policy for visitors, however, we recommend that you wear comfortable footwear as the tour involves a lot of walking. The majority of the tour will take place outside and so we recommend you dress appropriately for the weather conditions.

Why choose Halsbury?

Here are just a few reasons why teachers choose Halsbury for educational school trips that inspire.

School trips designed by teachers for teachers

Originally founded by teachers in 1986, we understand the pressures on you as Group Leader and are here to make the process of running your school trip as easy as possible.

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School trips tailored to your curriculum

We'll design your trip around your specific learning objectives and curriculum, to ensure your school trip is a truly educational experience.

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Health & safety prioritised

As a proud Assured Member of the School Travel Forum, the health and safety of your group is always our priority.

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Support every step of the way

We'll be with you every step of the way, from your very first enquiry until the moment you return home, including 24-hour support while you’re on your school trip.

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Financially secure school trips

We're ABTA bonded and all our air tours are ATOL protected, so you can be sure that your school trip is financially secure.

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Rewarding loyalty scheme

You'll earn loyalty points from your very first school trip with Halsbury. These can be used towards a discount on your school trip or a free gift for your school.

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The Halsbury Difference

School trips designed by teachers for teachers

Originally founded by teachers in 1986 and with several former teachers in our team, we understand the pressures on you as Group Leader and work hard to relieve them.

Trips tailored to your curriculum and learning objectives

We’ll design your trip around your specific learning objectives and curriculum, to ensure it meets your particular requirements.

Rewarding loyalty scheme

Work together with other teachers in your school to save thousands of pounds on future school trips with our multi-trip loyalty scheme!