In the historic heart of Krakow, in a privileged position atop Wawel Hill, you can find Wawel Castle, an impressive Renaissance fortress that was the seat of the Polish rulers for hundreds of years. The first royal residence was constructed back in the 11th Century, cementing Wawel as the political and religious centre of Poland. It became the official seat of the Polish Monarchy in the 14th Century when the coronation of King Władysław I took place in the adjacent Wawel Cathedral. The Castle was expanded into a Gothic stronghold during the reign of King Casimir III the Great and then in the Renaissance period, it was transformed into a magnificent royal palace with Italian-inspired architecture. During this time, Wawel became a centre of art, culture, and political power, rivalling the great European courts.
The Castle fell into decline from the 17th Century onwards once the Polish capital was moved from Krakow to Warsaw in 1596, but restoration works began once Poland gained independence in 1918. The complex fell into the hands of the Nazis in WWII and was used as the headquarters of the governor of Nazi-occupied Poland but once the war had ended, the site was converted into a museum, with extensive restoration efforts undertaken to bring it back to its former glory.
Previously Poland’s capital, Krakow is one of Europe’s hubs for history and culture. On this full-day highlights tour, you will dig up that history as you explore the best of Krakow, including the Old Town and the Jewish Quarter.
On your private tour, you will:
Your full-day tour is the perfect way to see the city in a day, where you will learn about the country’s medieval history and Jewish history, see all of its highlights, and visit several historic sites, including Wawel Castle, the Old Synagogue, and Jagiellonian University. Your tour begins at one of Krakow's most renowned locations: Wawel Castle, the massive structure sits upon Wawel Hill, overlooking the Vistula River.
The castle served as the royal and political centre of Krakow for centuries, dating back to the eleventh century. Before becoming a museum in 1930, the castle was also a hospital, a military barracks, and a governmental residence.
After your tour of the castle, follow in the footsteps of the kings of Poland as you explore the famous Royal Route from Wawel Hill to the Old Town. Here at Market Square, you will see some of the finest examples of medieval architecture now filled full of shops, bars, and cafes.
Then your guide will take you into St Mary’s Basilica, where you’ll see one of the finest examples of Polish Gothic architecture and see the spectacularly ornate, multicolour altarpiece which dominates the front of the church. Next, enjoy a lunch break in the Market Square, at a local establishment recommended by your expert local guide.
After lunch, pass by the Jagiellonian University, one of the world’s oldest universities, which has been operating since the eleventh century. Then, your private guide will take you to the Jewish District, where you will walk through Schindler’s Passage and visit the Old Synagogue—now a museum, which is the oldest still standing in Poland, having been built in the 15th century. While there, your guide will share with you the Jewish experience after the German invasion of 1939, and what the synagogue now means to Jewish people in Poland.
Your tour ends at a traditional Jewish café, where your guide will give you recommendations about the best local bites before departing with you.
Previously Poland’s capital, Krakow was one of Europe’s hubs for history and culture. On this half-day highlights tour you will dig up that history as you explore the best of Krakow, including the Old Town.
On your private tour, you will:
Your half-day tour is the perfect introductory tour for anyone new to the city, where you will learn about the country’s medieval history and tour its’ spectacular highlights, including a visit to the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage site. Your tour begins at one of Krakow's most renowned locations: Wawel Castle, the massive structure sits upon Wawel Hill, overlooking the Vistula River. The castle served as the royal and political centre of Krakow for centuries, dating back to the eleventh century. Before becoming a museum in 1930, the castle was also a hospital, a military barracks, and a governmental residence.
After you tour the castle, follow in the footsteps of the kings of Poland as you explore the famous Royal Route from Wawel Hill to the Old Town. Here at the Market Square, you will see some of the finest examples of medieval architecture now filled full of shops, bars, and cafes. Then your guide will take you into St Mary’s Basilica, where you’ll see one of the finest examples of Polish Gothic architecture and see the spectacularly ornate, multicolour altarpiece which dominates the front of the church. Lastly, you will walk by one of the world’s oldest universities, Jagiellonian University, and visit the idyllic park, Planty Park, which encircles all of Old Town.
Krakow is one of Europe’s hubs for history and culture. On this private half-day tour, you will dig up that history as you explore Krakow's old town, including the Wawel Castle.
On your private tour, you will:
Your half-day tour is the perfect introductory tour for anyone new to the city, where you will learn about the country’s medieval history and tour its’ spectacular highlights, including a visit to the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage site.
Your tour begins at one of Krakow's most renowned locations: Wawel Castle, the massive structure sits upon Wawel Hill, overlooking the Vistula River. The castle served as the royal and political centre of Krakow for centuries, dating back to the eleventh century. Before becoming a museum in 1930, the castle was also a hospital, a military barracks, and a governmental residence.
Afterwards, your guide will take you into Old Town Krakow, where some of the finest examples of medieval architecture remain today.
Visit the city’s main square, full of shops, bars, and cafes. Your next stop will be St Mary’s Basilica, where you’ll see one of the finest examples of Polish Gothic architecture and see the spectacularly ornate, multicolour altarpiece which dominates the front of the church.
After visiting the idyllic Planty Park, your guide will drive you back to your hotel in the Old Town.
Join the fastest growing community of professional tour guides.
Use our easy to integrate toolset to include Tours & Attractions in your customer journey.