Krakow was voted Best International Destination at the School Travel Awards 2025, and when you spend time there with a school group, it is easy to understand why.
It is a city that offers so much in one place. Powerful history, beautiful architecture, rich culture, excellent value and experiences that students are unlikely to forget.
For many schools, History is the main reason to visit Krakow. Auschwitz-Birkenau, Schindler's Factory, Kazimierz and the city's WWII heritage all help students connect with the past in a very real and meaningful way.
But Krakow is not only a History destination. Its culture, buildings, museums, streets and wider attractions create plenty of cross-curricular learning opportunities too, making it a strong choice for schools looking for a trip with real depth.
A recent visit with Dallam School's Humanities Department gave us the perfect opportunity to reflect on what makes Krakow so special. Lynsey from our Operations Team and Olga from our Sales Team accompanied the group, along with Teacher Ted, as students explored some of the city's most important sites.
One Award Winner Visits Another
The School Travel Awards 2025 was a memorable evening for both Krakow and TCBC School Tours.
Krakow was crowned Best International Destination, while TCBC School Tours was voted Best School Tour Operator (Small/Medium) by teachers and school staff.
So, when Teacher Ted joined Dallam School on their visit to Krakow, it felt like one award winner visiting another.
It also gave us a lovely opportunity to capture the city through the eyes of a school group and show why Krakow continues to be such a rewarding destination for educational travel.
A Powerful Destination for History Students
Krakow has an extraordinary ability to make History feel close, human and relevant.
A visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau is often the most significant part of a school trip to Krakow. It is a difficult and deeply moving experience, but also an important one. For students studying WWII and the Holocaust, being there in person can create a level of understanding that is hard to achieve in the classroom alone.
Schindler's Factory adds further context, helping students understand what life was like in Krakow under Nazi occupation. Kazimierz, the city's historic Jewish Quarter, gives students a sense of the Jewish life and culture that existed before the war, as well as the lasting impact of what followed.
Together, these visits help students see History not just as dates and events, but as real people, real places and very real consequences.
An Extraordinary Encounter with Angela Orosz
One of the most memorable moments of the trip was completely unexpected.
While staying at the hotel, the group met a Canadian group who were travelling with Holocaust survivor Angela Orosz.
Angela was born in Auschwitz in December 1944 and is believed to be one of only a handful of babies born inside the camp who survived. Her mother endured unimaginable conditions while pregnant and managed to keep Angela alive until liberation.
During the evening, Angela spent time speaking with members of the group, sharing her story and answering their questions.
It was an extraordinary privilege.
For students who had been learning about the Holocaust, hearing directly from someone with such a personal connection to Auschwitz brought everything into sharp focus. It was one of those rare moments that stays with people long after the trip has ended.
More Than Auschwitz
Auschwitz-Birkenau is one of the most important reasons schools visit Krakow, but the city offers much more than this one experience.
Krakow is a beautiful, historic and atmospheric city. Its Old Town is full of character, with the vast Market Square at its centre, surrounded by historic buildings, cafés and landmarks. Wawel Castle sits above the River Vistula and gives students a glimpse into Poland's royal past.
Kazimierz also has a very distinct feel, with its mix of history, culture, street art, cafés and synagogues. It is a place where students can explore, observe and begin to understand the layers of the city's identity.
Learning doesn't stop when students leave a museum or attraction. Simply walking through Krakow gives them a better understanding of the city's history, culture and identity.
Cross-Curricular Learning Opportunities
Although History is often the main focus, Krakow works well across a range of curriculum areas.
The city's architecture, religious heritage, museums, public spaces and cultural identity all offer useful starting points for wider learning. Students can explore themes such as memory, faith, prejudice, human rights, urban change, tourism, art, design and cultural heritage.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine adds another fascinating dimension to the trip, giving students the chance to experience one of Poland's most unusual and impressive attractions.
For teachers, this means Krakow can support several learning aims within one itinerary, while still giving students a varied and enjoyable experience.
A City Students Enjoy Exploring
One of Krakow's strengths is that it feels manageable for school groups.
It has the excitement of an international city, but it does not feel overwhelming. The centre is compact, walkable and full of character, which makes it easier for groups to explore and take in the atmosphere.
Students can move from powerful historical visits to lively city squares and cultural landmarks, giving the trip a good balance of reflection, discovery and enjoyment.
Excellent Value for Schools
Krakow also offers excellent value compared with many other European destinations.
With direct flights from numerous UK airports, a good choice of accommodation and a compact city centre, it works well both practically and financially for schools.
For teachers planning a meaningful trip while also managing budgets and logistics, Krakow offers a very strong combination of educational impact, cultural value and affordability.
Why Krakow Stands Out
The best school trip destinations are the ones students remember. Krakow is one of those places.
It gives students the chance to stand in places connected to some of the most important events in modern history, while also experiencing a beautiful European city with its own culture, atmosphere and identity.
Few destinations offer such a powerful combination of educational value, cultural experiences and lasting memories for students.
From Auschwitz-Birkenau and Schindler's Factory to the vibrant streets of the Old Town and the unforgettable encounter with Angela Orosz, it's easy to understand why Krakow was voted Best International Destination at the School Travel Awards 2025.
Start Planning Your Krakow School Trip
Krakow continues to be one of Europe's most rewarding destinations for educational travel, combining powerful History learning with a rich cultural experience that students remember long after they return home.
If you're considering a school trip to Krakow, our team can help create an itinerary tailored to your curriculum, learning objectives and group requirements.
Get in touch to start planning your trip.
Vote for TCBC in the School Travel Awards 2026
We're proud to be finalists once again in 2026. After winning the award last year, we'd love your support in helping us retain the title.
If you've travelled with us and feel we've helped bring learning to life for your students, we'd be incredibly grateful for your vote.
Vote for TCBC School Tours here
Voting closes on 31st July 2026.
