Krakow’s combination of historical depth, artistic diversity, and cultural significance makes it an ideal destination for art history students looking to deepen their understanding of European art and architecture.
Krakow - Art History School Trip
- 4 days
- +1
- Poland
-
342kg pp
- Auschwitz-Birkenau
- Schindler's Factory Museum
- Galicia Jewish Museum
- Wieliczka Salt Mines
- Krakow Old Town
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*Actual carbon figure provided in quote
Sample itinerary
This sample itinerary is offered as a guideline. The trip focus, length and itinerary/activities can be tailored to meet your learning objectives.
- Day
Day 1 - Fly to Krakow, Old Town walking tour
Begin your Art History school trip to Krakow by flying into Kraków John Paul II International Airport. After transferring to your hotel and enjoying lunch, immerse yourself in the city's artistic heritage.
Join your expert TCBC guide for a guided sightseeing tour of Krakow's Old Town, where you'll discover key examples of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Admire the intricate details of the buildings and learn about the city's rich art history. A highlight of your tour will be a visit to St. Mary’s Church, renowned for its stunning wooden altarpiece carved by Veit Stoss, a masterpiece of Gothic art. Then take in Wawel Royal Castle, which is considered to be the most historically and culturally significant site in Poland. Established by King Casimir III the Great, it demonstrates nearly all the European architectural styles of the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods.
In the evening, participate in a traditional Polish dumpling-making workshop at a local Pierogarnia. This hands-on experience offers a taste of the culinary arts in an authentic setting.
Day 2 - Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mines
Today, delve into the profound historical context of World War II with a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau. While Auschwitz trips from Krakow focus primarily on history, the sombre design of the memorials and exhibitions also offers insight into the role of art in remembering and interpreting the past.
After lunch, visit the UNESCO-listed Wieliczka Salt Mines, a marvel of underground artistry. On your Krakow salt mine trip, you can explore the labyrinthine corridors, discovering salt chambers, underground lakes and the awe-inspiring St. Kinga's Chapel, adorned with intricate salt carvings and chandeliers. The craftsmanship within the mines showcases the intersection of art and natural resources in Poland's history.
In the evening, return to Krakow for dinner, then enjoy some light-hearted fun with a game of bowling.
Day 3 - Jewish Quarter, Schindler’s Factory, and Rynek Underground Museum
Begin your day with a guided tour of Kazimierz, Krakow’s historic Jewish Quarter. As you walk through this culturally rich district, observe the fusion of Jewish and Polish artistic influences. Visit the Remuh Synagogue, the oldest active synagogue in Krakow, to appreciate its historical and architectural significance.
Next, visit Oskar Schindler’s Factory, where you'll explore exhibits that tell the powerful stories of those who lived and worked there during the war. The museum's design integrates historical artefacts with modern interpretive art, providing a unique perspective on Krakow's wartime history.
After lunch and some free time for souvenir shopping, descend into the Rynek Underground Museum beneath the Main Market Square. This museum offers a fascinating look at historic Krakow, with exhibits showcasing medieval artefacts, interactive displays, and architectural remains, all contributing to a deeper understanding of the city’s artistic evolution.
End the day with a traditional Polish dinner and a folklore show, where you’ll experience the vibrant folk art and music that are integral to Poland’s cultural heritage, offering a Krakow art exhibition with a difference!
Day 4 - Krakow National Museum and Stained Glass Window Museum
On your final day, check out of your hotel and begin at the most famous of Krakow’s art museums—Krakow National Museum. As the largest museum in Poland, it houses an extensive collection of Polish art, with a particular emphasis on 20th-century works. Don’t miss the chance to view Leonardo da Vinci's Lady with an Ermine, a Renaissance masterpiece that highlights the museum's impressive collection.
Conclude your art-focused tour with a visit to muWi, the Stained Glass Museum. Located in the oldest continuously operating stained glass workshop in Poland, you'll see exquisite works by prominent artists like Wyspiański and Mehoffer. This guided tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous craft of stained glass making, a unique aspect of Poland's artistic legacy.
After an early meal, transfer to the airport for your return flight, taking with you a deeper appreciation for the rich art and design heritage of Krakow.
Sustainability at our Heart
It’s always been important to us that our business is having a positive impact on the planet. As such, we are committed to helping reduce the emissions that we generate to mitigate the impact on the global climate crisis, and to give back to young people and communities.
What’s included
Full TCBC support from the moment you book until you return home
Full itinerary flexibility to ensure the perfect tour for your students
We'll source the best available flights based on your school's location
You'll have all our necessary contact details to hand should the need arise
Knowledgeable TCBC guide ready to bring your walking tours to life
Detailed itinerary, with all entrance fees included, no hidden costs
Return flights, 1 piece of hold luggage per person, airport taxes and security charges and ATOL Protection Contribution
Airport transfers upon arrival and departure. We can also arrange your UK airport transfers if you wish
Experienced local TCBC guide in Krakow for your included walking tours
Coach for arrival/departure airport transfers and where stated in itinerary
3 nights' hostel or hotel accommodation, with multi rooms for students and single rooms for teachers
Breakfasts and dinners daily at hostel, but we can arrange meals in local restaurants if preferred
All excursions as per your itinerary
There will be no hidden costs on tour, everything will be clearly explained before departure
24 hour emergency contact details of TCBC's office and your local guide's mobile number
The normal free staff place ratio is 1:10 but this is flexible and we'll work to whichever ratio you require
Please check at school to ensure you are covered by an adequate travel insurance policy which we will need to see a copy of. We can help you source cover if you need
We generally don't include lunches unless requested. We prefer to let the students explore the local options and choose for themselves
If you feel you have received excellent service, then our local guides and drivers will appreciate being tipped. Guidelines will be outlined in your quote
Event availability isn't usually known at the time of booking. We will inform you of options and ticket prices closer to departure
School trips to Krakow
Huge thanks to Cheadle Hulme School for allowing us to accompany them on tour and film their joint Religious Studies and History trip to Krakow in May. This fantastic 2-minute video will give you and your students a great idea of what to expect on a school trip to Krakow with TCBC!
Accommodation
We regularly use the same properties in Krakow who are used to working with our school groups and meet our high standards
Hotel Wyspianski
The Hotel Wyspianksi is a well located 3 star hotel just 500 metres from Krakow’s beautiful Market Square and 10 minutes’ walk from the main railway station.
The 231 rooms are modern, bright and comfortable and come equipped with flatscreen TVs, radios, hairdryers, towels, air conditioning and free wifi. A buffet breakfast specialising in Polish and European dishes is served every morning at the hotel restaurant.
Hotel Wilga
Hotel Wilga is a modern 3 star property located in the heart of historic Krakow, just a few minutes’ walk away from the Old Jewish District (Kazimierz), Wawel Hill and the Old Town.
The comfortable rooms are equipped with flatscreen TVs, hairdryers, towels, air conditioning and free wifi. The hotel is the only one in Krakow to have its own professional bowling alley. Guests can also enjoy a game of pool and table football and watch televised sports events on a large screen.
Hotel Classic
The Classic is a small, centrally located 3 star hotel, just a short walk from Krakow’s Market Square, Wawel Royal Castle and Krakow Central Railway Station.
Renovated in 2011, the hotel offers 30 spacious, air-conditioned rooms with free wifi and satellite TV, as well as an extensive buffet breakfast.
Reasons to travel with us
We honestly believe we are the best in what we do. We'd love the opportunity to show you.
Safety & reliability
The safety of all our travellers is our number 1 priority. We have a robust Safety Management System in place to ensure that our tours are run to the high levels you expect.
Experience & expertise
We have years of experience in planning school tours. Our expertise lies in our organisational skills, attention to detail and an understanding of what you need to make your trip a success.
TCBC local guides
Our guides are our greatest assets and consistently lauded. Highly experienced, knowledgeable and trustworthy, most are hand-picked and have worked with us for years.
Complete peace of mind
Our accreditations (ATOL, ABTA, STF, LOtC) provide you with the reliability, assurance and financial security expected from a specialist tour operator.
Customer
service
Our dedicated team is on hand to offer help and advice at every stage. We are positive you will be impressed with the high level of service you receive from us.
Flexibility & customisation
We customise every trip to suit your needs and offer maximum flexibility in planning your itinerary. We won’t rest until we get it right!
The personal touch
Getting to know our clients is very important to us. It’s very likely therefore that you’ll meet one or several of us at some point, either at school before departure or on the tour itself.
Total transparency
We include as much as possible in our quotes and are very transparent about what is and what is not included. There will be no hidden or surprise costs.
Pre-departure support
We understand how much work goes into planning a school trip. You will be dealing with the same people throughout the pre-departure process allowing us to respond quickly and accurately.
Repeat business
99.9% of teachers are so happy with our tours and our service that there is no need to travel with anyone else. We are confident you will feel the same way.
TCBC always put together a great trip. Our Krakow trip was well arranged and this made moving from one event to the next straight forward and easy. We will definitely be travelling with them again.
