Introduction to Krakow & Auschwitz

Krakow is one of the oldest cities in Poland, with evidence showing settlements there since 20,000 BC. Legend has it that it was built on the cave of a dragon whom the mythical King Krak had slain.

Auschwitz :

Beginning in 1940, Nazi Germany built several concentration camps and an extermination camp in the area, which at the time was under German occupation. The Auschwitz camps were a major element in the perpetration of the Holocaust; at least 1.1 million people were killed there, of whom over 90% were Jews.

The complex consisted of three main camps: Auschwitz I, the administrative center; Auschwitz II (Birkenau), an extermination camp or Vernichtungslager; and Auschwitz III (Monowitz), a work camp.

The Polish government restored Auschwitz I and turn it into a museum honouring the victims of Nazism; Auschwitz II, where buildings were prone to decay, were preserved but not restored. Today, the Auschwitz I museum site combines elements from several periods into a single complex: for example the gas chamber at Auschwitz I (which had been converted into an air-raid shelter for the SS) was restored. The museum contains very large numbers of men’s, women’s and children’s shoes taken from their victims; also suitcases, which the deportees were encouraged to bring with them, and many household utensils.

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly Dublin to Krakow and transfer to your hotel. Rest of day at leisure.

Day 2: Morning tour to Auschwitz Camp, stopping at Birkenau camp. Return to Krakow in the afternoon.

Day 3: Day at leisure. There are a number of things to do in Krakow, including the Wieliczka Saltmines (€35 per person) and classical concerts in a number of the churches, including St. Peter & St Pauls Church, and St. Bernadins Church. These afternoon concerts are very reasonable, working out at approx. 40 PLN per person.

Day 4: Collection from hotel and transfer to the airport. Return flight to Dublin.

Price inclusions

• Flight Dublin to Krakow as outlined above
• Airport transfer to your hotel
• 3 nights accommodation in the 3 star Alexander II Hotel or Pod Wawelem Hotel based on 2 or 3 sharing
• Buffet breakfast each morning
• Guided tour to Auschwitz and Birkenau
• Return transfer from your hotel to airport
• Flight Krakow to Dublin
• Services of a representative for coach transfers and tour
• Taxes and charges of €89

Booking remarks

• Inclusive of taxes and service charges as indicated
• Includes check in of 1 standard bag per room
• Single room supplement  €50 for the duration
• Non refundable or transferrable booking deposit €100 per person
• Full payment due on confirmation
• 2% surcharge if balance is paid by credit or charge card
• Optional Insurance €17 (conditions apply)

Accommodation details

Hotel Alexander II

Alexander II is set right in the heart of the city, just five minutes’ walk from the market square, so all the major monuments are within easy reach.Wawel castle, Cloth Hall and St Mary’s Church are close by.

Hotel Alexander II, Accommodation

Hotel has 30 bedrooms, suitable for one, two or three people. All rooms are equipped with bathroom, shower and hair dryer, satelite TV, direct – dial telephone and internet connection. Rooms are bright and spacious.

Pod Wawelem Hotel

We are pleased to invite you to stay in this modern and comfortable hotel, where contemporary elegance and luxury is combined with history and tradition. Our hotel is located in the city center, in the heart of historic Krakow, just aside Wawel Royal Castle and 10 minutes walk from the Main Square.

Hotel Pod Wawelem facilities:

• wireless Internet (password available at the reception)
• ironing board, iron
• wake up service
• tourist Information
• information about current cultural events in Krakow
• folders of Krakow and its cultural attractions
• extra pillows
• luggage
• safe at reception
• tickets, tours and taxi bookings
• mineral water in room

Dates and Prices

Date	Price
26 Jan 2012*	€359
16 Feb 2012*	€359
01 Mar 2012*	€359
15 Mar 2012	€359

* Pod Wawelem Hotel