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Krakow Religious Studies School Trips & Tours

A religious studies school trip to Krakow will provide an in-depth study of the Jewish community in the city, one of the most important centres of Jewish life in pre-war Europe.

The evidence of the wartime experience of Europe’s Jewish population in ghettos such as Podgorze, coupled with a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau, will enable pupils to develop a thorough, rounded picture of the experience of Jewish communities and discrimination in central Europe during the 20th century. This is a thought-provoking religious school trip to Krakow that your pupils are likely to remember for many years to come. 

Sample itinerary

Our sample itinerary provides you with an idea of the visits you can cover during your trip. We can tailor-make an itinerary to support your specific learning outcomes.

Morning Afternoon Evening
1 Flight from Ireland & transfer to accommodation Free time to explore the old town
2 Guided sightseeing tour on foot of Krakow covering Kazimierz, the Jewish Quarter, a working synagogue, a Jewish cemetery & the wartime ghetto of Podgorze. Visit to Galicia Jewish Museum including a meeting with a Concentration Camp survivor or member of the Righteous Among the Nations Quiz evening
3 Morning & early afternoon visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau with a local guide Visit Park Wodny
4 Free time for shopping & sightseeing Transfer to airport for return flight to Ireland
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
Morning Flight from Ireland & transfer to accommodation
Afternoon Free time to explore the old town
Evening
Morning Guided sightseeing tour on foot of Krakow covering Kazimierz, the Jewish Quarter, a working synagogue, a Jewish cemetery & the wartime ghetto of Podgorze. Visit to Galicia Jewish Museum including a meeting with a Concentration Camp survivor or member of the Righteous Among the Nations
Afternoon Quiz evening
Evening
Morning Morning & early afternoon visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau with a local guide
Afternoon Visit Park Wodny
Evening
Morning Free time for shopping & sightseeing
Afternoon Transfer to airport for return flight to Ireland
Evening

On-tour support

Get even more from your trip with a Religious Studies Educationalist Guide contact us for a price

On-tour support includes...

Additional on tour support available...


Accommodation

Popular options in Krakow


Top visits

Kazimierz

This historic Jewish district was left deserted as residents were forced by Nazis to move to the Podgorze ghetto. Visit the old synagogues and the cemetery, as well as iconic Jewish sites and museums.

 

Podgorze

In March 1941, the entire Jewish population of Krakow were crammed into this tiny ghetto as Nazi prejudice took hold. Also the location of Schindler’s Factory, students can explore the ghetto and consider the anti-Semitic events which took place here before large numbers of Jews were sent to labour and death camps.

Galicia Museum

Presenting Jewish history from a new perspective, this private museum celebrates the Jewish culture of Galicia and poignantly commemorates the victims of the Holocaust through its moving photographic exhibition. During your visit, your students can take part in a choice of interactive workshops. 

Meet with a Concentration Camp Survivor or Relative

Groups have the invaluable opportunity to meet and speak with either a concentration camp survivor or a member of a survivor’s family. This is an incredible, poignant chance to hear moving eye-witness testimony and gain first hand insight into life under Nazi rule. Common themes covered often include conflict, prejudice and the values of tolerance and understanding.

Auschwitz-Birkenau

Following the Nazi invasion of Poland in September 1939, Oświęcim was incorporated into the domains of the Third Reich. The town’s name was changed to Auschwitz and it became the largest concentration and death camp. Today, as a museum, Auschwitz serves as a poignant reminder of the horrors of Hitler’s tyranny and Holocaust trip will give students a fuller view of the terrible events and conditions, also allowing consideration of key study themes, including obedience, prejudice, tyranny and much more. 

Auschwitz is a one-hour coach journey from Krakow and is a truly emotive and thought-provoking visit.

 

The Old Town Square

Visit Rynek Główny (Town Square), the largest in medieval Europe, Mariacki Church (St Mary’s Church) of Gothic origins with its fine altar, Sukiennice (Cloth Hall) of vast proportions and view the University District and the Collegium Maius - the historic heart of the university area.

Wawel Hill

In a fortified position overlooking the river and city are the Castle and Cathedral.

Krakow Under Nazi Occupation Museum

Also referred to as the Schindler Museum, this visit not only tells Schindler's story but covers every aspect of the Polish and Polish-Jewish experience of occupation in a way that is hugely relevant to British students. We thoroughly recommend this excellent museum, made famous by Spielberg's film, Schindler's List.

Traditional Jewish Restaurant

Enjoy Jewish culture with a traditional Jewish meal at a local restaurant, with a range of delicacies to be experienced, including czulent (bean casserole), knyshe (dumplings) and stuffed gooseneck.

Wieliczka Salt Mine

With a labyrinth of tunnels, Wieliczka Salt Mine is an eerie underworld which has been hand carved from salt blocks. Located 14km south east of Krakow, here your group have the opportunity to view a section of the mine and 22 chambers connected by galleries. A fascinating trip.


Evening activites

  • Introductory talk on ‘Poland & the Holocaust’ – for NST guided groups only
  • Folklore Evening Dinner
  • Bowling
  • Laser Tag

Transport

We offer flights from a variety of departure airports and we’ll work with you to plan your route at the best value possible.

Flight


Giving you full support throughout

Before your tour

  • Your own dedicated NST contact
  • Bespoke tour itineraries
  • Unrivalled local knowledge & expertise
  • Curriculum linked visit programmes
  • Great value for money - no hidden costs
  • Free group leader inspection visits
  • Risk assessment guidance
  • Safety assured, transport, accommodation and visits

Whilst you're away

  • Free educational resources
  • Group-friendly accommodation
  • Exceptional standards of coaching
  • On-tour support from our reps on the ground
  • Support & assistance from our specialists guides throughout your tour
  • 24/7 support just a call away
  • Extensive group travel insurance

On your return

  • Priority rebooking services
  • Rewarding your loyalty with our reward scheme
  • You say, we listen - we're committed to continuously improving our tours
  • School travel company of choice since 1996