The Salt Mines is one of those things that you must see. Having said that we could hardly hear the guide so lots was missed. Glad I saw it but wouldn’t rush back. Driver was great. As for the Schindler’s factory - an absolute must see. Gave us ideas on other places to visit and was a sobering but informative account of the WW2 situation in Poland. Having a guide take us through was perfect.

Expensive but just about worth it as a one off experience

The tours are quite expensive but worth it as a one off trip if you are in Krakow. Would not go again though due to cost. The salt mine tour was a little rushed and could have been a little more slower to allow us to look around as well as time to have something to eat in the restaurant. The guide was good and had a touch of sardonic wit which was amusing The factory tour part allowed us to avoid the large queue outside and was very educational as it was about the history of NAZI occupation of Krakow during WW2 which was different and more horrific than the experiences perhaps of countries that were not occupied. Could have spend longer reading through the displays but time was limited on the tour. The displays were not arranged in a way that made the tour easy though. However if you are expecting to have a tour of Schindlers factory as it was in 1940's then you will be disappointed. There is some information on Schindler etc but the tour is mainly about WW2 Krakow history.

Impressive and worth a visit

Well organised trip and impressive mines, especially the chapels. Only reason not given a 5-star rating is that we found it difficult to hear and/or understand the young guide. The microphone on the guide was around his neck with the mike infront of him. The commentary was quiet at best, and when he turned his head to explain/show something, the volume dropped to almost non-existent. Members of the group told him a few times, and he did hold the mike up to his mouth on occasion, which helped, but I think people stopped telling him after a while and just accepted they couldn't hear. the receivers only had one ear-piece - maybe two would have helped?