We met at 8.45am opposite of Hotel Mercure and it was a big tour (1 coach and 1 minivan; we were arranged for the minivan). Peter was our driver, he’s a very nice guy. First stop was Auschwitz I and a local lady as your guide and showing us the camp. Her explanation was very clear and easy to understand. The weather was around 3 degrees and luckily was sunny and with no wind. The camp was not just full of sadness and also we learnt the reflection from the history. After 1.5 hours visit, we told Peter that our lunch was not yet provided and he arranged effectively. We advise to have a few bites on the van because it just less than 10 mins drive to the Auschwitz II. We spent an hour in this part. When finished, 1.5 hours drive to the salt mine. It was traffic jam and we could catch the 5pm last entrance but the coach one couldn’t. Lots of steps for the mine but easy to walk. Everything of the mine was impressive. It’s a worthiness trip for travelling Poland.

Everything was very well organised. We knew where to be and when, at all times. The day was very smooth, all we had to do was turn up. Would recommend bringing food, as there is nowhere to buy / no time to buy. Get your guide is excellent for taking all the hassle and stress out of travel. The guide was very nice and informative. A very important visitors attraction, the history is of such importance, we must not let humankind ever repeat such history.

The organisation of the Salt mine + Auschwitz Birkenau was great, possibly we wouldn't be able to do the 2 tours in one day. Although we shouldn't have done these in one day - in Auschwitz (the exhibition is respectful and shows well the unspeakable cruelty that happened there) our group was rushed through the camps, there was no time to process and experience emotionally, that I attribute to the fact that we needed to finish in a strickly limited amount of time.