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Globtroter and Krakow the best holidays I had for years
We have just returned from three weeks round tour of Europe. We have enjoyed most of the places, however one of them - Globtroter in Krakow - gave us such a great expeariance that I have decided to share it with you, since I have chosen this place after reading other members reviews on Tripadvisor.
We have flown from Berlin to Balice Krakow airport (this airport is close to Krakow (approx 10 miles) Note: if you are going to Krakow do not choose Pyrzowice airport - which is 60 miles away - we have met some travellers from U.K. who made this mistake and it took them over two hours to get to Krakow)
Our plane was 45 minutes late, but Kuba, the driver from Globtroter, was waiting for us. Within just over half an hour we were in our rooms, after a great welcome at the Reception by Peter, where we were given a short verbal "tour" of Krakow, the best restaurants (not most expensive - by the way, food in Krakow costs approx.1/4 to 1/2 what you pay in U.K. I have found it a little on the heavy side - not too dietary, but very good - pierogi is a "must try"), a lot of info on local museums and places to see (the choice is great - the time we had, 4 nights,was too short). We were all give a map each and a promise (which was kept) that they will answer any questions that we may have.
The rooms were a good size, very warm and comfortable. Good size bathroom with hot and spacious shower. All our rooms had kettle and a welcome pack with tea, coffee and sugar. (Note: In Poland It is not customary to drink tea with milk - if you want good cuppa you will have to ask for the milk in all the restaurants).
Globtroter is very close to the main square (Rynek), less than a minute walk. You can walk to most of the places of interest on foot. Kazimierz (Jewish district) is furthest away - it took us just over 20 minutes to walk there - it is worth it.
We were glad that we have split Wawel Castle tour over two seperate visits (reception advice) - you can do it in one, but I think that it would be very tiring and you will not expeariance the full pleasure of this magnificent historical place.
We have visited Auschwitz with the tour organised by Globtroter- picked up just outside the main gate (9.15), booked on an official tour (we have had a private guide, but I understand that vthis is not always possible), visited Auschwitz I then taken to Birkenau (here we expearinced another little gem - we were saved over a 1 km walk by the driver who drove around the camp to pick us up at the back of the camp (The Monument) where the tour has finished. Some people never see this part - as we have found out from people that we have met in the restaurant and who booked the trip to Auschwitz with one of the tour operators in the city. We were back in the city before 16:00.
Auschwitz is a "difficult" expeariance, but it si very interesting and all of us felt that " you have to see it with your own eyes" and to pay respects to people that died there. It should be on everybodies agenda.
Wieliczka - Salt Mine was at the other end of "happiness" spectrum. It is an unbelivable place and it has restored a believe in a human race (after seeing Auschwitz) - there is no other place on earth like St. Kinga Chapel.
Someone wrote that Krakow is a crown studded with gems. We agree with this statement fully, but would like to add that one of these gems is Globtroter Guest House -
Thank you for making our stay so complete - WE WILL BE BACK to see the rest of your wonderful City.
Peter and Jackson family
P.S. Peter - you are a star
