We booked the Old Town Kraków and Wawel Castle walking tour. Victoria was excellent in giving us the historical facts while blending in the local folklore. We saw many things that we wouldn't have seen (or noticed) had we done it on our own. The legend of the 2 towers (and brothers) of St. Mary's and the knife is just one of many examples. We also learned the reason why the trumpeter abruptly stops playing his bugle call (Hejnał Mariacki) every hour.
We met Victoria and the rest of the group (about 25 people) near the Barbican. Just look for the yellow umbrella with their logo. It initially rained in the beginning, but it cleared up as we were on our way through Old Town. There is so much history in Kraków. This tour gave us insight into the most important museums to visit as well as the architecture surrounding us.
There was the Ironman competition obstacle that we had to overcome when approaching the castle. She quickly & professionally navigated our way through it without any interruption to the tour. It ended up being a sunny day once we reached the castle walls. The tour of the castle grounds was the highlight with its beautiful gardens.
We will choose Walkative again in the future. They have walking tours in many European cities. I first learned about it through a Yelp friend's review of her Barcelona tour. Thanks Helene!
Knowing what I know now, I wish we had booked one for Plaszow and the Jewish Quarter. They offer so many different tours. It's absolutely worth it! On that note, make sure you tip your guide well. They are the ones that make this experience so special. They are a wealth of knowledge. I very highly recommend...
Read moreWe participated World War II. and Nowa Huta tours. Both tours were outstanding experiences - despite the freezing weather. Our guide, Big Tom, made the tour not only informative, but, as a true Krakowian, grabbed on personal aspects as well. He encouraged us to ask questions which he never failed to answer, and while elaborating on the historical, architectural, and sociological aspects of our surroundings, he recited stories of people who used to form the course of events mentioned - talking not only of the famous kind, but of everyday heroes and villains, too. Meanwhile, he was not afraid to touch controversial topics and always added one more detail just to shed light on another aspect of the events, changing our perspective completely. He led us to a deeper understanding of the city's development in the 20th century and painted an incredibly intricate picture of it - while he made sure to bring us to slightly warmer or less windy places from time to time, which is a huge plus when one decides to walk the city in the dead of winter. He's a historian, a professional storyteller, an incredibly funny guy, and the kind of charismatic person who is able to work with their personality and enthusiasm to a level that one cannot stop listening. (The pictures were taken in the...
Read moreI came across this tour by chance while browsing online, and by pure luck, I ended up with the most interesting and enjoyable guide I could have asked for — Tomasz (aka “Big Tom”)!
The tours of Krakow’s Old Town and Jewish Quarter was absolutely outstanding. From the very beginning, it was clear that Tom is an incredibly knowledgeable guide with a true passion for history and a rare talent for storytelling. He shared fascinating historical facts, open minded insights, and unique perspectives that added real depth and meaning to the tour.
The tour followed a comfortable route and was thoughtfully planned with great attention to our comfort as well as to the well-being and daily life of the local residents — something I truly appreciated.
Everything was conducted at a relaxed pace, and Tom was always patient and happy to answer any questions with a smile. His sense of humor, charisma, and warm personality made the experience unforgettable. I came away with a much deeper understanding of the city’s history and the importance of the Jewish Quarter, both past and present.
I highly recommend this tour — and make sure to ask for Big Tom. You won’t be...
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