Jewish Krakow: Kazimierz District, ghetto, Schindler's Factory

Welcome Dear Travellers! My name is Monika. I am a city guide in Kraków and a tour leader. I started to perform this job when I was a student. It was supposed to be my temporary part-time job. Well, it's been already 20 years! 20 years of wonderful work experience with people from all over the world who visit Kraków and are eager to learn something about my wonderful home town. 20 years of inspiring meetings with turists opened to new experiences and cultures. 20 years of sharing my knowledge about Poland, its history and tradition. I hope I will succesfully guide for at least next 20 years. That's why I heartily invite you to join my tours. History, tradition, social transformations, cultural diversity these are my favourite subjects of interest. I organise city walks in Krakow to bring you closer to its mediaeval history, introduce you to Jewish heritage but also tell you about its contemporary situation. One of the most interesting districts of Krakow - Nowa Huta - was built during the communist times and it is a great starting point to discuss how was life in Poland under communist regime and how much has changed thanks to Solidarity movement. By the way my grandfather was one of the builders of this district so I can share with you some first-hand stories. However, my greates desire is to show you something more than Kraków. I would love to take you on trips outside the city. Even one-day excursions can give you the idea of Polish countryside, folk traditions, landscapes and even more history. This would be not only Polish history but the history and heritage of people of different religions and nationalities. This is because the areas of today's southern Poland used to be a melting pot of cultures inhabited by diverse and unique communities. Fortunately, despite the tragic fate of these areas, traces of its multicultural diversity have been preserved. Nowadays you can admire ruins of medieval castles, traditional villages, wooden churches inscribed to UNESCO list, folk art and all this with a beautiful landscape in the background. Privately I also love travelling and visiting new places. I love hiking in the mountains and being close to the nature. That's why I designed a few trips which will take you close to Polish nature and let you spend your time here in active way. Cycling, walking in the mountains, rafting, visiting national parks or simply admiring the views from the best viewpoints - I can arrange all of this for you. And last, but not least, I love good food. I believe that you can't understand the place you visit without tasting its cuisine. So of course I will make sure you taste the most typical dishes of this region and have a sip of local drinks. I am looking forward to having you on one of my trips! - I am licensed tour leader: license of tour leader was issued by local authorities in 2002 no PW/80/02 - I am licensed city guide of Kraków: license of city guide of Kraków issued by local authorities in 2006 no PM/13/2006 - I am certified guide in Historical Museum Oskar Schindler's Factory (certificate issued in 2011) - driving license since 2000, I have an Opel Meriva car at my disposal, if necessary I can rent a bigger car - I do not have a license to give tours inside Auschwitz Museum and Memorial - I do not have a license to give tours inside the Salt Mine in Wieliczka