Poland Pilgrimage
In the Footsteps of St. John Paul II & St. Faustina
Spiritual Director: Fr. Chris Podhajsky
October 5 - 13, 2020
*Optional Post Tour to Prague - October 13 - 15
MJ100520
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Warsaw · Niepokalanow · Swinice Warckie · Czestochowa · Wadowice · Krakow · Zakopane · Auschwitz · Divine Mercy · Lagiewniki · Wieliczka
As you make your way to Poland, Land of Kings, Saints, and Divine Mercy! Walk in the footsteps of Saint John Paul II - from where he was born, baptized, where he became a Priest - Bishop - Cardinal, and where he spent his time visiting as Pope. Take in the Shrine of Divine Mercy (in Lagiewniki) and be drawn closer to the life of St. Faustina and her Divine Mercy message. One of the most obvious works of mercy, and perhaps the most difficult to put into practice, is to forgive others. This pilgrimage will teach you, and allow you, to be able to forgive.
Any questions? Contact Us:
Liz
Account Manager
- 1-800-206-Tour (8687)
- [email protected]
- Live chat
Natasha
Sales Manager
- 1-800-206-Tour (8687)
- [email protected]
- Live chat
Your trip includes
- Round-trip airfare from Cedar Rapids (CID)
- Airport taxes & fuel surcharges
- Accommodation at centrally located first class hotels: (or similar)
- ~ 2 nights: Oct 06 - 08: Radisson Blu Centrum Hotel, Warsaw
- ~ 1 night: Oct 08 - 09: Mercure Patria, Czestochowa
- ~ 4 nights: Oct 09 - 13: Holiday Inn, Krakow
- Optional Post tour to Prague:
- ~ ~ 2 nights: Oct 13 - 15: NH Hotel or Andels, Prague
- Transfers as per itinerary on a group basis
- Breakfast and dinner daily
- Mineral water with dinners
- Transportation by air-conditioned motor coach
- Assistance of a professional local guide(s)
- Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary
- Mass daily & Spiritual activities
- Luggage handling (1 piece per person)
Centrally located hotels or similar
Radisson Blu Centrum Hotel
Warsaw2 Nights
Mercure Patria
Czestochowa1 Night
Holiday Inn
Krakow4 Nights
Not included:
- Lunches, Beverages, Tips to your guide & driver.
Optional
Travel Insurance
Providing you coverage for both pre-existing conditions and those that may arise during your trip, including medical and dental emergencies, loss of luggage, trip delay, and so much more.
Itinerary
Mon, Oct 05: Depart for Warsaw
Make your way to your local airport where you will board your overnight flight(s) to Warsaw. Your meals will be served on board.
Tue, Oct 06: Arrive Warsaw
Welcome to Warsaw, Poland! Upon arrival, make your way to the baggage claim area and collect your luggage. Proceed to the arrival's hall, where you will be greeted by your tour guide and/or driver. Transfer to your hotel. Following check-in at your hotel, your pilgrimage will officially begin with Mass. Following Mass, enjoy a delicious dinner and have the opportunity to explore the city of Warsaw before retiring for a restful overnight.
Wed, Oct 07: Warsaw
Your day will begin with breakfast followed by Mass at St. James Church, iconic for its tower and square base. This Church is where Helena Kowalska prayed extensively upon entering Warsaw. Also, it is where she confessed all that burdened her soul, and asked for the advice of Rev. James Dabrowski which eventually resulted in the Saint entering the convent. Following this prayerful morning, your day of sightseeing begins. Your group will explore the Old Town, comprised of beautiful maze-like cobblestone streets and picturesque architecture that are symbols of Poland's successful rebuild following its destruction during World War II. Some of the sites will include the Market Square (the center of the city filled with restaurants, cafes and shops), the Barbican, defense-like structures that have been rebuilt following World War II, and the Warsaw Ghetto monument that commemorates the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising of 1943 during World War II. You will also take in the Lazienski Park, a beautifully landscaped park, the Chopin Statue (a large bronze statue of musician, Frederic Chopin), and the Royal Castle (the official residence of the Polish monarchs). In the afternoon, visit the Stanislaw Kostka Church and view a special exhibit dedicated to Fr. Jerzy Popieluszko. This priest was a great personality of the Catholic Church, and killed by communists in 1984. In 1987, St. John Paul II visited here to pray in front of Fr. Popieluzko's tomb. Your tour of Warsaw will conclude by returning to the hotel for a delicious meal, followed by an overnight at your hotel.
Thu, Oct 08: Warsaw - Niepokalanow - Swinice Warckie - Czestochowa
This morning, you will enjoy a full breakfast followed a by a transfer to Niepokalanow (approximately forty-five minutes). This Franciscan Monastery is in the community of Teresin, and was founded by martyr, St. Maximilian Kolbe. This remarkable saint was arrested by the Nazis and died in Auschwitz, giving his life for the life of another prisoner. Following your visit to this Holy Monastery, you will transfer to the village of Swinice Warckie. In Swinice Warckie, you will visit the Church of St. Casimir. This historically rich parish is the site of baptism for St. Faustina (formally known as, Helena Kowalska). Little Helena received her first confession, and First Holy Communion, at this parish. Additionally, she and her family attended Sunday Mass and other services at this Church. After visiting this simple, yet elegant Church, you will continue your transfer to Czestochowa (approximately two and a half hours). Upon arrival in Czestochowa, you will check-in to your hotel, enjoy a magnificent dinner, and a restful overnight.
Fri, Oct 09: Czestochowa - Wadowice - Krakow
Today, you will awake in the home of the grandest pilgrimage Shrine of Poland since the 14th century! You will begin your day with breakfast and Mass at Jasna Gora Monastery. This hill-top monastery is home to the beloved icon of the Black Madonna. Additionally, St. John Paul II is said to have made frequent visits to this monastery throughout his life. Tradition tells us that this icon was painted by Luke the Evangelist, discovered by St. Helen, and later enShrined. While here, you will have the opportunity to venerate not only the Holy Icon, but also many other priceless treasures that are contained within. Following your prayerful visit to the Chapel of the Black Madonna, you will continue on to Wadowice, the birthplace of Karol Wojtyla (St. John Paul II). While in the small city of Wadowice, you will have the opportunity to visit the Church of where this beloved Saint was baptized, and attended Mass as a child. We will also visit the "The family home of Pope John Paul II - Papal Museum", which has been historic house museum since 1984. The museum preserves original structure and houses a collection of objects that belonged to the Wojtyla family.Following this historically captivating experience, continue onto Krakow. Enjoy dinner at the local restaurant before resting up for the next day of activities.
Sat, Oct 10: Krakow- Zakopane - Krakow
After breakfast, we will drive through the mountains to breathtaking, yet small and remote village of Zakopane. Take a cable car ride to the nearby mountaintop. At the top, you will truly experience God's magnificent Glory when you look out at the magnificent panoramic view. Following the many photos captured atop the mountain, we will head to the Jaszczorowka Chapel. This architecturally distinct Chapel was visited many times by the young, Karol Wojtyla (St. John Paul II). As a young boy, Karol Wojtyla often used the walking paths surrounding the Jaszczorowka Chapel for much prayer and reflection. After you experience this beautiful site that assisted in St. John Paul II's Holy journey, you will continue your tour to the colorful, Krupowki Street. While on this street, you will have the opportunity to do some shopping at the local bazaar before returning to Krakow. Enjoy a beautiful dinner and an optional stroll through the old city before retiring for the evening.
Sun, Oct 11: Krakow - Auschwitz - Krakow
After breakfast, you will explore Krakow's Market Square as the sound of the silver trumpet from St. Mary's Tower fills the air. The captivating beauty of this square is largely due to the fact that it has remained unchanged for almost 700 years. It contains a number of buildings that hold important historic value such as, the Town Hall Tower, the Cloth Hall, and the Burgher's houses. Following your time in this longstanding square, your tour continues with a transfer to Auschwitz (approximately one hour). Auschwitz is notoriously known as a Nazi concentration camp during the Second World War. Upon arriving at the former camp, you can feel the darkness and sorrow that overtakes the atmosphere as there were numerous unspeakable atrocities that occurred at this site. Additionally, while on this visit, you will have the opportunity to view the cell that imprisoned the Christ-like, St. Maximilian Kolbe, and visit the Martyrdom Museum. After this reflective day, you will return to your hotel in Krakow for dinner and a restful overnight.
Mon, Oct 12: Krakow - Lagiewniki (Shrine of Divine Mercy) - Wieliczka - Krakow
On your last day of touring, after breakfast depart for your excursion to Lagiewniki, the capital of the Divine Mercy. Through the mediation of St. Faustina, Christ passed on the message of Divine Mercy at Lagiewniki. While here, you will have the opportunity to visit the Shrine of Divine Mercy that contains images of the Merciful Jesus, relics of St. Faustina, as well as, the Saint's convent Chapel and her Tomb. Visit and celebrate Mass at the Shrine of Divinity, which was visited by St. John Paul II in 2002. Following Mass, have to opportunity to pray by a relic of St. John Paul II. We will then visit Have No Fear John Paul II Centre. In his speech given October 1978 during the inauguration of his pontificate John Paul said: "Have no fear! Open wide the doors for Jesus Christ and His saving power. Open the borders between countries, economic systems, regimes, and civilization directions. Have no fear!" The main architectural feature is the "lower Church" or "Chapel of the Relics", an octagonal Shrine in the basement. It contains pictures of various events during the pontificate of Pope John Paul II with special emphasis on his visits to some of the world's most famous Marian Shrines. In the center of the Shrine is simple marble altar that contains a phial with a relic of his blood. The blood-stained cassock that he wore on the day of the attempted assassination is also on display here. Following visit we continue to Wieliczka to visit Europe's oldest salt mine. Wieliczka has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Return to Krakow for your farewell dinner and last overnight.
Tue, Oct 13: Return Home
After an early breakfast and heartfelt farewells, your group will leave by motor coach and transfer to the Krakow Airport for return flights home.
Why buy "With Airfare" from 206 Tours
- In case your flight is cancelled 206 Tours will assist to get you to your destination.
- Your transfer will be waiting.
- In the rare event your tour is not operating we will refund you.
- Your seats will be assigned.
- If you need to travel a few days prior, stay a few more days or make a stop-over, we will arrange it for you.
If you do not buy Airfare from 206 Tours
- If your flight is cancelled, delayed or overbooked, 206 Tours is unable to rebook your flights
- To guarantee your arrival and departure transfer, we need your detailed flight arrival / departure by 45 days prior. Any changes within 45 - 3 days prior, additional transfer cost may apply.
- Any changes to your arrival / departure within 3 days of departure, we may not be able to rebook your transfer, you may need to make your own arrangements.
- If you book your own airfare, travel insurance provided by 206 Tours may not reimburse expenses caused by your trip interruption or cover your expenses due to flight changes.
Book your trip now
$400 Deposit is due at the time of Registration
Dates
Select airport
Booking
Options & Upgrades
*All pricing is per person
Single Supplement / Solo Traveler Upon Request
Business Class Trans-Atlantic (One-Way) Upon Request
Business Class Trans-Atlantic (Round-Trip) Upon Request
Optional Post Tour to Prague:
Oct 13 - 15
$849 Per Person Based On Double Occupancy
- Oct 13 - 15, 2019: NH Hotel or Andels, Prague
- Breakfast and dinner daily
- Wine with dinners
- Transfers as per itinerary
- Transportation by air-conditioned motor coach
- Assistance of a professional local guide(s)
- Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary
- Catholic Priest, Mass daily & Spiritual activities
- Luggage handling (1 piece per person)
- Flight bag & portfolio of all travel documents
Itinerary
Tue, Oct 13: Krakow - Prague
After breakfast we depart for our scenic motorcoach ride (or short flight) to the enchanting city of Prague, a city of domed rooftops, soaring steeples, and countless spires. Dinner and overnight.
Wed, Oct 14: Prague
After breakfast, we begin our tour of beautiful Prague. We will celebrate Mass at the Church of Our Lady Victorious and see there the renowned statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague. We visit Old Town by way of Golden Lane and then go to the Lesser Town to see the medieval Charles Bridge that is adorned with many baroque statues. We will also see St. Nicholas Church, the Astronomic Clock, and the Prague Castle district where we tour St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George Basilica, Loreto Church, Strahov Monastery, and Wenceslas Square. Dinner and overnight.
Thu, Oct 15: Prague - USA
After breakfast we transfer to Prague Airport for our return flights home to the USA.
Options and upgrades
*All pricing is per person
Single Supplement / Solo Traveler Upon Request
Business Class Trans-Atlantic (One-Way) Upon Request
Business Class Trans-Atlantic (Round-Trip) Upon Request
Post Tour to Prague
*All pricing is per person
Optional Post Tour to Prague:
October 13 - 15, 2020
$849 Per Person
- October 13 - 15: NH Hotel or Andels, Prague
- Breakfast and dinner daily
- Wine with dinners
- Transfers as per itinerary
- Transportation by air-conditioned motor coach
- Assistance of a professional local Christian guide(s)
- Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary)
- Catholic Priest, Mass daily & Spiritual activities
- Luggage handling (1 piece per person)
- Flight bag & portfolio of all travel documents
Iternary
Tue, Oct 13: Krakow - Prague
After breakfast we depart for our scenic motorcoach ride (or short flight) to the enchanting city of Prague, a city of domed rooftops, soaring steeples, and countless spires. Dinner and overnight.
Wed, Oct 14: Prague
After breakfast, we begin our tour of beautiful Prague. We will celebrate Mass at the Church of Our Lady Victorious and see there the renowned statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague. We visit Old Town by way of Golden Lane and then go to the Lesser Town to see the medieval Charles Bridge that is adorned with many baroque statues. We will also see St. Nicholas Church, the Astronomic Clock, and the Prague Castle district where we tour St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George Basilica, Loreto Church, Strahov Monastery, and Wenceslas Square. Dinner and overnight.
Thu, Oct 15: Prague - USA
After breakfast we transfer to Prague Airport for our return flights home to the USA.
About your trip
- Warsaw
- Niepokalanow
- Swinice Warckie
- Czestochowa
- Wadowice
- Krakow
- Zakopane
- Auschwitz
- Lagiewniki (Divine Mercy)
- Wieliczka
About Krakow & Saint John Paul II:
Karol Wojtyla (Saint John Paul II) was born in the Polish town of Wadowice on May 18, 1920. He moved to Krakow with his father in 1938, where he attended Jagiellonian University and began studying for the priesthood. He was ordained as a priest on November 1, 1946 and went on to continue his studies in Rome until 1948. He returned to Poland that same year for his first pastoral assignment in the village of Niegowic, which lasted seven months. He then was transferred to the parish of St. Florian in Krakow, where he also spent time hiking in the mountains and canoeing with young people.
Know Before You Go
We promise to do all within our power to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. Please feel free to contact us, please note should any problems arise during your trip you should first contact your local emergency contact in your destination country or the 206 Tours.
Read moreContact Us
Any questions? Contact Us:
Liz
Account Manager
- 1-800-206-Tour (8687)
- [email protected]
- Live chat
Natasha
Sales Manager
- 1-800-206-Tour (8687)
- [email protected]
- Live chat