9Days

St. Mary's Parish of Ballston Spa

Poland Pilgrimage

In the Footsteps of St. John Paul II & St. Faustina

Spiritual Director: Fr. Francis Vivacqua

April 19 - 27, 2023
FV041921

St. Mary's Parish of Ballston Spa

Poland Pilgrimage

In the Footsteps of St. John Paul II & St. Faustina

Spiritual Director:
Fr. Francis Vivacqua

April 19 - 27, 2023
FV041921

slider

Warsaw · Niepokalanow · Swinice Warckie · Czestochowa · Wadowice · Krakow · Zakopane · Auchwitz · Divine Mercy · Lagiewniki (Divine Mercy) · 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 and baptized, to 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, and allow you, to be able to forgive.


Fr. Francis Vivacqua


pilgrimage map
DATES & PRICES
Any questions?  Contact Us:
Alexandra
Additional information
Terms & Conditions

Your trip includes

  • Round-trip airfare
  • Airport taxes & fuel surcharges
  • Centrally located first class hotels as follows: (or similar)
  • Transfers as per itinerary
  • Breakfast and Dinner daily
  • Wine and mineral water with dinners
  • Transportation by air-conditioned motor coach
  • Assistance of a professional local Catholic guides
  • Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary
  • Catholic Priest, Mass daily & Spiritual activities
  • Luggage handling (1 piece per person)
Centrally located hotels or similar
Not included
  • Meals or beverages unless mentioned. Tips to your guide & driver, Items of a personal nature.
Optional
Travel Protection

Providing you coverage for situations that may arise during your trip, including medical and dental emergencies, loss of luggage, trip delay, and so much more.

Cancel For Any Reason Waiver

A Cancellation Waiver - allowing you to cancel your trip and receive a refund anytime - up until 48 hours prior to departure.

Itinerary

Day 1, Wednesday, April 19: Depart for Krakow

Make your way to your local airport where you will board your overnight flight(s) to Krakow. Meals will be served on board.

Day 2, Thursday, April 20, Arrive Krakow

Welcome to Krakow, 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 Krakow before retiring for a restful overnight.

Day 3, Friday, April 21, Krakow - Zakopane - Krakow

This morning, you 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.

Day 4, Saturday, April 22, Krakow - Lagiewniki (Shrine of Divine Mercy) - Wieliczka - Krakow

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 the opportunity to pray by a relic of St. John Paul II. Continue to Wieliczka to visit Europe's oldest salt mine which has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Return to Krakow for your dinner and overnight.

Day 5, Sunday, April 23, 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, you will make your way to Wawel Hill, where you will visit the beautiful Cathedral, and Coronation Chapel. These are among the most important sites in Poland as the Cathedral has been the coronation site of the Polish monarchs and has held numerous pieces of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Classicist and Modern art. Also at this site, you will have the opportunity to pray at the tomb of the patron saint of Poland, St. Stanislaus. 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.

Day 6, Monday, April 24, Krakow - Wadowice - Czestochowa

After breakfast visit Wadowice, the birthplace of Karol Wojtyla (St. John Paul II). While in the small city of Wadowice, we will have the opportunity to visit the Church of where this beloved Saint was baptized, and attended Mass as a child. Following this historically captivating experience, continue to 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 we will transfer to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 7, Tuesday, April 25, Czestochowa - Swinice Warckie - Niepokalanow - Warsaw

This morning, you will enjoy a full breakfast followed a by a 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 to Niepokalanow. 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, transfer to your hotel in Warsaw. Dinner and overnight.

Day 8, Wednesday, April 26, 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.

Day 9, Thursday, April 28: Return Home

After an early breakfast and heartfelt farewells, your group will leave by motor coach and transfer to Warsaw Airport for return flights home.

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$400 Deposit is due at the time of Registration

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Dates & Prices

Dates

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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



Options and upgrades

*All pricing is per person

Single Supplement / Solo Traveler Upon Request

Business Class Trans-Atlantic Upgrade (One-Way) Upon Request

Business Class Trans-Atlantic Upgrade (Round-Trip) Upon Request



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For groups of 20 or more, you may choose your own departure and earn FREE trips.

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earlier or stay later?

Let us know at time of registration, we will reschedule your airline reservations pending availability at no additional fee (these options will be available to you when you register online). Let us know if you need assistance with pre or post stay at hotel. Simply Contact 206 Tours:  800-206-TOUR (8687)  or  [email protected]

About your trip

pilgrimage map
  • 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 click here to read more

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.

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Terms & Conditions

1-800-206-Tour (8687)   |   [email protected]

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Contact Us

Any questions?  Contact Us:
Alexandra