Join Fr. Krzysztof (Chris) Kardzis pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church (Fremont, Ohio) for the pilgrimage of a lifetime to Catholic Poland. You will walk in the footsteps of some of the greatest Saints in Christendom: Pope Saint John Paul the Great, St. Edith Stein, St. Faustina Kowalska (and the Divine Mercy apparitions of Jesus), St. Maximilian Kolbe, and many more! Poland has a deeply-Catholic culture. This pilgrimage will totally change your heart.
Travel Itinerary*
*Subject to change
Day 1, Monday June 27th: USA / Warsaw
Depart USA for our overnight flight to Warsaw.
Day 2, Tuesday June 28th: Warsaw
Upon arrival in Warsaw, meet your tour manager, transfer to the hotel and check-in. Depending on flight arrival time we will celebrate Mass at St. James Church where Helena Kowalska (the future St. Faustina) prayed extensively, confessed all that burdened her soul, and asked for the advice of Rev. James Dąbrowski which eventually resulted in the Saint entering the convent. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner at the local restaurant. (D)
Day 3, Wednesday June 29: Warsaw
After breakfast we celebrate Mass where Helena Kowalska entered the convent, pending confirmation. Following Mass, our 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. We will visit the Market Square, the Barbican, defense-like structures that have been rebuilt following World War II, and the monument that commemorates the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising of 1943 during World War II. (exterior views) After lunch, on your own, visit the Stanislaw Kostka Church and view a special exhibit dedicated to Fr. Jerzy Popiełuszko, a great personality of the Catholic Church, killed by communists in 1984. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D)
Day 4, Thursday June 30: Warsaw – Niepokalanow – Czestochowa
After breakfast we check out of our hotel and make our way to the Franciscan Monastery Niepokalanow – the Immaculata city built by Fr. Maximillian Kolbe. This remarkable saint was arrested by the Nazis and died in Auschwitz. prisoner. After lunch, on your own, we will depart for Czestochowa, the center of Poland’s religious life and home of the famous icon of the Black Madonna, venerated as the “Queen of Poland” and has become the country’s national symbol. Upon arrival we check into our hotel. You may wish to Participate in the evening devotions, if available. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Czestochowa. (B, D)
Day 5, Friday July 1: Czestochowa – Zakopane
After breakfast we will visit the world famous Shrine of Jasna Gora, the hill-top Pauline Monastery which houses the 600 year old Miraculous Icon known as the “Black Madonna.” Pope St. John Paul II made frequent visits to this monastery throughout his life. Tradition tells us that this icon was painted by St. Luke the Evangelist, discovered by St. Helen, and later enshrined in Poland. We will celebrate Mass at one of the chapels. After lunch, on your own, we will make our way to Zakopane, Poland’s winter Capital nestled in the Tatra’s mountains and a place close to the heart of St. John Paul II. As a child he hiked and skied along its trails. As a priest and Bishop, he initiated youth activities along the same areas. Upon arrival check in to the hotel and dinner. (B, D)
Day 6, Saturday July 2: Zakopane
After breakfast we will experience a funicular ride to the heights of Mt. Gubalowka, subject to final confirmation and favorable weather conditions, for a stunning view of the Tatra Mountains and the town of Zakopane. We will also enjoy a panoramic tour of the city and visit the Jaszczorowka Chapel. This architecturally distinct chapel was visited many times by the young, Karol Wojtyla. As a young boy, Karol often used the walking paths surrounding the chapel for much prayer and reflection. Later we will take a ride on the horse carriages through the forest ending at wooden hut with “bigos” (national Polish dish) and sausages on bonfire. Time permitting enjoy free time for shopping at Krupowki Street in the local bazaar. Tonight enjoy dinner at a local restaurant with a traditional folklore show. Overnight in Zakopane (B, D)
Day 7, Sunday July 3: Zakopane – Krakow
After breakfast and check out we depart to Krakow. En route we will stop in Sromowce Nizne and enjoy a raft trip down the Dunajec River through the Pieniny Gorge and along the Polish-Slovak border, which is one of the greatest tourist attractions in Poland. The serene tour begins at the raft wharf in Sromowce Nizne and ends 9-miles later in Szczawnica. The towering cliffs, the gorge’s limestone rock formations, the picturesque mountain scenery, and the colorful river guides make for a wonderful day in a pristine and wild environment. The raft trip lasts up to three hours, depending on the water level of the river. After our ride on the river we proceed to Krakow for dinner and overnight. (B, D)
Day 8, Monday July 4: Krakow
After breakfast we make our way to Wawel Hill where we will tour the Cathedral to see the tombs of St. Stanislaw, St. Hedwig, and the final resting place of Polish kings, poets and national heroes. We continue on to visit the Market Square where we visit the Mariacki Church, famous for its Witt Stwosz wooden altar followed by the call of the trumpeter from the hejnal. Lunch on your own. The remainder of day is free to shop and explore on your own. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D)
Day 9, Tuesday July 5: Krakow – Auschwitz – Wadowice – Krakow
After breakfast transfer to Oswiecim to visit Auschwitz Concentration Camp, pending confirmation and availability, where St. Teresa Benedicta (Edith Stein) faced martyrdom and St. Maximilian Kolbe died in the Death Block from starvation after volunteering his life for that of a fellow prisoner. View the cell that imprisoned the Christ-like, St. Maximilian Kolbe, and visit the Martyrdom Museum. This afternoon we will visit Wadowice, the birthplace of Karol Wojtyla (Pope St. John Paul II). While in this small city, you will have the opportunity to visit his childhood home and the church where this beloved Saint was baptized and attended Mass as a child. Celebrate Mass at the church of Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Return to Krakow for dinner and overnight. (B, D)
Day 10, Wednesday July 6: Krakow – Wieliczka – Kalwaria Zebrzydowska – Krakow
After breakfast we travel to Wieliczka to see the oldest salt mine in Europe, pending confirmation, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a unique place where many generations of Polish miners created an underground world of decorated chapels, including the famous Blessed Kings Chapel, plus other galleries and workings made of salt. After our visit we drive to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska to visit the Sanctuary of the Passion and of the Madonna, visited by John Paul ll. Dinner and overnight in Krakow. (B, D)
Day 11, Thursday July 7: Krakow – Lagiewniki – Have No Fear – Krakow
This morning, transfer to the Divine Mercy Center in Lagiewniki and start the day by celebrating Mass. See the Basilica of the Divine Mercy, which was consecrated by St. John Paul II during his last trip to Poland. Visit the convent and Chapel of the Apparitions and see the tomb of St. Faustina Kowalska. Then, transfer nearby to the “Have No Fear” John Paul II Center to pray in the Sanctuary of St. John Paul II, a chapel with relics of the former pope, including a vial of his blood. Lunch on your own. The remainder of the afternoon will be at leisure before a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Krakow (B, D)
Day 12, Friday July 8: Krakow departure
Today we depart for the airport for our return trip to the USA. Flight time will dictate today’s schedule.
NOTES: While no changes are anticipated, there may be occasions when sequence and days of visits may change and certain alterations become necessary due to changes beyond our control. In todays uncertain times all prices are subject to change prior to departure due to major currency fluctuations, changes in fuel prices and/or unforeseen economic circumstances beyond our control. All Mass locations listed are pending and subject to final confirmation.
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For additional information, questions, or to join us contact us at 419-290-8782 or maggie@CatholicFaithJourneys.com
TOTAL COST
The discount price of $4,449.00 per person is enjoyed by those paying with Cash or Check (based on a minimum of 30 participants with double occupancy). We gladly accept Credit Cards for the Full pilgrimage price of $4,627.00 per person (based on a minimum of 30 participants with double occupancy). If the pilgrimage falls below 30, the price may be adjusted based on the actual number registered.
Included
International airfare from Detroit (DTW) to Warsaw (WAW) and from Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRK) to Detroit (DTW)
10 Nights in 4 star hotels
Breakfasts and Dinners daily
English speaking tour escort/ guide throughout
Private motor coach throughout
Transfers from international airport
Entrance fees as noted in itinerary
Private Mass arrangements (all Masses pending final confirmation)
Taxes and fuel surcharge (subject to increase, by the airlines, 30 days prior to departure)
Not Included
Optional Travel insurance – (strongly recommended, consider purchasing from our affiliate and trusted provider)
Lunches & beverages w/meals
$170.00 for tips to guide, driver, wait staff, porters to be added to and collected on your final invoice. If paid by credit card $177.00.
Transportation to/from Domestic Airport
Any/all Covid-19 test(s) that may be required by airlines, departing / arriving country and transfer country
Items of personal nature
Any items not specifically mentioned
Limited Single rooms add: $ 775.00 Cash or Check discount / $ 806.00 Credit Card full cost
**Catholic Faith Journeys, LLC cannot change the cancellation terms or conditions based on the issuance of any warning or advisory issued by the State Department or Center of Disease Control, or the occurrence of any terror, health or other incident in one or more of the places this pilgrimage is scheduled to visit. All cancellation penalties remain in full force and effect. You are strongly encouraged to purchase Travel Insurance to protect your financial investment and any health issues you may have while traveling.