August 25 – September 5, 2025

Celebrate the 15th Anniversary of Annunciation Radio with a Pilgrimage to Poland! Join Dave Vacheresse and chaplain Msgr. William Kubacki for the trip of a lifetime in the footsteps of Pope Saint John Paul II, Edit Stein, St. Faustina (Divine Mercy), and Maximillian Kolbe. Experience the history and beauty of Poland’s architecture. Visit Our Lady of Czestochowa. Ascend the mountains on which JPII loved to ski. Enjoy Polish food, music, and culture on this marvelous pilgrimage of celebration!! Msgr. Kubacki will offer the sacrifice of the Holy Mass daily in many of these holy sites.

CLICK HERE to Download the REGISTRATION FORM

Travel Itinerary
**Subject to change

Day 1 – Monday, Aug 25:  USA / Warsaw
Depart USA for our overnight flight to Warsaw.

Day 2 – Tuesday, Aug 26:  Warsaw
Upon arrival in Warsaw, meet your tour manager, 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, Aug 27:  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, killed by communists in 1984. (B, D)

Day 4 – Thursday, Aug 28:  Warsaw – Niepokalanow – Pabianice – 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. Proceed to Pabianice where St. M. Kolbe moved with his family. We can visit St Mathews church where he received first communion and where he had a vision of the Virgin Mary offering him two crowns (white and red) a symbol of priesthood and martyrdom and he chose both, will also pass by the apartment where his family lived. 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 in Czestochowa. (B, D)

Day 5 – Friday, Aug 29:  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, Aug 30:  Zakopane
After breakfast we will experience a funicular ride to the heights of Mt. Gubalowka, (subject to confirmation) and favorable weather conditions, for a stunning view of the Tatra Mountains and the town of Zakopane. 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 enjoy an outdoor lunch of “bigos” (national Polish dish) and sausages cooked over a 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. (B, D)

Day 7 – Sunday, Aug 31: 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, Sept 1:  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 to 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, Sept 2:  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, Sept 3:  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, Sept 4:  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, Sept 5: Depart for USA
Today we depart for the Krakow airport for our return trip to the USA.

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. We are not responsible for any changes to entry/travel requirements put into effect by Governments, Health Organizations, Airlines, transfer countries, arriving countries, return country, museums, Churches, restaurants etc. We are not responsible for any or all changes / cancellations / interruptions caused by Force majeure. Arriving and departing flights may affect the first and last day itinerary. All Mass locations are pending and subject to final confirmation.

You must be physically fit and capable of walking on uneven terrain, stairs, and being on your feet all day. Just a FYI – Foreign entities do not have the “American Disabilities Act” and most facilities are not equipped. Everyone is responsible for handling their own luggage and keeping pace with the group.

To register for this pilgrimage please read, complete and sign the registration form, and the Health release form and return with your deposit. 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.

[Click to download Travel Itinerary & Terms and Conditions or Registration Form]

For additional information, questions, or to join us contact us at 419-290-8782 or maggie@CatholicFaithJourneys.com

LAND-ONLY COST

$4,579.00 per person Cash or Check (based on a minimum of 30 participants with double occupancy). Group Air from Detroit is an additional $1,270.00 per person. (Add 5% if paying with credit card.) If less than 30 pilgrims, price will be adjusted based on total number of pilgrims.  Pilgrims may leave from ANY AIRPORT, but please contact Maggie to arrange flights from another domestic or international airport. DO NOT BOOK AIRFARE WITHOUT SPEAKING WITH MAGGIE!

Included

10 nights hotels
Breakfast and Dinner daily
English speaking tour escort / guide throughout
All tips to drivers, escorts, and guides
Private motor coach throughout
Transfers to and from international airport
Entrance fees as noted in itinerary
Private Mass arrangements daily (locations noted pending confirmation)
Taxes and fuel surcharge (subject to increase 30 days prior to departure)

Not Included

Group roundtrip airfare from DTW (Detroit) / WAW (Warsaw) – KRK (Krakow) / DTW (Detroit) **Option to add group air for additional cost of $1,270.00 per person**
Optional Travel Insurance – (STRONGLY RECOMMENDED!! NOTE: Some countries may require travel insurance. This affiliated link is to our trusted provider.)
Any/all Covid-19 or any test(s) that may be required by airlines, departing/arriving country and transfer country (nothing required at time of this printing)
Lunches & beverages w/meals
New ETIAS travel authorization (due to be required in 2025. The exact start date has not been announced yet.)
Items of personal nature
Any item(s) not specifically mentioned
Airline-imposed baggage fees
Limited Single Rooms – Call Maggie for availability and cost 419-290-8782 maggie@catholicfaithjourneys.com

**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.

Click Here to Download the Registration Form!