Make your way to your local airport where you will board your overnight flight(s) to Warsaw. Your meals will be served on board.

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.

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, Saint 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.

This morning, you will enjoy breakfast followed by a transfer 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 the village of Swinice Warckie. In Swinice Warckie, 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, we will continue to Czestochowa. Upon arrival in Czestochowa, you will check-in to your hotel, enjoy a magnificent dinner, and a restful overnight.

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, Saint 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 (Saint John Paul II). While in the small city of Wadowice, you will have the opportunity to visit the church where this beloved Saint was baptized, and attended Mass as a child. Following this historically captivating experience, continue on to Krakow. Enjoy dinner at the local restaurant before resting up for the next day of activities.

After breakfast, you will drive through the mountains to the 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, head to the Jaszczorowka Chapel. This architecturally distinct chapel was visited many times by the young, Karol Wojtyla (Saint John Paul II). As a young boy, Karol Wojtyla often used the walking paths surrounding the Jaszczorowka Chapel for prayer and reflection. After you experience this beautiful site that assisted in Saint 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.

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. Next, a short drive to Auschwitz, 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, return to your hotel in Krakow for dinner and a restful overnight.

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 Saint John Paul II in 2002. Following Mass, have the opportunity to pray by a relic of Saint John Paul II. Continue to Wieliczka and visit Europe’s oldest salt mine, which has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Return to Krakow for your farewell dinner and last overnight in Poland.

After breakfast, depart for our scenic motor coach ride (or short flight) to the enchanting city of Prague, a city of domed rooftops, soaring steeples, and countless spires. Dinner and an overnight in Prague.

After breakfast, make your way to the Church of Our Lady Victorious, home of the famous Child Jesus statue called the Infant Jesus of Prague. The statue, a 16th-century depiction of infant Jesus holding a globus cruciger, (an orb and cross), was donated to the Carmelite friars in 1628. Following Mass, enjoy a walking tour of Old Town Prague. Walk along the Royal Route to the Old Town Square. In beautiful Prague’s Castle district, visit St. Nicholas Church, St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George Basilica, Loreto Church and Strahov Monastery Continue along Karlova Street to Charles Bridge crossing the Vltava River adorned with many baroque statues. Enjoy breathtaking view of the magical Prague Castle. View the Astronomical Clock of Prague and walk on Wenceslas Square, one of the main city squares. The square is named after Saint Wenceslas, the patron saint of Bohemia. It is part of the historic center of Prague, a World Heritage Site. Return to the hotel for dinner and a restful overnight.

Following breakfast we will depart Prague for Altotting, one of Germany’s most celebrated shrines and a city whose purpose is pilgrimage. Upon arrival celebrate Mass at the center of the pilgrimage complex, the Chapel of Mercy. The chapel houses a 13th century statue of the Blessed Virgin to which numerous miraculous cures are credited. At the Shrines, you will have the opportunity to visit the Basilica, the Panorama of the Crucifixion and St. Konrad’s Monastery. We will continue to Salzburg, the lovely birthplace of famed composer Mozart. Salzburg, also known as “Alt Stadt”, is known for its beautiful baroque architecture and its amazing views of the Eastern Alps. Free time before dinner and an overnight in Salzburg.

After breakfast, your full day tour begins with Mass at St. Peter’s Abbey. Following Mass, explore the historic center of Salzburg on foot. Its narrow streets and secluded passageways are evidence of its medieval roots. The heritage of the Catholic Church is evident in the Archbishop’s Residence at DomPlatz. Visit Mirabell Palace with its beautiful gardens. Mirabell Palace, is one of the most important shooting locations from the famous Hollywood musical “The Sound of Music” – Maria and the children dance around the Pegasus Fountain in front of the palace, singing the song “Do Re Mi”. Experience the unique views across Mirabell Gardens towards the Hohen Salzburg Castle. You will have a chance to visit the mighty Romanesque Cathedral as well as the Nonnberg Convent of Benedictine nuns. In the Getreidegasse, view Mozart’s birthplace, now one of the most visited museums in Austria. Make a stop at Hellbrunn Palace to enjoy its gardens and hidden trick fountains. Enjoy a delicious dinner before retiring for the evening.

After breakfast, board the motor coach and travel east through the mountain of Austria to Mariazell, the most important pilgrimage place in Austria. Visit the Mariazell Basilica, also known as Basilica Mariä Geburt (Basilica of the Birth of the Virgin Mary). Mariazell Basilica is a Marian basilica, which holds the miraculous statue, housed in the Lady Chapel or Chapel of Miracles, built directly over the place where Magnus established his monastic cell in 1157. Continue to Melk, which is best known as the site of a massive baroque Benedictine monastery named Melk Abbey. Overlooking the Danube River, the Abbey, holds the tomb of Saint Coloman of Stockerau and the remains of several members of the House of Babenberg, Austria’s first ruling dynasty. Enjoy free time in the lovely town of Melk before continuing to Vienna, Austria’s capital for dinner and a restful overnight.

After breakfast, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Vienna, home of Johann Strauss and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Visit the spectacular St. Stephen’s cathedral, the symbol of Vienna. Construction commenced in the 12th century. Today, it is one of the most important Gothic structures in Austria. At St. Stephen’s, see the miraculous image of Our Lady of Mariapoch and tour the Cathedral and its catacombs. Those brave enough may climb the 343 steps to the top of the Cathedral spire. Continue with a visit of the Schonbrunn Royal palace, a summer residence with 1,441 rooms including a Hall of Mirrors where Mozart performed at the age of six before a young Marie Antoinette Louis. Schonbrunn Palace was put on the list of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites in December 1996. Continue your journey in Vienna and view the Belvedere Palace, well known for its beautiful gardens. Back in the city center, go to Karlsplatz with its Church of St. Charles Borromeo and Otto Wagner’s Stadtbahn pavilions. Somewhere along the way, have a little coffee break to enjoy the famous Vienna pastries such as Sacher cake. Dinner and an overnight in Vienna.

After breakfast we depart Vienna. Enroute to Budapest we will make a stop at the Pannonhalma Abbey, rich in religious and historical importance, sitting atop St. Martin Hill. In 1996, Pope John Paul II made a pilgrimage to the mountaintop to join the monks in their celebration for the 1000th anniversary of the monastery’s founding. Next we visit Our Lady of Remete, site of a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary. It was here that in 1991, Pope John Paul II kneeled and prayed before the image. We also take time to stroll through the outdoor Marian sanctuary located on the grounds. We continue on to Budapest , this glamorous city has something to offer every visitor. Overlooking the Danube river in the heart of Buda’s Castle District, the neighboring sites of Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion are two of Budapest’s most iconic historic buildings. Enjoy some time at leisure discovering the breathtaking architecture and mesmerizing views of the city. Dinner and a restful overnight.

This morning celebrate Mass at the 13th-century Cathedral of St. Matthew. Next, visit the old city of Budapest. You will see the Citadel on Mount Gellert, the Royal Castle, the Parliament, Heroes’ Square, and the Church of St. Stephen as well as Fisherman’s Bastion, constructed between 1895 and 1902. With the seven towers of the bastion represent the seven Magyar tribes that originally settled in the Carpathian Basin in 895. The towers offer sweeping vistas over the city and the Danube and are a popular choice for panoramic photos overlooking the Danube. Budapest is opportunely located on a fault line that happens to be fed by over 120 natural hot springs, prompting the city to open an impressive assortment of thermal baths. Return to hotel. Farewell dinner and a last overnight in Europe.

Depart from Budapest Airport for your return flights to the USA.

*206 Tours Disclaimer:
Occasionally local religious and national holidays, weather, traffic conditions and other events may necessitate changes in the sequence of events or the missing of certain events/places. Though every effort will be made to follow the itinerary, it should be considered as an indication, rather than a contract of events and places to be visited.