Itinerary:

Monday, May 26 | Departure from PHX to Warsaw, Poland.

Check-in for your flight to Warsaw and start your journey! Meals are served aboard your transatlantic flight. 

Tuesday, May 27 | Arrival in Warsaw Poland

Upon arrival today in Poland’s capital city, Warsaw, you will be met by your Escort who will be with you throughout the entire trip. Depending on our flight’s arrival, we’ll make a brief city tour of Poland’s political capitol- Warsaw. Break for lunch and begin a few hours drive south and west to Częstochowa, the most famous pilgrimage center of Poland, Jasna Góra Monastery. Arrive in Częstochowa for dinner and overnight. In Poland, and throughout the world where Poles are gathered, there is a tradition of pausing at 9:00 p.m. each day to declare one’s love of the Virgin Mary, specifically under her title of Our Lady, Queen of Poland. It is called in English, “the Call of Jasna Gora,” or in Polish, “Apel Jasnogórski.” On arrival, enjoy our first Polish meal together and those that have the energy are invited tonight, at 9pm to join hundreds of faithful at the nightly Apel Jasnogórski in the shrine before the image of Our Lady, the Black Madonna. (B,D)

Wednesday, May 28 | Częstochowa – Kraków

After breakfast this morning we pack our bags and load the bus, but head out for a morning together at the shrine. This is Poland’s national shrine and home of the Black Madonna, a sacred icon that is historically linked to protecting the Polish people. Said to have been painted by St. Luke the Evangelist on a cypress wood panel from a table used by the Holy Family in Nazareth, the image of Our Lady attracts millions of pilgrims from all over the world. Our guide and local Pauline monks will tell us about the violent history the icon has been through starting in 326 AD in Jerusalem, to 1430 when an invading soldier attempted to steal the painting, striking it twice with his sword. More recently, during the Russian occupation, they attempted to thwart any pilgrimage to the Shrine, unsuccessfully. The day before his death, Pope John Paul II sent a letter to the religious of the Shrine of Jasna Gora, in Częstochowa. “I entrust our Homeland, the whole Church and myself to her maternal protection,” said the Pope in his letter, addressed to Father Izydor Matuszewski, prior general of the monks of St. Paul the Hermit, of the monastery of Jasna Góra. We will have Holy Mass here with hundreds of other pilgrims. In the late afternoon we travel to Krakow for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Thursday, May 29 | Kraków – Saints, Dragons, Castles, Cathedrals

This morning we enjoy a city tour of Kraków, Poland’s capital from 1038 to 1569 and residence of kings. With its charming blend of magnificent architecture, churches, cultural monuments, museums, and vibrant contemporary community, Kraków was designated by the European Union as the “Capital of Culture” in the year 2000. Tour highlights include the Old Town, Cloth Hall, Wit Stwosz’s acclaimed altar masterpiece at St. Mary’s Basilica, and Wawel Castle and Cathedral – all remarkable symbols of Poland’s historic identity. Young Karol Wojtyla was secretly ordained a priest in Krakow’s Archbishop’s palace and celebrated his first Holy Mass of Thanksgiving at the crypt of St. Leonard in the Wawel Castle Cathedral among tombs of Saints and royalty. We will celebrate Holy Mass at the Wawel Cathedral if available, otherwise at St. Mary’s Basilica. The remainder of the day is free in Krakow. Overnight in Krakow (B)

Friday, May 30  | Kraków – Shrine of Divine Mercy – St. John Paul II Center

This morning we will visit the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in Łagiewniki; dedicated by Pope Saint John Paul II. We will have the opportunity to visit the convent chapel and pray at the Tomb of St. Faustina Kowalska. Interesting Fact: Jesus appeared to St. Faustina and showed her His Divine Mercy. Thanks to St. Faustina we have the beautiful Divine Mercy image and we celebrate the Feast of Mercy the first Sunday after Easter. We will spend time walking around the facilities, hearing a talk from the Sisters of Mercy and celebrating Holy Mass.  On the same campus as the Divine Mercy Shrine, visit the newly constructed and dedicated St. John Paul II Institute. This enormous Church Museum is the world’s main shrine to the Saint, built as a complex to honor his life and ministry to the faithful. This afternoon return to Krakow for an evening at your leisure. Some may wish to explore the old city, Kazimierz- the Jewish quarter, stroll some of the many beautiful parks, or take in the vibrant modern night-life. Overnight in Krakow (B, D)

Saturday, May 31 | Kraków – Auschwitz – Kraków

Today we venture out to the little village of Oświęcim, known better as the town where the German Nazi’s built Auschwitz, the death camp where millions of Poles, Jews, Christians and others lost their lives. A Private Guide will show us several gut wrenching sites, including the starvation cell where St. Maximilian Kolbe was martyred. This is an important lesson on recent history and Kolbe’s saintly martyrdom. Holy Mass will be celebrated at the nearby Center for Dialogue and Prayer, founded for those affected by the horrors of the German Nazi Extermination Camp- Auschwitz-Birkenau. This evening we return to Krakow where you will have time to dine on your own and reflect on this emotional day. Overnight in Krakow.(B)

Sunday, June 1 | Free day – Optional Local experience

Today we have a special treat for our pilgrims. This morning, join a local parish for Holy Mass with the locals. Afterwards, break into groups and meet local students and families for a day out with locals. Meet students, families, and others to see what life in Poland is like. Led by locals, find something interesting off the beaten path. Learn some Polish! Details to come in Spring ‘25. (B)

Monday, June 2 | Kraków – Wieliczka Salt Mine

A morning excursion will take you to the nearby Wieliczka Salt Mine; three spectacular underground miles of hand–carved chapels, statues, and chambers made of pure salt (including an incredible statue of Pope St. John Paul II carved by the local miners). Over 1 million tourists visit this historic royal mine each year. We will celebrate Holy Mass in one of the beautiful salt chapels in the mine. (B, D)

Tuesday, June 3 | Kraków – Kalwaria Zebrzydowska – Wadowice – Zakopane

After a restful night and filling breakfast we head out to Wadowice, the nearby hometown of Saint John Paul II, born Karol Wojtyła. Today’s events here will include a tour of the local area, the Basilica of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary- the parish church where the Saint received the Sacraments, and time for his favorite treat- kremówki. If we are able according to the museum schedule, visit a museum dedicated to the Saint built within the home he lived in as a child. On the way, stop into the monastery of Kalwaria Zebrzydowska where Pope John Paul II repeated the words of his motto: “Totus tuus ego sum et omnia mea tua sunt. Accipio te in mea omnia. Praebe mihi cor tuum, Maria – I belong entirely to you, and all that I have is yours. I take you for my all. O Mary, give me your heart” He would come here as a boy, and see the painting of Our Lady said to have wept blood in 1641. After lunch, head to Zakopane for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Wednesday, June 4 | Zakopane

Today is our last full day together, and we’ve got a special treat! After breakfast, we head to the foot of the Tatra Mountains where we meet traditional horse and buggies for a ride through the mountains to Morskie Oko- ‘The Eye of the Sea’. Spend some time taking in the crisp clean mountain air at the deep mountain lake before returning to town to spend the rest of your day taking in the mountains, relaxing, shopping, and visiting. Today is a great day to explore Zakopane, a resort town in the scenic Tatra Mountains. We have a full day in Zakopane where Pope Saint John Paul II would recreate as a young priest and on until Pope. When he was a cardinal, someone mentioned it might be inappropriate for a man of his position to ski. He replied that it was only “unbecoming for a cardinal to ski badly.” Zakopane is the center of age-old Highlander culture. Going through town, you will see all sorts of people; holidaymakers, hikers and colorful market vendors enjoying the pure mountain air and magnificent vistas. Need a break? A cable car can whisk you away to Mount Gubałówka for a splendid view of the valley below. Visit the nearby Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Zakopane which was built by locals in thanksgiving for Pope John Paul II’s recovery after Ali Agca’s assassination attempt on the Pope’s life. Tonight, we gather as a group one final time for a special Polish farewell dinner with music and dancing. (B, FWD)

Thursday, June 05 | Zakopane – Kraków – USA

Early this morning we depart Zakopane for Krakow to catch our return flight(s) to the USA. (B)

“The future of Poland depends on you and must depend on you!” – said John Paul II to young people during his pilgrimage to Poland in 1987. These words were seen as an expression of solidarity with the society suppressed by the communist authorities. However, they were much more than that – a timeless call to take responsibility for one another.

Itinerary:

Sunday, July 06 – Day 1 | USA – Rome, Italy

Board your flight to Rome. Dinner and breakfast served during your transatlantic flight.

Monday, July 07 – Day 2 | Rome – Orvieto – Assisi

Upon arrival in Rome, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel in Assisi. On the way stop to celebrate Holy Mass and explore the Orvieto Cathedral, a large 14th-century church dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Region in Umbria. Upon arrival in Assisi, enjoy dinner together and rest. (D)

Tuesday, July 08 – Day 3 | Assisi

Today enjoy a full day in the peaceful and tranquil village of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis. Visit St. Mary of the Angels Basilica, St. Francis’ Porziuncola, and Capella Del Transito. Pray in the Shrine, inspired by Giotto’s frescoes of the life of St. Francis. Visit the monastery and the Basilica of St. Clare to pray before the San Damiano crucifix from which Jesus told St. Francis to rebuild His church. Time to explore Assisi. This evening enjoy dinner in Assisi on your own. (B)

Wednesday, July 09 – Day 4 | Assisi – Loreto – Lanciano – San Giovanni Rotondo

After breakfast we travel the absolutely stunning landscape of Italy to its eastern coast along the Adriatic Sea, stopping at the Holy House of Loreto, and in Lanciano on our way to San Giovanni Rotondo. We will pray at the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle in Lanciano where in the 8th century the host visibly changed to flesh and the wine visibly changed to blood when a monk doubted the presence of Our Lord in the Eucharist. Dinner and overnight in San Giovanni Rotondo. (B,D)

Thursday, July 10 – Day 5 | San Giovanni Rotondo – Monte Sant’ Angelo – San Giovanni Rotondo

Saint Padre Pio lived in San Giovanni Rotondo for 50 years. We will pray at his tomb, and see his uncorrupt body in the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace. Saint Pio is truly a miraculous being, known for his stigmata, mysticism and sufferings. In the afternoon we will travel to Monte Sant’ Angelo to visit the Grotto of Michael the Archangel, the very famous place where thousands, including many Popes, come seeking the protection of St. Michael the Archangel. (B,D)

Friday, July 11 – Day 6 | San Giovanni Rotondo – Pompeii – Sorrento

After breakfast we depart for Naples. En route, we stop in Pompeii to see the ruins of a city buried by a catastrophic eruption of Vesuvius in the year 79AD. Later we visit the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary. In the late afternoon we enjoy the scenery of the Bay of Naples from Sorrento. (B,D)

Saturday, July 12 – Day 7 | Capri – Rest Day

Today we take a boat ride to the famous Island of Capri where we have a splendid day to take in the Mediterranean scenery and relax. (B)

Sunday, July 13 – Day 8 | Sorrento – Monte Cassino – Rome – Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, Catacombs of St. Callixtus

Today we make an early departure from Sorrento for Rome. Along the way we make a stop in Monte Cassino, the principle monastery of the Benedictine Order, founded by Saint Benedict around 530 A.D. Continue to Rome and visit the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls by the oldest Roman road, the Appian Way. Time permitting explore the nearby Domino Quo Vadis Chapel, the Baths of Caracalla, the Arch of Drusus, the Tomb of Cecilia Metella, and the catacombs of St. Callixtus. Late tonight we enjoy a delicious meal in our hotel together. (B, D)

Monday, July 14 – Day 9 | Rome

We will tour St. Peter’s Basilica, including St. John Paul II’s tomb in Vatican City. Millions come every year to these breathtaking pilgrimage sites. This is the world’s largest Basilica, designed by architects such as Michelangelo and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. After lunch, we will tour the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s Room, and more. (B)

Tuesday, July 15 – Day 10 | Ancient and Christian Rome – Colosseum, Roman Forum, Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Holy Staircase, Basilicas of St. John Lateran and St. Mary Major

Today will be an intense day of Ancient and Christian Rome, one of the busier walking days as our tour bus cannot drive to every site we will be visiting. Begin with a visit to the famous monument of Ancient Rome – the Colosseum. We take you around and explain the history of the arena and the events that took place here, while you stand on the same spot as emperors, gladiators and the Roman mob. From here, go through the Roman Forum, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Continue to the Trevi Fountain, the Holy Staircase and Basilicas of St. John Lateran and St. Mary Major. This city tour is largely by foot and makes for a long day. Enjoy dinner on your own tonight in Rome. (B)

Wednesday, July 16 – Day 11 | Rome – Papal Audience

In the morning we will attend the Papal Audience and receive a Blessing by His Holiness the Pope in St. Peter’s Square. (Pending schedule of the Holy Father, subject to change at the last moment). In the afternoon enjoy your last day free for shopping and leisure. You are in the Eternal City –one of the greatest cities in the world. Enjoy a final group dinner together tonight at a local restaurant. (B, D)

Thursday, July 17 – Day 12 | Rome – USA

After breakfast transfer to the airport in Rome for our flight home. Ciao Italia! (B)

Itinerary:

Monday, July 28 | Day 1 | Departure for Italy
Depart the USA for Rome. Meals are served aboard your transatlantic flight(s).

Tuesday, July 29 | Day 2 | Arrival in Rome, Italy – Opening Mass with Holy Father at St. Peter’s Square
Upon arrival at the Leonardo da Vinci Airport at Fiumicino pass through passport control and collect your luggage. Proceed to the exit and meet your tour escort who will be with you everyday until the end of the trip. Today is the first day of the Jubilee of the Youth Week! Grab a quick bite to eat and head to the Vatican for the Opening Jubilee Mass with our Holy Father Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Square. Dinner as a group at our hotel in Rome. (D)

Wednesday, July 30 to Friday, August 1 | Days 3, 4, 5 | Rome Vatican Jubilee of Youth
These three days are spent together in Rome- the Eternal City! – participating in the events planned and hosted by the Vatican Council of the Jubilee of Youth, visiting the opened Holy Doors of Rome’s Major Basilicas, and exploring as much of the city as possible. Daily activities will be shared once the schedule is announced by the Vatican Jubilee Organizing Committee. Activities outside the Vatican Jubilee program include visits to and tours of Imperial, Ancient, and Christian Rome- Basilicas of St. Mary Major, St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls,  Colosseum, Roman Forum, Capitoline Hill, Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Catacombs, and the Vatican Museums. Breakfast and dinner as a group is included daily. (B, D)

Saturday, August 2 | Day 6 | Rome Jubilee Evening Vigil
Today after breakfast we head to Tor Vergata, known as the University of Tor Vergata for a vigil under the stars with the Pope. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Rome. (B, D)

Sunday, August 3 | Day 7 | Rome Jubilee Closing Mass
After breakfast, we participate in celebrating the Holy Mass with the Holy Father at Tor Vergata. This marks the end of the official Jubilee of the Youth program. Afterwards, we make our way out of Rome north and east, to Assisi where we arrive for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Monday, August 4 | Day 8 | Assisi
This morning we start our day outside the hustle and bustle of Rome, in the peaceful and tranquil village of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis. We will celebrate Mass at the Basilica of St. Francis, followed by a guided tour of the Basilicas of St. Francis and St. Clare to pray before the San Damiano crucifix from which Jesus told St. Francis to rebuild His church. Visit also Chiesa Nuova and other interesting sites along the way.  Break for lunch. Afternoon departure via private vans for a guided tour of the Hermitage and S. Damiano, the church which St. Francis rebuilt, and the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, in which you can see the Porziuncola, the small chapel.  Dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Tuesday, August 5 | Day 9 | Assisi – Rome
After breakfast we pack up and begin our journey back to Rome. On arrival, celebrate the Holy Mass and spend the day in Rome. This evening we gather for a special farewell dinner, our last dinner together in Italy. (B, D)

Wednesday, August 6 | Day 10 | Rome – USA Departure
Today we check out of our hotel and head to the airport for our flights home. Ciao Italia! (B)