Best of Poland and Rome

Day 1 | USA – Warsaw
Depart from USA to Warsaw. Dinner and breakfast will be served aboard your transatlantic flight.

Day 2 | Warsaw
Upon arrival in Warsaw, you will be met by your Escort and transferred to your hotel to rest after the long journey. Some may wish to go out and explore this historic city, at their leisure. (D)

Day 3 | Warsaw
Full day of today’s guided tour includes the beautiful Royal Route, Old Town Quarter, Old Market Square, the Barbican and medieval defense walls. Next stop, Łazienki Park and its evocative sculpture of Chopin surrounded by rose bushes. We will also visit the Sanctuary of Saint Fr. Jerzy Popiełuszko, priest and martyr who was brutally tortured and murdered by communist secret police on Oct. 19 1984. (B, D)

Day 4 | Warsaw – Częstochowa – Kraków
Today we depart to Częstochowa, the most famous pilgrimage center of Poland, Jasna Góra Monastery. This is Poland’s national Shrine and home to 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, it attracts millions of pilgrims from all over the world. The day before his death, 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. In the late afternoon we continue to Kraków. (B,D)

Day 5 | Kraków
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, Jagiellonian University, and Wawel Castle and Cathedral – all remarkable symbols of Poland’s historic identity. The remainder of the day is free in Kraków. (B)

Day 6 | Kraków – Łagiewniki – Wieliczka – Kraków
This morning we will visit the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Łagiewniki; dedicated by Saint Pope John Paul II. We will have the opportunity to visit the convent chapel and pray at the Tomb of St. Faustina Kowalska. This afternoon head to the nearby Wieliczka Salt Mine; three spectacular underground miles of hand–carved chapels, statues, and chambers made of pure salt. Over 1 million tourists visit this historic and Royal mine. (B, D)

Day 7 | Kraków – Auschwitz – Kraków
Auschwitz, the Nazi concentration camp where millions of Poles, Jews, Christians and others lost their lives. A Private Guide will show us several gut wrenching sites, as well as the starvation cell where St. Maximillian Kolbe died. This is an important lesson on recent history and his saintly martyrdom. (B, D)

Day 8 | Kraków – Kalwaria Zebrzydowska – Wadowice – Zakopane
Depart for Zakopane, a resort town in the scenic Tatra Mountains. On our way, we will stop at 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 that wept blood in 1641. We will also visit Wadowice, the birthplace of Pope Saint John Paul II. (B, D)

Day 9 | Zakopane
We have a full day in Zakopane where Pope Saint John Paul II would recreate as a young priest and on until Pope. When 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; holiday–makers, hikers and colorful market vendors enjoying the pure mountain air and magnificent vistas. Need a break? A cable care can whisk you away to Mount Gubalowka for a splendid view of the valley below. The evening is at your leisure. Overnight in Zakopane (B, D)

Day 10 | Zakopane – Kraków – Rome
After breakfast, we will have Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Zakopane which was built by locals in thanksgiving for Pope Saint John Paul II’s recovery after his assassination attempt. Then transfer to the airport in Kraków for your flight to Rome. Upon arrival, visit the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls as we travel the oldest Roman road, the Appian Way to our hotel. Check in to the hotel and enjoy another fantastic meal together. (B, D)

Day 11 | Rome
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 last moment). In the afternoon, we tour the city including famous monuments of Rome such as, the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Novona, Basilicas of St. John Lateran and St. Mary Major. (B, D)

Day 12 | Rome
This morning we will visit St. Peter’s Basilica, including Pope 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)

Day 13 | Rome
You are in the Eternal City –one of the greatest cities in the world. Today is free to relax. Enjoy a lunch on your own, but don’t fill up with too much pasta, as we have a special farewell dinner together tonight. (B, D)

Day 14 | Rome Departure to USA
After breakfast transfer to the airport in Rome for our flight home. Ciao Italia! (B)