Medjugorje, Budapest, Poland

Day 1 | USA – Split, Croatia
Depart the USA on your transatlantic flight where dinner and breakfast will be served.

Day 2 | Medjugorje
Upon arrival in the Republic of Croatia, meet your guide and transfer to the country of Bosnia and Herzegovina where we will stay in privately owned pensions (hotels) in the village of Medjugorje. If time permits, we will have an orientation walk from the hotel to the St. James Church. (D)

Day 3 | Medjugorje
In the morning, we will attend a Holy Mass in St. James Church. Following the Holy Mass, we will spend time in silent prayer at this very peaceful place where it is said Blessed Virgin Mary appeared for the first time to six children on June 24, 1981. We may choose various activities while in Medjugorje. One may climb to the Hill of Apparitions or Mount Krizevac (Cross Mountain); join villagers in prayer of the Rosary, etc. (B, D)

Day 4 | Medjugorje – Budapest
After breakfast and Holy Mass at St. James Church, we depart Medjugorje for our scenic drive through the former Yugoslavian countryside to Hungary and its beautiful capital, Budapest. (can be replaced by flight from Split.) The famous Danube River separates the hills of “Buda” and the plains of “Pest”, highlighting an interesting comparison of old and modern cultures. (B, D)

Day 5 | Budapest
In the morning, enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Budapest. See the many graceful bridges that cross the Danube connecting the former cities of Buda and Pest. Our tour includes all the main attractions: the Royal Palace, the Parliament Building, Castle Hill, Coronation Church, Heroes’ Square, and Gellert Hill. Afternoon time for shopping and coffee. (B, D)

Day 6 | Budapest – Zakopane
Following breakfast, we depart Budapest and head for Zakopane. On our way we will enjoy the picturesque landscape of Slovakia. Late in the afternoon we arrive in Zakopane, a resort town high up in the scenic Tatra Mountains of Poland. (B, D)

Day 7 | Zakopane
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. This afternoon you have a chance to shop for local folk art. In the evening, we have a group dinner with folklore show. (B, D)

Day 8 | Zakopane – Wadowice – Kraków
Today we depart for Kraków. On the way we will visit Wadowice, the birthplace of Pope Saint John Paul II. After Mass in the church where Karol Wojtyla was baptized in 1920, we will tour a museum dedicated to the Saint in the building where his family home was. Later we continue to Kraków, the former capital of Poland. (B, D)

Day 9 | Kraków
In the morning we will visit the Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Łagiewniki, dedicated by Pope Saint John Paul II, where St. Faustina Kowalska lived and died. Then we continue our city tour of Kraków, which includes the Old Town, Cloth Hall, Wit Stwosz’s acclaimed altar masterpiece at St. Mary’s Church, Jagiellonian University and Wawel Castle and Cathedral – all remarkable symbols of Poland’s national identity. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. In the evening we will enjoy a delicious farewell dinner with wine. (B, D)

Day 10 | Kraków Departure for USA
In the morning, transfer to the airport in Kraków for your flight home. (B)