1-480-626-1266 info@johnpaultours.com

25-07.28 Diocese of Springfield, MA Jubilee of Youth, Rome Registration

by | Nov 11, 2023

Package Inclusions:

  • Round Trip Air Transportation from an international airport near Springfield, MA. including bus transfer to/from Springfield.
  • Comprehensive Sightseeing as per itinerary in a Private Deluxe Motor coach while overseas, with Guide/Escort
  • Standard Tourist hotel accommodations double occupancy with bath or shower (single supplement +$850)
  • Daily Mass
  • Daily Breakfast in hotel, dinners at hotels and at local restaurants. (B, D)
  • Hotel service charges and tax (at current rate)
  • US airport taxes, fuel surcharges included** (subject to change in the rare occasion that gov’t/airline fees and fuel costs increase drastically)

NOT INCLUDED IN PACKAGE: Passport fees, meals not indicated in itinerary, items of a personal nature, optional tours, items not mentioned in itinerary, etc. See Terms

NOTE: Minimum age to attend is 16 at time of travel. 16 and 17 year old’s must be accompanied by a legal guardian, with whom they are required to share a room.


Registration by: NOW with $500 deposit.
Full Payments Due: Friday, March 28, 2025
Tour ID: 25-07.28_Springfield_Italy_Youth

Cost per person:
$3,820.00 in double occupancy room w/group air.

Local Contact: Joe Austin, Director of Youth Ministry, 1-413-276-5134

 

Trent Horn’s Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

Trent Horn’s Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

by | Nov 15, 2022

Join Trent Horn on Pilgrimage

HOLY LAND

May 6 – 15, 2023

Registration Closed
;

We are very excited to announce this special pilgrimage to the HOLY LAND
with Trent Horn- acclaimed Catholic apologist, lecturer, and author.

*Group size is limited to 35 people and we expect it to fill quickly*

Package Inclusions:

  • Flights from your nearby international airport or Land-Only Tour available.
  • Comprehensive Sightseeing as per itinerary in a Private Deluxe Motor coach while overseas, with Guide/Escort. 
  • Superior Tourist hotel accommodations double occupancy with bath or shower (single supplement +$850) Tal by the Beach in Tel Aviv or similar, Notre Dame Christian Jerusalem Center in Jerusalem.
  • Daily Mass
  • Breakfast in hotels, dinners at hotels and local restaurants. As indicated (B, D)
  • Hotel service charges and tax (at current rate)
  • US airport taxes, fuel surcharges included** (subject to change in the rare occasion that gov’t/airline fees and fuel costs increase drastically)

NOT INCLUDED IN PACKAGE: Gratuities ($140 USD cash per person is collected on Day 2 to cover guide, hotel, driver, restaurant tips), Passport fees, meals not indicated in itinerary, items of a personal nature, optional tours, items not mentioned in itinerary, etc. See Terms

Registration and Full Payments Due: January 27, 2023
Tour ID: 23-05.06 HL Trent Horn

Cost per person:
$4,585-$5,235 in dbl occupancy room including flights depending on departure airport. See departure city chart.
$3,485.00 in double occupancy room, Land Only
*Upon arrival at Ben Gurion TLV International Airport, you will be met by our John Paul Pilgrimages and Tours Escort who will guide you to our bus for transportation to meet the rest of the group at our hotel in Tel Aviv. Similarly, on departure, a shuttle will be provided to transfer pilgrims from our hotel in Jerusalem to the airport in TLV on May 15. 

Print/Download Itinerary Flyer
Registration Closed
Trent Horn

Trent Horn

Catholic Apologist

After his conversion to the Catholic faith, Trent Horn earned master’s degrees in the fields of theology, philosophy, and bioethics. He serves as a staff apologist for Catholic Answers, where he specializes in teaching Catholics to graciously and persuasively engage those who disagree with them.

Trent models that approach each week on the radio program Catholic Answers Live and on his own podcast, The Counsel of Trent. He has also been invited to debate at UC Berkeley, UC Santa Barbara, and Stanford University.

Trent is an adjunct professor of apologetics at Holy Apostles College, has written for The National Catholic Bioethics Quarterly, and is the author of nine books, including Answering Atheism, The Case for Catholicism, and Why We’re Catholic: Our Reasons for Faith, Hope, and Love.

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Your itinerary at a glance

Saturday, May 6 | Day 1 | USA – Tel Aviv, Israel
Depart your home country for Tel Aviv. Dinner and breakfast will be served during your transatlantic flight.

Sunday, May 7 | Day 2 | Tel Aviv
We arrive in Tel Aviv where our guide will meet you at the airport and you will transfer to your hotel in Tel Aviv. We are staying in the capital city of Tel Aviv this evening after our long journey. Enjoy a group dinner together and retire to our rooms to rest. (D)

Monday, May 8 | Day 3 | Tel Aviv – Caesarea – Stella Maris – Haifa – Cana – Nazareth
We start our day traveling north to the region of Galilee. We will drive the Mediterranean coast stopping in Caesarea Maritima, where we will see ancient Roman ruins. Caesarea is the former capital of Judea and also the place where it was revealed to Peter that the teachings of Christ were made for all peoples, not only the Jewish people. We leave this important site for another, Haifa. In Haifa we visit the Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery on the slopes of Mt. Carmel. This stunning monastery is located above the cave where the prophet Elijah lived. We journey on to Cana and visit the “Wedding Church” where Jesus performed His first miracle by turning water into wine. We have the unique and incredible experience of renewing our wedding vows here. Later this afternoon we arrive in Nazareth at the Basilica of the Annunciation, Mary’s Well, and the Chapel of St. Joseph. It is here we remember the mystery of the Angel Gabriel telling Mary she was to conceive a son through the Holy Spirit and she gave her magnificent “FIAT” (Luke 1:26-38). We will celebrate Mass at the Basilica of the Annunciation. This evening we enjoy dinner together and rest after a full day in Galilee. Overnight in Nazareth. (B, D)

Tuesday, May 9 | Day 4 | Nazareth – Mt. Tabor – Tiberias – Sea of Galilee – Capernaum – Mount of Beatitudes – Tabgha – Jericho
After a filling breakfast, ascend to the top of Mt. Tabor, the Mount of Transfiguration. Here, Jesus prayed with Peter, James and John and the prophets Moses and Elijah appeared (Luke 9:28-36). We will celebrate Mass high atop this mountain together. After a morning on the Mount, we drive to Tiberius where we enjoy a special treat-the famous St. Peter’s Fish. Then we board a boat and sail across the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum. The Sea of Galilee brings back the incredible story of doubt and trust that took place between St. Peter and Jesus. We arrive in Capernaum, the hometown of Jesus. Jesus performed many different miracles here including the healing of the paralytic (Mark 2: 1-12) and the healing of Simon Peter’s mother-in-law (Matthew 8: 14-15). We spend time reflecting on these mysteries before heading to the beautiful Mount of Beatitudes. We will visit the site where Jesus gave his Sermon on the Mount (Luke 6: 20-49). Nearby we go to Tabgha – to view the mosaics in the Church of the Loaves and Fishes and learn about Christ taking five loaves and two fish to feed a crowd of thousands (John 6: 1-14). This evening we check-in at an oasis-like resort in Jericho. Don’t forget your bathing suit as you may want to relax in the pool after a long day! (B, D)

Wednesday, May 10 | Day 5 | Jericho – Jordan River – Mount of Temptation – Dead Sea – Jericho
This morning we beat the crowds by getting to the Jordan River early. We call to mind the scripture of Matthew 3: 13-17

“Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?” Jesus said to him in reply, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him. After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened [for him], and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove [and] coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Celebrate Holy Mass and on the banks of the Jordan renew our baptismal vows. This is a memory that will stay with you forever. We then drive by the excavations of the oldest city in history, Jericho, at the base of the Mount of Temptation. We will climb the Mount of Temptation and learn about the devil tempting Jesus during his 40 day fast (Matthew 4: 1-11). This afternoon we continue to the Dead Sea, the lowest spot on earth and spend the afternoon relaxing and floating atop these super saline waters. This evening we head back to Jericho and enjoy dinner together. (B, D)

Thursday, May 11 | Day 6 | Jericho – Bethlehem – Ein Karem – Jerusalem
We say goodbye to Jericho and travel to the birthplace of Jesus, Bethlehem. Bethlehem holds a special place in our Christian hearts as it is where the patient Joseph and pregnant Virgin Mary traveled to bring our Lord into this world. We will begin our day spending time in the Basilica of the Nativity (Matthew 1: 18-25). Here we pray at the manger of our Infant Lord. Later we visit the Shepherd’s Field where the Gospel of Luke tells us an angel announced the birth of Christ. What an incredible place to be, that same place where 2,000 years ago, Our Lord’s birth was announced! After lunch, we continue to Ein Karem and the Valley of the Visitation. This is where Mary made the journey to visit her cousin Elizabeth, whose long awaited infant, John, leapt for joy in her womb in the presence of Mary (Luke 1: 39-45). We spend time at the Church of the Visitation and the Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist. Tonight enjoy another traditional Middle Eastern meal together in Jerusalem and rest . Overnight in Jerusalem.
(B, D)

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday May 12, 13, and 14 | Days 7, 8 & 9 | Jerusalem
We spend three full days exploring Jerusalem! Walk the Old City of Jerusalem where history will come alive. From the chapels of Flagellation and Lithostrotos, follow the 14 Stations of the Cross along the Way of the Cross (Via Dolorosa) through the Old City to Calvary and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Basilica of the Resurrection. The Western (Wailing) Wall is the last remaining remnant of the second Jewish temple and is a prayerful place for the Jewish people. The Western Wall has been an interesting part of history and our guide will detail this history in depth. Our exploration of Jerusalem continues by visiting the Pool of Bethesda where Jesus brought the bedridden man to the pools to be healed. We also visit the Crusader Church of St. Anne, built over the site of the childhood home of the Virgin Mary. Sts. Anne and Joachim are two of the few saints who were married to other saints. We can learn a lot from their example. From the top of the Mount of Olives, with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Old City, visit the chapels of Pater Noster, the Ascension, and Dominus Flevit, the Garden of Gethsemane, and the Church of All Nations. Visit Mount of Zion, St. Peter in Gallicantu (House of Caiphas), and the Room of the Last Supper (Cenacle) where the Eucharist was instituted and where the Holy Spirit descended on Pentecost. Our tour will end by visiting Dormition Abbey. Mary fell into her sleep here and was assumed into heaven and crowned Queen of Heaven and Earth. Tonight, enjoy a final dinner together sharing our experience as pilgrims with our new friends. (B, D)

“A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.” (Revelation 12:1)

Monday, May 15 | Day 10 | Departure
Reflecting on our spiritual time together, we enjoy our last meal together and transfer to the airport in Tel Aviv for flights home. (B)

During most of our pilgrimages one can expect to walk several miles daily. For this reason we suggest you prepare yourself by walking regularly at least four weeks prior to your trip. Generally you will walk a bit, then break or visit, celebrate Mass, tour, etc. and continue. Expect each day to have at least a combined two or three hours walking. We want you to have an incredible and memorable time, but not memorable in the sense of a difficult experience. Get ready physically as well as spiritually for a real Catholic Pilgrimage!

25-07.24 ARCHSTL Ireland Registration Page

by | Nov 8, 2022

Registration Form for the Special Pilgrimage to Ireland with Archbishop Mitchell T. Rozanski July 24 - August 05, 2025

Package Inclusions:

  • Round Trip Air Transportation from St. Louis MO. (if selected)
  • Comprehensive Sightseeing as per itinerary in a Private Deluxe Motor coach while overseas.
  • Licensed local guides
  • Entrance and admission fees according to itinerary.
  • Dedicated Tour Escort/Manager from arrival to departure. 
  • Premier hotel accommodations
  • Daily Mass
  • Porterage Service at Hotels
  • Tips for hotel and restaurant staff
  • Meals as indicated in hotels and local restaurants (B,L,D)
  • Hotel service charges and tax
  • US Airport taxes, fuel surcharges

NOT INCLUDED IN PACKAGE: Travel insurance, passport fees, meals not indicated in itinerary, items of a personal nature, optional tours, items not mentioned in itinerary. 

Prices, per person: (all prices in USD)
Land Package double occupancy: $5,350.00
Single Supplement: $1,850.00
Economy Class Airfare, STL, MO – DUB, IE roundtrip: $1,457.00 
Business Class Airfare, STL, MO – DUB, IE roundtrip: $5,981.00

Registration and Full Payments Due: Feb. 28, 2025
Tour ID: 25-07.24 ARCHSTL
Local Contact: Brian Niebrugge (1.314.792.7681)

NOTE: Space is limited. Registration will close Feb 28, 2025, or sooner if sold out in advance.

 

Flight Options:

Pilgrims may purchase economy or business airfare as part of the package through John Paul Tours, or purchase airfare separately on your own. For this group we have a block of economy seats on Air Canada with good connections, and similarly a block of business seats on United with good connections. 

You may find other options for flights that better suit your preferences, and you may find better deals with different connections and airlines. We partner with AMTA (American Travel Abroad in NYC), and you are welcome to call them at 1-888-710-8747 to find the best deals available.

All options can be insured, regardless of place of purchase, through our plans at Travel Insured.

The benefits of booking either one of our group blocked options or booking on your own are as follows:

Booked through John Paul Pilgrimages and Tours Booked on your own
Full payment is not due until Feb. 25, 2025 Pay in full at booking
Generous cancellation terms Cancellation terms are limited by airline
Fly with group members. In case of delays and rebooking, the whole group is rebooked and kept together. Airline can reschedule/rebook on different flights as needed.
Same price if booked in Feb. ’25 as when booked in Nov. ’24 May be able to get better price by shopping around.
Cannot use airline points or credit card awards to book/upgrade May be able to use credit card and airline rewards for upgrades

When looking to book on your own, please note the group flight schedules below. We plan to gather the group at the Dublin airport on July 25 at approximately 9am to begin our pilgrimage together. On departure, our bus will be scheduled to arrive at Dublin airport by 7am. We can help those who have different arrival/departure times secure transportation to meet the group on arrival, and to get to the airport on departure.

Economy Class on Air Canada $1,457.00 per person

Segment Flight Departure Date Departure Time From To Arrival Date Arrival Time
1 AC 8972 24Jul2025 4:05 PM STL YYZ 24Jul2025 7:04 PM
2 AC 800 24Jul2025 8:40 PM YYZ DUB 25Jul2025 8:15 AM
3 AC 801 05Aug2025 9:50 AM DUB YYZ 05Aug2025 11:55 AM
4 AC 8971 05Aug2025 2:15 PM YYZ STL 05Aug2025 3:21 PM

Business Class on United $5,981.00 per person

Segment Flight Departure Date Departure Time From To Arrival Date Arrival Time
1 UA 3684 24Jul2025 12:24 PM STL EWR 24Jul2025 3:54 PM
2 UA 23 24Jul2025 7:00 PM EWR DUB 25Jul2025 7:05 AM
3 UA 22 05Aug2025 9:20 AM DUB EWR 05Aug2025 11:50 AM
4 UA 3719 05Aug2025 2:59 PM EWR STL 05Aug2025 4:40 PM

 

Pilgrimage to Fatima, Santiago de Compostela and LourdesWith Monsignor Shershanovich September 17 – 28, 2023

Pilgrimage to Fatima, Santiago de Compostela and Lourdes
With Monsignor Shershanovich September 17 – 28, 2023

by | Nov 8, 2022

Fatima, Santiago de Compostela and Lourdes

with Monsignor Shershanovich

September 17 – 28, 2023

Registration Closed
;

We are excited to announce this special pilgrimage with Msgr. Shershanovich!

*Group size is limited to 35 people and we expect it to fill quickly*

Package Inclusions:

  • (Land + Air Package) Round Trip Group Air Transportation from Boston. Other departures available, please inquire. Land-Only available.
  • Comprehensive Sightseeing as per itinerary in a Private Deluxe Motor coach while overseas, with Guide/Escort. 
  • Superior Tourist hotel accommodations double occupancy with bath or shower (single supplement +$500)
  • Daily Mass
  • Breakfast in hotels, dinners at hotels and local restaurants. As indicated (B, D)
  • Hotel service charges and tax (at current rate)
  • US airport taxes, fuel surcharges included** (subject to change in the rare occasion that gov’t/airline fees and fuel costs increase drastically)

NOT INCLUDED IN PACKAGE: Gratuities ($140 USD cash per person is collected on Day 2 to cover guide, hotel, driver, restaurant tips), Passport fees, meals not indicated in itinerary, items of a personal nature, optional tours, items not mentioned in itinerary, etc. See Terms

Registration and Full Payments Due: June 02, 2023
Tour ID: 23-09.17 Shershanovich

Cost per person:
$4,195.00 in dbl occupancy room w/ group air from Boston
$3,385.00 in double occupancy room, Land Only

Local Contact: Msgr. Mike Shershanovich (413) 445-5789 

Print/Download Itinerary Flyer
Registration Closed
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Fatima – Santiago de Compostela – Lourdes

Day 1:  Depart Boston for Lisbon
Depart the Boston Logan airport for Portugal. Dinner and breakfast will be served aboard the flight.

Day 2: Arrival in Lisbon
Today we arrive in Lisbon. Depending on the time of arrival we will visit a few of the beautiful sites this great city has to offer. This afternoon check in to the hotel to rest. We will enjoy our first dinner together. (D) 

Day 3: Lisbon
Today we will visit the Basilica of St. Anthony, St. Jeronimos Monastery, and the famous Belem Tower. Later check out the Rossio Square and Marque of Pomba Square. Enjoy dinner on your own in the city tonight. (B)

Day 4: Lisbon – Santarem – Fatima
After breakfast we depart for Fatima. On our way north we will stop in Santarem and the Church of St. Stephen, the place of the oldest known Eucharistic miracle, on display since 1269 AD. Upon arrival in Fatima we will join pilgrims from all over the world in the nightly procession and prayers. (B, D)

Day 5: Fatima
Today we are in and around Fatima.  We will visit the Chapel of the Apparitions and pray at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary with the tomb of Francisco, Jacinta, and Sister Lucia. In Aljustrel we will see the two homes of the little shepherds and then return to Fatima.  In the evening, join pilgrims from all over the world in the nightly procession and prayers. (B)

Day 6: Fatima – Santiago de Compostela
After breakfast we depart for Santiago de Compostela. En route, we will stop at a few fascinating Spanish towns while our guide and Spiritual Director share stories and experiences of their faith. This evening we arrive in Santiago de Compostela for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Day 7: Santiago de Compostela
Today we will have Mass and explore, ascending the stairs behind the altar to visit the crypt where the relics of St. James are preserved. We have the afternoon to ourselves to take in all that this beautiful place has to offer. (B)

Day 8: Santiago de Compostela – Burgos
We begin our trek across northern Spain to the south of France. Our overnight will be in Burgos, the capital of Old Castile. We stop along the way to enjoy the countryside of Spain. Upon arrival in Burgos, you are free to explore the city on your own and rest for tomorrow’s trip to Lourdes. (B, D)

Day 9: Burgos – Loyola – Lourdes
Today’s drive north to Lourdes takes us north to the Bay of Biscay and through the Pyrenees. We will stop in Loyola, the birthplace of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuit Order. This evening we will arrive in Lourdes where Our Lady appeared in 1858 by the Grotto of Massabielle. In the evening, we will attend the candlelight procession in Lourdes. Dinner and overnight in Lourdes. (B, D)

Day 10: Lourdes
We visit the Shrine and take a walking tour of places associated with the life of St. Bernadette, including the Grotto of Massabielle. This is the site upon which a beautiful lady proclaimed to Bernadette that she was the Immaculate Conception. We will also see the Cachot (formerly a jail) where Bernadette lived. The Basilica of St. Pius X, considered the world’s largest underground church, will also be part of the tour. There will be time in the afternoon for meditation and prayer, including an opportunity to bathe and receive the miraculous water of Lourdes. In the evening, we will participate in the Blessed Sacrament candlelight procession. (B, D)

Day 11: Lourdes – late departure to Toulouse
This morning we pack our bags and load our coach, but enjoy time until the afternoon in Lourdes. This afternoon, depart Lourdes for Toulouse. Along the way enjoy a special farewell dinner in the picturesque French countryside before arriving at our hotel near the airport. (B, D) 

Day 12: Depart Toulouse – Boston
This morning, enjoy one last breakfast together sharing memories and experiences with new friends. (B)
*Itinerary subject to modification to provide for those with mobility concerns.

During most of our pilgrimages one can expect to walk several miles daily. For this reason we suggest you prepare yourself by walking regularly at least four weeks prior to your trip. Generally you will walk a bit, then break or visit, celebrate Mass, tour, etc. and continue. Expect each day to have at least a combined two or three hours walking. We want you to have an incredible and memorable time, but not memorable in the sense of a difficult experience. Get ready physically as well as spiritually for a real Catholic Pilgrimage!

Pilgrimage to Northern Poland, August 23 – 32, 2020

Pilgrimage to Northern Poland, August 23 – 32, 2020

by | Jan 15, 2020

Pilgrimage to Northern Poland

August 23 - 31, 2020
Register Online Here
;

This limited availability pilgrimage has significant interest. Register soon to guarantee your spot.

What’s included? 

  • Round Trip Air Transportation from NYC (if selected)
  • Private Coach Ground Transportation overseas
  • Comprehensive Sightseeing schedule with private guide(s) and wireless headsets
  • Entrance fees according to program including Warsaw Uprising Museum, Museum of St. Maximilian Kolbe in Niepokalanów, The Museum of WWII in Gdańsk, Malbork Castle Museum
  • Superior Tourist Hotel Accommodations, double occupancy with bath or shower (single supplement +$350)
  • Breakfast in hotel, dinners at hotels and local restaurants as indicated (B, D)
  • Hotel service charges and tax (at current rate)
  • US airport taxes, fuel surcharges included** (subject to change in the rare occasion that gov’t/airline fees and fuel costs increase drastically)
  • Daily Mass
  • … a great time!
    Not Included In Package: Gratuities ($100 USD cash per person is collected on Day 2 to cover guide, hotel, driver, restaurant tips), Passport fees, meals not indicated in itinerary, items of a personal nature, optional tours, items not mentioned in itinerary, etc. See Terms

Deadline to sign up and full payments due: Friday, April 24, 2020

Cost per person:
$2,880.00 in dbl occupancy room w/ group air from NYC other cities available, please inquire)
$2,140.00 in double occupancy room, Land Only

Print/Download Fr. Swiderski Itinerary and Paper Registration Form
Print/Download Msgr. Janik Itinerary and Paper Registration Form
Register Online Here
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Itinerary

Sunday August 23 | Day 1 | USA – Warsaw, Poland

Depart from USA to Warsaw. Meals will be served aboard your transatlantic flight.

 

Monday August 24 | Day 2 | Arrival in Poland – Warsaw
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. Departing the airport, we will drive the beautiful Royal Route. This afternoon we visit the Muzeum Powstania Warszawskiego or Warsaw Uprising Museum. The Museum is a tribute of Warsaw’s residents to those who fought and died for independent Poland and its free capital. This evening, check in to your hotel in Warsaw and enjoy a delicious Polish dinner together before retiring to your room to rest. (D)

 

Tuesday August 25 | Day 3 | Warsaw – Niepokalanów – Warsaw

After breakfast depart to nearby Niepokalanów- The City of the Immaculata founded by St. Maksymilian Kolbe, The Shrine of Our Mary Immaculate and St. Maximilian Kolbe. Canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1984, Maximilian Kolbe dedicated his life to bringing souls to God through Mary and is known by many titles: Martyr of Charity, The Saint of Auschwitz, Founder of the Militia Immaculata, Apostle of Mary, Patron Saint of the 20th Century. Celebrate Holy Mass in the chapel here, built by the Saint. After lunch return to Warsaw to tour the Old City, the beautiful Old Town Quarter, Market Square, the Barbican and medieval defense walls. Dinner on your own and overnight in Warsaw. (B)

 

Wednesday August 26 | Day 4 | Warsaw – Głogowiec – Licheń Stary – Toruń 

This morning we depart to Głogowiec to visit the family home of Saint Maria Faustyna Kowalska. Continue on to Licheń Stary to visit the Basilica here, one of the tallest and largest churches in the world. Our path travels north to Torún, the birthplace of the great astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. Dinner and overnight in Toruń. (B, D)

 

Thursday August 27 | Day 5 | Toruń – Pelplin – Gdańsk

We start our morning at the Chapel of Remembrance in the Temple of Our Lady the Star of New Evangelization and St. John Paul II- the only memorial of its kind in the world. It was created to pay tribute to these Poles who risked their lives and the lives of their family members to save Jews during World War II. Visit the Old Town and tour the museum inside the House of Nicolaus Copernicus. This afternoon continue north toward Gdańsk on the baltic coast. On the way, stop in Pelplin for Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption or Pelplin Abbey. Dinner as a group and late arrival in Gdańsk for overnight. (B, D)

 

Friday August 28 | Day 6 | Gdańsk – Oliwa – Gdańsk 

Today we slow our pace and enjoy this historic city on the sea. Today’s itinerary includes Westerplatte, The Museum of WWII, the gate of Gdańsk Shipyard-Solidarity, and the Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The nearby harbor town of Gdynia is the youngest member of the “tri–city complex” of Gdańsk, Sopot and Gdynia. Though the youngest, Gdynia is a major seaport with beautiful beaches. Gdańsk, the oldest of the three, is a magnificent restoration of a Hanseatic port city with a stunning Town Hall, Neptune’s Fountain, Gothic churches, romantic cobblestone alleys, and breezy harbor promenades. Time permitting, we venture to the outskirts of the city to Oliwa, a village with rich history since the Cistercians established a monastery here in AD 1186. Dinner on your own, overnight in Gdańsk. (B)

 

Saturday August 29 | Day 7 | Gdańsk – Frombork – Lidzbark Warmiński – Święta Lipka – Olsztyn

Today we head east from Gdańsk to Frombork, an old historic town surrounded by walls with a beautiful Cathedral and the tomb of Copernicus. Continue to Lidzbark Warmiński, a town with a massive Bishop’s castle and museum. After lunch visit nearby Święta Lipka with a unique history and Marian sanctuary. Dinner and overnight in nearby Olsztyn. (B, D)

 

Sunday August 30 | Day 8 | Gietrzwałd – Malbork – Gdańsk 

After breakfast we visit the very special ‘Lourdes of Poland’- Gietrzwałd. Perhaps not as well known as Lourdes, this shrine is a major pilgrimage destination in Poland. The history dates at least as far back at the 16th Century although the apparition itself took place between June 27 and September 16 of 1877, within a few years of the apparitions of Our Lady of Lourdes and La Salette. Our Lady appeared to a young girl on that first day and although she was with her mother at the time, only she saw the apparition. Our Lady requested that she return the next day, and she did, but with a friend as well, and appeared to both of them, holding the baby Jesus in her lap. For the next 10 weeks the apparitions took place daily, always with the same message: “Pray the Rosary”. Later, head north to visit the Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork, the largest brick castle in the world measured by land area. Completed in the early 1400’s by the Teutonic Knights and originally named Mary’s Castle (Marienburg), the mammoth complex served as the headquarters of the crusaders. This afternoon we arrive back in Gdańsk for last minute shopping and enjoy a special farewell dinner together. Overnight in Gdansk. (B,D)

Monday August 31 | Day 9 | Gdansk – USA
This morning we transfer to the airport for our return flight to the USA. (B)

During most of our pilgrimages one can expect to walk several miles daily. For this reason we suggest you prepare yourself by walking regularly at least four weeks prior to your trip. Generally you will walk a bit, then break or visit, celebrate Mass, tour, etc. and continue. Expect each day to have at least a combined two or three hours walking. We want you to have an incredible and memorable time, but not memorable in the sense of a difficult experience. Get ready physically as well as spiritually for a real Catholic Pilgrimage!