Shrines of Central Europe

Day 1 | USA –Warsaw, Poland

Depart the USA for Warsaw, Poland. 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. Along the way drive the beautiful Royal Route, and visit Łazienki Park and its evocative sculpture of Chopin surrounded by rose bushes. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner together and retire to your room to rest. Some may wish to go out and explore this historic city, at their leisure. (D)

Day 3 | Warsaw – Niepokalanów

Full day of today’s guided tour includes the Old Town Quarter, Old Market Square, the Barbican and medieval defense walls. We will also visit the Sanctuary of Blessed Jerzy Popiełuszko, priest and martyr who was brutally tortured and murdered by communist secret police on Oct. 19 1984. In the afternoon travel outside of Warsaw to Niepokalanów where St. Maximillian Kolbe founded a Franciscan Monastery. This evening return to Warsaw for dinner and overnight. (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, the 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 | Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Łagiewniki

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 evening you are free to enjoy Kraków. (B)

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 – Prague

Today depart Kraków for the Czech Republic by coach or short flight. Arrive in Prague for dinner and overnight. Depending on the time of arrival, we may begin our visit of this city, and some may wish to go out and explore at their leisure. (B, D)

Day 9 | Prague

After breakfast we begin to explore Prague. We will celebrate Holy Mass and have time to pray and learn of the statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague. We will visit the Church of Our Lady Victorious, the Old Town, Lesser Town, St. Nicholas Church, Strahov Monastery, Wenceslas Square and the St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George Basilica and Loreto Church. (B, D)

Day 10 | Prague – Altötting – Salzburg

Today we leave the Czech Republic for Germany’s most visited pilgrimage destination: Altötting. This is the oldest Shrine to Mary in Germany and the Black Madonna; Our Lady of Altötting is credited with a long history of miraculous healing. Pope St. John Paul II visited here in 1980. Afterwards we continue to Salzburg, Austria, the birthplace of Mozart. (B, D)

Day 11 | Salzburg

The medieval city of Salzburg has several sites in store for us, from St. Peter’s Churchyard and the Archbishop’s Residence to the Nonnberg Convent of Benedictine Nuns and the Fortress Hohensalzburg. We will also visit the Schloss Hellbrunn Castle to enjoy its Baroque beauty and ‘trick fountains’ and enjoy a final farewell dinner with new friends. (B, D)

Day 12 | Salzburg – USA

This morning we transfer to the airport for our return flight to the US. (B)