Marian Shrines of the Alps

by mpierz | Mar 1, 2017

The possibilities are endless!

Check out our 35+ sample itineraries and mix days from different ones to create a truly customized trip.

Marian Shrines of the Alps

>> Dive into the ultimate journey of the Alps! Experience the culture of Bavaria and many incredible Marian Shrines all while overlooking the stunning landscapes of the Alps. This special program is a favorite among clergy and the faithful who look for new experiences after having visited the more common pilgrimage destinations of the Holy Land, Lourdes, Fatima, etc.

Inclusions

Round trip air transportation from major airport near your parish
Superior tourist class hotel accommodations double occupancy with bath or shower (single supplement extra)
Breakfast daily, most group dinners, with wine and beer, as indicated in Itinerary (B, D)
Special events, entertainment, and comprehensive sightseeing programs as indicated in itinerary
Transportation by private deluxe motor coach Tour escort and local guides
Hotel Service Charges and Taxes
US airport taxes, fuel surcharges included** **subject to change in the rare occasion that government/airline fees and fuel costs increase drastically

“What a great experience, a wonderful educational opportunity to enhance one’s knowledge of the foundation of Christianity. I applaud you, Mark, for your tireless energy and willingness to do whatever it took to make every single person’s experience a positive one. We wish you continued success!”

– Mary Elizabeth Jones

Day 1 | USA Departure to Prague
Depart the USA for Prague. Dinner and breakfast are served aboard your flight.

Day 2 | Prague
Today we arrive in Prague, the Czech Republic’s capital and largest city. We enjoy dinner together and take the afternoon to relax after a long flight. (D)

Day 3 | Prague
After breakfast we begin to explore Prague. We will celebrate Holy Mass, 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. This evening, enjoy a splendid dinner together. (B, D)

Day 4 | 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 Saint John Paul II visited here in 1980. Afterwards we continue to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart. (B, D)

Day 5 | 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 beautiful Baroque architecture and ‘trick fountains’. (B, D)

Day 6 | Salzburg – Mariazell – Vienna
Today we journey through the Alps to Austria. Our highlight will be Mariazell, one of Europe’s most visited Shrines. Pope Saint John Paul II visited here in 1983 to see the ’Lady Chapel’. It is here in 1157 that a Benedictine Monk named Magnus was walking in a forest and came to a large rock he could not pass. He prayed to Our Blessed Virgin who then split the stone in two, allowing him to pass. Magnus built a chapel here, and it was made larger and rebuilt several times after. After Holy Mass we continue to the capital of Austria, Vienna. (B, D)

Day 7 | Vienna
Our pilgrimage continues in Vienna where we visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the miraculous image of Our Lady of Mariapocs. The image of the Blessed Virgin wept before hundreds of witnesses in 1696. We will visit the Schonbrunn Royal Palace and Hall of Mirrors where Mozart played for many important figures. We will also see the Church of St. Charles Borromeo and Otto Wagner’s Stadtbahn pavilions. (B, D)

Day 8 | Vienna – Budapest
Today we drive to Budapest. On the way we stop at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Gyor, where an image of Our Lady is found which came originally from Ireland. The image was brought to Gyor when Ireland was invaded and priests were being killed. The image of Our Lady wept tears of blood on St. Patrick’s Day in 1697. We continue to Budapest. (B, D)

Day 9 | Budapest
We explore the city of Budapest, the Basilica of St. Stephen, and head out to visit the miraculous image of Our Lady of Remete, which has cured many ailing pilgrims. Pope John Paul II prayed before the image in 1991. (B, D)

Day 10 | Budapest Departure to USA
After breakfast we transfer to the airport in Budapest for our flight home. (B)

Learn about planning a trip

John Paul Pilgrimages and Tours, Inc.

7730 E. Greenway Rd. STE 104 Scottsdale AZ 85260

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

Eastern European Immersion

by mpierz | Mar 1, 2017

The possibilities are endless!

Check out our 35+ sample itineraries and mix days from different ones to create a truly customized trip.

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Eastern European Immersion

>> With a complex and rich history, the region of Eastern Europe makes for an unforgettable experience. This pilgrimage visits three capital cities as well as cities in the Dalmatia region and Medjugorje. Although the Church has not yet affirmed the ‘apparitions’, thousands of Catholics come here every year. While visiting Cathedrals and metropolitan hubs there will also be time for peaceful relaxation in some of the world’s most beautiful parks. Enjoy the stories of the faithful who have come from this region of the world. This will be a pilgrimage that will deepen your faith in unimaginable ways.

Inclusions

Round trip air transportation from major airport near your parish
Superior tourist class hotel accommodations double occupancy with bath or shower (single supplement extra)
Breakfast daily, most group dinners, with wine and beer, as indicated in Itinerary (B, D)
Special events, entertainment, and comprehensive sightseeing programs as indicated in itinerary
Transportation by private deluxe motor coach Tour escort and local guides
Hotel Service Charges and Taxes
US airport taxes, fuel surcharges included** **subject to change in the rare occasion that government/airline fees and fuel costs increase drastically

“Split was so neat! I definately never thought of going there until Father mentioned it”

–Julia R.

Day 1 | USA – Prague, Czech Republic
Board your flight to Prague. Dinner and breakfast are served during your transatlantic flight.

Day 2 | Prague
Upon arrival in Prague, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on the time of the flight’s arrival we might start our walking tour of this beautiful capital city of the Czech Republic. Return to the hotel in the evening for our first meal together. (D)

Day 3 | Prague
After breakfast we begin to explore Prague. We will have Holy Mass, 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. Nichols Church, Strahov Monastery, Wenceslas Square and the St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George Basilica, and Loreto Church. After the tour, you are welcome to dine at your leisure and enjoy this breathtaking city in the evening. (B)

Day 4 | Prague – Budapest
We will leave Prague for Budapest in the morning. Enjoy the countryside while our guide speaks of the complex history of the region and our spiritual director speaks of the faithful that have come from here. Upon arrival 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 the main attractions: the Royal Palace, the Parliament, the Castle Hill, Coronation Church, Heroes Square and Gellert Hill. Dine with the group this evening. (B, D)

Day 5 | Budapest
In the morning we will board a river cruise which takes us along the Danube River. You will see the city from a different view while enjoying a relaxing afternoon. This evening enjoy free time with a local goulash while you listen to some traditional gypsy music. (B, D)

Day 6 | Budapest – Zagreb
We depart Budapest for another capital city. Along the way, take in the alluring sites of the Hungarian/Croatian country side. Upon arrival in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, we will check into our hotel and the rest of the afternoon is free to explore this beautiful city. We will meet this evening to enjoy a traditional Croatian meal. (B, D)

Day 7 | Zagreb
Today we will enjoy all that this stunning city has to offer. After a delicious breakfast at our hotel, we start our walking tour of Zagreb. We will visit St. Mark’s Square which provides historical context for this modern capital. We will also visit the Zagreb Cathedral which highlights the faithful of the nation. Our guide will take us to the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts to see some of the most spectular gardens in the world. This evening enjoy dinner on your own in the city. (B)

Day 8 | Zagreb – Plitvice Lakes
We are leaving Zagreb for tranquility in the Plitvice Lakes National Park. The park is located in the mountains of central Croatia at the border of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This protected area provides the perfect setting for us to sit and enjoy what God has created. We will enjoy a relaxing afternoon; some may wish to go swimming before returning to our hotel for a traditional Croatian meal. (B, D)

Day 9 | Plitvice Lakes
Today you are free to explore this park. Take time to sit in God’s beautiful creation. Enjoy a nice lunch with a view or say a rosary among the wildlife. Enjoy dinner on your own this evening. (B)

Day 10 | Plitvice Lakes – Split
This morning we leave the breath taking sites of Plitvice Lakes for the largest city of Dalmatia, Split. Split was originally a Greek colony but like many areas in the region, Split was at war. After many years of war and new rulers ranging from the Republic of Venice to the Habsburg Monarchy to Italy during World War II, Split gained independence from Federal of Yugoslavia in 1991. Upon arrival in Split, we will be guided around many beautiful and curtural sites such as the Croatian National Theater and the Cathedral of Saint Dominus. (B, D)

Day 11 | Split – Medugorje – Split
After an early breakfast we depart for Medugorje. After a short bus trip, we will arrive for Holy Mass at St. James’ Chur ch. Following Mass, we will spend much time in silent prayer at this very peaceful place where it is said the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared for the first time to six childr en on June 24, 1981. We may choose various activities while in Medjugorje. One may climb to the Hill of the Apparitions or Mount Kirzevac (Cross Mountain) or join villagers in praying the rosary. In the late afternoon we will take our bus back to Split to spend our last evening in this gothic city. (B, D)

Day 12 | Split – Dubrovnik
Today we say goodbye to Split and travel to Dubrovnik. Our tour takes us along the majestic Adriatic coast to our destination. Dubrovnik is a coastal town located in the famous region of Dalmatia. Dubrovnik has a rich history of war as well as Greek and Italian influence. Upon arrival we will be guided on foot around this beautiful city to explore famous sites such as the Franciscan Church and Monastery, Sponza Palace, St. Blaise’s Church, and the Dominican Fortress. This evening we will enjoy a delicious farewell dinner and rest before our journey back to the US tomorrow. (B, D)

Day 13 | Dubrovnik – USA
In the morning, transfer to the local airport in Dubrovnik for your flight home. (B)

Learn about planning a trip

John Paul Pilgrimages and Tours, Inc.

7730 E. Greenway Rd. STE 104 Scottsdale AZ 85260

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

Shrines of Central Europe

by mpierz | Feb 28, 2017

The possibilities are endless!

Check out our 35+ sample itineraries and mix days from different ones to create a truly customized trip.

Find your next destination

Shrines of Central Europe

This program is a longtime favorite of our pilgrims because it takes us through some of the world’s most beautiful Catholic European destinations. Explore Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany and Austria. Experience the culture and rich history that has molded these landscapes and borders for centuries.

Inclusions

Round trip air transportation from major airport near your parish
Superior tourist class hotel accommodations double occupancy with bath or shower (single supplement extra)
Breakfast daily, most group dinners, with wine and beer, as indicated in Itinerary (B, D)
Special events, entertainment, and comprehensive sightseeing programs as indicated in itinerary
Transportation by private deluxe motor coach Tour escort and local guides
Hotel Service Charges and Taxes
US airport taxes, fuel surcharges included** **subject to change in the rare occasion that government/airline fees and fuel costs increase drastically

“This was an awesome pilgrimage, loved it all. I’m hoping I can get on another pilgrimage with you one day!”

–Sharon Roulier, Host of Real to Reel

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)

Learn about planning a trip

John Paul Pilgrimages and Tours, Inc.

7730 E. Greenway Rd. STE 104 Scottsdale AZ 85260

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