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 and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon see the reconstructed Old Town, Royal Castle, the Barbican, and medieval defense walls. (D)

Day 3 | Warsaw

Today’s half day sightseeing tour of Warsaw will introduce you to Poland’s capital that was completely destroyed during World War II. Then we drive along the Royal Route where many momentous events in Polish history took place, to 18th century Łazienki Park. The afternoon is free for shopping and individual exploration of this historic city. (B, D)

Day 4 | Warsaw – Torún – Gdynia

This morning we depart for Gdynia. En route, we will stop to visit Torún, the birthplace of astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. The tour of historic Toruń includes: Old Town Square, the 14th century Town Hall and the University where the great astronomer lectured. (B, D)

Day 5 | Gdynia – Gdańsk – Gdynia

The 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. Nearby Sopot is an Old World resort with grand hotels, boardwalks, beaches, and resort pleasures. 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. You will see the world famous organ in Oliwa on your tour today. In the afternoon there is free time to relax and shop. (B)

Day 6 | Gdynia – Malbork – Licheń

After breakfast we depart for Licheń. The road leads us past Malbork, a mighty fortress and former seat of the once–powerful Teutonic Knights. From Malbork continue to Licheń, to see the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Licheń. (B, D)

Day 7 | Licheń – Gniezno – Poznań – Licheń

After a visit to the Basilica of Licheń, we depart for Poznań. En route, we will stop in Gniezno, Poland’s first capital, and see its 14th century Gothic Cathedral. Tour of Poznań includes Baroque churches, and Italianate–style Town Hall, and Market Square, whose houses display fancy workmanship. (B, D)

Day 8 | Licheń – Częstochowa – Warsaw

After breakfast we continue to Częstochowa, the most famous pilgrimage center of Poland, for the Jasna Góra Monastery and see its holiest icon: the “Black Madonna”. We have the afternoon for Holy Mass and private reflection. In late afternoon, continue to Warsaw. In the evening enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D)

Day 9 | Warsaw – USA

After breakfast, you will transfer to the airport in Warsaw for your flight home. (B)

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 Blessed 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, Pope Saint John Paul II sent a letter to the religious of the Shrine of Jasna Góra, 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 Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in Łagiewniki; dedicated by Pope Saint John Paul II. We will have the opportunity to visit the convent chapel and pray at the Tomb of St. Faustina Kowalska. Afternoon free in Kraków. (B, D)

Day 7 | Kraków – Wieliczka – Kraków
A morning excursion will take you to the nearby Wieliczka Salt Mine; three spectacular under–ground 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 8 | 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 9 | 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: T” otus 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 10 | 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 car can whisk you away to Mount Gubałówka for a splendid view of the valley below. The evening is at your leisure. Overnight in Zakopane (B, D)

Day 11 | Zakopane – Warsaw

Prior to our departure for Warsaw, we will visit 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. Enjoy a final dinner together sharing new memories (B, D)

Day 12 | Warsaw Departure for USA

After breakfast transfer to the airport in Warsaw for your flight home. (B)