Spiritual Highlights of Poland - Tour Package to Poland

Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the Polish capital and prepare yourself for your upcoming spiritual journey. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at your hotel.

Guided sightseeing of Warsaw includes a visit of the GHETTO, the largest of all Jewish ghettos in Nazi occupied Europe during WWII. Later, celebrate [M] Mass at ZYTNIA STREET CHURCH, home to the Congregation of our Lady of Mercy, where St. Faustina Kowalska entered the convent at the age of 20. During her life, she had visions of Jesus and conversations with him, which she wrote about in her diary. The afternoon and evening are at leisure to further explore this fascinating city.

This morning, head towards Niepokalanow (City of the Immaculata) and visit one of the largest FRANCISCAN MONASTERIES in the world, founded by St. Maximilian Kolbe, who volunteered to die in place of a stranger at the Auschwitz Concentration Camp during WWII. Continue to Swinice Warckie and visit the 700-year-old PARISH CHURCH OF ST. CASIMIR, where St. Faustina was baptized. Head south to Czestochowa, spiritual capital of Poland, and attend [M] Mass at JASNA GORA MONASTERY, founded in 1382. Here, you can pray in front of the Black Madonna, a sacred national treasure.

Journey to Wadowice this morning, birthplace of Pope Saint John Paul II. Find out more about his early life and visit BASILICA MINOR, where he was baptized, before continuing to Krakow, where he served as archbishop. Here, a Local Guide offers insight into this beautiful city, founded in the 7th century. Stop for a prayer at ST. MARY’S BASILICA, home to the largest gothic altarpiece in the world. In 1941, during Nazi occupation, the altar was dismantled and shipped to the Third Reich. It was discovered in 1946, in the basement of Nuremberg Castle, and was returned to Krakow a decade later. Also, on today’s agenda is a stop at remarkable Wawel Castle, former residence of Polish kings.

Excursion To Auschwitz. Travel to Auschwitz for a somber visit of the former CONCENTRATION CAMP with St. Maximilian Kolbe’s cell. Declared the “Patron Saint of Our Difficult Century,” the Polish Franciscan friar was canonized by Pope Saint John Paul II in 1982. Return to Krakow to visit the SHRINE OF DIVINE MERCY and spend a few moments of prayer at the tomb of St. Faustina.

The entire day is free to explore Krakow, nestled at the base of the Tatra Mountains. You may enjoy the optional excursion to Zakopane, the “Winter Capital of Poland.” This is where Pope Saint John Paul II spent time in prayer on some of the countless nature trails. Before returning to Krakow, visit quaint Jaszczurówka Chapel, dedicated to Pope Saint John Paul II. A superb example of the Zakopane architectural style, the small arcaded chapel features a traditional log cabin perched on a high stone foundation.

Leave Krakow and travel north back to Warsaw. Spend an afternoon at leisure or further explore the capital.

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.