Your day will begin with breakfast, followed by Mass at St. John the Baptist Cathedral, iconic for its tower and square base. This is the church where Helena Kowalska prayed extensively upon entering Warsaw. Also, it is where she confessed all that burdened her soul and asked for the advice of Rev. James Dabrowski, which eventually resulted in the Saint entering the convent. Following this prayerful morning, your day of sightseeing begins. Your group will explore the Old Town, comprised of beautiful maze-like cobblestone streets and picturesque architecture that are symbols of Poland’s successful rebuild following its destruction during World War II. Some of the sites will include the Market Square (the center of the city filled with restaurants, cafes, and shops), the Barbican, defense-like structures that have been rebuilt following World War II, and the Warsaw Ghetto monument that commemorates the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising of 1943 during World War II. You will also take in the Lazienski Park, a beautifully landscaped park, the Chopin Statue (a large bronze statue of musician Frederic Chopin), and the Royal Castle (the official residence of the Polish monarchs). In the afternoon, visit the Stanislaw Kostka Church and view a special exhibit dedicated to Fr. Jerzy Popieluszko. This priest was a great personality of the Catholic church and was killed by communists in 1984. 198, Saint John Paul II visited here to pray in front of Fr. Popieluzko’s tomb. Your tour of Warsaw will conclude by returning to the hotel for a delicious meal, followed by an overnight at your hotel.

Today, you will awake in the home of the grandest pilgrimage shrine in Poland since the 14th century! You will begin your day with breakfast and Mass at Jasna Gora Monastery. This hill-top monastery is home to the beloved icon of the Black Madonna. Saint John Paul II is said to have frequently visited this monastery throughout his life. Tradition tells us that this icon was painted by Luke the Evangelist, discovered by St. Helen, and later enshrined. While here, you will have the opportunity to venerate not only the Holy Icon but also many other priceless treasures that are contained within. Following your prayerful visit to the Chapel of the Black Madonna, you will continue to Wadowice, the birthplace of Karol Wojtyla (Saint John Paul II). While in the small city of Wadowice, you can visit the church where this beloved Saint was baptized and attended Mass as a child. Following this historically captivating experience, continue to Krakow. Enjoy dinner at the local restaurant before resting up for the next day of activities.

After breakfast, you will explore Krakow’s Market Square as the sound of the silver trumpet from St. Mary’s Tower fills the air. The captivating beauty of this square is mainly because it has remained unchanged for almost 700 years. It contains several buildings that hold significant historic value, such as the Town Hall Tower, the Cloth Hall, and the Burgher’s houses. Following your time in this longstanding square, you will go to Wawel Hill, where you will visit the beautiful Cathedral and Coronation Chapel. These are among the most important sites in Poland as the Cathedral has been the coronation site of the Polish monarchs and has held numerous pieces of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Classicist, and Modern art. Also, at this site, you can pray at the tomb of the patron saint of Poland, St. Stanislaus. Next, a short drive to Auschwitz, notoriously known as a Nazi concentration camp during the Second World War. Upon arriving at the former camp, you can feel the darkness and sorrow that overtake the atmosphere as numerous unspeakable atrocities occur at this site. Additionally, while on this visit, you can view the cell that imprisoned the Christ-like St. Maximilian Kolbe and visit the Martyrdom Museum. After this reflective day, return to your hotel in Krakow for dinner and a restful overnight.

After breakfast, depart for our scenic motor coach ride to Prague's enchanting city, domed rooftops, soaring steeples, and countless spires. Lunch in Brno with sightseeing, then dinner and an overnight in Prague.

After breakfast, transfer to Prague Airport for your return flight home to the USA.