Pilgrimage to Poland

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- ITINERARY | June 1 – 13, 2026 (Pricing listed under itinerary)
  
  Spiritual Journey to Poland
  In the Footsteps of Saint John Paul II, Saint Faustina and Saint Maximilian
  
  The Spiritual Leaders of the Journey:
  Father Paul Ugo Arinze and Father Piotr Janas, SChr
  
  Day 1 - Transfer to Chicago International Airport. Departure flight from O’Hare Chicago Airport to Warsaw, Poland.
  
  Day 2 - Arrive at Warsaw Chopin Airport. Transfer to a local restaurant for dinner. Continue to Świątynia Opatrzności Bożej (The Temple of Divine Providence), an important religious and national symbol reflecting the faith and resilience of the Polish people. The cornerstone of the Temple in Warsaw was laid in 1792, but a Russian invasion, two world wars and Communist domination, stopped construction. It was finally consecrated over 200 years later in 2016. Celebration of the Holy Mass. Hotel check-in and overnight stay in Warsaw.
  
  Day 3 - Morning coach tour of Warsaw. Visit of Zamek Królewski (Royal Castle), once the residence of Polish kings. The Royal Castle was completely destroyed by German forces after 1944 Warsaw Uprising and rebuilt by Polish people after World War II. Walk through Warsaw’s Old Town, UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the local guide. In the afternoon, visit the Palace of Culture and Science, Poland’s second tallest building, and the sixth tallest in the European Union. We will go up to the observation deck on the 30th floor of the building and see the panorama of the city from a height of 114 meters. Return to hotel in Warsaw.
  
  Day 4 – Celebration of Corpus Cristi in Poland. Morning Mass at the Niepokalanów Shrine of Saint Maximilian Kolbe in Teresin. Drive to Częstochowa, and visit Jasna Góra Monastery, Poland’s most revered pilgrimage site and home of the miraculous icon of Our Lady of Częstochowa, Black Madona. The monastery, founded by Pauline monks in the 14th century, has hosted millions of pilgrims and was visited by Pope John Paul II. Overnight stay near Jasna Góra Monastery.
  
  Day 5 – Morning Mass at Jasna Góra. Travel to the west side of Poland, called Silesia. Lunch stop in Wałbrzych, followed by a guided tour of Ksiaż Castle, the largest castle in Silesia and the third largest castle
  in Poland. The first fortification was built in the 13th century; the castle was occupied by noble families until World War II. It was seized by the Nazis and set to become the headquarters for Adolf Hitler. The Nazis
  began constructing secret tunnels beneath the castle and the town of Wałbrzych, their purpose remains unknown. Accommodations: Hotel in Książ Castle.
  
  Day 6 – Drive to Krzeszów- where we will visit a former Cistercian monastery, European Perl of Baroque Krzeszów Abbey. It is also known as the “Silesian Sistine Chapel”. Founded in the 13th century, the abbey is famous for its Baroque architecture and art, including the Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Sanctuary of Our Lady of Graces. Afternoon lunch and drive to the hotel in the town of Oświęcim.
  
  Day 7 – Morning Mass at Assumption Church in Oświęcim. Visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Museum with the guide. This former Nazi concentration camp is a place where during the World War II Germans murdered over a million people in the gas chambers, working sides, and by executions. Lunch at one of the local restaurants. Afternoon visit to Tyskie Browary Książęce, one of Poland’s oldest breweries. Tour includes a historical overview and modern production process, ending with a Tyskie beer tasting. Evening arrival in
  Wadowice, the birthplace of Saint John Paul II. Overnight stay near Wadowice.
  
  Day 8 - Visit to the St. John Paul II Home Museum and the adjacent baptismal church. Stop at a local cafe to try the Pope’s famous desert “kremówki” (papal cream cake). Drive to Nowy Targ for lunch. Transfer through the scenic region of Podhale to Dębno Podhalańskie, to visit a gothic church from the thirteenth century,
  dedicated to Michael the Archangel. Hotel in Czorsztyn, a town famous for the Dunajec drafting.
  
  Day 9 – Morning rafting excursion through the Dunajec River Gorge will start in Sromowce. Pieniny Dunajec Gorge is a breathtaking natural wonder that impresses with striking views and a unique phenomenon: the Dunajec River reverses its current by 180 degrees in the part of the Gorge, flowing for some time in the opposite direction to the sea, to finally turn back. Lunch at a local restaurant. Afternoon drive through the Tatra Mountain to Zakopane, the winter capital of Poland. Explore Krupówki Street, a lively pedestrian area with traditional shops, restaurants and famous oscypek (smoked sheep cheese). Evening Mass at Holy Family Church at Krupówki. Overnight in Zakopane.
  
  Day 10 – Ride the cable car to Kasprowy Wierch (1,985 m/6,512 ft), one of the oldest, still working cable cars in Europe. Celebrate the Mass at The Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Krzeptówki. This shrine was built shortly after the assassination attempt against Pope John Paul II in 1981, as a votive offering from the community for the intercession and prayers of Our Lady of Fatima to save the Pope’s life. Lunch at traditional highlanders’ lodge “bacówka”. Visit the Shrine of Our Lady Gaździna Podhala, beloved by John Paul II. The copy of this Virgin Mary statue was inside private apartments of John Paul II at Vatican. Late afternoon arrival at Kraków. Hotel accommodations. Sunset cruise on the Vistula River.
  
  Day 11 - Short transfer to Łagiewniki, the Divine Mercy Sanctuary, a Roman Catholic basilica dedicated to the Divine Mercy devotion, and resting place of Saint Faustina Kowalska. Three Popes have visited this shrine and millions of pilgrims from around the world continue to visit it every year. Nearby, visit the Sanctuary of Saint John Paul II. Lunch at the local restaurant. Transfer to the heart of Kraków – Wawel (Royal Castle). Wawel is a limestone hill in the center of Kraków upon the Vistula River with a complex of impressive historical monuments of unique historical and artistic values. Tour of the interiors of the Wawel Royal Castle: State Rooms, Royal Private Apartments, Crown Treasury, Armory and The Lost Wawel exhibit. Stroll through
  Kraków’s Old Town to visit Mariacki Basilica and admire the famous Wit Stwosz Altar. Free time for shopping at the Sukiennice – the oldest marketplace in Kraków. Visit to the Smocza Jama (Dragons Den). Overnight stay in the Kraków.
  
  Day 12 - Visit to the second oldest university in Europe – Jagiellonian University. Guided tour of the historic school. Transfer to Wieliczka Salt Mine, the oldest still-operational salt mine. The Wieliczka salt mine, excavated from the 13th century, produced table salt continuously until 2007; it features the world’s largest underground chapel and impressive carvings. Lunch at the local restaurant. Overnight stay in Kraków.
  
  Day 13 – Transfer to the airport for return flight to Chicago O’Hare Airport. Upon arrival, transfer by bus back to Wisconsin Dells.
  
  Printable Itinerary
  
  PRICING | $4,200 (includes airfare)
  
  Included in the price:
  
  • Daily Holy Mass at local churches
  • 4-star hotels accommodations - double occupancy
  • Full breakfasts and early dinners daily
  • Private air-conditioned coach throughout the journey
  • Professional English-speaking tour guides
  • Admission tickets to all attractions
  • Individual tour guide headsets
  • Transfers to and from Chicago O’Hare Airport
  • Basic medical insurance in Poland
  
  Registration:
  St. John Paul II Pastorate
  (608) 254-8381, ext.103
  603 Oak Street, Wisconsin Dells
  
  Information and questions regarding the pilgrimage:
  Kate Lodzinski from Trinity Journeys (630) 291-3332