Your trip includes
- Round-trip airfare from New York (JFK) and any US major gateway as per https://www.206tours.com/airports/
- Airport Taxes and Fuel Surcharges
- Hotel accommodations: (or similar) in double occupancy
- ~ 2 nights: Jun 4 - 6: Radisson Collection Hotel Warsaw or Sheraton Grand Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- ~ 1 night: Jun 6 - 7: Hotel Arche, Czestochowa, Poland
- ~ 4 nights: Jun 7 - 11: Radisson Blu Hotel Krakow, Krakow, Poland
- ~ 2 nights: Jun 11 - 13: NH Prague City, Prague, Czechia
- Post Tour hotel accommodations:
- ~ 4 nights: Jun 13 - 17: Hotel Grace, Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina
- Breakfast and Dinner daily
- Wine and mineral water with dinners
- Transportation by air-conditioned motor coach
- Whispers headsets where needed
- Assistance of a professional local Christian Guide(s)
- Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary
- Mass daily & Spiritual activities
- Luggage handling (1 piece per person)
- Flight bag & Portfolio of all travel documents
Not Included
- Lunches, Tips to your guide & driver.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Tuesday, June 3: Depart for Warsaw
Make your way to your local airport, where you will board your overnight flight(s) to Warsaw. Your meals will be served on board.
Day 2 | Wednesday, June 4: Arrive Warsaw
Welcome to Warsaw, Poland! Upon arrival, make your way to the baggage claim area and collect your luggage. Proceed to the arrival hall, where your tour guide and/-or driver will greet you. Transfer to your hotel. Following check-in at your hotel, your pilgrimage will officially begin with Mass. Following Mass, enjoy a delicious dinner and have the opportunity to explore the city of Warsaw before retiring for a restful overnight.
Day 3 | Thursday, June 5: Warsaw
Your day will begin with breakfast, followed by Mass at St. James Church, iconic for its tower and square base. This church is where Helena Kowalska prayed extensively upon entering Warsaw. Here she confessed all that burdened her soul and asked for the advice of Rev. James Dabrowski. It resulted in Helena entering the convent. Following this prayerful morning, a full day of sightseeing begins. 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. Sites will include the Market Square (the center of the city filled with restaurants, cafes, and shops), the Barbican, defense-like structures rebuilt following World War II, and the Warsaw Ghetto monument commemorating the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising of 1943 during World War II. Walkthrough Lazienski park. This beautifully landscaped park holds the Chopin Statue (a large bronze statue of musician Frederic Chopin). View 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. In 1987, 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.
Day 4 | Friday, June 6: Warsaw - Niepokalanow - Swinice Warckie - Czestochowa
This morning, enjoy breakfast followed by a transfer to Niepokalanow. This Franciscan Monastery is in the community of Teresin, was founded by martyr St. Maximilian Kolbe. This remarkable Saint, arrested by the Nazis, died in Auschwitz, where he gave his life for the life of another prisoner. Following your visit to this Holy Monastery, transfer to the village of Swinice Warckie, to visit the church of St. Casimir. This historically rich parish is the baptism site for St. Faustina (formally known, Helena Kowalska). At this parish, little Helena received her first confession, and First Holy Communion. She and her family attended Sunday Mass and other services at this church. After visiting this simple, yet the elegant church, we will continue to Czestochowa. Upon arrival in Czestochowa, you will check-in to your hotel, enjoy a magnificent dinner, and a restful overnight.
Day 5 | Saturday, June 7: Czestochowa - Wadowice - Krakow
Today awake in the home of the grandest pilgrimage shrine of Poland since the 14th century! Start 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 tomade frequent visits to this monastery throughout his life. Tradition tells us that this icon was painted by Luke the Evangelist, discovered by St. Helen, and later enshrined. Have the opportunity to venerate the Holy Icon and many other priceless treasures contained within. Have a prayerful visit to the Chapel of the Black Madonna. Continue to Wadowice, the birthplace of Karol Wojtyla (Saint John Paul II). While in the small city of Wadowice, 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.
Day 6 | Sunday, June 8: Krakow - Zakopane - Krakow
After breakfast, you will drive through the mountains to the breathtaking yet small and remote village of Zakopane. Take a cable car ride to the nearby mountaintop. At the top, you will truly experience God’s magnificent Glory when you look out at the magnificent panoramic view. Following the many photos captured atop the mountain, head to the Jaszczorowka Chapel. The young Karol Wojtyla (Saint John Paul II ) visited this architecturally distinct chapel often. As a young boy, Karol Wojtyla walked the paths surrounding the Jaszczorowka Chapel for prayer and reflection. After you experience this beautiful site that assisted in Saint John Paul II’s Holy journey, continue to the colorful Krupowki Street. Have the opportunity to do some shopping at the local bazaar before returning to Krakow. Enjoy a beautiful dinner and an optional stroll through the old city before retiring for the evening.
Day 7 | Monday, June 9: Krakow - Auschwitz - Krakow
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 grand since it has remained unchanged for almost 700 years. It contains several buildings that hold Historic value; the Town Hall Tower, the Cloth Hall, and the Burgher’s houses. Following your time in this longstanding square, make your way to Wawel Hill, where you will visit the beautiful Cathedral and Coronation Chapel. Both among the most important sites in Poland. The Cathedral was the coronation site of the Polish monarchs. It holds numerous pieces of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Classicist, and Modern art. Have the opportunity to 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 World War II. Upon arriving at the former camp, feel the darkness and sorrow that overtakes the atmosphere as numerous unspeakable atrocities occurred at this site. While on this visit, 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.
Day 8 | Tuesday, June 10: Krakow - Divine Mercy - Lagiewniki - Wieliczka - Krakow
On your last day of touring, after breakfast, depart for your excursion to Lagiewniki, the capital of the Divine Mercy. It was here that the message of the Divine Mercy originated, which Christ Himself wished to pass on to our generation through the mediation of Saint Faustina. Have the opportunity to visit the Shrine of Divine Mercy where this Sanctuary houses images of the Merciful Jesus, relics of St. Faustina, the Saint’s convent Chapel and, the Saint’s Tomb. Visit the newly constructed Shrine of Divinity dedicated to Saint John Paul II on his last visit to Poland in 2002. We will celebrate Mass at the Shrine before visiting the New “Have No Fear” Centre where we will pray by the relic of St. John Paul II. You will have free time to pray and reflect before we depart for Wieliczka to visit Europe’s oldest salt mine, listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Return to Krakow for your farewell dinner and last overnight.
Day 9 | Wednesday, June 11: Krakow - Prague
After breakfast, depart for our scenic motor coach ride (or short flight) to the enchanting city of Prague, a city of domed rooftops, soaring steeples, and countless spires. Dinner and an overnight in Prague.
Day 10 | Thursday, June 12: Prague
After breakfast, you will begin a tour of beautiful Prague. Celebrate Mass at the Church of Our Lady Victorious and see the renowned statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague there. Visit Old Town by way of Golden Lane and then go to the Lesser Town to see the medieval Charles Bridge that is adorned with many baroque statues. You will also see St. Nicholas Church, the Astronomic Clock, and the Prague Castle district where you tour St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George Basilica, Loreto Church, Strahov Monastery, and Wenceslas Square. Dinner and your last overnight in Europe.
Day 11 | Friday, June 13: Prague - USA
After breakfast, transfer to Prague Airport for your return flights home to the USA.
*206 Tours Disclaimer:
Occasionally local religious and national holidays, weather, traffic conditions and other events may necessitate changes in the sequence of events or the missing of certain events/places. Though every effort will be made to follow the itinerary, it should be considered as an indication, rather than a contract of events and places to be visited.
Optional Post-Tour to Medjugorje
June 13 – 17, 2024
- Post Tour hotel accommodations:
- ~ 4 nights: Jun 13 - 17: Hotel Grace, Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina
- Transfers as per itinerary
- Breakfast and Dinner daily
- Wine and mineral water with dinners
- Transportation by air-conditioned motor coach
- Tour Escort throughout
- Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary
- Mass daily & Spiritual activities
- Visit to Community Cenacolo
- Luggage handling (1 piece per person)
Anticipated Daily Itinerary:
Day 1 | Thursday, June 13: Prague - Medjugorje
An early morning departure from Prague for your flights to Medjugorje. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a tour guide and/or driver who will then take you on the 2.5 hour drive by private coach to the village of Medjugorje. Once there, you’ll meet your fellow pilgrims and be introduced to your host family in who’s modern and comfortable house you will be staying for the next several nights.
Days 2 - 4 | Friday - Sunday, June 14 - 16: Medjugorje
The most beautiful features of Medjugorje are its simplicity and peace. While in Medjugorje, you may experience your faith grow, and share in the faith journey of pilgrims from all over the world. A local guide will accompany your group throughout your stay in the village.
Some activities that will accompany you in your spiritual journey:
Attend Daily Mass: Each morning at 10:00 AM, your group will assemble at St. James Church for Mass (English-Speaking). At the end of each Mass, regardless of language, there is a blessing of the religious articles that you have with you.
Attend Daily Mass: Each morning at 10:00 AM, your group will assemble at St. James Church for Mass (English-Speaking). At the end of each Mass, regardless of language, there is a blessing of the religious articles that you have with you.
On Feast Days and Sundays: English Mass is at 12 PM.
Climb Apparition Hill: This mountainous hill is where the visionaries first encountered Our Lady. At the base of this hill is a Blue Cross, where it is said Our Lady appeared to the children while they hid from the communist police in the early days of the allegedapparitions. While climbing, your group is invited to recite the Rosary, pausing five times for each decade of the Rosary. At the top of the hill, you will witness the exact location of the first alleged apparition of Our Lady to the visionaries, and enjoy private time for prayer.
Climb Mt. Krizevac (Cross Mountain): In 1933, the villagers built a 30′ high cross atop a mountain to commemorate Jesus’ passion and death on the cross. Your group will have the opportunity to climb this mountain, and venerate that very cross. While climbing, your group is invited to pray the Stations of the Cross (to meditate on Jesus’ suffering Road to Calvary), pausing fifteen times for each Station.
Apparitions: Each evening at 5 PM or 6 PM (depending on daylight savings time), your group will join the villagers and fellow pilgrims of Medjugorje in saying the Rosary, as all anxiously await the alleged arrival of Our Lady to the visionaries. Following the apparition, at 5:40 PM (6:40 PM during Daylight Savings Time), feel free to stay at St. James Church and attend the Croatian Mass. Following the Croatian Mass, there is a Blessing of the Sick.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Our Lady has always called us to be close to her Son. For this, you will have the opportunity to adore the Blessed Sacrament at the altar outside of St. James Church. Adoration is held on Tuesdays and Saturdays; Veneration of the Cross is held on Fridays inside the church. Additionally, there is an Adoration Chapel on the grounds of St. James Church, where Adoration is held in the afternoon hours.
Meetings with the Visionaries: Pending their availability, your guide will arrange meetings with the visionaries at their homes.
Visit to the Community of Cenacolo: You will have the opportunity to visit the community of Cenacolo, founded by the Sisters of Charity, for young men and women who have taken a wrong path and are on the road to recovery. You will be able to listen to their inspirational words about their journeys back to Jesus Christ.
Prayer at the Statue of the Risen Christ: The bronze statue of the Risen Christ is located on the grounds of St. James Church. Many pilgrims sit and pray on the benches surrounding this peaceful statue. This statue miraculously seeps droplets of water at all times of the day, out of Christ’s right knee.
Day 5 | Monday, June 17: Medjugorje - USA
After an early breakfast and heartfelt farewells, you will leave by motor coach for Dubrovnik Airport (Split or Sarajevo) for return flights home.
Would you like to arrive earlier or stay later?
Let us know at the time of registration if you would like to arrive earlier, or stay later, than the scheduled tour dates, and pending availability, we will change your airline reservations accordingly, additional fees may apply. Pre- and/or post-stays at the hotel will cost an additional fee. These options should be available to you when registering online, or simply contact us: sales@206tours.com