Day 1: Warsaw
Welcome to Warsaw, the capital city of Poland. Upon arrival at the airport, transfer to your hotel. Spend the evening at leisure.
Day 2: Warsaw
This morning, explore Warsaw’s cultural & historical past throughout a monumental city tour. Highlights include the 14th-century Gothic Cathedral of St. John, significant for its role as a sheltering aid for Nazi rebels during the Warsaw Uprising; the Barbican Gate, & the Church of the Holy Cross, home to the pillar which bears the heart of Frederic Chopin, famous Polish composer. You’ll marvel at the 17th & 18th century merchant homes as you stroll through Rynek square, Warsaw’s Old Town market place. Relax, sightsee, shop, or dine as you enjoy the afternoon at ease.
Day 3: Warsaw - Czestochowa
Head for Czestochowa to visit the Jasna Góra Monastery, surrounded by fortress-like walls, & enter its famous shrine of the Virgin Mary. See the “Black Madonna of Czestochowa”, a famous illustration of Mary & the baby Jesus. Explore the sanctuary freely, a time reserved for personal spiritual activities. Afterward, tour the monastery’s museum.
Day 4: Czestochowa - Kraków
Discover the historical sites of Kraków today. Take in the charm of the Wawel Castle & see the awe-inspiring displays of Gothic, Renaissance, Romanesque, & Baroque architecture at Wawel Cathedral. Hear the trumpet sound at the top of the hour from St. Mary’s Church, at Kraków’s main square. Walk through the old city & the Jewish quarter. Visit Jagiellonian University, whose alumni includes the beloved Pope John Paul II & famous astronomer Copernicus.
Day 5: Kraków - Auschwitz - Wadowice - Kraków
Visit one of the most emotional landmarks in history, as you tour the Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau. See the camps where more than a million people of different nationalities died during the Holocaust. Later today, travel to Wadowice for a closer look at the belated Pope John Paul II’s early life. Visit the household where he was born & the parish church of his baptism. Return to Kraków for an overnight stay.
Day 6: Kraków - Budapest
Set off for a journey to the capital of Hungary, Budapest. Spend the day here at your leisure. Relax at your hotel, take a stroll along the Danube River, or explore one of the city’s 223 museums & galleries.
Day 7: Budapest
See several famous sites of the city divided by the majestic Danube. This half-day city tour explores both sides of the river. In the western part of the city, “Buda”, visit Castle Hill, Buda Castle, Mount Gellert, Margaret Island, the Fisherman’s Bastion, & Matthias Coronation Church. In the eastern part of the city, “Pest”, visit the National Parliament & the Heroes’ Square. Enjoy an afternoon of free time.
Day 8: Budapest - Zagreb
Leave for Croatia this morning & arrive in the nation’s capital city, Zagreb. Enjoy a guided walk through the historic city center.
Day 9: Zagreb - Medjugorje
Look forward to a day filled with religious events in the town of Medjugorje, Bosnia. Activities are presented after arrival at your hotel.
Day 10: Medjugorje
Walk up Apparition Hill & see the Statue of Virgin Mary. It is believed that several apparitions have occurred upon the hill, through the Saint’s sculpture. You may also choose to climb Mount Krizevac, also known as Cross Mountain, which features the concrete cross built in honor of the 1900th anniversary of Jesus’ crucifixion.
Day 11: Medjugorje - Split - Ancona
Enjoy a relaxing morning in Medjugorje. This afternoon, travel to Split, Croatia, for an excursion on the Adriatic Sea, aboard an overnight ferry to Ancona, Italy.
Day 12: Ancona - Rome
Head for the city of Rome after disembarking the ferry in Ancona. Relax at your hotel & look forward to a full day of touring the “Eternal City” tomorrow.
Day 13: Rome
Explore present day Rome & discover its ancient past. Visit the Vatican Museums, home of the Sistine Chapel; St. Peter’s Square & St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world; the Coliseum, the world’s largest amphitheater; the Imperial Forum, & the principal Roman squares. The evening concludes with dinner & a final overnight stay abroad.
Day 14: Rome - USA
After breakfast, transfer to the airport. Board your return flight home.