Day 1: U.S.
Depart on an overnight flight to Kraków, Poland.
Day 2: Kraków
Welcome to Kraków, the city where Karol Wojtyla served as the archbishop before later becoming the honorary Pope John Paul II. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel.
Day 3: Kraków
Visit the Bishop’s Palace, residence of the ruling Bishop of Kraków & Pope John Paul II’s accommodation when he returned to Kraków for visits. Hear the trumpet sound at the top of the hour from St. Mary’s Basilica, at Kraków’s main square. See the beautiful 11th-century Wawel Cathedral, where in 1946, Karol Wojtyla gave his first Mass.
Day 4: Kraków - Wadowice - Kalwaria Zebrzydowska - Kraków
Travel to Wadowice, the birthplace of Pope John Paul II. Tour the Family Home of John Paul II Museum, a close look at the Wojtyla family & the pope during his early years. Visit the Basilica of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, where the young Karol Wojtyla was baptized in 1920. See the famous shrine honoring Christ & Mary, located at the Kalwaria Zebrzydowska Sanctuary complex. Return to Kraków to explore the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy, which houses the tomb of Saint Faustina, Apostle of Divine Mercy.
Day 5: Kraków - Czestochowa - Kraków
Head for Czestochowa, the site of the Sixth World Youth Day, chosen by Pope John Paul II. Visit the Jasna Góra Monastery, famous for its shrine of Virgin Mary which features the “Black Madonna of Czestochowa," a famous illustration of Mary & baby Jesus. Learn about the painting's history before returning to Kraków for dinner & overnight stay.
Day 6: Kraków - Zakopane - Kraków
Journey to Zakopane & experience the thrill of a funicular train ride up the majestic Mount Gubalowka. Arrive at the top of the mountain & explore the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima. This unique shrine was built in honor of the continuing life of Pope John Paul II, after a close call with death from an attempted assassination. Return to Kraków for an overnight stay. Tomorrow, transfer to airport & board return flight home or flight to Rome.
Day 7: Kraków - Rome
Depart for Rome. Arrive at airport & transfer to hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 8: Rome
Explore Vatican City. Visit the beautiful Sistine Chapel, located inside the Apostolic Palace, the residence of the Pope. The chapel, covered with Michelangelo’s frescoes, is the gathering place for the election of future popes. See the largest church in the world, St. Peter’s Basilica, where Saint Peter, the first Bishop of Rome, is laid to rest. This afternoon, see the 2nd-century mausoleum Castel Sant’Angelo, the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, the ancient Roman Forum & the Coliseum. Enjoy dinner & an overnight stay.
Day 9: Rome
This morning, visit the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, where St. Paul’s tomb is situated beneath the papal alter. See Michelangelo’s "Moses," the famous sculpture built for Pope Julius II’s tomb, located inside the Church of Saint Peter in Chains. This afternoon, explore the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the cathedral housing the official chair of the Bishop of Rome.
Day 10: Rome
Discover an important part of Roman history on a walk through the famous street Via del Corso. See the many plazas, the beautiful, Renaissance inspired Trinita dei Monti Church, & the legendary Trevi Fountain. Next, visit Piazza Barberini, Rome’s pedestrian square known for its Triton Fountain, which features emblems of its commissioner, Pope Urban VIII. Enjoy local Italian cuisine this evening at a farewell dinner.
Day 11: Rome – U.S.
Transfer to airport & board return flight home.