Pilgrimage to Poland & the Divine Mercy

Fly from London Stansted direct to Krakow. Upon arrival transfer to our hotel by coach. We check-in to our hotel. Mass will be arranged at the Sanctuary of the Divine Mercy followed by a talk with one of the nuns about St Faustina’s life. Dinner at hotel.

After breakfast, we celebrate Mass at the sanctuary. We then travel by coach to Wawel Cathedral. Sightseeing tour of this magnificent cathedral including the chapel where St John Paul II celebrated his first Mass. We also see the tombs of many of Poland’s kings and queens and their greatest national heroes are located here. Afterwards walk to St Mary’s Square (Market Square) one of the largest and oldest squares in Europe where we will have a guided tour of St Mary’s Basilica - one of the finest Gothic structures in the country. Note: if you wish to take pictures inside the basilica there is a charge of 5 euros. We will have lunch in the square; there are many cafés and restaurants to choose from. If time permits, we can have a look at the covered market where you may purchase local produce such as jewellery, bags, and hand painted ornaments. Return to the hotel for dinner.

After breakfast we travel by coach to Czestochowa - Home of the Miraculous Icon of Our Lady, known as the Black Madonna, the Queen of Poland. This is considered the holiest place in Poland and is the third largest Catholic pilgrimage site in the world. The sanctuary is in the Pauline Monastery in Jasna Góra, which has been a major destination of pilgrimages for centuries. We will celebrate Mass here. Travel back to the hotel for a late dinner

After breakfast we celebrate Mass at one of the chapels in the Sanctuary. We then travel to Auschwitz/Birkenau, visiting the former concentration camp which was the scene of terrible human suffering during the Second World War. We see the cell of St Maximillian Kolbe where he died giving up his life to save another. (Auschwitz is not suitable for visitors under 15 years of age). Return to our hotel and evening dinner here.

After breakfast we drive to Wadowice, the hometown of St John Paul II. We visit the Holy Father’s House, now a museum, and the parish church where he was baptised. It is considered one of the most beautiful churches in Poland. We will celebrate Mass here followed by a guided tour of this historic site. We stop at Kalwaria Zebrzydowska - Poland’s first Calvary sanctuary, established in 1600. St John Paul II visited here with his father as a boy and often during his priestly life. On his first pilgrimage to Poland in 1979, he said, “I would like you to pray for me here, both during my life and after it." Evening dinner at the hotel.

Free day to explore Krakow (Mass will be arranged). You can take public transport to the Main Market Square - the biggest medieval square in Europe and do some shopping here or revisit St Mary’s Cathedral and some shopping or simply relax and have coffee/tea in one of many cafés and restaurants to choose from. Evening dinner at the at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel followed by Mass at the Sanctuary and afterwards we journey by coach to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine (a UNESCO world heritage site). There we will travel underground for approximately 2km to the oldest part of the mine and visit its subterranean museum. This mine has been worked for 700 years until the present day. Return to our hotel for dinner.

Depending on the time of our flight departure, we may celebrate Mass in one of the Chapels in St Faustina’s Shrine. Proceed to the airport for our flight back to London Stansted. Please note - this Itinerary is subject to change to ensure the smooth running of the tour. E&OE.