Poland

DAY 1: DEPARTURE – USA TO GDANSK

Today marks the exciting beginning of your pilgrimage! You’ll board your overnight flight to Gdansk, ready to embark on a journey filled with spiritual significance and discovery.

DAY 2: ARRIVE IN GDANSK → TRANSFER TO MALBORK

Welcome to Poland! Upon your arrival, you’ll meet your friendly local guide and transfer to Malbork. Mass will be celebrated (subject to flight arrival time). After arriving at your hotel, you will have time to settle in before dinner.

DAY 3: MALBORK

Celebrate Holy Mass, then enjoy a guided tour of Malbork Castle, once the seat of the Teutonic Knights. Reflect on medieval Christianity, the relationship between faith, power, and responsibility, and the call to live the Gospel authentically. The afternoon is free for personal exploration or prayer. Dinner will be at a local restaurant tonight.

DAY 4: MALBORK → WARSAW

Depart for Warsaw. Upon arrival, explore Warsaw’s Old Town, meticulously rebuilt after World War II. Visit St. John’s Archcathedral and the Church of the Holy Cross, where the heart of Frédéric Chopin rests. At the Shrine of Blessed Fr. Jerzy Popiełuszko, reflect on the courage of a priest-martyr who stood for truth and dignity under communism. The day concludes with evening prayer and dinner at your hotel.

DAY 5: WARSAW

Today, visit the Warsaw Uprising Museum, which showcases the history of the 1944 uprising, including exhibits on life during World War II, the resistance movement, the uprising, and its aftermath. You will have the afternoon at leisure to explore the city on your own (inquire with your guide for suggestions). You will have dinner at a local restaurant tonight and return to your hotel.

DAY 6: WARSAW → GNIEZNO → WROCŁAW

Travel to Gniezno, the cradle of Polish Christianity. Visit the majestic Gniezno Cathedral, housing the relics of St. Adalbert, patron saint and missionary martyr. Mass will be celebrated, and you will continue to Wrocław, arriving in time for a peaceful evening stroll through the Old Town, alive with color and history. Dinner will be at your hotel.

DAY 7: WROCŁAW

Join us for Holy Mass, followed by a visit to Wrocław Cathedral (St. John the Baptist), the Mother Church of Silesia. Stroll through Ostrów Tumski, one of the city’s oldest areas, with its gas lamps glowing at dusk. Reflect on post-war rebirth at churches focused on peace and reconciliation, with time for silent prayer. Dinner will be at a local restaurant.

DAY 8: WROCŁAW → CZĘSTOCHOWA

This morning, travel to Częstochowa, Poland’s key pilgrimage site. At Jasna Góra Monastery, discover the Shrine’s history and its significance in faith and national defense. Venerate the Black Madonna and walk the Stations of the Cross, reflecting on Christ’s suffering through Mary. Attend Mass and join the evening Appeal of Jasna Góra prayer before returning to your hotel for dinner.

DAY 9: CZĘSTOCHOWA → AUSCHWITZ → KRAKÓW

Today, you will travel to Auschwitz-Birkenau, where a guided visit reveals the horrors of the Holocaust. Pause for solemn prayer, especially at the cell of St. Maximilian Kolbe, who offered his life for another. Continue to Kraków, arriving for a quiet, reflective evening to honor the weight of the day. Share dinner together at your hotel.

DAY 10: KRAKÓW

Celebrate Holy Mass this morning, then explore Wawel Cathedral, the resting place of Polish kings and saints, including St. Stanislaus. Stroll through Kraków’s Old Town and Market Square, one of Europe’s finest medieval centers, and visit St. Mary’s Basilica, renowned for its Eucharistic devotion and stunning altarpiece. Later, you will return to your hotel and freshen up for dinner.

DAY 11: DIVINE MERCY & ST. JOHN PAUL II

Travel to Łagiewniki, the Shrine of Divine Mercy. Celebrate Mass at the tomb of St. Faustina, messenger of God’s mercy. Visit the St. John Paul II Center to reflect on the life and teachings of the Polish pope who shaped the modern Church. This afternoon, pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, uniting with pilgrims worldwide. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant tonight with your fellow pilgrims.

DAY 12: KALWARIA ZEBRZYDOWSKA & WADOWICE

Celebrate Holy Mass at Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, a UNESCO-listed pilgrimage complex beloved by St. John Paul II. Walk part of the pilgrimage paths, meditating on the Passion and the life of Mary. Continue to Wadowice, the birthplace of St. John Paul II, and venerate the baptismal font where his Christian life began. Afterward, you will return to Kraków for dinner and a restful night at your hotel.

DAY 13: KRAKÓW → ZAKOPANE

After Morning Mass, journey south to Zakopane, nestled in the Tatra Mountains. Visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Krzeptówki, built in thanksgiving for the life of St. John Paul II after the assassination attempt. Enjoy free time amid the mountain landscape, reflecting on creation and God’s grandeur. Afterward, return to Krakow for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

DAY 14: DEPARTURE

Transfer to Krakow Airport for departure, carrying home spiritual fruit, deeper faith, and lasting memories of Poland’s saints, martyrs, and living Church.