FOLLOWING THE TRACES OF ST. JOHN PAUL II 11 DAYS

After breakfast we make our way to Market Square where we will start our excursion around places which have played an important role in the life of the first Roman Pope of non-Italian origin, John Paul II (Karol Wojtyla). Our first highlight for today is St. Mary’s Basilica where in 952-1957, John Paul II was the preacher. You will have a possibility to take a look at this holy place from the inside. Our next highlight is the Bishop’s Palace, where Karol Wojtyla lived when he was a student. Here we can also see the Pontifical University of John Paul II, named after the Pope. Nearby is situated Church of St. Francis of Assisi, the place where Holy Father has spent a lot of time praying. Then we will see the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family. Moreover, we will visit the Divine Mercy Sanctuary and Sanctuary of St. John Paul II. Furthermore, we will visit the Wawel Cathedral, where Karol Wojtyla has celebrated his first Mass. In the evening, we meet with the representative of the Church with whom we will talk about the significance and contribution of Roman Pope to the development of the Polish Church.

After breakfast, we drive to the Benedictine Abbey in Tyniec which is situated not far from Krakow. Here John Paul II has stayed during his visits to Poland. We will have a look on his chambers and see the cup and paten
used by a pontiff for religious ceremonies. After that we will drive to John Paul’s home town — Wadowice, where Karol had spent his childhood.
We will visit his family house which is now a museum and see the Basilica of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary where young Karol often prayed. We will have a possibility to have a walk around the town and visit the coffee house which sells Karol Wojtyla’s favorite pastry. In the evening, we come back to our hotel in Krakow.

Today we are going to explore the paths of St. John Paul II. Holy Father loved to travel, particularly by foot. Before his death, he left a message to future generations ‘’Pilnujcie mi tych szlaków’’ what can be translated as ‘’Look after these routes’’. After his death, throughout Poland were established plaques and signposts that are reminiscent of the favorite places of His Holiness. After breakfast we go to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska. Here we visit Basilica of St. Mary in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska. In 1979 Pope John Paul II gave the church the title of Basilica. From here we drive in the direction of Zakopane. Along  the way, we will make a several stops among which is one dedicated to the Chapel of John Paul II situated on the hill. During his visit in 1995 Pope left here the following inscription: ‘’Jest nas troje: Bóg, góry i ja. (Here are only three of us: God, the mountains and me)’’. After descending, we will enjoy astonishing mountain landscapes of the city Zakopane — which is our next stop.

In the morning, we will make a small sightseeing trip around the city during which we will visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. During his visit on 7 June 1997, John Paul II admitted that this place is especially dear for him and stressed the significance of the statue of Our Lady of Fatima. After that, we will drive to Kuzminec from which we will continue our tour on foot. After a small break for lunch by the lake we will use an elevator with the help of which will bring us to the top of Kasprowy Wierch (1988 m), one of the most favourite skiing places of young Karol Wojtyla. At the foot of the mountain, for us awaits our bus, which will take us back to the hotel where we stay overnight.

This day our road will take us to Nowy Sącz. During our trip we will make several stops among which is Sanctuary of Our Lady in Ludźmierz where in 1963 future Pope being a Bishop of Krakow at that time, caught the scepter which has  fell out of the statue’s grasp during Canonical Coronation. Later it was interpreted as a prophecy of the young Bishop’s future selection as Pope. In Turbacz we will go up to the Pope’s Chapel which is situated on the height of 1310m. Moreover, today we will examine the area in Stary Sącz and visit the Papal Altar, that is one of  the most important reminder of Holy Father’s visit in 1999, when he participated in the canonization of St. Kinga. Our next stop for today is Krynica-Zdrój where we will taste the local healing mineral waters. Overnight in hotel in Nowy Sącz.

After a hearty breakfast we drive to the Wieliczka Salt Mine. This breathtaking place well known for its medical properties is declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and is included into “7 wonders of Poland” list. At a depth of 101 m. you will see the world’s only statue of John Paul II made of salt. Our next stop is Radom Seminary, which was consecrated by John Paul II in June 1991. Here we will have a talkwith a representative of the seminary who will willingly tell us about its life, customs and traditions. After that we start our way to the capital of Poland — Warsaw.

Today  we start  our day with  a short city tour  around the capital. Accompanied  by our guide, you will learn numerous facts about this ancient and rich historic city. Here we will also visit the places connected with one of the greatest Poles in the history – John Paul II. First of all, we will see St. John’s Archcathedral where in June 1987 the Pope met with Mother Teresa of Calcutta – nun, patroness of lepers and the poor of India. Our next highlight is Borch Palace, where in 1958, father Karol Wojtyla learned about his ordination to the bishops. In 1979, already as John Paul II, he spent in the House of Archbishops the first night of his first pilgrimage to his homeland. Moreover,  we will visit  the All Saints Church where in 1987, Pope John  Paul II opened the Second National Eucharistic Congress. Finally, we will pay a visit to Belweder which his Holiness visited three times.  In 1991, he consecrated the chapel, which is located in the presidential palace, where lived Lech Wałęsa, president of Poland at that time. In  the evening, you  will have time to  explore the capital by  yourself, walking along its  mysterious streets and enjoying its marvelous architecture.

After breakfast, for awaits a long road. We say goodbye to Warsaw and start our way to Gdansk. En route, we will visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Lichen, which is the largest church in Poland with the biggest organ and an observation deck at a height of 130 m  which, weather permitting, overlooks nearly 30-km distance around Lichen. Arriving in Poland in 1999, the Great Pilgrim – Pope John Paul II expressed a great desire to visit the new sanctuary. On June 7 Holy Father visited the temple, held a Mass there, during which he consecrated a new-built sanctuary and blessed all the faithful who gathered on the square. Our next stop is Gdansk. After check-in at the hotel you will have a free time to relax after the long trip.

After breakfast, we will have an excursion around the picturesque port city of Gdansk. Here we will visit places connected with John Paul II. During his life, his Holiness has visited Gdansk for two times, each time gathering a huge crowd. In 1987 as well as in 1999 he lived in Oliwa Archcathedral. We will have a possibility to have a look at it from the inside and walk along the park situated in the backyard. Today we also visit St. Mary’s Church where in 1987 Holly Father met with the sick and prayed for their recovery. Our final site for today is the Basilica of St Brygida which in 1991 was granted a title of basilica by John Paul II. In the evening, we together enjoy our dinner during which we will discuss your impressions and the best memories from the trip.

Today  our trip  comes to its  end. You take with  you unforgettable impressions  and a great feeling of having experienced something special. You have spent your time in Poland very intensively and eventfully, visited places with which were connected and which were dear for St. John Paul II and we hope we have persuaded you to come here once more. Here you are always welcome!