This is here where the story begins. In 1920, in Wadowice, about 50 km from Krakow, was born Karol Wojtyla - Pope John Paul II called "Lolek" by his family and friends.
With all his hart he loved Krakow where he was a student of Polish philology, an actor, a seminarian, a young priest, a teacher, a bishop, an archbishop, and as Pope John Paul II.
1st day Krakow morning Arrival in Krakow and check-in your hotel.
afternoon Guided visit of Krakow including the Old Town wit its Market Square (the largest medieval square in Europe) where you can listen to the bugler’s call that is played every hour from the tower of St. Mary’s Church (visit to its altar - one of largest Gothic altar in Europe). In this church Karol Wojtyla was a confessor from 1952 until 1957). Continue on to the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), Jagiellonian University - where Karol Wojtyla was studying, Collegium Maius, the Wawel Castle with its cathedral (presenting rich Polish history) - in a crypt of Saint Leonard young Karol Wotyla celebrated his first Mass where he took as his motto "Totus Tuus".
After the visit continue to Kazimierz - the former Jewish quarter which has become one of the most popular of the city, thanks to its atmosphere. Here was a Jewish ghetto during the Second World War, and this is where Steven Spielberg shot scenes from his "Schindler's List
evening Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
2nd day Krakow
All day tour to Krakow. On the program: the palace of the Krakow’s Archbishops where John Paul II lived as the bishop and archbishop of Krakow, the Franciscan church - opposite the Archbishops palace where the Pope often came to pray. Here he even had his favourite bench. Departure to the church of St. Stanislav Kostka in Debniki where the Pope celebrated his first Mass and visit to a house on Tyniecka street (outside) where Karol Wojtyla lived when he was a student. Visit to Blonia - a great place where every time when the pope arrived in Krakow took place the masses with the participation of the countless crowds.
The church of Saint Florian where John Paul II worked with the students. He travelled with them and these young people often called him Wujek (uncle).
Visit to the cemetery Rakowice - where there is a tomb of the parents of John Paul II.
evening Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
3rd day Krakow - Lagiewniki morning “The world needs the love of God.”
Visit to the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy of God.
The Pope during his stay in Poland in August 2002 proclaimed the International Shrine of Divinity Mercy. Next to the old church where the sister Saint Faustina is buried, rises a new basilica. Near the basilica is located the highest point of Krakow, a tower of over 80 m height. The largest mass is held on the second Sunday after Easter, the Sunday of Divine Mercy.
A Holy Mass in the chapel.
Bus tour of Solvay - a chemical factory where Wojtyla worked in 1940-1941.
Afternoon Drive to Nowa Huta to visit the church Arka Pana (Arc of God Church).
evening Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
4th day Wadowice - Kalwaria Zebrzydowska - Zakopane
Departure to Wadowice - a Mass in the Basilica where Karol Wojtyla was baptized on May 20th, 1920.
Visit to a home of John Paul II.
Continue to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska – often called Polish Jerusalem. The 17th century baroque church contains the famous miraculous picture of Our Lady of Kalwaria Zebrzydowska. The so-called Calvary paths lined with shrines, chapels and small churches are picturesquely set up on hills and in the stream valley. The most important processions are held during Holy Week (Easter) and on Our Lady's Assumption Day. It was recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage site in 1999.
Departure to Zakopane - the winter station of Poland, located at the foot of the Tatras. Zakopane is a town presenting rich authentic mountain traditions, wood-made constructions and its rustic décor.
evening Dinner at the hotel.
5th day Zakopane morning Ride a funicular on the Gubalowka Hill.
A visit to a shrine of Our Lady of Fatima - a sanctuary built as recognition for saving the life of John Paul II. A Holy Mass in the sanctuary.
afternoon Leisure time.
Walking tour.
Return to Krakow
evening Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
6th day Wieliczka - Auschwitz morning Departure to Wieliczka Salt Mine - one of the oldest mines in the world. In 1978 the mine was inscribed on the List of World Cultural and Natural Heritage of Unesco. The accessible route for tourists is divided into three levels into 135 meters deep.
The St. Kinga chapel, located 110 meters underground is one of the most beautiful in the world.
afternoon Visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau camps created by the Nazis in 1940. Nowadays there is a museum holding the evidence of Nazi crimes. In block number 11 called the Death Block there is a cell of St. Maximilian Kolbe.
There are also the gas chambers, where the Nazis murdered in the years 1940-1943 more than 70,000 people.
evening Diner and overnight in Krakow.
7th day Czestochowa morning Visit to Czestochowa - the Polish Lourdes - the most important pilgrimage site in Poland with its famous icon of the Black Madonna. Visit the monastery at Jasna Gora: the hall of the knights, the treasury, the arsenal and a museum.
evening Night and dinner at the hotel.
