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John Paul II private tour in Poland Faustina Kowalska private tour in Poland Catholic tour in Poland John Paul\'s II hometown tour Czestochowa in Poland

Join an unforgettable pilgrimage in the footsteps of the two best-known Polish Saints. Poland, one of the most Catholic countries in the world, is where the great Pope John Paul II was born and raised and where Faustina Kowalska had visions of Jesus Christ. You will visit Poland's main sacred destinations visited by millions of pilgrims and feel the religious spirit of a country where Catholic tradition is deeply rooted and cherished.


Prices from 660 EUR
Private tour
English-speaking tour leader
Available on request

Garey57  posted 2019-07-05 on TripAdvisor

A great travel agency  

AB Poland worked with me to completely customize my three days in Poland and make the most of my time. They answered all of my questions, made great suggestions and built the perfect itinerary all at reasonable enough prices. Plus, my guides Jacek in Warsaw and Kinga in Krakow were knowledgeable and friendly hosts, making conversation easy. Have nothing bad to say at all. I would highly recommend AB Poland.

From 660€ per person /

4.78 87 opinions

 You will see:

Krakow Old Town

Krakow Old Town offers a unique atmosphere with thousands of bars and delightful regional restaurants, many historic buildings, and horse-dr... [ read more ]

Sanctuary of the Divine Mercy in Lagiewniki

The Basillica was consecrated by the Pope at the beginning of the 21st century. Nowadays it is an important pilgrimage destination, because ... [ read more ]

Jasna Gora monastery

The famous Pauline Monastery of Jasna Gora is the main Catholic centre in Poland. Every August, thousands of people join... [ read more ]

Monastery in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska

Monastery in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska is called the Polish Golgotha. Its devotional complex is visited by one million ... [ read more ]

Family House of John Paul II

John Paul II's family home has been converted into a museum. Inside the house 'where it all began' you may see a rich collection of his fami... [ read more ]

Basilica of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Just next to Pope’s family house you will see the Basilica of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary from the 15th cent... [ read more ]

See more (5)

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial & Museum

You will see: Auschwitz I (about 2h): The Arbeit Macht Frei gate, the main gate seen by the prisoners barracks (storage, workshops) t... [ read more ]

Tatra Mountains

Tatra mountains – the highest mountain range of Carpathians. Tatra National Park is the most frequently visited national park in ... [ read more ]

Gubalowka Hill

In Zakopane you must take a ride by the funicular railway to the top of Gubalowka Hill(1,126 m). From the high altitude,... [ read more ]

Krupowki street

On Krupowki, Zakopane’s most famous street, you will find local shops and stalls with products from the mountainous Podhale regio... [ read more ]

Wooden Church at Jaszczurówka

Picturesquely situated, the wooden chapel is a pearl of the Polish highland architecture.... [ read more ]



 Info

During the Saint John Paul II and Saint Faustina Kowalska tour you will visit unique sites related to the lives of the great Pope and sister Faustina, such as: Wadowice (the Pope’s birthplace and hometown), Krakow (where young Karol grew up and studied) and Zakopane – (a charming city in the Tatra mountains where the Pope loved trekking and skiing). You will also visit the Lagiewniki Sanctuary (where sister Faustina worked), Jasna Gora Monastery (the most important Catholic centre in Poland housing the famous Black Madonna painting) and Auschwitz Nazi Camp (the symbol of Holocaust). You will travel by private car. Your English-speaking driver will be at your disposal throughout the entire tour. 

The extended 8-day option also includes a visit to the capital of Poland – Warsaw. Our guide will show you the holy places visited by the Pope and tell you about the everyday life of sister Faustina. Outside the city you will be able to admire the monastic complex in Niepokalanow, Saint Faustina’s house in Glogowiec and the parish church in Swinice Wareckie.

 

 Tour plan

Krakow – Czestochowa – Wadowice – Auschwitz – Zakopane – Krakow

Day 1

Arrival at Krakow Balice Airport. Transfer to your hotel. Free time for the rest of the day.

Overnight in Krakow.


Day 2

After breakfast, a half-day private Krakow city tour. The program includes the Unesco-listed Main Market Square with Saint Mary’s Basilica, Krakow Barbican, Collegium Maius courtyard (the oldest part of the Jagiellonian University), and Sukiennice (Krakow Cloth Hall) – once a major center of international trade. Afterward, a visit to Wawel Hill with the Cathedral, the Royal Castle, and the famous Wawel Dragon. Wawel Hill is a place of great historical significance for Polish people. It is where royal weddings, funerals, and coronations took place.

Afterward, you will see the Bishop’s Palace, known for being the residence of the Pope during his pilgrimages to Poland. During his visits in Krakow, the Pope used to give his blessings and talk to the crowds from one of the Palace’s windows, commonly known as Pope’s Window at 3 Franciszkanska street. Next to the Bishop’s Palace, the Church of St. Francis of Assisi is situated. Cardinal Karol Wojtyla prayed there very often. As Pope, he visited the church twice – in 1979 and 1991. Inside, there is the Pope’s favorite bench where he used to meditate. You will also visit Krakow’s church of St. Florian’s where the Pope used to work as a vicar.

  Old town in KrakowCabby man on the Old Town square in Krakow

Then, you will visit the newly-opened Have No Fear! John Paul II Centre in Lagiewniki. The complex consists of a sanctuary, museumtower with an observation deck, hotel, amphitheater, and Stations of the Cross. A reliquary containing the blood of Pope John Paul II can be found in the sanctuary. On the walls, you will find pictures presenting the Pope’s visit to Lourdes, Fatima, Mariazell, Czestochowa, and Kalwaria Zebrzydowska.

At the end of the Krakow tour, you will have the opportunity to pay a visit to the Sanctuary of the Divine Mercy in Lagiewniki. This holy place was consecrated by the Pope at the beginning of the 21st century. Nowadays it is an important pilgrimage destination, because of the holy relics of Saint Faustina Kowalska. She was a famous Polish nun who lived there before World War II and had visions of Jesus. In her diary, then published as a book “Divine Mercy in My Soul”, she described her thoughts, prayers, and mystic conversation with Jesus Christ. Sister Faustina founded the cult of Divine Mercy and was beatified in 1993 and canonized as a saint in 2000. To commemorate her life, Pope John Paul II established the first Sunday after Easter as the Feast of Divine Mercy Sunday. Just next to the sanctuary you will see the monastery buildings where Sister Faustina lived and worked.

Overnight in Krakow.

  Lagiewniki Sanctuary insideLagiewniki Sanctuary in Krakow


Day 3

Morning transfer to the city of Czestochowa and visit at the famous Pauline Monastery of Jasna Gora. It is the main Catholic center in Poland and its greatest pilgrimage destination, visited by more than 5 million pilgrims yearly. Every August, people join walking pilgrimages to Jasna Gora to pray in front of the famous Black Madonna painting – one of the most recognizable sacred images in Poland. The Monastery is also home to votive objects connected to Saint John Paul II, such as the golden rose given to the Monastery in 1979 or a part of the cassock stained with blood with a hole after the assassination attempt in 1981. The Pope himself visited the sanctuary every time he was in Poland. In 1991, he chose Czestochowa to be the venue for World Youth Day. During the tour, you will also have a chance to admire the Golghota – new Stations of the Cross designed by the famous Polish painter Jerzy Duda-Gracz.

Overnight in Krakow.

  Czestochowa, Jasna Gora Jasna Gora in Poland


Day 4

Morning transfer to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska often called the Polish Golgotha. Its devotional complex is visited by one million pilgrims each year and is one of Europe’s most interesting landscape and architectural projects. John Paul II frequently visited Kalwaria before and during his pontificate. The origins of the Sanctuary go back to the beginning of the 17th century and today it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. Kalwaria is widely known for its Stations of the Cross inspired by the Calvary of Jerusalem.

  John Paul II monument in Kalwaria ZebrzydowskaKalwaria Zebrzydowska

The next destination is Wadowice – the birthplace of Karol Wojtyla. You will visit his home, later converted into a museum. Inside the house “where it all began” you may see a rich collection of his family memorabilia. The exhibition contains a variety of possessions such as furniture, an oven, a table, personal belongings, etc. Just next to Pope’s family house you will see the Basilica of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary from the 15th century, where Karol Wojtyla was baptized. On the wall, you can find the picture of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. The Pope prayed daily in front of it. Then, you will visit the secondary school and Saint Peters Church, built to express gratefulness for electing Karol Wojtyla in the Papal conclave and saving his life in 1981. After sightseeing, you will taste “kremowka”, the favorite cake of young Karol.

On the way back to Krakow you will stop at Auschwitz Nazi Camp – a primary symbol of the Holocaust. It was built and operated by Nazi Germany during World War II. It functioned as a concentration and extermination camp. The museum exhibition contains original documents, suitcases, shoes, and other belongings of the murdered prisoners. The camp is an important part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Overnight in Krakow.

   Auschwitz gateAuschwitz


 Day 5

Morning transfer to Zakopane, a picturesque town at the foothill of the Tatra Mountains, beloved by the Pope. Zakopane is known as ‘the winter capital of Poland’ and a center of Goral (Polish highlanders) culture. You will walk down the famous Krupowki street full of hand-made, regional products and you will try out the local cuisine, including the traditional oscypek cheese made of salted sheep milk. Then you will see the Sanctuary in Krzeptowki and the House of Grey Ursulines in Jaszczurowka, both frequently visited by the Pope. John Paul II loved trekking and skiing in the Tatra Mountains. He marveled at the Morskie Oko Lake and Chochołowska Valley. At the end of the tour, you will have a short funicular ride to Gubalowka Hill where you will have a chance to admire the stunning panorama of the High Tatras.

Overnight in Krakow.

  ZakopaneTatra Mountains seen from Gubalowka


Day 6

Transfer to Krakow Airport or extension of the tour.

 

Day 6 (extension)

Morning departure from Krakow. A stop in Glogowiec, where sister Faustina was born in 1905. An exhibition in her house contains family memorabilia. Just 2 km away there is a village called Swinice Warckie. In the parish church where little Faustina was baptized, you can admire three baroque altars and a picture of Saint Faustina.

   GlogowiecGlogowiec, the house of sister Faustina

Afterward, you will visit Niepokalanow, home of a Franciscan monastic complex founded in 1927 and devoted to the cult of Saint Maximilian Kolbe. During World War II he provided shelter for injured soldiers, refugees, Jews and volunteered to die for a stranger in Auschwitz Nazi camp. Pope John Paul II canonized Maximilian Kolbe and visited Niepokalanow where he blessed 70 missionary crosses. The complex also serves as a Marian shrine where many pilgrims pray every year.

   Franciscan monastic complexNiepokalanow

Arrival in Warsaw and an afternoon private Warsaw city tour. The program includes sites located in Old Town, which is the main tourist attraction in Warsaw. You will see the Royal Castle, the  Old Town Market Place, the Warsaw Mermaid and the most important church in the capital– St. John’s Cathedral. You will also visit St. Anna’s Church where Pope John Paul II celebrated the Holy Mass in 1979. That year he met with students and said: “I looked for you and you have come to me. This is what I thank you for”. Thousands of Varsovians gathered in this church after Pope John Paul II’s death.

Overnight in Warsaw.

  Warsaw Main SquareBarbican in Warsaw


Day 7 (extension)

After breakfast, the second part of the Warsaw city tour, beginning with Pilsudski Square. There, during his first visit to Poland as a Pope in 1979, John Paul II said some of his most memorable words: “Let your Spirit descent and renew the face of the Earth, the face of this land”. These words became the slogan of the Solidarity movement and had a special significance for the Polish nation, at the times when the idea of changing the political system was evolving. That Holy Mass gathered approximately 500 000 people.

On Zytnia Street you will admire the Convent of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy which sister Faustine entered in 1925. Nearby there is a chapel of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Family of Mary. Sister Faustine prayed here in 1932.

Following the Royal Route which leads from the Old Town to Wilanow Palace, you will listen to the history of its most precious objects like the Presidential Palace, Holy Cross Church with the urn of Frederic Chopin’s heart immured in a pillar, the University of Warsaw and the baroque Visitationist Church. When visiting Lazienki Park, you will see the Old Orangery and walk around the beautifully maintained gardens from the 18th century until they reach the outstanding Palace on the Isle. This is also where the iconic Chopin Monument is located.

Overnight in Warsaw.

  Krakowskie Przedmiescie streetNowy Swiat Street


Day 8 (extension)

Check-out from the hotel and transfer to Warsaw Chopin Airport, according to your flight schedule.

On special request, there is a possibility to visit Plock (120km northwest of Warsaw) where Sister Faustine had her first visions of Jesus Christ and where the famous painting of Jesus was created.

  Plock, PolandThe city of Plock

 Prices

660EUR 

per person in a twin/double room – 8 people

690EUR 

per person in a twin/double room/triple – 7 people

750EUR 

per person in a twin/double room – 6 people

820EUR 

per person in a twin/double/triple room – 5 people

940EUR 

per person in a twin/double room – 4 people

990EUR 

per person in a twin/double/triple room – 3 people

1320EUR

per person in a twin/double room – 2 people

2420EUR

per person in a single room – 1 person

Prices for groups of more than 8 people are quoted on request.

Price applies for 6-day option. The extended, 8-day option is quoted on request.



 Price includes
  • Accomodation: 5 nights in Krakow in 3* and 4* hotels in double, twin or triple rooms
  • Airport transfers
  • Private transportation by car/minibus/bus (depending on the number of people) throughout the entire tour
  • English-speaking driver
  • Meals: Breakfasts in hotels, “kremowka” cake in Wadowice
  • Private guides or tour leaders in Krakow, Jasna Gora Monastery, Wadowice, Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, Zakopane
  • Group guided tour in Auschwitz-Birkenau
  • Entrance fees to: St. Mary’s Basilica in Krakow, Jasna Gora Monastery, John Paul II Family Home Museum, Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial & Museum, funicular to Gubalowka Hill in Zakopane
  • Taxes
Possible supplements:
  • Single room supplement – 210EUR
  • Traditional Polish food tasting in Krakow – 23EUR per person
  • Polish folk dance show during food tasting in Krakow (30 minutes) – 390EUR per group
  • Dinner (starter, main course, dessert, water) with Klezmer Jewish music in Krakow – 45EUR per person
  • Upgrade to 5* hotels – quoted on request
  • Extention of the tour to 8 days – quoted on request

 Accommodation

Accommodation with breakfast in 3* and 4* hotels. Exemplary hotels:

Krakow – Best Western Old Town 3* / Wielopole 3*

Best Western Old Town, Krakow Hotel Wielopole Krakow

Warsaw – Novotel Centrum 4* / Polonia Palace 4*

Novotel Centrum Warsaw Hotel Polonia Palace Hotel in Warsaw

 Transportation

Skoda Superb / VW Passat

1 - 3 passengers
Included in the price

Skoda Superb / VW Passat

1 - 3 passengers

Opel Vivaro

4-8 passengers
Included in the price

Opel Vivaro

4-8 passengers

Mercedes Sprinter

up to 20 passengers
Included in the price

Mercedes Sprinter

up to 20 passengers

Mercedes Vito

1 - 7 passengers
+ 150 EUR

Mercedes Vito + 150 EUR

1 - 7 passengers

individually regulated backrests of each seat, more space

Mercedes V-class

1-7 passengers
+ 300 EUR

Mercedes V-class + 300 EUR

1-7 passengers

  • luxurious option, diplomatic standard
  • leather seats, backrest regulation, comfortable suspension
  • ambient lighting system inside
  • the most leg space
  • soft drinks



 Useful

For security reasons maximum size of backpacks or handbags brought into the Auschwitz museum cannot exceed dimensions: 30x20x10 cm. Please leave your bags in the car.

Driver

You will be assisted by tour leader and driver (the same person) for the group up to 8 people.

Tour leader

If the group is bigger than 8 people, you will be assisted by tour leader and driver (2 persons).



 Tour map

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 Reviews

StotheN  posted 2020-09-09 on TripAdvisor

Recommended  

I have done multiple tours with this company and found all of them to be excellent. Very good
communication and customer support. Recommended!

Robert H  posted 2020-07-04 on TripAdvisor

Top class tour operator!  

I participated in a few events organized by AB Poland Travel - Tours. They are extremely professional and trustworthy. Everything was organized perfectly. Piotr and his crew are very friendly, helpful and patient. I highly recommend this company! You will not be disappointed.

dcamargo  posted 2020-08-18 on TripAdvisor

Highly recommended  

Fair price, excellent customer support, guide had full knowledge and nice transportation. Would do a
trip with them again.

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