pilgrimage to poland & lithuania
$3,490 CAD | 13 days
Tab 1
Day
Location
Details
May 4
Departure for Krakow
Evening departure from Toronto to Krakow.
May 5
Zakopane
Early afternoon arrival in Krakow. Upon arrival we are transferred to Zakopane, Poland’s “winter capital”. Time for rest, dinner and overnight.
May 6
Zakopane / Krakow
After breakfast our tour starts with walk along famous Krupowki Street and old part of the town with wooden houses in Zakopane’s architecture style. We also visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, built as a votive for saving St. John Paul II in the assassination attempt on his life. Continue to Krakow for dinner and overnight.
May 7
Lagiewniki / Krakow
Today we visit Lagiewniki – world-known as “Divine Mercy Shrine”. This is where St. Faustina had numerous visions of Christ, who told her to keep a diary of their encounters, during which he spoke to her of the Divine Mercy. We visit the convent of St. Faustina, her tomb and relics and celebrate Mass. We visit nearby St. John Paul II sanctuary. Continue to the Benedictine monastery of Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, one of the most visited pilgrimage destinations in Poland. Our next stop is Wadowice, where St. John Paul II was born in 1920. Return to Krakow for dinner and overnight.
May 8
Wieliczka / Krakow
After breakfast we visit the world-famous salt mines in Wieliczka where we celebrate Mass in an underground chapel. In the afternoon we tour Krakow’s Old Town. We visit the Market Square, St. Mary’s church and its Gothic masterpiece altar by Veit Stoss, majestic Wawel Royal Castle and the Cathedral, where Cardinal Wojtyla, future Pope John Paul II was Archbishop. Dinner and overnight.
May 9
Czestochowa / Warsaw
Today we travel to Warsaw. En route we stop in Czestochowa – the site of Poland’s greatest shrine and pilgrimage destination dedicated to Our Lady of Czestochowa, also known as the “Black Madonna”. We venerate the priceless and miraculous icon and celebrate Mass. Continue to Niepokalanow, where St. Maximilian Kolbe built a ministry center dedicated to the Blessed Lady (time permitting). Dinner and overnight in Warsaw.
May 10
Warsaw
After morning Mass in St. Faustina church (subject to availability) we embark on a sightseeing tour of Warsaw that includes St. Stanislas Kostka church, commemorating martyrdom of Bl. Jerzy Popieluszko, the Old Town, the Royal Palace and Barbican. Some free time for leisure before returning to hotel for dinner and overnight.
May 11
Torun / GDansk
After breakfast we travel to Torun one of the oldest cities in Poland and birthplace of Nicolaus Copernicus, where we visit spectacular Gothic cathedral and the old town. Continue for dinner and overnight in Gdansk.
May 12
Gdansk
Full day in Gdansk and its vicinity. Gdansk is one of the most beautiful cities of Poland, rich in history, a place where WWII started, birthplace of “Solidarity” movement and Lech Walesa hometown. Our tour takes us to the Old Town, St. Mary’s Basilica, Oliva Cathedral and the church of St. Bridgit of Sweden, co-patroness of Europe, where the Solidarity Movement began. Mass and free time before returning to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
May 13
Suwalki
Today we travel to Suwalki, a picturesque town in Poland’s Masuria Lakeland. En route we visit Malbork Castle, the world’s largest brick fortress, mediaeval headquarter of Teutonic Knights Order. Continue to Gietrzwald, a popular pilgrimage destination. Dinner and overnight in Suwalki.
May 14
Kaunas / Vilnius
After breakfast we travel to Vilnius, the capital city of Lithuania. En route we stop in Kaunas, the second largest city in Lithuania. We visit the Old Town marked with Freedom Avenue and Town Hall Square. Continue to Vilnius for dinner and overnight.
May 15
Vilnius
Full day in beautiful Vilnius. We visit the Old Town, Gediminias Castle, the Cathedral, The Gates of Dawn, world famous and the most visited shrine in Vilnius, containing the painting of the Blessed Virgin Mary, where we celebrate Mass. Continue to the Holy Trinity Church, dedicated to Divine Mercy and St. Faustina, where the original image of the Divine Mercy Jesus is located. Dinner and overnight.
May 16
Return to Toronto
After breakfast we are transferred to the airport in Vilnius for a flight to Toronto. Late afternoon arrival.
What is the deadline for registration?
There is no deadline. We accept registration on a “first-come-first serve” basis. There is always a limited number of spaces available and as soon as we sell them – the group is completed. To avoid disappointment please register as soon as you decide.
When is the final payment?
Usually it is 60 days before departure, but there are some exceptions for non-standard tours. Your invoice will indicate clearly when your payments are due.
What happens with my deposit when you cancel a group?
In a very unlike situation when we have to cancel a group for reasons out of our control, your deposit is protected and fully refundable. When you cancel on your own please make sure that your non-refundable deposit is protected by your own insurance.
Can I request a specific seat on a flight?
For the group reservations the airlines don't give us an option of selecting specific seats. When your ticket is issued your seat is guaranteed, but usually not printed on the e-ticket. However, you can always check-in online 24 hours before departure and change your seat based on availability.
Tell me which hotels we will be staying?
We always book best, first-class hotels. We frequently check them for best quality. Hotels are confirmed about two months before departure and we will give you all details in the final itinerary
I'm traveling alone & don't have a roommate. What should I do?
Please register ASAP. We will take a note of your request and will try to match you with another passenger willing to share. Other options are single room (with a supplement) or forming a triple room if you know another two people willing to share.
I have several food allergies. Can I request a special menu?
Please let us know about your food restrictions. We will order special meals for your flights, if available. All breakfasts and some dinners at the destinations are buffets, so you can select food by yourself. The restaurants at the destinations will do their best to offer you individual alternate to standard set menus for the group. You will need to communicate your needs through tour leaders.
What is eTA? Does it apply to me?
If you are Canadian or US citizen – no need to worry. It applies to citizens of other countries. They will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada. Be prepared: Apply for an eTA before you book your flight to Canada. Most applicants get approved within minutes. However, some applications can take several days to process so don’t wait until the last minute. Apply and get help at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta-start-int.asp
**THE ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND MAY VARY IN THE ORDER YOU VISIT**