John Paul II, The Man of Faith
41 years ago on 16th October 1978 a Polish cardinal Karol Wojtyła was elected for the Pope John Paul II, as a first non-Italian since 1532. He was the second longest serving pope in modern history. He is recognised for supporting the end Communist rule not only in Poland but in Eastern Europe as well.
During his pontificate he visited 129 countries! He was one of the most travelling world leader in history.
His was devoted to improve the Catholic Church’s relationship with Judaism, Islam, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Anglican Communion.
His passion for education and personal development of young people resulted with establishing the World Youth Day. Kraków was the host of the great gathering of young people from around the world in 2016.
In our tour we would like to give you a look of Kraków through the eyes of John Paul II, for whom this was always the dearest among Polish cities.
Day 1
Transfer from Kraków airport (KRA) or railway station to your hotel.
Overnight in Kraków.
Day 2
After the breakfast in the hotel you will be picked up by our guide for a private tour to Wadowice (read more about Wadowice), where Karol Wojtyła was born and started his education. We visit Minor Basilica and Holy Father Family Home Museum. We also taste famous kremówki, favourite cakes of future pope.
In the afternoon we return to Cracow and visit Jagiellonian University, founded in 1364 by the Polish King Sacimir the Great, which is the oldest higher education institution in Poland and one of the oldest in Europe. Karol Wojtyła was studying here philology and various languages. He has learned 12 languages during his life, 9 of which he used extensively as pope.
We visit Archdiocean Museum of Cardinal Karol Wojtyla, Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, where he had his favourite spot under the choir, now conmmemorated by a small plaque. Church of St. Maximilian Maria Kolbe in Nowa Huta is famous for the battle with communist authorities, who aimed to make it a secular town. In 1971, Wojtyła led an outdoor Midnight Mass, where the present church now stands.
We go to Franciszkańska 3 to see famous papal window in the Bishop’s Palace, from which the Pope used to address the crowds of his followers till late evenings after his official parts of visits.
The evening is free to spend at leisure.
Ovenight in Kraków.
Day 3
On our third day we go to factory Solvay and Zakrzówek, a stone pit where the young Wojtyła worked during the war. Now there is an artificial lake there with famous underwater John Paul II route.
Sanctuary of the Divine Mercy in Łagiewniki, suburb of Cracow, is another must see place for pilgrims. In period between world wars in this Monastery lived and died Saint Faustyna Kowalska, through whom Lord Christ gave the message of the Divine Mercy to: calls to put trust in God, have merciful attitude towards neighbors and proclaim and pray for Divine Merci for the whole world. The Faustyna’s diary and image of Divine Merci quickly became well-known among catholics.
When John Paul II canonized Sr. Faustyna 30thApril 2000, he also established Divine Mercy Sunday as the feast day on the Second Sunday of the Easter season. On that day, he declared, “ This is happiest day of my life”.
In 2005 on April 3, the Vigil of Divine Merci Sunday, John Paul II after saying “Let me go to my Father’s home”, passed away.
In the afternoon we visit Rakowicki cemetery, where is the Wojtyła Family grave with Karol’s beloved parents and brother.
Overnight in Kraków.
Day 4
After breakfast at your hotel you will be transferred to airport/railway station in Kraków.
If you wish to extend your stay and do the other sightseeing tours in Poland, please let us know in your comments in get-a-quote form.
Please note, that at Poland for weekend you can always modify your trip. Let us help you to plan your tailor made program.
Price starting at $395*
Inclusions: transfers by private car and English speaking driver, meals as mentioned, private private local guide (English speaking) ;
Exclusions: accommodation, international/domestic flights, visas (if necessary), travel insurance, meals not mentioned, entry fees to visited museums & objects, tips, personal expenses.
*The starting price is per person and based on two travellers sharing a trip.
Upon inquiry a detailed quote will be provided.