Poland – the homeland of pope John Paul II - is famous for its beautiful sacral architecture, and Christian sanctuaries known all over the world. We will follow the steps of two most important people in Polish Catholicism – the Pope and St. Faustine Kowalska. This tour is a must for anyone who wants to learn about Christianity in Poland.
Highlights
the biggest sanctuary in Poland - Licheń
the Black Madonna painting in Częstochowa
the footsteps of John Paul II
museum dedicated to St. Faustine's life in Płock
Since this is a private tour, the price is calculated individually, depending on many factors, including type of accommodation you choose, type of transportation, time of your trip and number of travelers.
What's included in the price:
airport transfers
licensed local guides
transportation during the whole tour
entrance tickets
accommodation
breakfasts
Day 1: WARSAW
You arrive to Warsaw’s Chopin airport. Your personal driver will pick you up straight from the arrivals hall and take you to a centrally located Warsaw hotel...
In the evening you can take a short tour around the Old Town area, where Warsaw’s most beautiful churches are located.
Day 2: WARSAW
You start the day with visiting the parish church in Warsaw, where Jerzy Popiełuszko used to minister...
Popieluszko was murdered by the Security Service of the communist regime and has been revered as a martyr ever since. You will see his grave and the museum dedicated to his work. The next step is 18th century Powazki Cemetery – well-known mostly because of the great Polish figures buried here, and a visit to the church of Charles Borromeo, designed by Dominic Merlini. On the cemetery you can find the Katyń Wall – built to commemorate Polish officers killed by the Soviet army during World War Two.
Day 3: PŁOCK-TORUŃ
Just after breakfast you head for Płock – a town strongly connected with the cult of Saint Faustine...
It is believed that this is where Jesus Christ appeared to Faustine and asked for his picture to be painted. You will pay a visit to the museum dedicated to Faustine’s life in Płock.
Day 4: LICHEŃ – GNIEZNO
On day four you will visit the biggest sanctuary in Poland, in the town of Licheń. Its history dates back to the 15th century, when the parish church was founded...
Today it is mostly known for the enshrined painting of Our Lady and its cult, as well as the new, monumental basilica that makes an incredible impression. Licheń is one of the most important pilgrimage centers in Poland, visited by 1,5 million people every year. Afterwards, you visit Gniezno – a town that is believed to be the very first capital of Poland. The first Polish king was crowned here in 1025. The Basilica of Saint Adalbert is a priceless historic monument, with parts of it dating back to the 10th century. The present form of the sanctuary originates from the 14th century. The tour will cover all parts of the building, culminating in the presentation of its famous sculpted door, made in the 12th century and presenting 18 scenes from Saint Adalbert’s life.
Day 5: CZĘSTOCHOWA – KRAKÓW
Just after breakfast you will head for Częstochowa – the most famous Sanctuary in Poland and the location of the Black Madonna painting...
The history of the monastery dates back to the 14th century, and the complex was rebuilt several times; today, the basilica stands proud in monumental baroque style. Your visit to the Monastery will of course include the chapel with the miraculous painting, as well as the basilica proper, the treasury and the anniversary museum.
Day 6: KRAKÓW
Be prepared for an intensive tour around Kraków – the former capital of Poland, city of Polish kings, historic buildings and vivid atmosphere...
It is also a city of big significance to Catholics. The visit starts with the Royal Castle on Wawel Hill, the former residence of Polish Kings, built with splendour and grandeur. The renaissance cathedral that accompanies the castle is the burial site of several Polish kings as well as writers and national leaders.
Day 7: WADOWICE – KALWARIA ZEBRZYDOWSKA – ŁAGIEWNIKI
On day seven, you shall follow in the footsteps of John Paul II. You will head for Wadowice, where he was born and where you can visit his house, now a museum...
There is also a 15th century church where he was baptized. The sanctuary in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska was often visited by Karol Wojtyła when he was a priest, bishop and then cardinal. You will also visit the baroque Bernardine monastery and the fascinating Via Dolorosa (the Stations of the Cross) – a long sequence of chapels set in the countryside and an UNESCO landmark. Afterwards, you will visit the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Łagiewniki, dedicated to Saint Faustine. The famous, miraculous painting of Jesus Christ is located in the monumental Sanctuary.
Day 8: KRAKÓW – WARSAW
The early afternoon is your free time. You can either take a short walk around the Old Town by yourself, do some last shopping, or simply enjoy the atmosphere of Kraków in one of its cafes...
In the afternoon, you will head back to Warsaw. You can be dropped off either directly at the Warsaw airport or we can arrange for one more night in a nearby hotel.
My father and I recently returned from our Ultimate Poland tour and we really cannot express how impressed we were with the RealPoland coordination, staff, accommodations, food, local guides and transportation. The itinerary was filled with visits to key historic and cultural sites along with some fun activities like making our own Polish pottery and a pierogi workshop - admittedly, my father and I still need to work on these skills. The accommodations were top class European standard hotels. Breakfast each day was provided in the hotels and dinners were pre-planned at various interesting restaurants in whichever city or town we happened to be staying. Lunch was on us, this may seem daunting but the tours are arranged so that a convenient lunch break happens in a square or Old Town area with an ample choice of cafes and restaurants. As for the Polish cuisine, don’t expect kielbasa and pierogis for every meal - they like to mix it up for you.
Our original intent for taking the tour was to learn more about our Polish heritage. We asked to add an extra day on the end so that we could visit my great grandparents village - the Real Poland staff took care of everything for us, an extended itinerary with hotel, transportation and a local guide.
I can't say enough about how much we enjoyed the beautiful county of Poland. It's clean, safe and very affordable. Additionally, the staff at RealPoland are amazing - especially all of the "Magdas". If you are considering a trip to Poland and are worried about getting around or finding the right tour I would highly recommend RealPoland they are first class.
Natalia' and Magda's quick responsiveness was tremendous! Overall, my total xperience with Real Poland was excellent. They were helpful during setting up my tour plans, and also very helpful when we had to cancel. Natalia researched my grandfather and found lots of information about him that I did not know. I am satisfied with the work she did and I look forward to traveling to Poland in the future. I hope to visit the area where he was from and maybe meet some of my relatives.
We are an inbound Poland Tour Operator, located in Poland, specializing in group and private tours. Our aim is to make your stay here an unforgettable experience. We are experts in organizing unique, custom-made Polish holidays, suiting your personal needs. Our team consists of natives, fascinated by their homeland, licensed guides and touring agents with huge knowledge and energy to share. We will do our best to meet your highest expectations.
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