Pilgrimage to Ireland May 3-12, 2026 with Msgr. Shershanovich

by mpierz | Nov 8, 2022

Pilgrimage to IRELAND

Join Msgr. Shershanovich May 03 – 12, 2026

From the majestic Rock of Cashel and Blarney Castle to the serene Cliffs of Moher and the venerable Kylemore Abbey, each day is filled with opportunities for reflection, prayer, and community. We will celebrate Mass in historic churches, visit iconic landmarks, and immerse ourselves in the rich heritage of this beautiful place – Ireland.

Package Inclusions:

Round Trip Group Air Transportation from Boston (if selected)
Comprehensive Sightseeing as per itinerary in a Private Deluxe Motor coach while overseas.
Licensed local guides
Entrance and admission fees according to itinerary.
Superior hotel accommodations
Daily Mass
Porterage Service at Hotels
Meals as indicated in hotels and local restaurants (B,L,D)
Hotel service charges and tax
US Airport taxes, fuel surcharges

NOT INCLUDED IN PACKAGE: Gratuities, Travel insurance, passport fees, meals not indicated in itinerary, items of a personal nature, optional tours, items not mentioned in itinerary.

Prices, per person: (all prices in USD)
$3,585 per person in dbl occupancy room w/ group air from Boston
$2,880 per person in double occupancy room, Land Only
$850 Single Supplement

Full payments due: Monday January 22, 2026
Tour ID: 26-05.03 Ireland Shershanovich
Local Contact: Msgr. Shershanovich (413) 445-5789

NOTE: Space is limited. Registration will close if sold out in advance.

Kilkenny River Court Hotel

Maldron Hotel Sandy Road Galway

The Imperial Hotel & SPA

Clayton Hotel Leopardstown

Itinerary

Day 1 — Sun, May 3, 2026 Depart the USA for Dublin
Evening departure from Boston to Dublin on Aer Lingus EI 136. Overnight flight.

Day 2 — Mon, May 4, 2026 Arrival in Dublin • Wicklow • Kilkenny
Good morning and welcome to Ireland! Meet your Driver-Guide in the arrivals hall and begin your pilgrimage in County Wicklow at Glendalough, the monastic valley of St. Kevin, famed for its round tower, early stone churches, and serene lakes. (Mass at St. Kevin’s.) Continue to Kilkenny and arrive early enough to relax and freshen up before dinner.
Dinner and overnight: Kilkenny River Court Hotel (Porterage included; 1 large bag in/out.) (D)

Day 3 — Tue, May 5, 2026 Kilkenny
After breakfast, celebrate Mass in Kilkenny. Visit the Cathedral Church of St. Canice & Round Tower, a landmark of worship for over 800 years. Then enjoy a self-guided visit of Kilkenny Castle, whose history reaches back to the 12th–13th centuries. Evening free to explore Kilkenny’s medieval lanes and riverfront. Overnight: Kilkenny River Court Hotel (B)

Day 4 — Wed, May 6, 2026 Kilkenny • Tipperary • Cork
Depart for County Tipperary to visit the storied Rock of Cashel, seat of kings and medieval bishops. (Mass in Cashel.) Continue to Blarney Castle—for those who wish, ascend to the battlements to kiss the famous Blarney Stone and browse the Blarney Woollen Mills. Travel on to Cork.
Dinner and overnight: The Imperial Hotel, Cork (B, D)

Day 5 — Thu, May 7, 2026 Ring of Kerry Highlights (Day Trip) • Return to Cork
Enjoy a scenic day taking in highlights of the Ring of Kerry—via Sneem and Moll’s Gap with views into Killarney National Park and its lakes. (Mass in Kerry en route.) Free time in Killarney before returning to Cork for the evening. Towering over Killarney Town, the medieval St. Mary’s Cathedral is one of Killarney’s oldest and most treasured pieces of architecture. Dating back to the 1840’s, the Cathedral, which was originally designed by famous English Architect, Agustus Welby Pugin, has a long and fascinating history. Work to its architecture was halted soon after its commencement due to Ireland’s great famine when it became a shelter and refuge for the poor and sickly of the town. Construction commenced again in 1853 but it was not until 1907 when the work on its iconic nave and spire were completed by Irish Architects Aislinn and Coleman of Dublin. Overnight: The Imperial Hotel, Cork (B)

Day 6 — Fri, May 8, 2026 Cork • Cliffs of Moher • Galway
Begin with Mass in Cork, then travel north to County Clare for the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, towering over the Atlantic with sweeping views to the Aran Islands. Continue through the West to Galway.
Dinner and overnight: Maldron Hotel Sandy Road, Galway (B, D)

Day 7 — Sat, May 9, 2026 Connemara • Sheepdog Demo • Kylemore Abbey • Galway
A full-day circuit of Connemara—a tapestry of lakes, rivers, bogland, rugged hills, and Atlantic coast. Enjoy a sheepdog demonstration at Glengowla Mines & Sheep Farm. Visit Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden, home to a Benedictine community since 1920. The story of Kylemore – both Castle and Abbey. Kylemore is home to a community of nuns of the Benedictine Order who came here in 1920 after their abbey in Ypres, Belgium was destroyed in World War I. Settling at Kylemore, the Benedictine Community opened a world renowned boarding school for girls and began restoring the Abbey, Gothic Church and Victorian Walled Garden to their former glory. Celebrate Holy Mass at Kylemore Abbey. Return to Galway. Overnight: Maldron Hotel Sandy Road, Galway (B)

Day 8 — Sun, May 10, 2026 Galway • Knock Shrine • Dublin
Depart for Knock Shrine, Ireland’s most renowned Marian pilgrimage site since the 1879 Apparition. (Mass at Knock) The Story of Knock in East Mayo began on the 21st August 1879 when Our Lady, St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist appeared at the south gable of Knock Parish Church. The personal pilgrimage of Pope Saint John Paul II in 1979, commemorating the centenary of the apparition, inspired an even greater devotion to the Shrine and endorsed the indelible seal of Vatican approval. Mother Teresa of Calcutta visited the Shrine in June of 1993. One and a half million pilgrims visit the Shrine annually. Celebrate Holy Mass at the Shrine of Knock today. In the afternoon, drive on to Dublin. Settle in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight: Clayton Hotel Leopardstown (B, D)

Day 9 — Mon, May 11, 2026 Dublin City Day • Mass • Cathedral Visit • Guinness or Jameson • Irish Show
Meet a local step-on guide for a panoramic tour of Dublin—O’Connell Street, Phoenix Park, Leinster House, the Ha’penny Bridge, and the city’s elegant Georgian doors. Mass at St. Teresa’s (Discalced Carmelites) Visit Christ Church Cathedral, founded as a Catholic Church in 1038 and rich in medieval history. This afternoon, visit either the Guinness Storehouse or the Jameson Bow St. Experience (final selection TBD), before a festive Dinner & Show at The Merry Ploughboy—traditional Irish music, song, dance, and a hearty meal (includes one drink). Overnight: Clayton Hotel Leopardstown. (B, FWD)

Day 10 — Tue, May 12, 2026 Departure
Breakfast at the hotel. Coach transfer to Dublin Airport and depart for Boston on EI 137. Slán abhaile! (B)

Inclusions (Summary)

Hotels (8 nights): 2 Kilkenny • 2 Cork • 2 Galway • 2 Dublin (Leopardstown)
Meals: 8 breakfasts; 4 hotel dinners (Kilkenny, Cork, Galway, Dublin) + Dinner & Show at The Merry Ploughboy
Transport: Deluxe coach with Driver-Guide in Ireland (9 days); porterage (1 large bag in/out at each hotel)
Visits & Activities: Glendalough; St. Canice’s Cathedral & Round Tower; Kilkenny Castle; Rock of Cashel; Blarney Castle; Ring of Kerry highlights; Cliffs of Moher; Connemara circuit; Glengowla sheepdog demo; Kylemore Abbey & Gardens; Knock Shrine; Dublin panoramic tour; Christ Church Cathedral; Guinness Storehouse or Jameson Bow St. (TBC); The Merry Ploughboy dinner & show
Masses: As listed above (Note: Travelers customarily make a donation at churches for Mass.)

During most of our pilgrimages one can expect to walk several miles daily. For this reason we suggest you prepare yourself by walking regularly at least four weeks prior to your trip. Generally you will walk a bit, then break or visit, celebrate Mass, tour, etc. and continue. Expect each day to have at least a combined two or three hours walking. We want you to have an incredible and memorable time, but not memorable in the sense of a difficult experience. Get ready physically as well as spiritually for Catholic Pilgrimage!

Special Pilgrimage to Poland with Fr. Michael Pierz

by mpierz | Nov 20, 2019

Pilgrimage to Poland

Join Fr. Michael Pierz celebrating the life of St. John Paul II

Registration Now Open

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Dates: May 17 – 27, 2026

Package Inclusions:

(Land + Air Package) Round Trip Group Air Transportation from Boston.
Other departures available, please inquire. Land-Only available
Private Motor Coach Transfer to Boston Logan Airport from Western MA, and return.
Comprehensive Sightseeing as per itinerary in a Private Deluxe Motor coach while overseas, with Guide/Escort
Superior Tourist hotel accommodations double occupancy with bath or shower (single supplement +$785)
Daily Mass
Breakfast in hotel, dinners at hotels and at local restaurants. As indicated (B, D)
Hotel service charges and tax (at current rate)
US airport taxes, fuel surcharges included** (subject to change in the rare occasion that gov’t/airline fees and fuel costs increase drastically)

NOT INCLUDED IN PACKAGE: Gratuities ($140 USD cash per person is collected on Day 2 to cover guide, hotel, driver, restaurant tips), Passport fees, meals not indicated in itinerary, items of a personal nature, optional tours, items not mentioned in itinerary, etc. See Terms

Final Payments Due: Monday Feb. 09, 2026
Tour ID: 26-05.17 PL Fr. Pierz

Cost per person:
$4,250 in double occupancy room w/ Group Air (BOS)
$3,350 in double occupancy room Land Only
$785 Single Supplement

Fr. Pierz was ordained to the Priesthood on June 1, 2013 at St. Michael’s Cathedral by Springfield Bishop Timothy McDonnell. He celebrated his first Mass of Thanksgiving the following day at his childhood parish, St. Mary, Mother of the Church, in Lee, MA. Eight months prior, he was ordained to the transitional diaconate in St. Peter’s Basilica with 32 classmates from the North American College in Rome. It was there, at the Pontifical Gregorian University, that Fr. Pierz studied Theology and Canon Law. Before then, he spent two years at St. John’s Seminary in Boston. Studied in 8 languages, having lived in Rome for 6 years, and travelled the world many times over, Fr. Pierz leads some of the most exciting pilgrimages filled with passion for faith, history, culture, and fun!

Rev. Michael Pierz

Sunday, May 17 | Departure from Boston to Kraków, Poland.
Check-in for your evening flight to Kraków and start your journey! Meals are served aboard your transatlantic flight.

Monday, May 18 | Arrival in Kraków Poland
Anniversary of the birth of St. John Paul II.
Upon arrival today in Kraków, you will be met by your Guide who will be with you throughout the entire trip. Through this pilgrimage, we will celebrate the life and early formation of Pope St. John Paul the Great. Gather our luggage and make our way into Krakow from the airport to check-in to our hotel. After freshening up, take an introductory walking tour of the Old Town, and celebrate Holy Mass. Welcome Dinner as a group and overnight in Krakow. (B, D)

Tuesday, May 19 | Kraków
Saints, Dragons, Castles, Cathedrals
After breakfast, gather together and embark on a full day getting to know all the most famous, and the most important sights in Krakow. Enjoy a panoramic and walking city tour of Kraków, Poland’s capital from 1038 to 1569 and residence of kings. With its charming blend of magnificent architecture, churches, cultural monuments, museums, and vibrant contemporary community, Kraków was designated by the European Union as the “Capital of Culture” in the year 2000. Tour highlights include the Old Town, Cloth Hall, Wit Stwosz’s acclaimed altar masterpiece at St. Mary’s Basilica, and Wawel Castle and Cathedral – all remarkable symbols of Poland’s historic identity. Young Karol Wojtyla was secretly ordained a priest in Krakow’s Archbishop’s palace and celebrated his first Holy Mass of Thanksgiving at the crypt of St. Leonard in the Wawel Castle Cathedral among tombs of Saints and royalty. We will celebrate Holy Mass at the Wawel Cathedral if available, otherwise at St. Mary’s Basilica. Dinner together as a group and overnight in Krakow. (B, D)

Wednesday, May 20 | Kraków
Shrine of Divine Mercy – St. John Paul II Center
This morning we will visit the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in Łagiewniki; dedicated by Pope Saint John Paul II. Visit the convent chapel and pray at the Tomb of St. Faustina Kowalska. Fact: Jesus appeared to St. Faustina and showed her His Divine Mercy. Thanks to St. Faustina we have the beautiful Divine Mercy image and we celebrate the Feast of Mercy the first Sunday after Easter. We will spend time walking and visiting the Basilica, Chapel, & Grounds, hearing a talk from the Sisters of Mercy, and celebrate Holy Mass. On the same campus as the Divine Mercy Shrine, visit the St. John Paul II Institute. This enormous Church Museum is the world’s main shrine to the Saint, built as a complex to honor his life and ministry to the faithful. This afternoon return to Krakow for an evening at your leisure. Some may wish to explore the old city, Kazimierz- the Jewish quarter, or stroll some of the many beautiful parks. Overnight in Krakow (B)

Thursday, May 21 | Kraków
Today’s itinerary in Kraków offers a deeper journey through the city’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage. We begin with a visit to the Archbishop’s Palace and Kanonicza Street where Saint John Paul II once lived and studied — an inspiring place that shaped his early priestly life. Next, we tour the magnificent Wawel Royal Castle, exploring its State Rooms, Royal Private Apartments, Crown Treasury, Armory, and the fascinating Lost Wawel exhibit, which together reveal centuries of Polish history and royal tradition. Our afternoon continues with a quiet moment at Rakowice Cemetery, where we will pay our respects at the tomb of Saint John Paul II’s parents. We conclude the day at Jagiellonian University, the second oldest university in Europe, for a guided tour through its historic halls that have educated scholars and saints alike. Dinner on your own and overnight in Krakow. (B)

Friday, May 22 | Częstochowa – Kraków
After breakfast this morning depart for an excursion out of Krakow to the most famous pilgrimage center of Częstochowa, Poland’s national shrine and home of the Black Madonna, a sacred icon that is historically linked to protecting the Polish people. Said to have been painted by St. Luke the Evangelist on a cypress wood panel from a table used by the Holy Family in Nazareth, the image of Our Lady attracts millions of pilgrims from all over the world. Our guide and local Pauline monks will tell us about the violent history the icon has been through starting in 326 AD in Jerusalem, to 1430 when an invading soldier attempted to steal the painting, striking it twice with his sword. More recently, during the Russian occupation, they attempted to thwart any pilgrimage to the Shrine, unsuccessfully. Pilgrims gather here with a tradition of pausing at 9:00 p.m. each day to declare one’s love of the Virgin Mary, specifically under her title of Our Lady, Queen of Poland. It is called in English, “the Call of Jasna Gora,” or in Polish, “Apel Jasnogórski.” The day before his death, Pope John Paul II sent a letter to the religious of the Shrine of Jasna Gora, in Częstochowa. “I entrust our Homeland, the whole Church and myself to her maternal protection,” said the Pope in his letter, addressed to Father Izydor Matuszewski, prior general of the monks of St. Paul the Hermit, of the monastery of Jasna Góra. We will celebrate Holy Mass here with hundreds of other pilgrims. In the late afternoon, return to Krakow for dinner together and overnight. (B, D)

Saturday, May 23 | Kraków – Wieliczka Salt Mine
A morning excursion will take you to the nearby Wieliczka Salt Mine; three spectacular underground miles of hand–carved chapels, statues, and chambers made of pure salt (including an incredible statue of Pope St. John Paul II carved by the local miners). Over 1 million tourists visit this historic royal mine each year. We will celebrate Holy Mass in one of the beautiful salt chapels in the mine. Return to Krakow for dinner at your leisure. Overnight in Krakow. (B)

Sunday, May 24 | Kraków – Auschwitz – Kraków
Today we venture out to the little village of Oświęcim, known better as the town where the German Nazi’s built Auschwitz, the death camp where millions of Poles, Jews, Christians and others lost their lives. A Private Guide will show us several gut wrenching sites, including the starvation cell where St. Maximilian Kolbe was martyred. This is an important lesson on recent history and Kolbe’s saintly martyrdom. Holy Mass will be celebrated at the nearby Center for Dialogue and Prayer, founded for those affected by the horrors of the German Nazi Extermination Camp- Auschwitz-Birkenau. This evening we return to Krakow where you will have time for dinner on your own and to reflect on this emotional day. (B)

Monday, May 25 | Kalwaria Zebrzydowska – Wadowice – Zakopane
After a restful night and filling breakfast we head out to Wadowice, the nearby hometown of Saint John Paul II, born Karol Wojtyła. Today’s events here will include a tour of the local area, the Basilica of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary- the parish church where the Saint received the Sacraments, and time for his favorite treat- kremówki. If we are able according to the museum schedule, visit a museum dedicated to the Saint built within the home he lived in as a child. On the way, stop into the monastery of Kalwaria Zebrzydowska where Pope John Paul II repeated the words of his motto: “Totus tuus ego sum et omnia mea tua sunt. Accipio te in mea omnia.

Praebe mihi cor tuum, Maria – I belong entirely to you, and all that I have is yours. I take you for my all. O Mary, give me your heart” He would come here as a boy, and see the painting of Our Lady said to have wept blood in 1641. After lunch, head to Zakopane for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Tuesday, May 26 | Zakopane
Today is our last full day together, and we’ve got a special treat! After breakfast, we head to the foot of the Tatra Mountains where we meet traditional horses and buggies for a ride through the mountains to Morskie Oko- ‘The Eye of the Sea’. Spend some time taking in the crisp clean mountain air at the deep mountain lake before returning to town to spend the rest of your day taking in the mountains, relaxing, shopping, and visiting. Today is a great day to explore Zakopane, a resort town in the scenic Tatra Mountains. We have a full day in Zakopane where Pope Saint John Paul II would recreate as a young priest and on until Pope. When he was a cardinal, someone mentioned it might be inappropriate for a man of his position to ski. He replied that it was only “unbecoming for a cardinal to ski badly.” Zakopane is the center of age-old Highlander culture. Going through town, you will see all sorts of people; holidaymakers, hikers and colorful market vendors enjoying the pure mountain air and magnificent vistas. Need a break? A cable car can whisk you away to Mount Gubałówka for a splendid view of the valley below. Visit the nearby Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Zakopane which was built by locals in thanksgiving for Pope John Paul II’s recovery after Ali Agca’s assassination attempt on the Pope’s life. Tonight, we gather as a group one final time for a special Polish farewell dinner with music and dancing. (B, FWD)

Wednesday, May 27 | Zakopane – Kraków – USA
After breakfast this morning we depart Zakopane for Krakow to catch our return flight(s) to the USA. (B)

“The future of Poland depends on you and must depend on you!” – said John Paul II to young people during his pilgrimage to Poland in 1987. These words were seen as an expression of solidarity with the society suppressed by the communist authorities. However, they were much more than that – a timeless call to take responsibility for one another.

World Youth Day 2016

by mpierz | Apr 6, 2017

Take a peek at previous trips

Not all groups are open to the public and therefore may not appear online.

Check them out

Make-A-Wish

by mpierz | Mar 26, 2017

We are honored

In the spring of 2017 we worked with Make-A-Wish foundation to make a wish come true for a very special young girl and her family.

Her wish...

See the beautiful video Hannah’s mother shared with us after the trip

Please pray for children in need of strength and healing

Fr. Ron Labarre Sept. 2017 Prague, Budapest, Poland

by mpierz | Mar 26, 2017

Join Fr. Ron Labarre in

Prague, Budapest, & Poland!

Sept. 12 – 23, 2017

Sold Out!

Make a deposit by April 28th to save $100 per person!

Explore the ‘Golden Triangle of Eastern Europe’ with a cruise down the Danube, Holy Mass in the Tatra mountains, and an itinerary full of fascinating spiritual and historical sites!

For many years Fr. Ron Labarre has been traveling the world with passion for faith, culture, history, and fun! He is very well loved among frequent pilgrims! This will be one of the most exciting and rich experiences you could join.

I am here today as a pilgrim. It is well known that I have been here many times. So many times! And many times I have gone down to Maximilian Kolbe's death cell and kneeled in front of the execution wall and passed among the ruins of the cremation furnaces of Birkenau. It was impossible for me not to come here as Pope.

HOLY MASS AT THE CONCENTRATION CAMP

HOMILY OF HIS HOLINESS JOHN PAUL II

Auschwitz-Bierkenau, 7 June 1979

Our Itinerary

Tues. Sept 12 |Day 1 | USA – Prague, Czech Republic

Board your flight to Prague, Czech Republic. Dinner and breakfast served during your transatlantic flight.

Wed. Sept 13 |Day 2 | Prague

Upon arrival in Prague, you will be met your guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on the time of the flight’s arrival, we might start our walking tour of this beautiful capital city of the Czech Republic. Return to the hotel in the evening for our first meal together. (D)

Thurs. Sept 14 |Day 3 | Prague

After breakfast we begin to explore Prague. We will have Holy Mass and time to pray and learn of the Statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague. We will visit the Church of Our Lady Victorious, the Old Town, Lesser Town, St. Nicholas Church, Strahov Monastery, Wenceslas Square and the St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George Basilica, and Loreto Church. After our busy day, dine at your leisure and take in this breathtaking city. (B)

Fri. Sept 15|Day 4 | Prague – Budapest

We will leave Prague for Budapest by flight in the morning. Upon arrival enjoy a half day sightseeing tour of Budapest. See the many graceful bridges that cross the Danube connecting the former separate cities of Buda and Pest. Our tour includes main attractions such as the Royal Palace, the Parliament Building, Castle Hill, Coronation Church, Heroes Square and Gellert Hill. Enjoy a traditional Hungarian meal with the group this evening. (B, D)

Sat. Sept 16|Day 5 | Budapest

Today we will board a river cruise which will takes us along the breathtaking Danube River. You will see the city from a different view while enjoying a relaxing afternoon. This evening enjoy free time with dinner on your own. Maybe try the local goulash while you listen to some traditional gypsy music! (B)

Sun. Sept 17|Day 6 | Budapest – Zakopane

Following breakfast, we depart Budapest and head for Zakopane, Poland. On our way we will enjoy the picturesque landscape of Slovakia. During our journey, our guide will share the recent and complex history of the split of the two nations, Slovakia and the Czech Republic which were once Czechoslovakia. Late in the afternoon we arrive in Zakopane, a resort town high up in the scenic Tatra Mountains. Upon arrival, we enjoy our first polish meal together. (B, D)

Mon. Sept 18|Day 7 | Zakopane

Enjoy a full day in Zakopane, the town where Pope Saint John Paul II would recreate as a young priest and on until Pope. When cardinal, someone mentioned it might be inappropriate for a man of his position to ski. He replied that it was only “unbecoming for a cardinal to ski badly.” Zakopane is the center of age-old Highlander culture. Going through town, you will see all sorts of people; holiday-makers, hikers and colorful market vendors enjoying the pure mountain air and magnificent vistas. Need a break? If you wish, your guide can show you where a cable care can whisk you away to Mount Gubalowka for a splendid view of the valley below. This afternoon you have a chance to shop for local folk art. In the evening, we have a group dinner with folklore show. **This day is dedicated as a leisure day to take in this town at your own pace. (B, D)

Tues. Sept 19 |Day 8 | Zakopane – Wadowice – Krakow

Today we depart for Krakow. On the way we will visit Wadowice, the birthplace of Pope Saint John Paul II. After Mass in the church where Karol Wojtyla was baptized in 1920, we will visit a museum dedicated to the Saint in the building where his family home was. Enjoy lunch on your own, don’t forget to try Wadowice’s famed ‘kremowki’, the Saint’s favorite pastry. Our pilgrimage continues to the former capital of Poland, where we will dine together. (B, D)

Wed. Sept 20|Day 9 | Krakow – Lagiewniki – Krakow

In the morning we will visit the Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Lagiewniki, dedicated by Pope Saint John Paul II, where St. Faustina Kowalska lived and died. On the same campus we visit the Pope Saint John Paul II Center, dedicated in 2016 and destined to be the main shrine to the Saint. Later we continue our city tour of Krakow, Poland’s capital from 1038 to 1569 and residence of kings. Visit the Old Town, Cloth Hall, Wit Stwosz’s acclaimed altar masterpiece at St. Mary’s Church, and the Wawel Castle and Cathedral – all remarkable symbols of Poland’s national identity. Balance of the day at leisure in the famed Market Square. We will regroup to enjoy dinner in one of the local restaurants in Market Square. (B, D)

Thurs. Sept 21|Day 10 | Krakow – Auschwitz – Krakow

Today we visit Auschwitz, the Nazi concentration camp where millions of Poles, Jews, Christians and others lost their lives. A Private Guide will show us several gut wrenching sites, as well as the starvation cell where St. Maximillian Kolbe died. This is an important lesson on recent history and his saintly martyrdom. The afternoon is free for dinner and prayerful reflection after this emotional day. (B)

Fri. Sept 22|Day 11| Krakow – Czestochowa – Krakow

Today we depart to the city of Czestochowa which is home to the most famous pilgrimage center of Poland, Jasna Góra Monastery. This is Poland’s national shrine and home to the Black Madonna, a sacred icon that is historically linked to protecting the Polish people. Said to have been painted by St. Luke the Evangelist on a cypress wood panel from a table used by the Holy Family in Nazareth, she attracts millions of pilgrims from all over the world. The day before his death, Pope Saint John Paul II sent a letter to the religious of the Shrine of Jasna Góra, in Czestochowa, “I entrust our Homeland, the whole Church and myself to her maternal protection,” said the Pope in his letter, addressed to Father Izydor Matuszewski, prior general of the monks of St. Paul the Hermit, of the monastery of Jasna Góra. In the late afternoon we head back to Krakow and enjoy a farewell dinner together. (B, D)

Sat. Sept 23|Day 12 | Krakow – USA

In the morning, transfer to the airport in Krakow for your flight home. (B)

Prague

Budapest

Zakopane

Wadowice

Krakow

Auschwitz

Czestochowa

This trip is full

http://www.johnpaulpilgrimagesandtours.com/current/

Package Inclusions

- Round Trip Air Transportation from Boston. Other departures available, enquire for rates.
- Comprehensive Sightseeing as per itinerary in a Private Deluxe Motor coach in Europe, with Guide/Escort
- 4 star US equivalent hotel accommodations double occupancy with bath or shower (single supplement +$500)
- Buffet breakfast in hotel, dinners at hotels and local restaurants. As indicated (B, D)
- Daily Mass
- Hotel service charges and tax (at current rate)
- US airport taxes, fuel surcharges included** (subject to change in the rare occasion that gov’t/airline fees and fuel costs increase drastically)
- TIPS ARE INCLUDED! $150 value!
NOT INCLUDED IN PACKAGE: Passport fees, meals not indicated in itinerary, items of personal nature, optional tours. See Terms

Tour ID: 17-09.12 Fr. Labarre

Full Payment Deadline: June 12, 2017

Standard Price per person w/airfare: $3,995

Early Registration per person w/airfare: $3,895 (register with deposit by April 28 for reduced rate)

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