Taste of Italy and Austria

by mpierz | Mar 1, 2017

The possibilities are endless!

Check out our 35+ sample itineraries and mix days from different ones to create a truly customized trip.

Taste of Italy and Austria

>> Want more than the usual sites in Italy? Take the northern route to Venice and Padua, into Austria for a complete experience that will leave you breathless.

Inclusions

Round trip air transportation from major airport near your parish
Superior tourist class hotel accommodations double occupancy with bath or shower (single supplement extra)
Breakfast daily, most group dinners, with wine and beer, as indicated in Itinerary (B, D)
Special events, entertainment, and comprehensive sightseeing programs as indicated in itinerary
Transportation by private deluxe motor coach Tour escort and local guides
Hotel Service Charges and Taxes
US airport taxes, fuel surcharges included** **subject to change in the rare occasion that government/airline fees and fuel costs increase drastically

“It was an awesome trip, thank you!”

– Laura Fitzell

Day 1 | USA – Rome, Italy
Board your flight to Rome. Dinner and breakfast served during your transatlantic flight.

Day 2 | Rome
Upon arrival in Rome, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. You are in the Eternal City –one of the greatest cities in the world. Remainder of the day is free to relax. Enjoy a group dinner tonight at your hotel. (D)

Day 3 | Rome
In the morning we will attend the Papal Audience and receive a Blessing by His Holiness the Pope in St. Peter’s Square. (Pending schedule of the Holy Father, subject to change at last moment). In the afternoon, we tour the city including famous monuments of Rome such as the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Novona, Basilica of St. John the Lateran and St. Mary Major. (B, D)

Day 4 | Rome
This morning we will visit St. Peter’s Basilica, including Pope St. John Paul II’s tomb in Vatican City. Millions come every year to these breathtaking pilgrimage sites. This is the world’s largest Basilica, designed by architects such as Michelangelo and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. After lunch, we will tour the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s Room, and more. Enjoy dinner this evening on your own in the Eternal City. (B)

Day 5 | Rome – Assisi
After a filling breakfast this morning we pack for our trip to Assisi. On our way out of the city, we visit the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls by the oldest Roman road, the Appian Way. Later in the afternoon we arrive in Assisi. (B, D)

Day 6 | Assisi Today we have a full day to enjoy the peaceful and tranquil village of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis. Visit St. Mary of the Angels Basilica, St. Francis’ Porziuncola, and Capella del Transito. Pray in the Shrine, inspired by Giotto’s frescoes of the life of St. Francis. Visit the monastery and the Basilica of St. Clare to pray before the San Damiano Crucifix from which Jesus told St. Francis to rebuild His church. Time to ourselves to explore Assisi. (B)

Day 7 | Assisi – Padua
After breakfast and Holy Mass we bid Assisi farewell and depart for our journey north to Padua. An early arrival in Padua gives us the opportunity to rest, or make a special stop along our travels north. (B, D)

Day 8 | Padua – Venice
In the morning, enjoy a half day guided sightseeing tour of beautiful Venice. We will take a boat to St. Mark’s Square, and see the Venetian–Byzantine Basilica of San Marco, Palace of the Doges, and The Bridge of Sighs. The afternoon and evening are free for you to enjoy shopping and a Venetian restaurant with great food and fine wines. (B)

Day 9 | Padua – Salzburg
Visit the Basilica and the tomb of Saint Anthony. We will celebrate Holy Mass in the Basilica along with time for private prayer. In front of the Basilica you will see Donatello’s famous statues. In the late morning, our coach crosses the Austrian border, and continues to the beautiful alpine city of Salzburg. Dinner and overnight in Salzburg. (B, D)

Day 10 | Salzburg – Vienna
After a short tour of Salzburg, the birthplace of the famous composer Wolfgang Mozart, we will continue to the capital of Austria – Vienna. Dinner and overnight in Vienna. (B, D)

Day 11 | Vienna
We will take you on a guided bus tour of the city, including: The Hofburg Palace, once the seat of the Austro–Hungarian Empire, magnificent Schonbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and other vivid reminders of Vienna’s imperial history. In the evening enjoy your farewell dinner with wine. (B, D)

Day 12 | Vienna Departure for USA
After breakfast where we share our delightful memories together, transfer to the airport in Vienna for our flight home. (B)

Learn about planning a trip

John Paul Pilgrimages and Tours, Inc.

7730 E. Greenway Rd. STE 104 Scottsdale AZ 85260

1-480-626-1266
info@johnpaultours.com

Marian Shrines of the Alps

by mpierz | Mar 1, 2017

The possibilities are endless!

Check out our 35+ sample itineraries and mix days from different ones to create a truly customized trip.

Find your next destination

Marian Shrines of the Alps

>> Dive into the ultimate journey of the Alps! Experience the culture of Bavaria and many incredible Marian Shrines all while overlooking the stunning landscapes of the Alps. This special program is a favorite among clergy and the faithful who look for new experiences after having visited the more common pilgrimage destinations of the Holy Land, Lourdes, Fatima, etc.

Inclusions

Round trip air transportation from major airport near your parish
Superior tourist class hotel accommodations double occupancy with bath or shower (single supplement extra)
Breakfast daily, most group dinners, with wine and beer, as indicated in Itinerary (B, D)
Special events, entertainment, and comprehensive sightseeing programs as indicated in itinerary
Transportation by private deluxe motor coach Tour escort and local guides
Hotel Service Charges and Taxes
US airport taxes, fuel surcharges included** **subject to change in the rare occasion that government/airline fees and fuel costs increase drastically

“What a great experience, a wonderful educational opportunity to enhance one’s knowledge of the foundation of Christianity. I applaud you, Mark, for your tireless energy and willingness to do whatever it took to make every single person’s experience a positive one. We wish you continued success!”

– Mary Elizabeth Jones

Day 1 | USA Departure to Prague
Depart the USA for Prague. Dinner and breakfast are served aboard your flight.

Day 2 | Prague
Today we arrive in Prague, the Czech Republic’s capital and largest city. We enjoy dinner together and take the afternoon to relax after a long flight. (D)

Day 3 | Prague
After breakfast we begin to explore Prague. We will celebrate Holy Mass, 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. This evening, enjoy a splendid dinner together. (B, D)

Day 4 | Prague – Altötting – Salzburg
Today we leave the Czech Republic for Germany’s most visited pilgrimage destination: Altötting. This is the oldest Shrine to Mary in Germany and the Black Madonna. Our Lady of Altötting is credited with a long history of miraculous healing. Pope Saint John Paul II visited here in 1980. Afterwards we continue to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart. (B, D)

Day 5 | Salzburg
The medieval city of Salzburg has several sites in store for us, from St. Peter’s Churchyard and the Archbishop’s Residence to the Nonnberg Convent of Benedictine Nuns and the Fortress Hohensalzburg. We will also visit the Schloss Hellbrunn Castle to enjoy its beautiful Baroque architecture and ‘trick fountains’. (B, D)

Day 6 | Salzburg – Mariazell – Vienna
Today we journey through the Alps to Austria. Our highlight will be Mariazell, one of Europe’s most visited Shrines. Pope Saint John Paul II visited here in 1983 to see the ’Lady Chapel’. It is here in 1157 that a Benedictine Monk named Magnus was walking in a forest and came to a large rock he could not pass. He prayed to Our Blessed Virgin who then split the stone in two, allowing him to pass. Magnus built a chapel here, and it was made larger and rebuilt several times after. After Holy Mass we continue to the capital of Austria, Vienna. (B, D)

Day 7 | Vienna
Our pilgrimage continues in Vienna where we visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the miraculous image of Our Lady of Mariapocs. The image of the Blessed Virgin wept before hundreds of witnesses in 1696. We will visit the Schonbrunn Royal Palace and Hall of Mirrors where Mozart played for many important figures. We will also see the Church of St. Charles Borromeo and Otto Wagner’s Stadtbahn pavilions. (B, D)

Day 8 | Vienna – Budapest
Today we drive to Budapest. On the way we stop at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Gyor, where an image of Our Lady is found which came originally from Ireland. The image was brought to Gyor when Ireland was invaded and priests were being killed. The image of Our Lady wept tears of blood on St. Patrick’s Day in 1697. We continue to Budapest. (B, D)

Day 9 | Budapest
We explore the city of Budapest, the Basilica of St. Stephen, and head out to visit the miraculous image of Our Lady of Remete, which has cured many ailing pilgrims. Pope John Paul II prayed before the image in 1991. (B, D)

Day 10 | Budapest Departure to USA
After breakfast we transfer to the airport in Budapest for our flight home. (B)

Learn about planning a trip

John Paul Pilgrimages and Tours, Inc.

7730 E. Greenway Rd. STE 104 Scottsdale AZ 85260

1-480-626-1266
info@johnpaultours.com

Shrines of Central Europe

by mpierz | Feb 28, 2017

The possibilities are endless!

Check out our 35+ sample itineraries and mix days from different ones to create a truly customized trip.

Find your next destination

Shrines of Central Europe

This program is a longtime favorite of our pilgrims because it takes us through some of the world’s most beautiful Catholic European destinations. Explore Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany and Austria. Experience the culture and rich history that has molded these landscapes and borders for centuries.

Inclusions

Round trip air transportation from major airport near your parish
Superior tourist class hotel accommodations double occupancy with bath or shower (single supplement extra)
Breakfast daily, most group dinners, with wine and beer, as indicated in Itinerary (B, D)
Special events, entertainment, and comprehensive sightseeing programs as indicated in itinerary
Transportation by private deluxe motor coach Tour escort and local guides
Hotel Service Charges and Taxes
US airport taxes, fuel surcharges included** **subject to change in the rare occasion that government/airline fees and fuel costs increase drastically

“This was an awesome pilgrimage, loved it all. I’m hoping I can get on another pilgrimage with you one day!”

–Sharon Roulier, Host of Real to Reel

Day 1 | USA –Warsaw, Poland

Depart the USA for Warsaw, Poland. Dinner and breakfast will be served aboard your transatlantic flight.

Day 2 | Warsaw

Upon arrival in Warsaw, you will be met by your Escort and transferred to your hotel to rest after the long journey. Along the way drive the beautiful Royal Route, and visit Łazienki Park and its evocative sculpture of Chopin surrounded by rose bushes. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner together and retire to your room to rest. Some may wish to go out and explore this historic city, at their leisure. (D)

Day 3 | Warsaw – Niepokalanów

Full day of today’s guided tour includes the Old Town Quarter, Old Market Square, the Barbican and medieval defense walls. We will also visit the Sanctuary of Blessed Jerzy Popiełuszko, priest and martyr who was brutally tortured and murdered by communist secret police on Oct. 19 1984. In the afternoon travel outside of Warsaw to Niepokalanów where St. Maximillian Kolbe founded a Franciscan Monastery. This evening return to Warsaw for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Day 4 | Warsaw – Częstochowa – Kraków

Today we depart to Częstochowa, the most famous pilgrimage center of Poland, Jasna Góra Monastery. This is Poland’s national Shrine and home to the Black Madonna, the 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, it attracts millions of pilgrims from all over the world. The day before his death, 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. In the late afternoon we continue to Kraków. (B, D)

Day 5 | Kraków

This morning we enjoy a 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, Jagiellonian University, and Wawel Castle and Cathedral – all remarkable symbols of Poland’s historic identity. The remainder of the day is free in Kraków. (B)

Day 6 | Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Łagiewniki

This morning we will visit the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Łagiewniki; dedicated by Saint Pope John Paul II. We will have the opportunity to visit the convent chapel and pray at the Tomb of St. Faustina Kowalska. This evening you are free to enjoy Kraków. (B)

Day 7 | Kraków – Auschwitz – Kraków

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. (B, D)

Day 8 | Kraków – Prague

Today depart Kraków for the Czech Republic by coach or short flight. Arrive in Prague for dinner and overnight. Depending on the time of arrival, we may begin our visit of this city, and some may wish to go out and explore at their leisure. (B, D)

Day 9 | Prague

After breakfast we begin to explore Prague. We will celebrate Holy Mass and have 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. (B, D)

Day 10 | Prague – Altötting – Salzburg

Today we leave the Czech Republic for Germany’s most visited pilgrimage destination: Altötting. This is the oldest Shrine to Mary in Germany and the Black Madonna; Our Lady of Altötting is credited with a long history of miraculous healing. Pope St. John Paul II visited here in 1980. Afterwards we continue to Salzburg, Austria, the birthplace of Mozart. (B, D)

Day 11 | Salzburg

The medieval city of Salzburg has several sites in store for us, from St. Peter’s Churchyard and the Archbishop’s Residence to the Nonnberg Convent of Benedictine Nuns and the Fortress Hohensalzburg. We will also visit the Schloss Hellbrunn Castle to enjoy its Baroque beauty and ‘trick fountains’ and enjoy a final farewell dinner with new friends. (B, D)

Day 12 | Salzburg – USA

This morning we transfer to the airport for our return flight to the US. (B)