A Pilgrimage to Poland, Czech Republic & Austria Under The Spiritual Direction Of Fr. Jaya Nuthulapati and Fr. Simon Natha

Our spiritual pilgrimage begins as we board our transatlantic flight to Warsaw, with meals and beverages served aloft.

Upon arrival in Warsaw, we are met by our representative and transferred to our hotel. Discover the “new” Warsaw, lovingly restored after the devastation of World War II.

Begin with morning Mass at St. Stanislaw Kostka Church, where the martyred Solidarity priest Father Jerzy Popieluszko worked and is buried. Explore the bustling Old Town Square, where horse-drawn carriages pass beautifully rebuilt Baroque houses and Renaissance-style storefronts. Traditional Polish cafés and shops surround the square, restored to its historic charm. Stroll through this picturesque area, mostly closed to traffic, and visit its beautiful churches and the Royal Castle. See the birthplace of Madame Curie, Chopin’s monument, and the Royal Castle, former residence of the Polish Kings, from the exterior.

Depart Warsaw and drive to Czestochowa, a city that has been a principal center of Catholic devotion in Poland for more than 600 years. Visit Jasna Gora Monastery, a place of immense religious, historic, and artistic significance, and participate in the unveiling of the Black Madonna. Our guide will show us the Gothic Chapel of Our Lady, home of the famous Black Madonna icon displayed on a magnificent silver and ebony altar. Visit the Treasury and celebrate Mass at the Shrine. After lunch, continue to Auschwitz for a guided tour of the former concentration camp, a solemn reminder of the millions who perished during World War II. Continue to Krakow, our home for the next three nights.

Following breakfast, proceed to Wawel Hill and celebrate Mass at the Church of St. Stanislaw, one of Poland’s most important pilgrimage shrines. Visit Krakow’s Cathedral, the nation’s spiritual capital, which has witnessed royal coronations and funerals throughout the centuries. See the Cathedral Treasury before continuing to Krakow’s Old Town. Walk along Kanonicza Street, where Pope John Paul II resided while living in Krakow, and visit the courtyard of Collegium Maius. See the historic Market Square and Cloth Hall. This afternoon, visit Lagiewniki and the Shrine of Divine Mercy, associated with St. Faustina Kowalska, before returning to Krakow.

This morning, drive to Wieliczka to visit one of Europe’s oldest salt mines and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Descend into a remarkable underground world where generations of Polish miners created salt lakes, galleries, and beautifully decorated chapels, including the famous Blessed Kings Chapel. Continue to Wadowice, birthplace of Karol Wojtyla, the late Pope John Paul II. Visit the museum housed in his family home before continuing to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, a beloved pilgrimage destination of Pope John Paul II during his youth. Founded in the 17th century, the Franciscan monastery and church feature rich Baroque decorations, while the surrounding hills and valleys are home to a remarkable Way of the Cross with numerous chapels and Calvary churches.

Depart Krakow this morning for the Czech capital of Prague. En route, stop at Velehrad to visit the Shrine honoring Saints Cyril and Methodius, the two missionaries from Byzantium who brought Christianity to the Czech lands. In 1985, Pope John Paul II conferred the prestigious Golden Rose upon Velehrad, a papal distinction given to only a select number of venerable pilgrimage sites, including Lourdes, Guadalupe, and Czestochowa. Continue to the “Golden City” of Prague, one of Europe’s most beautiful and historic capitals.

Spanning the River Vltava, Prague is one of the bestpreserved cities in Europe, renowned for its Gothic and Baroque architecture. Visit Prague Castle and admire the grandeur of St. Vitus Cathedral. Continue to the Church of Our Lady of Victory and see the beloved statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague. After Mass, cross the historic Charles Bridge, built in the 14th century, and admire its beautiful Baroque statuary. Continue to the Loreto Shrine, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Eastern Europe. Enjoy views of Prague’s historic theaters, opera houses, and architectural treasures.

Depart Prague this morning and travel through the scenic countryside to Cesky Krumlov. Enjoy a walking tour through this beautiful Renaissance town, known for its charming streets and historic architecture. Continue into Austria and arrive in the imperial city of Vienna for dinner and overnight.

A wealth of treasures awaits us in Vienna, one of Europe’s most elegant and dynamic cities. Our sightseeing tour includes Vienna’s Town Hall, State Opera House, Belvedere Palace, former residence of the Prince of Savoy, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, St. CharlesChurch, Hofburg Palace, and the Kaisergruft. The highlight of our day is a visit to magnificent Schonbrunn Palace, with its elaborately decorated rooms and beautiful gardens.

Early this morning, visit Melk Abbey, one of the most impressive architectural masterpieces north of the Alps and an important part of Austria’s history. The abbey has been home to Benedictine monks for centuries. Following our visit, enjoy a relaxing cruise through the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its exceptional beauty. Along the way, admire highlights including Melk Abbey, Schonbuhel Castle, and the picturesque town of Durnstein with its distinctive blue tower. Enjoy the scenery and local specialties as we cruise along the Danube before arriving in Krems. Return to Vienna for an evening at leisure.

This morning, depart Vienna and drive to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Explore the picturesque Old Town and visit Michael’s Gate, Bratislava Castle, and St. Martin’s Cathedral. Continue to Budapest, the beautiful capital of Hungary, situated along the Danube River. The historic Buda Hills rise on one side of the river, while Pest stretches across the other, with the two sides connected by a series of elegant bridges.

This morning, visit Heroes’ Square, one of Budapest’s most impressive public spaces, featuring its towering column and statue of the Archangel Gabriel. Celebrate Mass at St. Stephen’s Basilica before discovering the beauty of Fishermen’s Bastion, with its seven stone towers overlooking the Danube. Continue through the historic Castle District and see St. Matthias Church, one of Budapest’s most remarkable landmarks.

This morning, board our flights home, carrying with us cherished memories, spiritual experiences, and keepsakes that will last a lifetime.