10-Day Journey to Poland, The footsteps of Pope St. John Paul II
with Archbishop Shelton Fabre of the Archdiocese of Louisville, Kentucky
Start Date: July 6, 2026
End Date: July 15, 2026
Location: Poland
We invite you to embark on a transformative pilgrimage through the sacred sites of Poland—home to beloved saints, miraculous shrines, and profound Catholic heritage. This carefully crafted itinerary is more than just a tour, it is a spiritual journey inspired by the lives of Saint John Paul II, Saint Maximilian Kolbe, and Saint Faustina Kowalska. From the Divine Mercy Sanctuary in Lagiewniki to the beloved Black Madonna of Czestochowa, each day is a step deeper into the heart of our Catholic faith. Come walk the paths where saints prayed, suffered, and rejoiced in Christ’s love, and let your own faith be renewed!
Daily Itinerary
Day 1
Monday, July 6
USA - POLAND
Departure from USA to Krakow. Dinner and breakfast will be served in-flight
Day 2
Tuesday, July 7
ARRIVAL IN POLAND
Upon arrival in Krakow, we are greeted by our tour escort for the whole pilgrimage, and next board our deluxe motorcoach for transfer to our hotel to check in. After check-in, we discover the Old Town and sites related to the late John Paul II. We begin with a visit to the Basilica of St. Florian, where we will kneel before the image of Our Lady of Sorrows, before which Bishop Wojtyła often used to pray (Holy Mass at this church). Then, we view the Barbican, a medieval fortress, and the Florian’s Gate, one of the gates protecting the entrance to the Old Town. We stroll along the famous Florianska Street and enter the Main Market Square of the Old Town, the biggest medieval town square in Europe. We visit the St. Mary’s Basilica (entrance included), adjacent to the Main Market with its famous Altar of Dormition of the Mother of God, and stop at the Cloth Hall. We head to the Jagiellonian University, where John Paul II studied, and make a stop at the Bishop’s Palace, the residence of Pope John Paul II during his stays in the city. He used to give his blessings and talk to his followers from a window above the main entrance at night. Our next stop is the Archdiocesan Museum, the house where Karol Wojtyła, as a young priest, then bishop, and finally cardinal, lived for 17 years before moving to Rome. We continue our tour to the Wawel Hill, where we visit the Royal Cathedral (entrance included), the site of his ordination as Bishop on September 28, 1958, and see the Courtyard of the Wawel Castle. Dinner and overnight in Krakow.
Day 3
Wednesday, July 8
KRAKOW/WIELICZKA
After breakfast, we explore the historic Wawel Royal Castle (entrance to the Royal Chambers). Holy Mass at Mariacki Church. We travel to Wieliczka to visit the famous Salt Mines, exploring the subterranean world of labyrinth passages, giant caverns, underground lakes, and chapels with sculptures in the crystalline salt. Saint Kinga’s Chapel is located 101 meters underground and is one of the biggest attractions in the entire mine. Dinner in a restaurant with Polish folklore music and dance. Overnight in Krakow.
Day 4
Thursday, July 9
AUSCHWITZ
After breakfast, we travel and visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau camps created by the Germans in 1940. We stop in block number 11, called the Death Block, where there is a cell of St. Maximilian Kolbe, who volunteered to die in place of another prisoner. Next, we visit the Peace and Dialogue Center in Auschwitz. Here we explore the Pope’s experiences during WWII, his ecumenism toward the Jewish people, his mighty stand on social justice, and his determination to canonize Edith Stein, a convert from Judaism, who died in Auschwitz. Our daily mass at the International Dialogue Center. Next, a short visit to Harmężę: the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and the Center of St. Maximilian Kolbe. Dinner in a restaurant with a Jewish klezmer music concert. Overnight in Krakow.
Day 5
Friday, July 10
LAGIEWNIKI
This morning, we will visit the Shrine of the Divine Mercy, the center of Divine Mercy devotion in the world. We celebrate Mass here, then visit the convent of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, the order to which St. Faustina belonged, and pray at the chapel where she is buried. Our second stop on today’s tour is the “Have No Fear” John Paul II Center, dedicated to his life and located within short walking distance from the Shrine. In the afternoon, we visit Wadowice, Pope John Paul II’s birthplace. We visit the Family House of the Holy Father John Paul II Museum and the Basilica of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, where the Pope was baptized, received his First Communion, and Confirmation. On the way back to Krakow, we stop in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, the “Jerusalem of Poland”, and one of Poland’s foremost sanctuaries. It comprises a Baroque Basilica, a Bernardine Monastery, and 42 chapels and small churches dedicated to the passion of Christ and the life of Mary. The sanctuary was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Kalwaria Zebrzydowska is closely connected with St. John Paul II, who spoke of visiting it many times as a child, young man, priest, and bishop. Dinner and overnight in Krakow.
Day 6
Saturday, July 11
ZAKOPANE
This morning we depart for Sromowce Wyzne. We will sail on traditional wooden rafts down the Dunajec River, across the Pieninski National Park. Transfer to Debno Podhalanskie. Visiting the wooden Gothic church, one of the wooden churches in southern Poland, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. A trip to the Tatras Mountains to visit Zakopane, one of the Pope's favorite spots to visit and relax. We climb aboard cable cars to the nearby mountaintop of Gubalowka for a thrilling panoramic view of Zakopane. The Pope hiked the many wooded trails in the Tatras, some of which we will experience as we learn first-hand about his love of the outdoors. Mass follows the lecture at the Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady Mother of the Savior. Dinner and overnight in Krakow.
Day 7
Sunday, July 12
CZESTOCHOWA
After breakfast, we leave Krakow and head to the capital of Poland, Warsaw. On the way, we stop in Częstochowa and visit the Pauline Monastery of Jasna Gora, the spiritual capital of Poland. The city’s blend of religious, spiritual, and artistic traditions creates its unique atmosphere. Pilgrims have come to Jasna Gora Pauline Monastery to find consolation and express their gratitude to God since 1382, when Prince Ladislaus II of Opole invited Pauline monks from Hungary to Poland. The Monastery’s miraculous picture of Our Lady was crowned with papal diadems in 1717, and in the 20th century, was called the “Black Madonna” due to its discoloration from candles lit in supplication. More than five million pilgrims visit annually. We explore the treasures of Jasna Gora, led by one of the Pauline monks, and celebrate Mass in the Monastery. After this spiritual visit, we continue to Warsaw. Dinner and overnight in Warsaw.
Day 8
Monday, July 13
WARSAW
Our Warsaw tour features the Old Town listed by UNESCO on the World Heritage List as well as the Royal Castle, St. John’s Cathedral, the Warsaw Mermaid, the Barbican defensive walls, the former Jewish District with the Heroes Monument, and the Chopin Park with his statue. We visit the tomb of Fr. Jerzy Popieluszko, whose murder during the reign of Communism could not defeat the faith of the Polish people, as he was later beatified by the Pope for his service to the church. We celebrate Mass at the Church of Fr. Jerzy. Dinner and overnight in Warsaw.
Day 9
Tuesday, July 14
NIEPOKALANOW MONASTERY
Begin the morning with a visit to the peaceful monastery of Niepokalanow, founded by St. Maximilian Kolbe as the “City of the Immaculate Mother of God”, a vibrant center of Marian devotion and evangelization. Explore the Basilica of the Omni-mediatress of All Glories, a place dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and inspired by Kolbe’s deep theological vision and love for the Church. Holy Mass. This afternoon, enjoy free time in Warsaw. Dinner and overnight in Warsaw.
Day 10
Wednesday, July 15
WARSAW - USA
Transfer to Warsaw Airport for your return flight home with luggage packed with keepsakes and your heart full of memories!
- $6,295 per person based on double occupancy.
- $5,295 per person Land Only (purchase your own air).
- Single room supplement - $1,495
- $500 per person with registration to secure space.
- 50% of the total amount is due on or before January 3, 2026
- Balance due on or before April 5, 2026
UA1616 06JUL BNA ORD 1255P 0243P
LH 431 06JUL ORD FRA 0400P 0720A
LH1362 07JUL FRA KRK 0855A 1030A
LH1347 15JUL WAW FRA 0940A 1130A
LH 402 15JUL FRA EWR 0120P 0340P
UA1149 15JUL EWR BNA 0529P 0715P
Tour information
GROUND/TRANSFERS: The group will be met on arrival by a Signature Tours representative and transferred to the hotel/airport. Land Only travelers not traveling with the group are responsible for scheduling ground transfers.
HOTELS: Superior first-class hotels throughout. Priced based on two people per room with a private bath and shower.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: A limited number of single rooms are available at additional supplement prices. Signature Tours and/or the tour leader will make every attempt to pair single travelers requesting a roommate. However, the single supplement fee will be charged for each person occupying a single room, whether by choice or circumstance.
MEALS: Breakfast and dinner are provided daily. Lunch is provided on days as noted in the itinerary.
SIGHTSEEING: Entrance fees to all places listed in the itinerary are included, as well as an expert English-speaking guide.
LUGGAGE: Space is limited on the tour buses. Travelers are allowed one suitcase weighing 50lbs or less and will be transported in storage under the bus. Travelers are allowed one backpack/daypack or personal bag to carry on the bus during the tour. These requirements will meet most airline carrier restrictions. See the carrier website for airline-specific baggage restrictions and requirements. Medical devices are not included in these restrictions.
TIPS, SERVICE CHARGES, AND TAXES: Tips, service charges, and taxes ARE INCLUDED in the selling price. Taxes, as imposed by national and/or local governments, that are not included at the time of booking are the responsibility of the traveler.
NOT INCLUDED: Excess baggage fees, passport fees, food or drink items not listed on the regular table menu for included meals, and items of a personal nature such as room service, laundry, etc. Any service not indicated in the itinerary and/or the above list of included features.
PASSPORTS: Passports must be valid with an expiration date of at least six months beyond the return home date of the tour. Travelers with non-US passports are responsible for country-specific entry requirements.
AIR: The Air Included option covers round-trip, economy-class airfare from the departure city listed in the itinerary. All group seating is assigned by the airline and cannot be changed by Signature Tours. Seat changes can only be made during check-in at the airport. Upgrades such as Comfort, Premium, Business, or First Class are not available with the Air Included option. Travelers who wish to upgrade or purchase a specific seat should choose the Land Only option when registering. Frequent flyer, TSA Precheck, and Global Entry numbers can only be added at check-in.
LAND ONLY: Travelers who wish to arrange their own air should choose the Land Only option. Travelers arranging their own air should notify Signature Tours at least 6 months prior to the departure date. Land Only Passengers arriving with or before the group are welcome to join the group bus at no additional charge. For those not traveling with the group, Signature Tours can provide contact information to arrange a private transfer.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: This tour requires a substantial amount of walking. Many of the sites are not accessible by wheelchair, and the uneven terrain is not feasible for rollators. Signature Tours reserves the right to refuse individuals who may require special attention beyond what the tour guide and tour host can provide.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: Travel Insurance is not included in the purchase price. For your convenience, we offer travel insurance through Trawick International. Please click here for more information or to enroll in the plan.
A preexisting medical condition waiver is available if purchased within 21 days of registration.
CANCELLATION POLICY: The $500 per person deposit is nonrefundable. Other payments exceeding the $500 per person are refundable in full up to 180 days prior to departure. After this date, refunds for unused accommodations and services will be limited to the amount received from and/or credited by all carriers, sightseeing operators, and hotels. All funds, including the deposit, are non-transferable.
PAYMENT: I understand and agree that Signature Tours accepts no responsibility for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity that may occur in connection with these services. I also declare that I am aware that restrictions may apply to the services purchased and that I am satisfied that such restrictions have been explained. I the cardholder, take full responsibility for the charges on the account described above. By clicking Order, I agree to receive emails, SMS text messages, and phone calls from Signature Tours.