Fr. Mike Eckley 150th Anniversary St. Wenceslaus Eastern Europe Pilgrimage

After arrival in Prague, we are met by our representative and transferred to our hotel. Delighting the “new” Prague, which has been lovingly preserved and restored through the centuries. Overnight: Prague (Dinner)

We begin our day with a visit to Wenceslas Square. The square is a major hub in Prague named after Saint Wenceslas, the Catholic patron saint of Bohemia. We then visit the beautiful St. Vitus Cathedral originally called St Vitus, St. Wenceslas and St. Adalbert Cathedral. From the outside the austere Gothic architecture bears witness to the importance of this building as the country's largest and most important church. The church houses the tombs of Bohemian kings and rulers of the Holy Roman Empire. It is the largest and the most important temple in Prague and where St. Wenceslaus is buried. We visit The St. Wenceslas Chapel. The Chapel is a highly decorated, sacred space built (1356–1364) by Peter Parler over the saint’s 10th-century grave. Outside the palace is St. George’s Basilica, housing the relics of the martyr St. Ludmilla, grandmother and tutor of St. Wenceslas. Next, walk along the Golden Lane, named after the goldsmiths, that lived there in the 17th century, and cross the famous Charles Bridge. Overnight: Prague (Breakfast, Dinner)

This morning, we head to the Basilica of St. Wenceslaus in stará boleslav, built near the site of his martyrdom. From there we head to The Church of St. Cosmas and Damian in Stará Boleslav. The church is a historic,11th-century church with deep, symbolic roots as the site of Saint Wenceslaus's murder by his brother making it a crucial, highly sacred pilgrimage site in the Czech Republic. It was built on the site of a former pagan shrine to solidify the spread of Christianity in Bohemia. We then walk along the same route where St. Wenceslaus procession takes place during his feast. The procession typically involves carrying the relics of St. Wenceslaus, including his skull, from St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague Castle to the Church of St. Wenceslas in Stará Boleslav. Return to Prague. Overnight: Prague (Breakfast, Dinner)

This morning we leave Prague, stop at Olomouc, one of the most important Czech historical cities located in the eastern province of Moravia. It is known for its six Baroque fountains and the 18th century Holy Trinity Column, a monument adorned with religious sculptures. Visit the Gothic St. Wenceslas Cathedral and have a view of the old city center. Afterwards, continue to Krakow for dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Krakow (Breakfast, Dinner)

Following breakfast, proceed to Wawel Hill and celebrate mass at the Church of St. Stanislaw, Poland's second most important pilgrimage shrine. Visit Krakow's cathedral which serves as the nation's spiritual capital and has witnessed most of the royal coronations and funerals of the last millennium. See the Cathedral's Treasury and continue to Krakow's Old Town to see Kanonicza Street where Pope John Paul II resided while living in Krakow. Visit the courtyard of the Collegium Mauis; see the ancient Market Square and Cloth Hall. This afternoon, stop at Lagwienikitovisit St. Faustina Shrine before returning to Krakow. Overnight: Krakow (Breakfast, Dinner)

This morning we drive to Wieliczka to see the oldest salt mine in Europe, a world-class tourist attraction. Itis a unique place where many generations of Polish miners have created a world of underground salt lakes with a rich interior of decorated chapels including the famous Blessed Kings Chapel, plus other galleries and workings made of salt. Wieliczka salt mine is listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site. Then proceed to Wadowice, birthplace of Karol Wojtla, the late Pope John Paul II. His museum is in his family house. Continue to a place that was a popular pilgrimage place for the Pope when he was a young man Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, where in the 17th century the Palatine of Krakow founded a Franciscan Monastery. The church has very rich Baroque decorations. On the slope of the hill and in the valley is an architectural 'Way of the Cross' comprising 42 Mannerist and Baroque chapels and some small Calvary churches. Overnight: Krakow (Breakfast, Dinner)

Depart Krakow and drive to Czestochowa, a city which has been for the last 600 years the principal center of the Catholic religion in Poland and is a shrine for pilgrims. Visit Jasna Gora Monastery with religious, historic and artistic value, and participate in the unveiling of the Black Madonna. Our guide will show us the Gothic Chapel of Our Lady in which hangs the famous Black Madonna icon on a magnificent silver and ebony altar. Tour the treasury and celebrate mass at the Shrine. After Lunch proceed to Auschwitz for a guided tour of the infamous death camp where millions were killed during World War II. Continue to Warsaw.

Overnight: Warsaw (Breakfast, Dinner)

Stanislaw Kostka Church, Old Town Square: We begin with morning mass at St. Stanislaw Kostka Church, where martyred Solidarity priest Father Popieluszko worked and is buried. Visit the bustling Old Town Square, where horse-drawn carriages carry visitors past beautifully rebuilt Baroque house and Renaissance-style storefronts. Traditional Polish cafes and shops surround the square, which has been restored to its 13th-century charm. Stroll the streets of this historic area, which is mostly closed to traffic, and explore its beautiful churches and castle. See the birthplace of Madame Curie, Chopin’s monument and the Royal Castle (exterior view) which was the residence of Polish Kings.

Overnight: Warsaw (Breakfast, Dinner)

Depart Warsaw this morning and board a comfortable flight to Vienna, ensuring a smooth and efficient transfer between destinations. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed to the elegant imperial city of Vienna, renowned for its rich Catholic heritage, grand architecture, and timeless charm. Enjoy a delightful dinner this evening before retiring to your hotel for an overnight stay.

. Overnight: Vienna (Breakfast, Dinner)

Town Hall, State Opera House, Belvedere Palace, St Stephens Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, Schoenbrunn Palace: A wealth of treasures awaits us in Vienna - one of Europe’s most dynamic cities. Our tour of Vienna includes visits to the Town Hall, the State Opera House, Belvedere Palace which is the former residence of the Prince of Savoy, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, St. Charles Church, Hofburg Palace, and the Kaisergruft. The highlight of the tour is a visit to the magnificent Schoenbrunn Palace with its 1,400 elaborately decorated rooms and gardens.

Overnight: Vienna (Breakfast, Dinner)

Melk Abbey, Danube River Cruise, Krems: Early this morning we visit the Melk Abbey, one of the most imposing architectural masterpieces north of the Alps and a focal point in the formative years of Austria's history. 1989 was the 900th anniversary of the day on which Melk was given over to Benedictine monks. Immediately following our visit to the Melk Abbey, we enjoy a cozy passage on board ship in the Wachau region, which was included in the UNESCO world heritage list for its exceptional beauty. Among the highlights are the Melk Abbey, the Schönbühel Castle, and the town of Dürnstein with its blue tower. The cozy board restaurant serves local specialties, such as apricot dumplings, and excellent wines from the Wachau to round off the trip on the waves of the Danube. We end our cruise in Krems, we then return to Vienna for an evening at leisure.. Overnight: Vienna (Breakfast, Dinner)

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