Join us in Krakow, Poland for a young families pilgrimage through the heart and tracks of Karol Wojtyla. Discover the model of our patron’s “Środowisko”, an environment of family life to live out the call to holiness and transmit the Gospel to the world. Designed for families with young children to have a peaceful and enriching experience.
HIGHLIGHTS: *Krakow Old Town * Divine Mercy Shrine * John Paul II Be Not Afraid Center * Wadowice: JP2's hometown
* Czestochowa: The National Shrine *Kalwaria Zebrzydowska: A favorite Wojtyla Pilgrimage Site*
* Czestochowa: The National Shrine *Kalwaria Zebrzydowska: A favorite Wojtyla Pilgrimage Site*
family
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formation
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faith
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fellowship
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It was truly life-changing...this has been sooo good for our children...they had so much fun! This is truly an invaluable investment in your family... It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
-Chris & Meghan, with their 6, 3, and 1 year old children
Answers to Your Questions!
What is included in cost?
Lodging for the entire pilgrimage duration (July 17-25). Lodging for three optional bonus days after the program (July 25-28) to extend your time in Krakow if you wish. Three meals a day from Thursday-Wednesday, breakfast on our last Thursday. (Families are responsible for only 2 main meals- lunch or dinner- on the more flexible days.) Participation in program sessions and guided tours of Krakow and day trip locations. Entry fees to Museum Home of John Paul II in Wadowice and Wawel Cathedral & Museum in Krakow. Airport escort upon arrival and departure. Child care assistance, during key sessions or just when you need an extra helping hand during the pilgrimage. One midweek laundry service for your family. We know well the financial struggles of many young families, and we've thus tried to make this program as inexpensive as possible and rely on a quality support team willing to donate their time and talents to make it happen.
What is not included IN THE COST?
Flights and ground transportation are the main costs not included in the program fee. The pilgrimage consists of time in downtown Krakow, a few day trips, and some key events outside the city center. So while the program is created to puzzle the awesome elements peacefully (and not stress-fully) together, it does require some movement. What is going to be most convenient (and most peaceful) for each family will vary, and this is why we want to leave it up to you. Costs for transportation can be anywhere from $80 to $600 per family, depending on your method and family size. Additionally, there are two main meals during the most flexible blocks of the pilgrimage not included. You can eat out at a nice restaurant, cook a budget meal back at your lodging, or stop at McDonalds...but you may be judged for the latter (unless it involves a meltdown: then we understand).
WHAT Are the TRANSPORTATION options?
Public transportation: cheapest but not the best for this pilgrimage. The city is pretty well connected, but you're lodging outside of the center and we have a few day trips anyway. While pretty much everything is accessible by public transportation, most people will not want to spend the time trying to catch buses and trams to the various key sessions. However, if you don't have kids yet, or their tiny enough to transport easily, or you're one of those families who always make it to Mass 20 minutes early, or you're on a budget and are up for the challenge, this option may be for you! Estimated cost: $40-$100 per family.
Renting a car (or driving if from Europe): this will probably be the best option for most families. This gives you the maximum flexibility and control, and is the middle option for costs. You can do the web search yourself, but car rental costs may vary from $150-$400 for the pilgrimage duration, depending on the type of car. FYI: The giant 9-12 passengers tend to be more expensive and harder to come by. Automatic options are also limited and often cost more than manuals.
Private Transportation: If driving around in a foreign country makes you nervous, then we can certainly set up transportation for you. Within city limits, there is an app called "myTaxi" that works very well here in Krakow. You can often take the taxis to the day trip locations too, but we'll set up the trip with one of our trusted drivers if multiple families choose this option. This option is the most expensive, but may be the most peaceful option for some families. Estimated cost is $300-$600 per family, depending on the number of people interested in this option and family size.
Renting a car (or driving if from Europe): this will probably be the best option for most families. This gives you the maximum flexibility and control, and is the middle option for costs. You can do the web search yourself, but car rental costs may vary from $150-$400 for the pilgrimage duration, depending on the type of car. FYI: The giant 9-12 passengers tend to be more expensive and harder to come by. Automatic options are also limited and often cost more than manuals.
Private Transportation: If driving around in a foreign country makes you nervous, then we can certainly set up transportation for you. Within city limits, there is an app called "myTaxi" that works very well here in Krakow. You can often take the taxis to the day trip locations too, but we'll set up the trip with one of our trusted drivers if multiple families choose this option. This option is the most expensive, but may be the most peaceful option for some families. Estimated cost is $300-$600 per family, depending on the number of people interested in this option and family size.
WHAT ARE THE LODGING OPTIONS?
There are two options for lodging included in the program fee. 1. The student suites at the JP2 Project wing, at the John Paul II Be Not Afraid Center. Small kitchenette & private bathroom in each suite and large community living room on the floor for after-hours fellowship. 2. A Polish host family, which gives you an immersion in Polish hospitality and culture. These are friends of the team who are able and excited to be a part of the program and welcome you into their country. Both of the lodging options are actually really important to accomplishing a very critical dimension of this unique pilgrimage: community. You can't understand JP2's ministry to the family without it. This is why we don't do hotels or airbnb's for this particular program. When you apply for the program, you select your lodging preference, along with any pertinent information. We'll work with you to match your family with a lodging option that meets your preference, needs, and corresponds to our availability.
ARE THERE BABYSITTERS AND ARE THEY MANDATORY?
Yes and No. We will have trusted, loving, and experienced child care assistants available during the pilgrimage. A few will be available during all pilgrimage events to attend to families needs, while additional help will come exclusively for the discussions each day. If your child is too tiny to leave in someone else's hands or if you simply want your little ones with you at all times, you are certainly welcome to do so! Every key element of the program is child friendly. Even the discussions take place in a setting where you can be in the back with your little one if needed (no constricting classroom settings). If you need the help, it's there. If you don't, no problem.