Introduction
To understand who Karol Wojtyla, - the Pope John Paul II – really was, it is indispensable to go to his hometown - Wadowice. It was there, where young Karol (‘Lolek’), through the window of his flat, could read the inscription, quoted by him years later: ‘Time is running - the eternity is waiting’. These words were painted on the wall of the church in which he was baptized and attended masses as an altar-boy for many years; his school was only a few yards away. It was in Wadowice that his parents and masters taught him about life and the love of God and one’s neighbour. After the death of his mother and brother, Karol moved with his father to Krakow, where his adventure with the Jagiellonian University and theatre started and where he eventually found the sense of his life. Following his vocation he became a priest and served God for many years. Finally he left Cracow for good only to become a head of the Catholic Church. He came back a year later and since then his role in overthrowing the communist regime in Poland and Eastern Europe cannot be overestimated. He visited Poland and Krakow many more times.

During our tour we would like to show you all the places connected with Lolek, Karol and John Paul II; those, which were most important to him, and also tell you about his extraordinary life and mission.

Programme
From Krakow we will go to Wadowice, to visit the flat where Karol Wojtyla was born - now housing his museum - and the Church, where he was baptized. Then we will go Kalwaria Zebrzydowska the second biggest pilgrimage centre in Poland, built in the 17th century as the symbolic imitation of Jerusalem. Here we will see the Bernardine Monastery and the Church with the holly icon of Our Lady and the unique Way of the Cross, visited by the Pope many times. Our trip will end in the Sanctuary of Krakow – Lagiewniki, the place where one can understand the secret of the Divine Mercy, which is the foundation of John Paul II’s philosophy and teaching.

Duration
approximately 6 hours

Our offer includes
An Expert Guide’s service; transport service

Our recommendation
We advise to attend the tour Black Madonna of Czestochowa or Krakow of Karol Wojtyla, John Paul II and Benedict XVI.

Note
If you prefer to buy this tour as a regular, go to Regular tours by Cracow Tours