A Journey of Grace & Wonder: Follow the Saints, Embrace the Sacred

Central & Eastern Europe Pilgrimage with Fr. Paul Moret

17 Touring days/ 18 Travel days | 6 countries | Countless moments of grace

October 17/ 18 – November 3, 2026 

Warsaw • Czestochowa • Krakow • Prague • Vienna • Budapest • Zagreb • Medjugorje • Dubrovnik

Step into the pages of salvation history and sacred geography. Walk where saints once walked. Pray where miracles unfolded. Gaze upon cityscapes that once inspired Chopin’s music, St. John Paul II’s courage, and the resilience of the faithful through centuries of challenge and grace.

This isn’t just a pilgrimage, it’s a tapestry of beauty, devotion, and discovery across the heart of Central and Eastern Europe. Each destination is a thread of deep faith, rich history, and awe-inspiring heritage waiting for you to live it firsthand.

Highlights of the Sacred & Sublime

Poland: Mercy, Martyrdom, and Marian Grace

• Begin in Warsaw, where St. Faustina first discerned her calling, and walk the historic streets that shaped her early faith.
• Pray at the Divine Mercy Shrine in Krakow, where the message of Jesus’ infinite mercy radiates from the tomb of St. Faustina Kowalska. Venerate the relics of St. John Paul II, a champion of the Divine Mercy message.
• Encounter the miraculous Black Madonna of Czestochowa, and walk the grounds of Auschwitz, where St. Maximilian Kolbe and St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein) bore witness through martyrdom.
• Visit Wadowice, the birthplace of St. John Paul II, and the Baroque sanctuary of Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, a site of Marian devotion and pilgrimage even in his youth.

Czech Republic: The Infant King & Timeless Castles

• Behold the Infant Jesus of Prague and celebrate Mass in the Church of Our Lady Victorious.
• Wander Prague’s medieval marvels: the astronomical clock, Charles Bridge, and the mighty St. Vitus Cathedral in the Hradčany Castle complex.

Austria: Imperial Splendor and Sacred Stillness

• Marvel at the golden-hued Melk Abbey, a beacon of Benedictine wisdom for over 900 years.
• In Vienna, immerse yourself in Mozart’s world, explore the royal Schönbrunn Palace, and pray at the majestic St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Hungary: Grand Architecture and Hidden Sanctity

• Discover the awe of Pannonhalma Abbey, founded in 996 AD.
• From Heroes’ Square to St. Stephen’s Basilica and the panoramic heights of Gellért Hill, Budapest is both a visual feast and a spiritual home.

Croatia: From Cathedrals to Coastlines

• Pause in Zagreb for its charming Old Town and vibrant cathedrals before arriving in Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic, where stone monasteries and seaside serenity await.

Medjugorje: The Heart of the Pilgrimage

• Climb Apparition Hill and Cross Mountain, join evening Rosary with pilgrims from around the world, and pray at the Blue Cross, where Our Lady continues to call for conversion, peace, and prayer.
• Here, amidst olive trees and silence, you may just hear heaven whisper.

Why Join This Pilgrimage?

• Spiritual Enrichment: Celebrate Mass in iconic churches and basilicas including Wawel Cathedral, St. James in Medjugorje, and Melk Abbey.
• Historical Depth: From Holocaust memorials to Habsburg palaces, every step unveils a chapter of human and divine history.
• Cultural Discovery: Taste pierogis in Krakow, Viennese pastries, and goulash in Budapest. Stroll cobbled lanes, listen to the music of street violins, and feel centuries breathe through every stone.
• UNESCO Treasures: Encounter 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites across cities and countryside.
• Fellowship & Faith: Journey with a community of fellow believers guided by Fr. Paul Moret in prayer, reflection, and joyful celebration.

Limited Spots • Deep Impact

This is more than a tour. It’s a life-shaping encounter with your faith, your heritage, and your soul’s longing to go deeper. You’ll come home not just with photos, but with purpose, peace, and perspective.

Whether you’ve dreamed of visiting Medjugorje, exploring the lands of saints, or finally answering the tug on your heart to go—this is your sign.

Secure your place now. Your pilgrimage of a lifetime begins here.

Discounts Available:

✔ Super Early Bird Discount – Save $250 CAD

Reserve your spot on or before November 30, 2025

✔ Early Bird Discount – Save $150 CAD

Reserve on or before January 30, 2026

✔ Repeat Traveler Discount – Save $100 CAD

Returning pilgrims with Marianatha Tours receive an automatic discount as our thank-you for joining us again!

***All discounts are deducted from the final payment.

Important Dates:

• Last day to reserve without discount/s : May 1, 2026 (open until space is available)
• Final payment due date: July 10, 2026

 Begin your journey to Poland by making your way to your local airport in Canada. Board your overnight flight to Warsaw, with meals served during your travel. 

Arrive at Warsaw Chopin Airport and meet our professional English-speaking tour escort. 

· Board the coach transfer to the hotel and check-in.

· Check-in at the hotel

· Welcome dinner at the hotel.

· Overnight at the hotel in Warsaw (D) 

*If schedule permits depending on flight arrival, we will celebrate Mass at St James Church, ·where Helena Kowalska (the future St. Faustina) prayed extensively, confessed all that burdened her soul, and sought the guidance of Rev. James Dąbrowski which eventually led her to enter the convent.

 After breakfast, we bid farewell to the Polish capital and begin our day with a panoramic tour of Warsaw, a city reborn from the ashes of war and now a proud UNESCO World Heritage Site. As we weave through its historic streets, we’ll pause to admire the Royal Castle (exterior view) — once the seat of Polish monarchs and stroll through the serene beauty of Łazienki Park, with its elegant palaces, peacocks, and the iconic Chopin Monument, a tribute to Poland’s beloved composer.

Following some free time for lunch on your own, our journey continues to Niepokalanów, the monastery founded by St. Maximilian Kolbe, the Franciscan friar who gave his life at Auschwitz to save another. Here, we’ll visit the St. Maximilian Chapel (Mass subject to confirmation), a site pulsing with quiet devotion and enduring courage.

We then travel onward to Czestochowa, the spiritual heart of Poland and home of the revered Black Madonna. Upon arrival, we’ll check into our hotel, enjoy a warm dinner, and prepare for tomorrow’s profound encounter with one of the world’s most venerated Marian shrines.

Overnight in Czestochowa. (B, D included)

We begin our day with breakfast at the hotel, then head over to Jasna Gora Monastery. We will celebrate Mass at one of the chapels. Jasna Góra Monastery, the sanctuary that holds the miraculous icon of the Black Madonna, Queen and Protector of Poland. Pilgrims from all over the world come here to kneel before her image, known for its mysterious scars and miraculous healings. Our guided visit will reveal the rich history and spiritual legacy of this revered site, where prayer and resistance have endured through centuries of war, partitions, and persecution.

From Czestochowa, we continue our journey to one of the most solemn places in Europe: Auschwitz. After lunch on your own, we will enter the former Nazi concentration camp, a place of unspeakable suffering and holy sacrifice. It was here that St. Maximilian Kolbe, after sheltering thousands during the war, offered his life in exchange for a fellow prisoner’s. It is also the place where St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)—a Jewish philosopher turned Carmelite nun—was martyred for her faith. This visit is not only historical but spiritual, inviting each pilgrim to silently reflect on the cost of hatred and the enduring power of love.

In the late afternoon, we travel onward to Krakow, a city of saints, scholars, and stories. Upon arrival, we check in to our hotel, enjoy a nourishing dinner, and rest for the days of grace and beauty that lie ahead in this former royal capital.

Overnight in Krakow. (B, D included)

*The order of visits today may be adjusted depending on the confirmed schedule provided by the Auschwitz Museum, as entry times are limited and strictly regulated

After breakfast, our exploration of Krakow begins—a city that has long stood as a beacon of Catholic heritage and Polish pride. We start at Wawel Hill, the ancient seat of kings and faith, where we’ll visit the magnificent Wawel Cathedral, one of the finest Renaissance structures in Central Europe and the place where Saint John Paul II celebrated his first Mass as a priest.

From there, we follow in his footsteps through the historic Market Square, Europe’s largest medieval square, passing Kanonicza Street and the famous Papal Window at the Bishop’s Palace, where Saint John Paul II often addressed the crowds. At Collegium Maius, see the quiet courtyard where he once studied, before entering the breathtaking St. Mary’s Basilica, home to the intricately carved wooden altar by Wit Stwosz.

After time for lunch on your own, we journey to Wadowice, the humble hometown of Karol Wojtyła, the boy who would become pope and saint. Here, we visit his birthplace and childhood home, now a museum, and the Church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary, where he was baptized.

Our next stop is the spiritual sanctuary of Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a deeply cherished pilgrimage destination. Spread across a hillside are 40 chapels forming an architectural Way of the Cross, built in the 17th century by the Palatine of Krakow. Inside the Baroque basilica, pilgrims venerate the miraculous image of Our Lady of Kalwaria—a place that profoundly shaped the spiritual life of young Karol Wojtyła.

We gather here for Mass at the Marian Passion Sanctuary (subject to confirmation), before returning to Krakow for dinner and reflection.

Overnight in Krakow. (B, D included)

 We begin the day with breakfast at the hotel before making our way to Łagiewniki, a district in Krakow that holds one of the most sacred sites of modern Catholic devotion—the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy. This is where St. Faustina Kowalska, the humble nun who received the Divine Mercy revelations, is laid to rest.

Pilgrims will have the grace-filled opportunity to pray at her tomb and venerate the relic of St. John Paul II, whose papacy helped spread the message of Divine Mercy to the world. Here, amidst the radiance of mercy and healing, we celebrate Mass at the Divine Mercy Shrine (subject to confirmation), placing our intentions in the hands of Jesus, the Merciful Savior.

After lunch on your own, you may enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure in Krakow—stroll the streets, revisit favorite sites, or find a quiet café to soak in the ambiance of this historic city.

Optional Experience: Descend into the Sacred Depths of Salt

For those seeking a unique cultural and visual experience, join us for an optional visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mine (subject to availability and advance booking). This UNESCO-listed wonder features a world carved entirely in salt—underground lakes, majestic tunnels, and intricately crafted chapels, including the famed Chapel of Blessed Kinga, whose salt sculptures and altar are breathtaking in their detail and devotion.

We return to the hotel in the evening for a peaceful dinner and rest.

Overnight in Krakow.

(B, D included)

We begin the day with a nourishing breakfast at the hotel, followed by Mass at a local church (subject to confirmation), offering gratitude for the blessings of our days in Poland and lifting prayers for the journey ahead.

Today, we set out toward the enchanting city of Prague, crossing scenic landscapes and historic regions as we travel from Poland into the Czech Republic. Along the way, we’ll make comfort stops and enjoy lunch on your own—perhaps sampling local delicacies or simply enjoying a quiet moment to reflect.

As we approach Prague in the late afternoon, you'll catch glimpses of the spires and red rooftops that have earned this city the name "The City of a Hundred Spires." Upon arrival, we check in to our hotel and gather for dinner together, anticipating the spiritual and cultural treasures awaiting us tomorrow.

Overnight in Prague. (B, D included)

After breakfast, we begin our day immersed in the enchanting splendor of Prague, a city where every cobblestone whispers history and every steeple seems to reach toward heaven.

Our morning unfolds with a guided tour through the Hradčany Castle District, the historical seat of Bohemian kings and one of the largest castle complexes in the world. We’ll visit the majestic St. Vitus Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that has witnessed the coronations of kings and saints.

A highlight of our pilgrimage in Prague is the visit to the Church of Our Lady Victorious, home to the beloved Infant Jesus of Prague. Countless pilgrims have knelt before this small yet powerful statue, entrusting their prayers for healing, hope, and intercession. We gather here for Mass at the shrine (subject to confirmation), lifting our hearts in union with millions who have come before us.

After lunch on your own, we cross the iconic Charles Bridge, lined with statues of saints, and enter the Old Town—a living gallery of medieval splendor. We pause at the Astronomical Clock, marvel at the vibrant Market Square, and walk through Wenceslas Square and Josefov, the Jewish Quarter, taking in the rich tapestry of history that shaped this remarkable city.

The remainder of the day is yours: stroll Prague’s romantic streets, shop for crystal and artisan goods, or simply relax in a local café as the sun sets over the Vltava River.

We reconvene for dinner at the hotel to close this inspiring day.

Overnight in Prague. (B, D included)

After breakfast and check-out, we depart for Austria with a stop at the magnificent Melk Abbey, a Baroque gem overlooking the Danube River. After lunch on your own, we explore this historic Benedictine monastery, known for its stunning architecture, sacred art, and spiritual atmosphere.

We’ll celebrate Mass in one of the abbey chapels (subject to confirmation) before continuing to Vienna. Upon arrival, we check in and enjoy dinner at the hotel. 

Overnight in Vienna. (B, D included)

After breakfast, we celebrate Mass at the historic St. Stephen’s Cathedral (subject to confirmation), a spiritual landmark in the heart of Vienna.

Our guided city tour reveals the charm of Austria’s imperial capital, with visits to Heroes’ Square, St. Augustine’s Church, the Vienna Opera House, and exterior views of Mozart’s House. We also pass the grand Belvedere Palace, admired for its baroque architecture and elegant gardens.

In the afternoon, we visit the stunning Schönbrunn Palace, a former imperial summer residence and UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring the famed Hall of Mirrors where young Mozart once performed.

After some personal time, we gather back at the hotel for dinner.

Overnight in Vienna. (B, D included)

After breakfast and check-out from our Vienna hotel, we leave the imperial capital behind and head toward Pannonhalma Abbey, one of Hungary’s oldest and most spiritually significant landmarks.

Founded over a thousand years ago, Pannonhalma Abbey is a living monument to Benedictine life, faith, and resilience. Its hilltop setting offers breathtaking views, while the abbey itself houses ancient manuscripts, sacred art, and the quiet rhythm of monastic tradition. Here, we take time to reflect, explore the historic complex and celebrate Mass in one of its sacred chapels.

After lunch on your own, we continue to the vibrant Hungarian capital of Budapest, where east meets west in a dazzling display of architecture and culture.

Upon arrival, we begin our guided tour of the Pest district, starting at Heroes’ Square, a grand plaza honoring Hungary’s founding leaders and historic figures. From there, we drive down the elegant Andrássy Avenue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its leafy boulevards, ornate buildings, and lively cafés. 

Along the way, we view the striking Hungarian State Opera House (exterior), followed by a stop at the magnificent St. Stephen’s Basilica (entrance included), where we’ll see the relic of Hungary’s first Christian king and admire the church’s neoclassical beauty.

We conclude the tour with views of the awe-inspiring Hungarian Parliament Building, an architectural icon perched on the banks of the Danube—perfect for photos as the evening light begins to fall.

We check in to our Budapest hotel and enjoy dinner together, resting in anticipation of another full day in this remarkable city.

Overnight in Budapest.

(B, D included)

After breakfast at the hotel, we cross the Danube to the historic Buda district, where old-world charm and sacred significance converge. We begin our day with Mass at the iconic Matthias Church (subject to confirmation), a spiritual and architectural jewel of Hungary. With its colorful tiled roof and Gothic spires, the church has witnessed royal coronations, battles, and countless pilgrim prayers throughout its long history.

Following Mass, our guided tour continues with a visit to the neighboring Fisherman’s Bastion (entrance fee included), a fairytale-like terrace built to honor the guild of fishermen who defended this part of the city in medieval times. From its lookout points, enjoy sweeping panoramic views over Pest, the Parliament Building, and the shimmering Danube River.

We return to Matthias Church for a deeper look inside where the Ecclesiastical Art Museum houses sacred relics, stone carvings, and replicas of Hungary’s royal crown and coronation jewels—a powerful testimony to the nation's faith and history.

The morning concludes with a scenic drive to Mount Gellért, where breathtaking vistas await. From this vantage point, you’ll see the city’s architectural harmony unfold—bridges, domes, and towers standing as sentinels of a storied past.

After lunch on your own, the rest of the afternoon is yours to explore. 

Wander through local artisan shops, or simply enjoy the vibrant rhythm of Budapest at your own pace. 

We reconvene for dinner at the hotel, closing a day steeped in elegance, devotion, and unforgettable views.

Overnight in Budapest. (B, D included)

 After breakfast and check-out, we bid farewell to Budapest and begin our journey toward Zagreb, the historic and cultural capital of Croatia. Before we depart, we gather for Mass at a local church (subject to confirmation), carrying forward the spirit of prayer and reflection that has marked each step of our pilgrimage.

Upon arrival in Zagreb, enjoy lunch on your own and take in the welcoming charm of this often-overlooked gem of Central Europe. 

Our afternoon walking tour introduces us to the city’s storied Upper Town, where history and heritage come alive in the winding cobblestone streets.

We admire the Gothic-style Zagreb Cathedral, with its twin spires reaching skyward, and view the famed St. Mark’s Church, instantly recognizable by its vibrant, tiled roof depicting medieval coats of arms. Along the way, we take in sweeping city views, elegant architecture, and quiet courtyards that speak to Zagreb’s timeless spirit.

We check in at our hotel in the evening and come together once again to share dinner and fellowship. Overnight in Zagreb. (B, D included)

After breakfast and check-out, we journey southward, departing Zagreb and making our way toward Medjugorje, one of the most beloved Marian pilgrimage sites in the world—where, for over four decades, countless pilgrims have reported encounters with the Virgin Mary and experienced profound spiritual renewal.

En route, we pause for lunch on your own in the charming coastal town of Zadar, nestled along the Adriatic Sea. 

Here, we take a brief panoramic tour (guided by our tour escort), including a stop at the remarkable Sea Organ—a poetic installation that transforms the rhythm of the sea into soft, melodic tones through hidden pipes beneath the promenade. It’s a gentle, awe-inspiring moment where nature and creativity meet in harmony.

Continuing our journey, we arrive in Medjugorje in the late afternoon and check in to our hotel. 

By 5:00 PM, we have the special opportunity to join local villagers and international pilgrims at St. James Church for the evening prayer program, which includes the Rosary and celebration of Mass. 

Pilgrims may also take time for Confession, with dozens of languages offered across more than 60 confessionals—an act of grace deeply tied to the Medjugorje experience.

We end the evening with dinner at the hotel and prepare our hearts for the sacred encounters that lie ahead in this peaceful village where heaven and earth have drawn closer.

Overnight in Medjugorje. (B, D)

Today, we continue our pilgrimage in Medjugorje, a sacred place where countless lives have been transformed through prayer, conversion, and Marian devotion.

After breakfast, we gather for Mass at the Chapel in the Mother’s Village Orphanage (subject to confirmation), a haven of healing and care inspired by the spirit of Medjugorje. This peaceful setting invites reflection and gratitude for the compassionate witness of faith in action.

Later in the morning, we make a pilgrimage up Apparition Hill (weather permitting), following the very path where six young visionaries first encountered Our Lady, Queen of Peace, in 1981. Along the way, we pause in prayer at the Blue Cross, the site of many present-day apparitions, and continue to the statue marking the original apparition site. These sacred moments invite each pilgrim into deeper trust, surrender, and hope.

Important Note:

Climbing Apparition Hill requires a moderate level of fitness. Please wear comfortable walking shoes, bring water, and dress appropriately for the weather.

After descending, we continue with a walking orientation tour to better understand the history of the apparitions, the messages shared by Our Lady, and the profound impact Medjugorje has had over the past 40+ years on the global Catholic community.

Following lunch on your own and personal quiet time, we reconvene at 5:00 PM for the evening prayer program at St. James Church, joining villagers and pilgrims from around the world in the Rosary, Holy Mass, and, if desired, Confession in one of over 60 available languages.

We close the day with a shared dinner at the hotel, our hearts filled with peace and grace.

Overnight in Medjugorje. (B, D )

We begin this sacred day with breakfast at the hotel, followed by public English Mass at St. James Church, the spiritual heart of Medjugorje. Joining pilgrims from all over the world, we come together in unity, prayer, and thanksgiving.

Later in the morning, we embark on a pilgrimage up Cross Mountain (Krizevac)—weather permitting—accompanied by our tour escort. In 1933, to mark the 1,900th anniversary of Christ’s crucifixion, local villagers erected a 30-foot-high concrete cross at the summit. This mountain has since become a powerful symbol of faith, sacrifice, and hope.

As we ascend, we pray the Stations of the Cross, pausing at each bronze relief to reflect on Christ’s Passion. The physical journey up the rocky path mirrors the spiritual journey within, offering space for silence, intention, and encounter.

Important Note:

Climbing Cross Mountain requires a good level of fitness. Please wear comfortable walking shoes, bring water, and dress appropriately for the weather conditions.

Following lunch on your own and time to rest or reflect, we once again join the evening prayer program at St. James Church at 5:00 PM. This includes the Rosary, Holy Mass, and the opportunity for Confession at one of the many confessionals—often described by pilgrims as a moment of deep renewal and peace.

We close this spiritually rich day with dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Medjugorje.

(B, D )

Following breakfast and check-out from our hotel in Medjugorje, we journey to the stunning Croatian coastline and arrive in Dubrovnik, a city known as the Pearl of the Adriatic and for good reason. Enclosed by massive stone walls and kissed by the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik offers a blend of sacred history and medieval elegance.

Upon arrival, we pause to celebrate Mass at a local church (subject to confirmation), giving thanks for the spiritual treasures gathered throughout our pilgrimage.

After lunch on your own, we step into the timeless charm of Dubrovnik’s Old City on a guided walking tour. Crossing the bridge flanked by Saint Blaise, we enter through the historic Pile Gate and stroll down Stradun, the city’s central promenade lined with stone buildings polished by centuries of footfall.

We’ll visit the Onofrio’s Fountain, admire the serene Franciscan Monastery (entrance included) with its peaceful cloister, view the ornate Sponza Palace, and stop at the Dominican Monastery (entrance included), a place of quiet prayer and exceptional architectural beauty.

After checking in at our hotel, we close the evening with a joyful farewell dinner, celebrating not just the places we’ve visited, but the journey of heart, soul, and spirit we’ve shared.

Overnight in Dubrovnik.

(B, D)

After breakfast, we check out from the hotel and transfer to Dubrovnik Airport for our flight home. 

As we part ways, we carry with us not just memories of sacred sites, majestic cities, and breathtaking landscapes—but also the deeper gifts of this journey: renewed faith, lasting friendships, and the quiet grace that comes from walking in the footsteps of saints.