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Poland

Faith, War & Remembrance: A Pilgrimage to Krakow

From the shrine of the Black Madonna to the silence of Auschwitz — a journey through Poland's enduring faith and deep and affecting history.

This is a pilgrimage of remembrance. Based throughout in the beautiful old city of Kraków, we hold together two threads that run deep through Poland: an enduring, living faith, and the memory of terrible suffering endured in the years of war and occupation.

We visit Jasna Góra in Częstochowa, home of the revered Black Madonna, and descend into the Wieliczka Salt Mine with its remarkable underground chapel of St John Paul II, gathering for prayer each day as we travel. And we remember — walking the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, through the Jewish quarter of Kazimierz, and at Oskar Schindler's Factory.

The pilgrimage is led by two priests: one leading our worship, and the other bringing a deep knowledge of Poland's history to life. With a private specialist guide and every arrangement — worship, entrances, meals — carefully made, you are free simply to reflect and pray. Come to remember, to give thanks, and to hold both history and hope together.

Itinerary

  1. Travel to Kraków

    We fly from London to Kraków and transfer to our hotel in the historic Kazimierz quarter. This evening an introductory talk sets the scene, followed by a welcome drink and dinner together.

  2. Kraków City Tour

    A walking tour of the old royal capital: the Main Square and Cloth Hall, the Royal Road, Wawel Castle and St Mary's Basilica. In the afternoon we gather for worship at a local church and meet a local historian, with free time to explore this beautiful city. Dinner this evening is at a local restaurant.

  3. Częstochowa & the Black Madonna

    We drive to Częstochowa and the great monastery of Jasna Góra, Poland's holiest shrine and home of the revered Black Madonna, where we spend time in prayer and quiet reflection. We return to Kraków through the Ojców National Park, past the castle of Pieskowa Skała.

  4. Auschwitz-Birkenau

    A day given wholly to remembrance. With our guide we walk the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, and gather for reflective prayers at this place of unimaginable suffering, before returning quietly to Kraków.

  5. Kazimierz & Schindler's Factory

    In the Jewish quarter of Kazimierz we visit the Remuh Synagogue, then cross to Podgórze — site of the wartime ghetto — for the Eagle Pharmacy and Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory, now a moving museum of Kraków under occupation. Dinner this evening is at a local restaurant.

  6. Wieliczka & St John Paul II

    We begin at Pomorska Street and the exhibition 'People of Kraków in Times of Terror', then descend into the extraordinary Wieliczka Salt Mine and its underground chapel of St John Paul II, with time for worship and reflection. A farewell gathering and dinner close our pilgrimage.

  7. Homeward Bound

    After breakfast we check out and transfer to Kraków airport for our flight home, carrying with us all that we have seen, remembered and prayed.

Essential Information

This tour includes:

  • Return flights, London to Kraków
  • 6 nights — 4★ centrally located hotel
  • Daily breakfast and dinner, with drinks
  • Lunches as shown in the itinerary
  • Two clergy leaders: Revd Nicholas Pye & Revd Alison Shaw
  • A private specialist guide to wartime & Jewish Kraków
  • All entrance bookings — Auschwitz, Schindler's & more
  • Excursions to Częstochowa & the Wieliczka Salt Mine
  • Private coach and all transfers
  • Daily worship, with Anglican services arranged
  • Welcome and farewell drinks

Early Booking Discount: Save £100 per person — book before 14 October 2026

Please note: the order ofthe itinerary may vary with local conditions. Accommodation is in a centrally located 4★ hotel. Worship at certain shrines and churches is subject to local permission.

Flights from regional airports can be arranged at a supplement subject to availability, you can also book this tour without flights. For more information please ask for details.

A £500 per person non-refundable deposit is payable on confirmation. After which, an instalment payment amounting to 50% of the total cost of your trip is due 26 weeks prior to departure with the final balance due twelve weeks prior to departure.

Special requests
Any special requirements, such as dietary needs, mobility requests, and any other requests should be noted at the time of booking.

Final travel documents
These will be emailed to you two weeks before departure.

Travel insurance
Travel insurance is essential. We require all travellers to have adequate cancellation and medical coverage for their journey. We are partnered with Holiday Extras who offer a comprehensive policy as well as yearly policies that also cover short UK overnight stays.

Mobility
Many of our tours and excursions are designed for those who are able to travel independently, or with the support of a companion who can assist during the trip. We recommend that participants feel comfortable with physical activity and are able to manage longer travel days, which may include early starts and extended periods on the road. We encourage you to consider your personal health and comfort when planning your adventure, and we’re happy to help if you have any specific concerns or questions about the suitability of a tour for your needs.

Practical information

About McCabe Pilgrimages
McCabe has been arranging journeys of faith, culture and spirituality for over 40 years with an unwavering focus on attention to detail and service. With a deep understanding of the unique needs and aspirations of Christian travellers, McCabe strive to make every trip a memorable and meaningful experience.

McCabe Travel Ltd. trades as McCabe Pilgrimages. McCabe Travel Ltd. is registered in England and Wales. Registered No. 2125334. VAT No: 318527355. Registered office address: McCabe Travel, The Square, Basing View, Basingstoke, RG21 4EB.

The McCabe Educational Trust
The McCabe Educational Trust is an independent registered charity which was set up in 1991 to support Christian communities. To date the Trust has distributed more than £4 million in grants. McCabe Pilgrimages supports the Trust directly by contributing to the administrative and running
costs, thus ensuring all pilgrim donations are able to go directly to the important projects supported by the MET. In 2026 McCabe Pilgrimages will
once again invite all pilgrims to make a voluntary donation of £20. In addition, McCabe will also donate £20 for every pilgrim who travels with us - regardless of whether they choose to donate - effectively doubling the impact when you do. This scheme is voluntary and confidential with nobody put under any pressure to participate.

Financial and quality assurances
All monies paid are fully protected through McCabe’s membership of the ABTOT bonding scheme. In addition, McCabe are also members of the Association of Independent Tour Operators and abide by the Association’s code of conduct.

Health advice
Please carry an adequate supply of essential medication in your hand luggage in case your checked luggage is lost.

Holiday insurance
Ensuring that your holidays are appropriately protected is one of our main priorities. That’s why we have partnered with Holiday Extras so you can get a travel insurance quote to protect you before and whilst you are travelling. Holiday Extras Cover Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and has been independently rated 5-stars by Defaqto. For more information or to obtain a quote, please go to their website at www.holidayextras.com/travel-insurance or call them on 0800 083 3551 to speak to a friendly advisor.

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Dates

Our Programme Tour Leader Tour Dates Availability
Faith, War & Remembrance: A Pilgrimage to Krakow Krakow June 2027 Departing From London Prices from £2650 pp The Revd Alison Shaw 14/06/2027 for 7 days Download brochure Book now Make an enquiry

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