Religious Heritage of Central Europe PRINT

Christianity had an enormous impact on history and identity of Europe. During this tour we discover European culture and learn about the role of Christianity on this continent. In Poland we learn how to “read” medieval art and architecture. In Czech Republic we see the different faces of religious heritage (skulls chapel, shrines, monastic life).
Itinerary:
Day 1 Arrival in Krakow.
Day 2 Krakow at a glimpse tour • free time • overnight in Krakow
Morning: Krakow at a glimpse
We walk around Krakow Old Town and discover all its highlights: renaissance Royal Castle and the Cathedral with the royal tombs, Main Market Square – the largest medieval square in Europe, St. Mary’s Church famous for the biggest medieval altarpiece of Europe and the famous trumpeter. Then we explore Kazimierz, the former Jewish district with its synagogues from the 15ht-17th centuries, old schools and houses of prayer. It is the place where the film “The Schindler’s List” was made by Spielberg in 1993. This place has become the symbol of 900 years of the history of Jews in Europe.
Day 3 Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum • Birthplace of St. John Paul II • Kalwaria Zebrzydowska • overnight in Krakow
Morning: We visit Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, the site of the largest concentration and extermination camp built by the Nazis during WWII. It became a symbol of the Holocaust, Nazi crimes and forced labor. During the tour we see the former prison blocks and barracks, the crematorium at Auschwitz and the camp site at Birkenau with infamous the Gate of Death, wooden barracks and the Memorial. After lunch break we continue to Wadowice, the birthplace of John Paul II where we see the fascinating museum about his life and mission. Then we stop in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, a unique shrine built in the 17th century as a symbolic copy of Jerusalem. Return to Krakow.
Day 4 Wieliczka Salt Mine • transfer to Prague • overnight in Vienna
Morning: We visit one of the largest and oldest salt mines in Europe and an absolutely unique and surprising place. During our visit we will discover the treasures of the underground mine: huge underground caves, tunnels, chapels, including the most spectacular Holy Chapel of Saint Kinga, with decorations and statues carved out of the salt. Then we continue to Prague.
Day 5 Tour of Prague • free time • overnight in Prague
Morning: We enjoy guided tour of Prague: we discover Hradczany with the Royal Castle, the Cathedral and picturesque Golden Lane where medieval alchemists used to live. Then we walk around cosy Mala Strana with tiny streets and art galleries. We see the Old Town Square with the famous Orloj clock and the Charles’ Bridge. During the tour we also discover the beauty of Prague’s churches: Loreto and the Church of St Mary Victorious – here widely venerated wax figure of Infant Jesus is kept. Afternoon: free time.
Day 6 Full day trip to UNESCO sites: Kutna Hora – Zdar nad Sazavou – Telc • overnight in Prague
We visit Kutna Hora, a beautiful medieval town nearby Prague. Here we see the magnificent Gothic Church of St. Barbara and the unique ossuary – a Baroque chapel built of human bones, to commemorate the victims of the epidemy. It is an unusual example of Baroque devotion. Afterwards we visit a stunning tiny town of Zdar nad Sazavou with the Baroque Church of St John of Nepomuk. It is one of the most unique sacral buildings in Europe, hiding story of the saint, mysticism and lots of riddles. Then let’s finish our tour of Central Europe strolling around Telc – a fairy-tale like little town. Return to Prague.
Day 7 Departure