Krakow: Pope John Paul II History: Guided Tour - Home & Sanctuary
Active
6h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Visit the family home of Pope John Paul II in Wadowice. Learn the history of Karol Wojtyla, the man who became the pope. Use audioguide in your language. Discover the center of John Paul II, admire collections of paintings, robes and many other items related to the Pope. Use the transport from Krakow with pick up and drop off from your hotel (door-to-door service).
• Round-trip door-to-door transfers are provided
• No need to buy tickets on site - admission is included
• Learn history about John Paul II from audioguide in the language of your choice
Available options
Shared Group Tour
Pickup included
Regular Group Tour
This is a group tour: As part of the tour, participants receive an audio guide to the Pope John Paul II House Museum – in the selected language<br/>Pickup included
Private Tour
Private vehicle and driver: only available to your group<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Visit to the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy
Entrance ticket to the Museum of the family home of Pope in Wadowice
Hotel pick up & drop off
Helpful english speaking driver at your disposal during the trip
Visit to the Pope John Paul II Center
Round-trip door-to-door transfers from Krakow
Audioguide in the chosen language in the home of John Paul II
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
Your tour begins with transportation from Krakow, pickup by vehicle from a pre-determined place (hotel or other place that you choose) at a specified date and time. Transport form Krakow to Wadowice takes about 1 hour.
2
Stop 2
The main point of the trip will be the Karol Wojtyla Family Home in Wadowice, where the future pope was raised. You can visit the museum using an audio guide. You will learn the story of John Paul II from his birth to the time when he became pope and finally was raised to the altars. You will discover how John Paul II promoted spirituality, culture and traditions, scientific progress and educational activities. You will listen to how he helped those in need. You will learn the most important facts and you will learn many stories that you did not know before.
After the tour, take some time to explore the city's central square and see the church where the future Pope was baptized, or go for a coffee with a cake called "kremowka" - the Pope's favorite delicacy from his youth when he was growing up in his hometown of Wadowice.
3
Stop 3
A sacred complex, connected with the life and activity of Saint Sister Faustina. The dynamic development of the Sanctuary took place after the beatification of Sister Faustina on April 18, 1993, and its canonization on April 30, 2000, and thanks to the pilgrimages of Pope John Paul II (1997 and 2002), Pope Benedict XVI (2006) and Pope Francis (2016). Popes celebrated Masses and met with the faithful, including during World Youth Day in Krakow here.
There is also a cell where Saint Sister Faustyna Kowalska lived and worked. The Sister is know thanks of numerous stories related to the revelations of Jesus to her. Once there, you will see a reconstruction of the room and listen to an audioguide telling the story of her life.
4
Stop 4
A Roman Catholic center dedicated to the life and work of Pope John Paul II operating in Krakow. The Center's task is to disseminate and creatively develop the legacy of John Paul II, promote spirituality, culture and traditions associated with his person, as well as scientific and educational activities and assistance to those in need. On June 12, 2011, the relic of John Paul II was introduced to the lower chapel of the John Paul II Sanctuary: an ampule with blood, placed in the altar mensa.
In the main church there is the pope's original robe from the day he was shot by Mehmet Ali Ağca in a planned attempt on him life.
5
Stop 5
Pass by
After completing the tour, you will be taken to a designated place in Krakow.
What's not included
Lunch
The driver is not the group guide !
Available languages
Audio guide
DE
PT
UK
SK
EN
IT
PL
FR
HU
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.7
26 reviews
5★
23
4★
0
3★
1
2★
2
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.9
14 reviews
5★
12
4★
2
3★
0
2★
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1★
0
Important information
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Krakow
Krakow, the former capital of Poland, is a city rich in history, culture, and stunning architecture. It's home to the Wawel Royal Castle, the historic Main Market Square, and the largest medieval old town in Europe. Krakow's vibrant arts scene, bustling nightlife, and proximity to Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine make it a must-visit destination.
Top Attractions
Wawel Royal Castle
This iconic castle was the residence of Polish kings and a symbol of Polish statehood. It offers a glimpse into Poland's rich history.
Historical/Architecture
2-3 hours
30-50 PLN (€7-12)
Main Market Square (Rynek Główny)
One of the largest medieval town squares in Europe, surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, and shops.
Historical/Cultural
1-2 hours
Free to explore
Wieliczka Salt Mine
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring underground chambers, chapels, and sculptures carved out of salt.
Historical/Adventure
4-5 hours
89-139 PLN (€20-32)
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum
A poignant and sobering visit to the largest Nazi concentration camp, now a memorial and museum.
Historical/Educational
Full day
70-100 PLN (€16-23)
Kazimierz District
The historic Jewish quarter with a rich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, and charming streets.
Cultural/Historical
2-3 hours
Free to explore
Must-Try Local Dishes
Pierogi
Dumplings filled with various ingredients like meat, cheese, potatoes, or fruits.
Dinner
Can be vegetarian or vegan
Obwarzanek
A type of bread ring, similar to a bagel, often sold by street vendors.
Snack
Vegetarian
Zapiekanka
A Polish street food consisting of a half-baguette topped with mushrooms, cheese, and various condiments.
Snack
Can be vegetarian
Schabowy
A breaded pork cutlet, similar to schnitzel, often served with potatoes and cabbage.
Dinner
Contains meat
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Tatra Mountains
Skiing in Zakopane
Spa and wellness treatments
Strolling through parks and gardens
Visiting museums and galleries
Attending concerts and performances
Boating on the Vistula River
Skiing and snowboarding in the nearby mountains
Best Time to Visit
May to September
This is the best time to visit Krakow for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city is lively with festivals and tourists.
15°C to 28°C
59°F to 82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Polish
- Widely spoken: English, German, Russian
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Polish Złoty (PLN)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Krakow is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure in crowded areas.
- • Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps.
- • Be cautious when withdrawing money from ATMs.
Getting there
By air
- John Paul II International Airport Krakow-Balice • 11 km from city center
By train
Krakow Glowny, Krakow Plaza
By bus
Krakow Main Bus Station, Młocińscy Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Krakow's tram system is efficient and covers most of the city. Trams are comfortable and frequent.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Bolt, FreeNow
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Old Town (Stare Miasto)
Kazimierz
Nowa Huta
Zakrzówek
Day trips
Wieliczka Salt Mine
14 km from Krakow • Full day
Explore the underground chambers, chapels, and sculptures carved out of salt in this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum
70 km from Krakow • Full day
Visit the largest Nazi concentration camp, now a memorial and museum, to learn about the Holocaust.
Zakopane
100 km from Krakow • Full day
A picturesque mountain town known for its stunning scenery, hiking trails, and skiing opportunities.
Festivals
Krakow Jewish Festival • June or July (annual)
Krakow Film Festival • May (annual)
Krakow Christmas Market • December (annual)
Pro tips
- Use the Krakow Card for unlimited public transport and free entry to many attractions.
- Visit the Wawel Dragon statue and make a wish by placing a coin in its mouth.
- Try traditional Polish dishes like pierogi and żurek at local restaurants.
- Explore the Kazimierz district for its vibrant nightlife and cultural scene.
- Take a day trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine or Auschwitz-Birkenau for a deeper understanding of Polish history.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
