Updated 24/08/2017 15DAYS 13NIGHTS MEDJUGORJE, EASTERN EUROPE PILGRIMAGE Assemble dates : Oct 20 th 2018 Spiritual Director: Fr Valentine Gompok Assemble : DAY 1 / 20OCT /SAT : BORNEO OR KUL DUBAI - ZAGREB (MEAL ON BOARD) Borneo Pilgrims Depart KKIA to KLIA and meet main group at Emirate Check in counter. KL Pilgrims - Assemble 3 hours before at Emirate check in counter Flight departs after midnight at 1.55am for Zagreb via Dubai. DAY 2/ 21OCT/SUN : ZAGREB (B,L,D) Arrive Zagreb at 1220 noon. After immigration and baggage clearance, meet and transfer for lunch. Lunch at local restaurant. After lunch, proceed for half day City tour Private mass at Cathedral of Assumption. Dinner and overnight in the hotel. Funicular journey to upper town Gornji Grad, view of Zagreb Cathedral, Bloody Bridge. visit the St Mark s Square which consists of the Parliament & St Mark s Church, Stone Gate, and the majestic Cathedral of Assumption. Cathedral of Assumption - it is the symbol of Zagreb with its two neo-gothic towers dominating the skyline at 104 and 105 metres. In the Treasury of the Cathedral, above the sacristy, priceless treasures have been stored, including the artefacts from 11th to 19th century. Many great Croats had been buried inside the Cathedral. The Stone Gate - is the only preserved town gate of the original four. Although it is first mentioned as early as in Middle Ages, its current shape dates back to 1760, when the baroque Chapel of Holy Mother of God was built in its gateway around an old painting of a local artist. The painting miraculously survived the great fire that destroyed all wooden parts of the gate in 1731. Ever since, many people have been gathering in front of the miraculous painting daily, lighting candles in the honour of Our Lady and praying. St Mark s Square - St. Mark s Church that was built in the mid-13th century dominates this most beautiful square of the Upper Town. Many events crucial for Zagreb and entire Croatia took place here and many important edifices and institutions are located in this relatively tight space. The most attractive of all is St. Mark s Church with its Romanesque naves, Gothic vaults and sanctuary and picturesque tiles on its multi-coloured roof that are arranged in such way that they form historical coats of arms of Zagreb and Croatia. The square also houses a Neo-Classicist building of the Croatian Parliament built in the first decade of the 20th century and Banski dvori, the seat of Croatian Government. (Ban was the civil governor during Austro-Hungarian rule).
DAY 3 /22OCT/MON : ZAGREB ZADAR - DUBROVNIK (B,L,D) Check out and depart for Dubrovnik via Zadar (635kms 8hrs 45mins) Mass will be arranged Photo stop at the Sea Organ Lunch at local restaurant. Arrive Dubrovnik in the evening Dinner and overnight in the hotel. DAY 4/23OCT/TUE : DUBROVNIK - MEDJUGORJE (B,L,D) Check out and city tour of Dubrovnik. Rector s Palace, photo stop at the Bell Tower Clock, Orlando s Column, Franciscan Monastery, Sponza Palace and Dominican Monastery. Dubrovnik - is an old city on the Adriatic Sea coast in the extreme south of Croatia. It is nicknamed "Pearl of the Adriatic" and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. Is steeped in stunning architecture and sculptural detail, and boasts spectacular churches, monasteries, museums, and fountains. City Walls - No visit to Dubrovnik would be complete without a leisurely walk around the city walls.
Rector s Palace - The Gothic-Renaissance Rector s Palace was built in the late 15th century and is adorned with outstanding sculptural ornamentation. N the atrium is a statue of Miho Pracat, who bequeathed his wealth to the Republic and was the only commoner in the 1000 years of the Republic s existence to be honoured with a statue (1638). Today the palace has been turned into a museum with artfully restored rooms, portraits, coats- Of-arms and coins, evoking the glorious history of Dubrovnik (Closed during Winter : 01Jan 31May2018) Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin - the cathedral is notable for its fine altars, especially the altar of St John Nepomuk, made of violet marble. The cathedral treasury contains relics of St Blaise as well as 138 gold and silver reliquaries largely made in the workshops of Dubrovnik s goldsmiths between the 11th and 17th centuries. Among a number of religious paintings, the most striking is the polyptych of the Assumption of the Virgin, made in Titian s workshop. St Ignatius Church - has frescos displaying scenes from the life of St Ignatius, founder of the Jesuit society. Abutting the church is the Jesuit College, located at the top of a broad flight of stairs leading down to the square Gundulićeva Poljana, where a bustling morning market is held. The monument in the centre of the square is of Dubrovnik s famous poet, Ivan Gundulić. Reliefs on the pedestal depict scenes from his epic poem, Osman. Lunch at local restaurant. After lunch, depart for Medjugorje.(124kms 3hrs 15mins) Medjugorje - The name Medjugorje literally means "between mountains". It became an important place of pilgrimage and encouragement for faith and spiritual life for millions of people and thousands prayer groups. Many people experienced God's grace and presence in their hearts on this place and often receive motivation to lead a better, more valuable life. A life with love and opened heart for God and people, life of prayer and communion with God. Prayers, changed lives and humanitarian activities and projects influenced or inspired by Medjugorje without doubt help make this world a better place. Maybe more, than we would expect. Dinner and overnight in the hotel.
DAY 5 / 24OCT/WED : MEDJUGORJE (B,,D) Proceed for full day sightseeing tour of Medjugorje City Proceed to visit the Hill of the Apparitions. The Cross Mountain also known as Mt Krizevac is the highest mountain in the area. A relic of the True Cross of Jesus was received from Rome from Pope Pius XI and built into this cross. Before 1933, and the erection of the cross, Medjugorje endured many hail storms that destroyed the villager s crops in the fields. This was a tremendous hardship because, materially, the villager s had little. Upon completion of the cross, the storms ceased, and there have been no reports of such storms again in this area. It is a penitential climb that leads pilgrims to reflect upon their relationship with God and what they need to change in their lives to draw closer to Him. Often deep healing, cleansing and peace is experienced at the summit of the mountain, at the foot of the cross, after pilgrims arrive at the top. Our Lady has made it clear in her messages that it is her desire to see pilgrims climbing both Cross Mountain and Apparition Mountain. Saint James Church - The Apostle St. James the Greater, of whom the church of St. James in Medjugorje was dedicated, is the Patron Saint of Pilgrims. This is just one of many acts of God s providence that helps to reveal the larger picture behind the events of Medjugorje. There were many different locations of the apparitions during the years when they took place at St. James Church. The first apparitions in the church were actually in the sanctuary, right above the altar, then the side room of the main sanctuary and in the Adoration Chapel behind the church.
Hill of Apparition or formerly known as Mount Podbrdo was the 1 st mountain that Our Lady appeared on, to the visionaries of Medjugorje. It is a steep and rock-strewn path that ascends to the actual location where Our Lady appears. It was from Apparition Mountain where Our Lady first began inviting the world, through the visionaries and the village of Medjugorje, to respond to her call. There have been literally thousands of apparitions of Our Lady on this mountain apparitions that continue even to this day. Our Lady indicated early in the apparitions that God would one day place a sign upon Apparition Mountain that would serve as proof to authenticate the apparitions. What has been called the Lasting Sign is actually the third out of ten secrets Our Lady gave to the visionaries. It will appear somewhere on Apparition Mountain. The Lasting Sign will be permanent, visible, and indestructible, and will remain until the end of time. The Wooden Cross - off to the left of the main path coming down Apparition Mountain, marks the spot of an event that took place between Our Lady and the visionary Marija on June 26th, 1981. Marija was ahead of the others coming down the mountain after Our Lady had already appeared to the children further up the mountain. She was proceeding downhill, on her way home. Suddenly, she was mysteriously pushed to the side by an unseen force, and immediately afterwards Our Lady appeared, with a bare wooden cross behind her. Our Lady was in tears and her voice full of sadness as she spoke this message: Peace, peace, peace. Be reconciled! Only Peace. Make your peace with God and among yourselves. For that, it is necessary to believe, to pray, to fast, and to go to Confession. The Blue Cross is located at the base of Apparition Mountain. It is on This site that Our Lady appeared to the visionaries when they were hiding from the communist police in the beginning days of the apparitions. Church of St Peter & Paul Dinner and overnight in hotel.
DAY 6/25OCT/THU : MEDJUGORJE MOSTAR - SARAJEVO (B,L,D) Check out and depart for Sarajevo via Mostar. (28kms 30mins) Mostar is situated on the Neretva river and is the fifthlargest city in the country. Mostar was named after the bridge keepers (natively: mostari) who in the medieval times guarded the Stari Most (Old Bridge) over the Neretva. Old Bridge - was a stone bridge with a single span of almost 29 meters and a curvature close to a lowered centre half-circle, (with some peculiarities at the impost level and at the key stone). It was characterized by very slender and elegant shapes: its profile and its skyline were so thin and so high over the river waters that it was hardly to believe that such a structure could be worked out of huge stone blocks. Built in tenelija stone, it was of a light tone colour, bright and changing during daytime depending on sun colours. Church of St Peter & Paul - has a collection of over 50.000 books which of some very rare. The church was heavily damaged during the latest war, but has since been restored.
Lunch at local restaurant. Continue drive to Sarajevo. (135kms 2hrs 45mins) Sarajevo is the leading political, social and cultural centre of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and its regionwide influence in politics, education, entertainment, media, fashion, science, and the arts contribute to its status as Bosnia and Herzegovina's major economic centre Cathedral of Jesus Sacred Heart The church opened in 1889 was designed by the 1 st archbishop Josip Stadler. The graves of Archbishop Josip Stadler (1843 1918) and his successor, Marko Alaupović, are located in the floor of the church. Orthodox Cathedral Sarajevo - this three-part basilica has five domes in the Byzantine style with the baroque bell tower. Dinner and overnight in the hotel. DAY 7 /26OCT/FRI : SARAJEVO - BUDAPEST (B,L,D) Check out and depart for Budapest (563kms 6hrs 30mins) Lunch at local restaurant. Arrive Budapest, dinner and overnight in the hotel.
DAY 8/27OCT/SAT : BUDAPEST (B,L,D) Proceed for full day Budapest sightseeing. Budapest - is the capital and the largest city of Hungary. Due to its scenic setting, and its architecture it is nicknamed "Paris of the East". In 1987 Budapest was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List for the cultural and architectural significance of the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue. Chain Bridge - was the first bridge to permanently connect Buda and Pest. At the time of its completion, Chain Bridge was considered to be one of the wonders of the world. Chief engineer Adam Clark completed the span in 1849. Crossing the bridge is just a short walk and no matter which direction you go, the view is beautiful. Matthias Church - The 700-year-old Matthias Church was the scene of several coronations, including that of Charles IV in 1916, the last Habsburg king. It was also the site for the great Hungarian King Matthias' two weddings, hence its name. The eastern gate of the church was built in the 13th century. Today, Matthias Church remains one of the city's most prominent buildings. Gellert Hill - offers some of the best panoramic views of Budapest. Named after bishop Gellert (Gerald), who was thrown to death from the hill by pagans in the fight against Christianity in 1046. At the top of the hill is the Citadel (Citadella) and Budapest's Statue of Liberty is also located here; you can see her from all parts of the city - a statue of a woman holding a palm leaf.
St Stephen s Basilica - It took more than 50 years to build the Basilica, the largest church in Budapest. Building commenced in 1851 and the inauguration ceremony took place in 1906. The patron saint of the church is St. Stephen, the first king of Hungary. Visit the dome's observation deck for a beautiful panoramic view of Budapest. Photo stop at Hero Square and orientation city sights: View of Buda Castle, Gellert Hill, Elizabeth Bridge, St Stephen Basilica, Hungarian State Opera and etc.. Dinner and overnight in the hotel. DAY 9/28OCT/SUN : BUDAPEST ESZTERGOM - KRAKOW (B,L,D) Basilica of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven Inside of the Basilica of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven Check out and depart for Esztergom. The drive is approximately 45mins (49km). On arrival in Esztergom, visit the impressive Cathedral the Centre of Roman Catholicism in Hungary. Basilica of the Blessed Virgin Mary Assumed into Heaven & St Adalbert - The Esztergom Basilica, the largest church in Hungary, is on Castle Hill, measuring 117m long and 47m wide. Its 72m-high central dome can be seen for many kilometres around. t is the biggest building in Hungary and the 18th biggest church in the world. Lunch at local restaurant Continue the drive to Krakow. The drive takes approximately 5hrs30mins (371 km). Arrive Krakow, proceed to hotel for check in. Dinner and overnight in the hotel.
DAY10/29OCT/MON : KRAKOW (B,L,D) Visit the Shrine of St Faustina of the Divine Mercy fame, Salt Mines and St Mary s Church. Krakow - is the second largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland. In 1978, Karol Wojtyła, archbishop of Krakow, was elevated to the papacy as Pope John Paul II the first Slavic pope ever, and the first non-italian pope in 455 years. Also that year, UNESCO approved the first ever sites for its new World Heritage List, including the entire Old Town in inscribing Cracow's Historic Centre. Krakow is classified as a global city by GAWC, with the ranking of High sufficiency The Shrine of St Faustina - was a Polish nun who has been canonized as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church. She is considered to have been a mystic and visionary and is known and venerated as the Apostle of Divine Mercy. Throughout her life, Faustina reported having visions of Jesus and conversations with him, which she wrote about in her diary, later published as the book The Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalski: Divine Mercy in My Soul. Faustina died of tuberculosis at the age of 33 on 5 October 1938. She was buried on 7 October and now rests at the Basilica of Divine Mercy in Krakow, Poland. Salt Mine - The mine, built in the 13th century, produced table salt continuously until 2007, as one of the world's oldest salt mines still in operation. Commercial mining was discontinued in 1996 due to low salt prices and mine flooding. The mine's attractions include dozens of statues, three chapels and an entire cathedral that has been carved out of the rock salt by the miners. The oldest sculptures are augmented by the new carvings by contemporary artists. Divine Mercy St Mary s Church - is a large 14th-century church especially famed for its magnificent wooden altarpiece. The church's two towers (15th century) are noticeably of different heights. Legend has it that they were built by two brothers, one of whom grew jealous of the other's work and killed him with a sword. You can even see the purported murder weapon, hanging in the gate of the Seminice.
Wawel Hill - is a fortified architectural complex erected over many centuries atop a limestone outcrop on the left bank of the Vistula river in Krakow, Poland, at an altitude of 228 metres above the sea level. The complex consists of many buildings and fortifications; the largest and best known of these are Royal Castle and Wawel Cathedral which is the Basilica of St Stanisław and St Wacław. Wawel Cathedral was not only a place of coronation for the Kings of Poland, but also their mausoleum. Later, it became a national pantheon. Archdiocese Museum - located in the most picturesque street in Krakow. In the museum, you can see the flat where Karol Wojtyła (Pope John Paul II) lived while working as a lecturer of theology. Finally, we visit the Archbishop's Palace which is Wojtyła's last residence before leaving for the Vatican in 1978. There one can see the famous "papal window", where John Paul II used to show up to chat and chant with the youth of Krakow during all his visits and where thousands of people lit candles and prayed during his last days. Overnight in the hotel. DAY 11/30OCT/TUE : KRAKOW WADOWICE - CZESTOCHOWA -KRAKOW (B,L,D) Check out and depart to Wadowice (50km 45mins) Visit to the birth place of St John Paul II, Entrance to Auschwitz-Birkenau (UNESCO listed) Wadowice - Their first obvious choice is the house at 7 Koscielna Street with flat where the future Vicar of Christ was born and raised. The place has been turned to a museum and exhibits comprise the Wojtyla family's former possessions such as an oven, a shelf, a table, tableware, a laundry basket, family pictures as well as personal belongings of Father Karol Wojtyla, a rucksack, a cap, a prayer book, etc. Plus photos from his three visits to Wadowice as the Pope. The building is situated in the town's heart, near the baroque church of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the central square. Auschwitz-Birkenau (Unesco Listed) - Auschwitz (Auschwitz II.) In 1941 near the town of Auschwitz (former name "Oswiecim") built and had the title of "extermination camps." As a symbol of the Holocaust, the name "Auschwitz" made history. By that time more than 5.6 million people murdered 1.1 million were killed at Auschwitz-Birkenau alone. Of them were affected 1 million Jews. Deported Jews who arrived in the camp were abused for medical purposes such as malnutrition, disease and ill-treatment, either gassed immediately upon arrival, or shot (about 200,000 Jews).
Lunch at local restaurant After lunch, continue transfer to Czestochowa (97km/1hr 30mins) Czestochowa is world famous city for the Pauline monastery of Jasna Gora which is the home of the Black Madonna painting, a shrine of the Virgin Mary. Approx 140km, 2hrs 30mins drive. Jasna Gora is one of the main destinations for pilgrims in the contemporary Christian world. The Pauline Fathers were summoned to Jasna Gora in 1382 by Prince Ladislaus of Oppeln. The miraculous painting of the Virgin Mary owned by the monastery has been drawing great numbers thousands of pilgrims since the 15 century, initially from other regions of Poland and later also from other European countries and from the rest of the world. Black Madonna Arrive, dinner and check in to Hotel. Overnight stay in hotel. Pauline Mof J Gora DAY 12/ 31OCT/WED: KRAKOW -PRAGUE (B,L,D) Check out and transfer to Prague via Olomouc (266km 4hrs) Lunch at local restaurant at Olomouc After lunch, continue journey to Prague (280km 4hrs) Arrive in Prague in the evening, check into hotel Dinner and overnight stay in hotel. \ DAY 13/01NOV/THU : PRAGUE (B,L,D) Visit the St Charles Bridge, St Clements s Cathedral, Prague Castle, St Vitus Cathedral, Church of Our Lady Victorious, and Old Town Tower & Astronomical Clock.
Prague - has been a political, cultural, and economic centre of central Europe with waxing and waning fortunes during its 1,100-year existence. Founded during the Romanesque and flourishing by the Gothic and Renaissance eras, Prague was not only the capital of the Czech state, but also the seat of two Holy Roman Emperors and thus also the capital of the Holy Roman Empire St Charles Bridge is a famous historic bridge that crosses the Vltava River in Prague, Czech Republic. As the only means of crossing the river Vltava (Moldau) until 1841, the Charles Bridge was the most important connection between Prague Castle and the city's Old Town and adjacent areas. This "solid-land" connection made Prague important as a trade route between Eastern and Western Europe. The bridge is 621 m long and nearly 10 m wide, resting on 16 arches shielded by ice guards. The bridge is decorated by a continuous alley of 30 statues and statuaries, most of them baroque-style, originally erected around 1700 but now all replaced by replicas. Prague Castle - Founded more than 1,000 years ago by Přemysl princes, the impressive if somewhat somber Prague Castle complex - including the Old Royal Palace, three churches and a monastery - is an enormous festival of architectural styles: the final touches to the castle's look, including the present shape of St Vitus's Cathedral, were not added until the early 20th century. Prague Castle St Vitus Cathedral - is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Prague, and the seat of the Archbishop of Prague. This cathedral is an excellent example of Gothic architecture and is the biggest and most important church in the country. Located within Prague Castle and containing the tombs of many Bohemian kings and Holy Roman Emperors.
Church of Our Lady Victorious - The Infant Jesus of Prague is a 16th-century Roman Catholic wax-coated wooden statue of child Jesus holding a Globus crucifer, located in the Carmelite Church of Our Lady Victorious in Malá Strana, Prague, Czech Republic. Pious legends claim that the statue once belonged to Saint Teresa of Avila and allegedly holds miraculous powers, especially among expectant mothers. Old Town Tower & Astronomical Clock - The Astronomical Clock, built in to one side of the Old Town Hall Tower, dates from the 15th century. To fully appreciate the clock's intricate construction, join the crowd in front of the tower to watch the procession of the Twelve Apostles: on the hour, every hour, a small trap door opens and Christ marches out ahead of his disciples, while the skeleton of death tolls the bell to a defiant statue of a Turk. Dinner at local restaurant Overnight at the Hotel. DAY 14/02NOV/FRI: PRAGUE - DUBAI KUALA LUMPUR (B) Breakfast at the hotel. Check out and if time permits time for some last minute shopping at Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square. Transfer to airport for flight to Dubai. Arrive Dubai and proceed to board flight to KUL. DAY 15/03NOV/SAT: DUBAI KUALA LUMPUR AND BORNEO ( MEAL ON BOARD) Flight departs at 0310hrs for KUL. Arrive Kuala Lumpur at 1425hrs & with fond memory of Medjugorje Pilgrimage. *For Borneo Pilgrims, connecting flight back Kota Kinabalu and arrive KK in the evening. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ End of Pilgrimage ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
PROPOSED AIRLINE & SCHEDULE: Emirates DATE EMIRATES SECTOR DEPART ARRIVE DAY 01/20OCT MH 2607 KK-KUL 1645hrs 1950hrs DAY 02/21OCT EK 343 KUL-DXB 0155hrs 0455hrs DAY 0221/OCT EK 129 DXB-ZAG 0815hrs 1220hrs DAY 14/02NOV EK 140 PRG-DXB 1555hrs 2350hrs DAY 15/03NOV EK 346 DXB-KUL 0310hrs 1425hrs DAY 15/03NOV MH 2606 KUL-KK 1910hrs 2150hrs WEATHER FORECAST 2018 City Country Oct Zagreb, Plitvice & Dubrovnik Croatia 06-14 C Medjugorje, Sarajevo Bosnia 05-15 C Budapest Hungary 06-15C Krakow, Czestochowa, Wadowice - Poland 03-12 C Prague Czech Republic 04-20 C
PACKAGE COST Tour Depart from Twin/Triple (per person) Single (per person) 15D 13N MEDJUGORJE, EASTERN EUROPE PILGRIMAGE Ex-KLIA RM 12,900.00 RM 15,900.00 Ex-BORNEO RM 13,500.00 RM 16,500.00 *For child computation 2-12 years sharing with 02 adults in same room with extra bed 80% of adult fare. Maximum 3 persons in a room Note, in Europe child sharing with parents must have extra bed. PRICE INCLUDES: 1) Return international economy class air ticket + ALL airport taxes based on current rate. 2) 13 Nights hotel Accommodation with breakfast 3) ALL meals as mentioned in itinerary 4) All transfers in air conditioned coach 5) English speaking accompanying guide 6) ALL sightseeing as mentioned in itinerary including entrance fees 7) All Tips & Gratuities. 8) Experienced Professional Tour Manager from Topaz Travel. 9) AIG Travel Insurance (aged below 79 years old) 10) Complimentary Travel Gift Pack & Personal bag Tag ALL Inclusive!! PRICE EXCLUDES: 1) Personal expense such as drinks, telephone, souvenirs and laundry etc. 2) Others not mentioned nor specified above not to be included in the tour prices