Polish culture and history have been inextricably connected to the Catholic religion. The most important national shrine is located in the city of Czestochowa. This very symbolical and spiritual place has been drawing pilgrims from across the globe for centuries.

The Monastery of Jasna Gora is home to the miraculous "Black Madonna", a Gothic painting of Our Lady. The mysterious image helped to make Czestochowa one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the world - right after Rome, Lourdes and Fatima. Our visit to the monastery includes the Miraculous Picture Chapel and the Basilica. Also, you can visit the 600th-Anniversary Museum, the Arsenal and the Treasury by yourself.

The return journey to Krakow takes you along the Eagles Nests' Trail, a historic strategic system of castles and watchtowers that once protected Poland’s southern frontiers. Today most of the castles are in ruins, but not all of them have been destroyed completely and you will see some that have endured - like Pieskowa Skala. This 14th century fortress was turned into a beautiful Renaissance residence during the 16th century. Today it is home to the Museum of the National Wawel Art Collections. Nearby is the scenic Club of Hercules, a natural, 25-meter high rock formation characteristic of the Ojcow National Park in which the whole area is located.

You can either take part in an organized tour, which sets off from Krakow every Tuesday and Friday and makes a very convenient way to visit both Czestochowa and the castles. The alternative is the private tour with an English-speaking personal driver. The private tour can be taken on virtually any day throughout the year.