Yes — this is a very popular option. Autumn is a time when many parishes and travel offices organise one-day or multi-day pilgrimages that include both the city’s major shrines and its historic monuments. Programs often combine attendance at Mass or a devotional service with guided visits to places important for the Church’s history and the city’s religious life, plus short walks through the Old Town and the Wawel hill. These combined trips are designed to balance moments of prayer with time for sightseeing and reflection.
- Fewer crowds than the peak summer season - in September and October a walk through the Main Market Square or the narrow streets of the Old Town is usually more pleasant and less stressful for organised groups.
- Climate: cooler, crisp air is better for longer walks and outdoor prayer; autumn colours provide a picturesque backdrop for photos at monuments.
- Availability of group services: parishes and travel offices more often propose pilgrimage dates in late September and October — this is a traditional period for school and parish trips, so it’s usually easier to reserve transport and guided visits.
- Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in Łagiewniki - an important place of devotion, often visited as part of pilgrimages to Krakow, and typically included in routes that provide time for prayer and services.
- John Paul II Centre “Be not afraid” and sites associated with the Polish pope - many groups visit memorial places related to St. John Paul II and include prayer or thematic exhibitions in the programme.
- Wawel Cathedral and Wawel Hill - a spiritual and historical reference point for many pilgrimages; visits usually include the cathedral, the crypts and the castle courtyard.
- Churches and routes “in the footsteps of John Paul II” in the city centre - walking the streets linked to his visits and pastoral work.
- Optional: Wieliczka Salt Mine or a trip to Jasna Góra on 2-day programmes - many parishes combine shrine visits with other regional attractions.
- Early-morning departure by coach from the parish or meeting point.
- Attendance at Mass or a devotional service to begin the pilgrimage day - it’s best to arrange the time in advance with the destination (for example a shrine or the cathedral).
- Visit to the John Paul II Centre or another memorial site (approx. 1–1.5 hours).
- Lunch at a reserved restaurant or canteen (groups often order catering or have a pre-arranged menu).
- Prayer and visit to the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in Łagiewniki (time for adoration or the Divine Mercy Chaplet).
- Return to the departure point in the evening.
This format closely resembles parish offers in which visiting times and the order of stops are prearranged, and the price usually covers transport, a guide, admission fees and one meal.
Day 1 - arrival in Krakow, guided walk around the Old Town (Wawel, the cathedral, Main Market Square), lunch, afternoon visit to a shrine or participation in an evening service.
Day 2 - afternoon visit to the John Paul II Centre, time for personal prayer in Łagiewniki, optionally an excursion to Wieliczka or a return via Jasna Góra depending on the route.
Two-day programmes are common in offers from religious orders and pilgrimage offices — they include accommodation, full board and a guide, and often additional participant insurance.
- Coach transport or hired minibus - costs depend on route length and number of participants.
- Guide or group leader support - parish groups often book a licensed guide for sightseeing and visits to shrines.
- Admission fees to museums and centres (for example the John Paul II Centre) - frequently included in parish-organised trips.
- Meal (lunch) and basic accident insurance - standard in many offers; a typical parish one-day fee commonly covers the items above.
- Book in advance: for autumn many parishes and agencies plan regular departures, but popular dates fill up quickly.
- Check what’s included: whether admission fees, guide, lunch and insurance are covered — this makes it easier to compare offers.
- Clothing: layers - autumn days can change quickly; bring a light rain jacket and comfortable walking shoes.
- Documents: for combined or international trips (for example if the programme includes travel to another country) check passport or ID requirements. Organisers usually list necessary documents and validity dates.
- Masses and services: confirm with the organiser whether participation in Mass is planned and where it will take place — this is important for daily logistics.
- Parishes: often arrange one-day or weekend trips tailored to the community’s needs - programmes are simple and focused on sacramental life and basic sightseeing.
- Pilgrimage agencies / religious orders: offer ready-made packages with accommodation, full board, insurance and leader support; such offers typically include practical notes about document and luggage requirements.
- The choice depends on the group: if you want a strong spiritual focus and simplicity, a parish-organised trip may be best; if you need comprehensive services (accommodation, full support, extra excursions) choose a pilgrimage agency.
- Number of places and deposit deadlines - many parishes ask for a deposit and participant details (for Polish citizens sometimes PESEL is requested) when signing up; payment deadlines can be short.
- Insurance and regulations - make sure the organiser provides at least basic accident insurance (NNW) and clear cancellation rules.
- Health requirements and accessibility - check whether the route and sites are accessible for people with limited mobility, and whether there is a plan for possible medical situations.
Visiting Krakow in autumn as a pilgrimage is a practical and beautiful way to combine the spiritual dimension with learning about history and monuments. Book your date in advance, confirm the exact programme with the organiser, check what is included in the price and look after participants’ comfort (clothing, meals, insurance).
If you’d like, I can prepare a customised programme for a specific number of participants (1-day or 2-day) and a checklist of documents and items to bring — tell me the number of people, preferred dates and whether you need accommodation. This article and any tailor-made programmes can be arranged through zwiedzaniekrakowa.com with tour guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz).
