Warsaw to Czestochowa and Krakow: Private day trip

As the national shrine of Poland, Jasna Góra Monastery is understandably a sight to behold. Regarded by many as Poland's spiritual capital, Częstochowa welcomes hundreds of pilgrims from all over the world and operates as the centre of Polish Catholicism. The Black Madonna of Częstochowa (also known as Our Lady of Częstochowa) is a beloved icon of the Virgin Mary. Difficult to date due to damage inflicted by Hussite raiders in 1430, legend goes that the icon was painted by Luke the Evangelist on a table built by Jesus. During Nazi occupation, Hitler prohibited pilgrimages to Jasna Góra, but many still secretly made the journey and after Poland was liberated in 1945, half a million pilgrims journeyed to Częstochowa to express their gratitude. Later during the Cold War, Jasna Góra was a center of anti-Communist resistance. A place of both religious and historical significance, Częstochowa is a moving and awe-inspiring visit regardless of one's faith.

Krakow's Old Town is a 13th-century merchants' town, planned in 1257 following the city’s destruction during the Tatar invasions of 1241. The green park around the Old Town marks the city’s original fortifications that were demolished in the 19th century. In the middle of one stretch is the Gothic-style barbican, built around 1498, which once connected the fortified walls. It is one of only three such fortified outposts still surviving in Europe, and the best preserved. As a center of the most religious countries in Europe, Krakow offers and almost endless list of churches to visit. Right in the middle of the town square it the Church of St. Wojciech, one of the oldest stone churches in Poland. Of course, no medieval city would be complete without a castle, and the Wawel delivers with sweeping views and multiple museums. Be sure to plan your visit at http://www.wawel.krakow.pl/en/index.php?op=40