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Viva la Musica is pleased to announce its fifth performance tour, to Prague and Dresden.
Come as a singer or come as a groupie!
Mozart’s Requiem and Americana in the Church of St. Simon and Juda, Prague and in the Lucas Church, Dresden.
March 8, 2011 - March 16, 2011
Prague and Dresden
Singers and non-singers (groupies) all welcome. Click here for payment details.
Tuesday, March 8 — Depart from San Francisco, California
Depart San Francisco in the afternoon on a British Airways flight bound for Heathrow, London and Prague, Czech Republic. Select meals, snacks and refreshments will be served on the overnight flight.
Wednesday, March 9 — Arrive in Prague, Czech Republic
Welcome to the Czech Republic! Upon arrival in Prague meet our Music Contact International Tour Manager in the arrivals areas at the airport. Board our waiting motor coach and transfer to our centrally located hotel. Settle in and refresh before embarking on an orientation walk with our tour manager.
Having been spared the bombs of World War II, Prague is reminiscent of a fairy tale. The city, which was built on seven hills, boasts a combination of different architectural styles from many centuries, with fine parks and gardens interspersed throughout. The Vltava River, which is spanned by 16 bridges, winds through the city. On our walk, see such sights at Old Town Square with its famous Tyn Castle and Astronomical Clock as well as Wenceslas Square.
In the evening a special Welcome Dinner for our choir will be held at a local restaurant.
Thursday, March 10 — Sightseeing In Prague
After breakfast in the hotel dining room, embark on a morning guided city bus tour of Prague. See sights, such as the Old Town Square, Astronomical Tower, the Gothic Powder Tower built in 1475, and Wenceslas Square.
Following the tour, enjoy the remainder of the day free in Prague. Perhaps spend some time shopping on Prague’s well-known Celetna Avenue or visit the Cubist Museum which houses a wonderful café on its second floor, The Café Grand Orient. The Havelska Market could be another wonderful way to spend part of your day. Here you can find anything from Czech crafts to Czech delicacies. If art is something you love, walk to the Museum of Contemporary Art. On your way there, you will cross the Charles Bridge. Enjoy beautiful views and shop for handmade souvenirs created by local Czech artists.
Friday, March 11 — Prague
Following breakfast, enjoy a full free day in Prague for independent exploration. Perhaps spend the day in Prague’s Jewish Town to learn more about Prague’s rich Jewish history. Visit the Pinkas Synagogue, which is now a memorial to Jews killed in the Holocaust, the Maisel Synagogue, constructed in 1591, the Spanish Synagogue built in 1868 in the flamboyant Moorish style, and Klaus Synagogue, which houses the State Jewish Museum. Also see the Old Jewish Cemetery and the Ceremonial Hall. A guided tour can be arranged upon request. On the way to the Jewish Quarter, walk down Parizska Ulice, also called, “Paris Street.” This one of the most of the most beautiful streets in Prague, accordingly named due to its resemblance to the streets of the French capital. From cafes to boutiques, this stroll will certainly be a pleasure. There are many wonderful restaurants to choose from for lunch and dinner. Venture off the beaten path and see what authentic options you can find. The evening is also free for you to further explore Prague. Perhaps attend a showing of Mozart’s Don Giovanni at one of Prague’s famous marionette theaters
Saturday, March 12 — Prague Rehearsal & Concert
After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to the Church of St. Simon and Juda where Viva will have a morning dress rehearsal.
The afternoon is free. Perhaps explore the Prague Castle District. As the largest medieval castle complex in Europe and the ancient seat of Czech kings throughout the ages, this is Prague's premier tourist attraction. Several destructive wars and fires and subsequent renovations, along with differing political forces, have combined to create an intriguing mix of palaces, churches and fortifications. The Prague Castle complex consists of St. Vitus Cathedral, the most recognizable landmark in the city, viewing towers, museums and art galleries, a monastery, Golden Lane, and several palaces, including Lobkowicz Palace and St. George's Basilica. You will certainly be mesmerized by the magnitude and beauty of this glorious complex. A guided tour can be arranged upon request. In the late afternoon return to the hotel to prepare for the evening’s concert.
Choir and orchestra perform a concert of Mozart’s Requiem and Americana at the Church of St. Simon and Juda. The Church of St. Simon and Juda stands by the Na Frantisku Hospital, one of the oldest hospitals in Czech lands. A hospital with a chapel was founded there in the 14th century. After many renovations throughout the centuries, the chapel became a Baroque church famous for its richly decorated interior with sculptures by F. M. Brokoff and for its pipe organ that was used by the great Mozart himself. It is administered by the Prague Symphony Orchestra, and as a result, jazz, classical, quartets and huge orchestras are just a few of the many events conducted here year after year.
Sunday, March 13 — Prague
In the morning, have breakfast before enjoying our final day in Prague. The entire day is free for you to do as you please. Perhaps a guided visit to Karlovy Vary, approximately a 2 hour drive from Prague. Karlovy Vary is a world famous, cosmopolitan spa town situated in Western Bohemia where the Ohre and Teplá Rivers meet. Founded in 1350 by the Czech King and Holy Roman Emperor, Charles IV, Karlovy Vary is now famous for its hot springs and a major destination for tourists and celebrities alike. While in Karlovy Vary, delight in the town’s renowned Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture, visit one the famous hot springs, visit the Diana Outlook Tower for one of the best views of the city, and see the most prominent church monument, St. Mary Magdalene, designed by the distinguished architect Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer.
Alternatively, an excursion to the Terezin Concentration Camp can be arranged. As Hitler transported tens of thousands of communal objects to Prague, their owners were sent first to a city built northwest of Prague in 1780 by Joseph II. Ironically, this city served as a fortress to protect Prague from invaders to the north. Joseph II named this village after his mother, Maria Teresia, calling it Terezin. It was later turned into a Nazi German ghetto during World War II, established by the Gestapo in the fortress and garrison city of Terezín located in what is now the Czech Republic. It was also used as a transit camp for European Jews en route to Auschwitz. Spend the day exploring Terezin with a guide, learning about its troubled history and the plight of those that came before. If you decide to remain in Prague for the day, it will nonetheless be a fantastic day. You will have the opportunity to visit sights not yet seen, revisit places that you enjoyed, and of course, finish last minute shopping for those back home.
Monday, March 14 — Prague To Dresden
After breakfast in the hotel dining room, check out of our hotel and depart for Dresden where we will spend the next two nights. After a bus ride of approximately 3 hours, we will arrive in Dresden and check in to our centrally located hotel. Take some time to settle in and relax before embarking on a guided city tour of Dresden’s Old Town. Splendidly situated on the banks of the broad and impressive Elbe River, Dresden became the capital of Saxony as early as the 15th century. Dresden conjures up images of beautiful baroque architecture, graceful fountains, priceless art, and fine porcelain. On our tour, see great attractions, such as the Frauenkirche, once the largest Protestant church in all of Germany, and the Semper Opera House, which was re-opened in the 1980’s. See other sites, such as the Gewandhaus, Kreuzkirche (Church of the Holy Cross), and the Atlmarkt (old market).
In the afternoon, following lunch, continue exploring Dresden on your own. Be sure and visit the restored Green Vault at Dresden's Royal Palace, one of Germany's most celebrated museums, recently unveiled more than 60 years after World War II bombs reduced it to rubble. The Green Vault or Grünes Gewölbe, was founded in 1723 by August II, the prince-elector of Saxony and little-loved king of Poland who collected rare, glittering objects like Johann Melchior Dinglinger's 18th-century jewel-encrusted figurines titled, "Court of the Grand Moghul of Delhi" and his "Golden Coffee Set." Also explore the many wonderful café’s that Dresden has to offer.
Tuesday, March 15 — Singing In Dresden Rehearsal & Concert
Following breakfast, transfer to Lukas Church where we will have a morning dress rehearsal in preparation for our performance later in the day. After the rehearsal, the remainder of the afternoon is free to explore Dresden on your own. In the late afternoon return to the hotel to prepare for this evening’s concert.
Perform a concert of Mozart’s Requiem and Americana at the Lukas Church in Dresden. Following the concert, a Festive Farewell Dinner will be held at a local restaurant.
Wednesday, March 16 — Departure
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and depart by motor coach for the Berlin Airport and our return flight to the United States.
Click here for payment details. The Tour Includes:
- Flights:
Roundtrip airfare on British Airways from San Francisco to Heathrow, London and Prague, Czech Republic and from Berlin, Germany to San Francisco.
- Accommodations:
Clarion Hotel Prague City
Tylovo Sq. 15/3, CZ-120 00 Prague 2,Czech Republic
Tel.: +420 221 995 900
Fax: +420 221 995 995
www.clarionhotelpraguecity.com
Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe
Neumarkt 9
01067 Dresden, Germany
Phone +49 351 4386-0
Fax +49 351 4386-888
www.steigenberger.com/en/Dresden
- Transportation:
Transportation as described in the itinerary in a modern climate controlled motor coach with a professional driver.
- Meals:
Breakfast served daily in the hotel dining room 2, three-course dinners served at local restaurants:
- Welcome Dinner in Prague
- Festive Farewell Dinner in Dresden
- Travel Insurance:
Group travel insurance has been included in the cost of your tour. Please refer to the group travel insurance policies document for more information on the policy, which will be forthcoming.
- Tips:
Tips for your tour manager, local guides and bus drivers have been included in the price of the tour.
- Performance Opportunities:
Performances and rehearsals
- 2 rehearsals (2 hours), 1 in Prague & 1 in Dresden (in the performance venues)
- 1 performance (choir and orchestra) in the Church of St. Simon and Juda, Prague
- 1 performance (choir and orchestra) in Lukas Church, Dresden
- Guided Tours:
- Half-day guided city tour of Prague
- 2 Hour walking tour of Dresden’s Old Town
- Tour Manager:
A full-time Music Contact International Tour Manager will accompany our group from arrival to departure.
- Additional Materials:
Each member of the group will receive:
- Keepsake DVD video of photos from our tour set to our music from our performances.
- A customized handbook including detailed hourly tour itinerary with regional and travel information.
- Luggage tags and ticket jackets
Not Included In Package Price:
- Checked bag fees imposed by the airline
- Visa and passport fees
Please note: no visas are necessary for US citizens traveling to the Czech Republic or Germany
- Drinks with meals (except breakfast)
- Any services not listed above
Optional Tours Can be Booked for Small Groups:
Marionette Theater ($38.00 per person)
Jewish Quarter Tour ($36.00 per person)
Prague Castle Tour ($42.00 per person)
Guided visit to Karlovy Vary ($36.00 per person)
Guided tour of Terezin Concentration Camp ($36.00 per person)
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