CZECH REPUBLIC and POLAND. Itinerary for Group One

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1 CZECH REPUBLIC and POLAND Itinerary for Group One

2 1 Itinerary for World Classroom Trip to The Czech Republic and Poland May 2012 (Map of Members of European Union) The European Union was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between neighbours, which culminated in the Second World War. As of 1950, the European Coal and Steel Community began to unite European countries economically and politically in order to secure lasting peace. The six founders were Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. The 1950s were dominated by the Cold War between the East and the West. Protests in Hungary against the Communist regime were put down by Soviet tanks in 1956; while the following year, 1957, the Soviet Union took the lead in the space race, when it launched the first man-made space satellite, Sputnik 1. Also in 1957, the Treaty of Rome created the European Economic Community (EEC), or Common Market. 1st May 2004 Eight countries of central and eastern Europe the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia joined the EU,

3 2 finally ending the division of Europe decided by the Great Powers sixty years earlier at Yalta. Cyprus and Malta also became members. The accession of Romania and Bulgaria completed the fifth enlargement of the EU that began in May 2004, raising the number of Member States to 27 and the population within the Union to million inhabitants. The EU now has 23 official languages, following the addition of Bulgarian, Romanian and Irish. CZECH REPUBLIC The Slavs arrived to this area in the 6th century but it was inhabited by Germanic and Celtic tribes before. The most important rulers of the country were the emperors Charles IV and Rudolf II. During the reign of Charles IV ( ), Prague grew into one of the largest cities in Europe. It acquired its Gothic face and famous landmarks, including Charles University, Charles Bridge and St. Vitus Cathedral. In the second half of the 16th century the city experienced great prosperity under the rule of the emperor Rudolf II and was made the seat of the Habsburg Empire. Rudolf II invited great artists and scholars to his court and established many collections of art. At the beginning of the 20th century Bohemia was a part of the Austrian Empire. After World War I in 1918, Czechoslovakia declared its independence. The new republic was established from three parts: Bohemia, Moravia and Slovakia. The popular personality, Tomáš Garigue Masaryk, became the first president. Nazi Germany occupied the Sudetenland in October 1938, with the acceptance of France and Britain, after the Munich Agreement. Germany occupied Bohemia and Moravia in March Czechoslovakia was reestablished as an independent state after World War II in The Communists won the elections in 1946 and ruled the country until November In the 1960s Czechoslovakia enjoyed a gradual liberalization under the reformist general secretary of the Czechoslovak Communist Party, Alexander Dubček, but this short period was crushed by a Soviet invasion in August The communist government resigned in November 1989 after a week of demonstrations known as the Velvet Revolution. The popular Václav Havel was elected president of the republic. Czechoslovakia split into the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic at the end of Twelve years later, on May 1, 2004 the Czech Republic became a part of the European Union. At present, the Czech Republic is a modern and democratic country with a rich cultural and historical heritage. Security is an important factor when planning a trip. The Czech Republic is one of the calmest and safest places on earth. Th e Czech Republic can boast a full twelve historic areas inscribed in the UNESCO. Register of World Cultural and Natural Heritage sites, as well as one UNESCO geopark. All of these monuments are easily accessible from Prague; it is a matter of a car trip lasting between 30

4 3 minutes to three hours. No other concentration of UNESCO-registered sites can be found anywhere else in the world. The Czech Republic is a country with a very vibrant culture. The Czech Republic belongs among the great powers of European music, and everyone with an interest in classical music most certainly knows such names as Smetana, Dvořák, Janáček or Martinů. In the eastern region of the Czech Republic, visitors have an exceptional opportunity to experience folk traditions and music. Summer is the season for the largest folklore festivals. Many village museums, such as Vlčnov, Strážnice, Rožnov pod Radhoštěm and many more, revive the old celebrations, customs and traditions. Visitors to the Czech Republic have the unique opportunity to learn about this fascinating culture at its many Jewish sites as well as at various other places throughout the country. The film festival in Carlsbad (Karlovy Vary) is the most important category A international film festival in central and Eastern Europe, with over 40 years behind it. It takes place every year in July. The combination of thousands of young film fans from around the entire world and international stars create a unique informal atmosphere. Wine/Beer/Food Czech and Moravian wines regularly win awards at international competitions. Every year in autumn events celebrating this popular tipple take place wine festivals. The range of beers available on the Czech market would satisfy even the most discerning beer drinker. In Czechia you can dine well, and in all price categories. Awaiting you is both traditional Czech cuisine as well as international cuisine POLAND Poland is situated almost directly in the geographic center of Europe. Its territory of sq. km. ( sq. miles) makes it the biggest state in Central Europe. The country borders Germany to the west, the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south, Russia (the Kaliningrad enclave), Belarus, the Ukraine and Lithuania to the east and the Baltic Sea to the north. Poland is predominantly quite a flat country with wide sandy beaches at the seaside, lots of crystal clear lakes and wild forests in the north. The center of the country is covered by a huge plateau and the south is bordered by a few mountain ranges with the highest - the Tatras (Rysy meters above the sea level). Climate Poland lies in the moderate climate zone, intermediate between marine and continental climates. The Polish summer starts in May, and offers lots of sunny days till the end of September. The average monthly temperatures (Celsius degrees) are January: -2 degrees, February: 0 degrees, March: 5 degrees, April: 11 degrees, May: 19 degrees, June: 21 degrees, July: 25 degrees, August: 23 degrees, September: 21 degrees, October: 17 degrees, November: 6 degrees, December: 2 degrees. People The population of the country is 38,7 million. Almost 2 million live in Warsaw - the capital. Poland is almost ethnically homogeneous - less than 3 % of the population are national minorities: Ukrainians, Belarussians and Germans.

5 4 Religion More than 90% are Roman Catholic. Among minorities we may find: Orthodox, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim and others. Time The entire Polish territory lies one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Electricity Poland's power grid supplies 220 V/50 HZ current; since round, European-style two-pin plugs are used, 110 V/60 HZ electrical equipment requires an adapter. Currency and Money Exchange The official Polish currency unit is the zloty", abbreviated zl". In circulation are the following notes: 200, 100, 50, 20, 10; and coins: 5,2,1 zloty, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, 1 groszy". Convertible currencies may be changed into Polish zlotys at banks, hotels and at private currency-exchange offices - the kantors". Major travelers checks are easily changed and all major credit cards are accepted. DAY 0, Monday, 31 st April, 2012 Depart China / Hong Kong, en route DAY 1, Tuesday, 1 st May, 2012 (State Holiday) 9:00 Arrival in Prague, Czech Republic. Meet and greet at the airport with local guides and agency representative 10:00 Departure for West Bohemia, Karlovy Vary with en route visit of Pilsen Pilsen Metropolis of West Bohemia. Since its foundation in 1295, the city of Pilsen has naturally become a cultural and economic centre of West Bohemia. Nowadays, Pilsen with its 165,000 inhabitants covers an area of 138 square kilometres and is easily accessible by the D5 motorway. The city came to prominence in the middle of the 19th century when the Škoda Works Company and the Pilsner Urquell brewery were founded. Nowadays, the industrial potential of the city concentrates on value added production and the so called knowledge economy projects. The Municipal Industrial Park Borská Pole (Bory Fields) is a major attractive locality for this type of investments. Many district and regional institutions reside in the city, among them about forty secondary schools and apprenticeship training colleges, the University of West Bohemia and the Faculty of Medicine of Charles University. The historical centre of Pilsen cannot be passed without noticing. As soon as you enter the Pilsen basin from any direction, you will be safely guided to the centre of the city by the tower of St. Bartholomew Cathedral which with is height of 102,6 m (336 feet) is the highest church tower in Bohemia and a unique dominant of the city skyline. The historic city centre has been a listed municipal protected historic district since There are also two

6 5 listed national cultural monuments on its territory: the archdeacon church of St. Bartholomew and the Pilsen Madonna a sculpture made of arenaceous marl in the late 14th century. Valuable historical houses around the square (many of them having stone portals), the Franciscan monastery, the Renaissance city hall, the Great Synagogue or Aleš sgrafitti. Visit of all important monuments Free time for lunch 15:00 Transfer to Karlovy Vary Karlovy Vary This famous spa town located in Western Bohemia gained its reputation thanks to the discovery of hot mineral springs, the history of which originated in the Middle Ages. Mineral waters are used mainly for drinking cures which are the most important part of the spa treatment. Today there are 12 hot springs in use here, and you will have the chance to taste the waters at each of them. The best known spring is named Vridlo - the sprudel which belches its curative water to a height of 17 m. There are many famous personalities among the visitors of the town: Ludwig van Beethoven, Frederic Chopin, Franz Liszt, Johann Wolfgang Goethe, Friedrich Schiller, Alexei Tolstoy, Antonin Dvorak etc. The town is situated about 130 km from Prague. Guided tour of spa centre ended in dinner venue Dinner and Overnight in Karlovy Vary DAY 2, Wednesday. 2nd May, :00 12:00 Communal activity 12:00 13:00 Free time for lunch 15:00 19:00 Visit of Marianske Lazne spa town Marianske Lazne, a relatively young spa town, developed at the beginning of the 19th century in a valley where several excellent healing streams spring from the ground, though its inhabitants were aware of the springs as early as the 1200s. In 1528, King Ferdinand ordered these springs to be examined for salt content. By the end of the 18th century, the prelate of the Teplá Monastery, Dr. Jan Josef Nehr, had begun a systematic examination of their curative effects. In 1805, he founded the first brick house for spa guests near the Cross Spring called "The Golden Globe", built at the site of a former wooden cabin. During the Second World War, Mariánské Lázně became a hospital town. In the years immediately following the

7 6 Second World War, the city started to develop again. The first residential neighborhoods and recreation complexes were built. In 1952, a new environment-friendly trolley-bus service was introduced. Regardless, the city still maintains its extraordinary and unique spa and tourist character. Approximately 40,000 visitors come to Mariánské Lázně each summer season. The ongoing efforts to restore the original city character, its architecture, parks and its overall atmosphere have been in progress since :00 21:00 Dinner in town Overnight in Karlovy Vary DAY 3, Thuersday, 3th May, :00-11:00 Visit of Moser Factory Moser Crystal Glass Factory, excursion and visit to the new Glass Museum We offer you a remarkable experience of our glassmakers work in the glassworks. Watch perfect hand manufacturing of products. Learn about their top quality and the unique talent of master glassmakers. The magic atmosphere when products are blown and shaped, the typical fragrance of burntout wooden moulds and the beauty of glowing mass will certainly be a strong experience. During the tour photographing and camera shooting are allowed for a fee. In such a way you can keep your memories of the glassworks visit forever. The tours are complemented with a presentation of glassmaking raw materials, tools and production procedures. A new museum offers a unique look into the glassworks history. A brand new exposition in modern interiors offers a tour tracking down the more than 150-year-old glassworks history. It presents famous owners of luxury Moser glass and the oldest glass design as well as current collections with over 2,000 exhibits. The exhibition is complemented with 7 documentaries in 6 languages. There are audio guides available. Using them you can choose your individual tour and pace 11:00 12:00 Free time for lunch 12:00 Departure for Prague PRAGUE Distances from other central European cities: Vienna is 300km away, Bratislava 320km, Berlin 350km, Budapest 550km, Warsaw 630km and Copenhagen 750km, Prague is approximately 600km from the Baltic, 700km from the North Sea and 700km from the Adriatic. Prague city centre s exact geographical location is N and E. The city is on Central European Time (CET; GMT + 1), summer time - CET + 1 (GMT + 2)

8 7 Prague s historical centre has an area of 866ha (Hradčany and Prague Castle, Malá Strana, the Old Town including Charles Bridge and Josefov, the New Town and Vyšehrad). Since 1992 it has been listed by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage site. Typical for Prague city centre are its winding lanes and buildings in every possible architectural style: Romanesque rotundas, Gothic cathedrals, Baroque and Renaissance palaces, art nouveau, neo-classical, cubist and functionalist houses and contemporary structures. Examples of architectural styles over 1000 years of development presented Prague with the most beautiful historical monuments of all architectural styles 13:30 Arrival in city centre - Visit Old Town, Charles Bridge and have some free time (luggage continuing to the hotel) Old Town Square has been since its beginning the heart of the Czech identity. The square had also been the focus of central European trade exchange in the 12 th and 13 th centuries. Most of the buildings were rebuilt in the Gothic style, later receiving a Renaissance or Baroque cladding. The most admired building on Old Town Square is surely the Old Town Hall with its famous astronomical clock from 1490 which shows every full hour with the 12 apostles. The complicated clockwork shows everything from hours and days to equinoxes and phases of the moon. Charles Bridge Named after the Emperor Charles IV in 19th century the Charles Bridge is Prague's most familiar monument. Designed by Petr Parler, it was completed in 1400 and it connects the Lesser Town with the Old Town. Although it is now pedestrianised, it withstood wheeled traffic for 600 years.

9 8 Dinner in restaurant Nebozizek This particular restaurant is located in the middle of Petřín Park with a magnificent view of the most interesting sights the Old Town has to offer. Acces is by funicular train. While you are waiting for your chosen meal, the history of the Old Town will unfold before your eyes, which will follow the meanderings of the Vltava River weaving among the historic buildings finally coming to rest on the classic silhouette of the Prague Castle... Possibility to make a lot of nice photos 18:30 Dinner 20:00 Transfer to railway station 21:17 Departure for Krakow Overnight in train DAY 4, Friday, 4 th May, :00 Arrival in Krakow Transfer to the hotel Breakfast at the hotel or elsewhere 9:30 19:30 Full day visits in Krakow including the city centre, Kazimir, Wavel Free time for lunch in Milk Bar KRAKOW For the Polish people, Krakow, or Cracow, is a special city: the old capital of kings, the place where kings were crowned and laid to rest. Today, Cracow is the key to understanding Poland and Poland s place in Europe. Come and see the Old Town area within the Planty greenbelt an excellently preserved medieval city. We start the walk next to the old defence walls. The vast Old Town Market Square is considered to be one of the largest town squares in Europe. The surroundings of the square have remained unchanged for almost 700 years and contain buildings of historic value such as St. Mary s Church with the famous wooden altar, the Town Hall Tower, the Cloth Hall, the Wierzynek restaurant and the burgher houses. Every hour, you can hear the bugle call to the four corners of the world from the tower of St. Mary s Church. Wawel Castle Wawel Castle is the most popular and the richest museum in Poland. In its 71 magnificent rooms with 7,040 sq. meters of floor space, several thousand works of art of greatest value are

10 9 on display. Through a tall vaulted gate we enter the Renaissance arcades of the castle courtyard. This is where the colourful pageants, the knights tournaments and entertainments were held. The most valuable of all the works of art in the Wawel collection are the Arras tapestries. This great art legacy is due to King Sigismund Augustus, who commissioned the work with the best Flemish weavers, and supervised its progress over twenty years. A visit to the Wawel Cathedral which used to be the scene of coronations and is the eternal resting place of the kings of Poland. Wawel Hill is dominated by the Cathedral, the Castle and the defence towers. In the Sigismund Tower hangs the largest bell in Poland, called Zygmunt. Kazimierz District Enter the maze of narrow streets of the former Jewish district of Kazimierz, to take a plunge into the culture of a different world. The dramatic history of the Jewish community, exterminated by the Nazis, was presented by Steven Spielberg who made the movie Schindler s List in the actual setting. In the past, Kazimierz was a distinct town with its own Market Square and Town Hall, as well as thriving culture, this having blossomed with particular force in the 16th century. That period witnessed the foundation of Poland s oldest Judaic shrine, the Old Synagogue, and then the Remuh Synagogue with the adjoining Renaissance cemetery. Visit the Old Synagogue with the exhibition that shows the history and culture of the Jewish community of Cracow Overnight in Krakow in 3 or 4 star hotel DAY 5, Saturday, 5 th May, :00 Departure for Auschwitz 10:00 13:00 Visit of the Concentration Camp Auschwitz The Death Camp in Oświęcim, known as Konzentrationslager Auschwitz, was in fact a complex of camps, the largest Nazi death factory, where four million people, mostly Jews, perished. Auschwitz consisted of several units, including the largest one at Brzezinka (Birkenau). Of the millions of people brought there in the period of , only 60 to 70 thousand utterly emaciated victims survived the time of liberation of the camp. At present, the National Museum of Oświęcim is situated on the site of the former camp Free time for lunch Transfer to Vielicka 17:00 19:00 Visit of the Salt Mines Salt Mine The oldest salt mine in Europe, the impressive underground world of salt lakes, chambers, galleries and the unique museum of Salt Works created by many generations of Polish

11 10 miners. A part of the mine has been opened to the public as a museum, and it is a fascinating journey through the labyrinth of tunnels and levels. 19:15 20:30 Dinner in Krczma Halit folklore restaurant next to the Salt Mine Typical countryside restaurant with traditional Polish food and live folklore performance Transfer to the train station 21:50 Transfer to Prague Overnight in train DAY 6 Sunday, 6 th May, :40 Arrival to Prague Breakfast 8:40 Departure for Telc Reflected in the surface of placid ponds, the picturesque town of Telč is a true real pearl of the Vysočina region. The ancient royal water fort was founded here in the 13th century on the crossroads of busy merchants routes. Besides the monumental Renaissance chateau with an English park, the most significant sight is the town square a unique complex of historical houses in the Renaissance and Baroque style.

12 11 The historical heart of the town was registered in 1992 on the UNESCO s List of World Cultural Heritage Sites. Free time for lunch 13:00 15:00 Guided walk Transfer to Hluboka Castle 16:30 18:00 Visit of Hluboka Castle Hluboká nad Vltavou is situated 10 km north of the town České Budějovice and is mainly known for its wonderful castle. The region around this town is chiefly known for fish-farming and woodworking industries and deer-parks founded in the 16th century. The originally royal and new-gothic style castle (lengthways ground plan) from the 13th century was rebuilt in the Renaissance style in the 16th century. Hluboká castle belonged to the Princes Schwanzenberk. The present Neo-Gothic appearance with eleven towers, several bastions, many balconies and Castle Tower dates from the reconstructions in Tudor Gothic after the model of Britain s Windsor Castle ( ). The castle is now a museum. There are more than 140 rooms and halls rich in collection of pictures (especially Dutch painting), porcelain, tapestries by Badouin von Beveren, weapons, glass, furniture with woodcarvings, hunting trophies and much else besides. The former riding school was converted in this century ( ) to the Aleš South Bohemian Picture Gallery, named after the Czech painter Mikoláš Aleš. There is a large collection of pictures by Southern Bohemian artists, 17th century Flemish and Dutch painting, 17th and 18th century graphic art... A large and beautiful park preserve, (English style) one of the most important in the Czech Republic, surrounds the castle. Transfer to Ceske Budejovice The Czech King Premysl Ottakar II established the town České Budějovice in 1265 as a royal town. For a long time the town was a buttress of Czech kings in the region. The historical centre was planned as a complex protected from two sides by the Vltava and Malše rivers, with a geometric web of streets around the square and with marked location of the Dominican monastery, which was founded together with the town.

13 12 Dinner and Night in Ceske Budejovice DAY 7, Monday, 7 th May, :30 Departure for full day in Cesky Krumlov Full day in Cesky Krumlov, Visit of the Chateau, Puppet Museum, Fairy-Tale House Free lunch and time for own exploration and/or shopping Impressions of Český Krumlov With its Old Town almost encircled by the River Vltava, Český Krumlov is a jewel of historical architecture in Southern Bohemia. Lying close to the German and Austrian borders, the town has always been a mix of German speaking residents and Czech inhabitants. Thanks to the most expensive complex of castle and chateau structures in Bohemia and old burgher s houses with preserved medieval character, Český Krumlov is one of the most visited destinations in the Czech Republic. The State Castle of Český Krumlov, with its architectural standard, cultural tradition, and expanse, ranks among the most important historic sights in the central European region. Building development from the 14th to 19th centuries is well-preserved in the original groundplan layout, material structure, interior installation and architectural detail. A worthy assessment of the area by both domestic and foreign experts resulted in the acquisition of historic monument preservation status. In 1963, the town was declared a Municipal Preserve, in 1989 the castle became a National Monument, and in 1992 the entire complex was included onto the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Visit of the Castle, free time Dinner in Cesky Krumlov or in Ceske Budejovice Night in Ceske Budejovice DAY 8, Tuesday, 8 th May, 2012 (State Holiday) 8:00 Departure for Prague 10:00 arrival to Prague - Vysehrad Visit of Vysehrad Monument

14 13 Ancient legends situate the original seat of the Czech princes - the legendary Princess Libuse and the first Przemyslides - on the hill. In fact, however, this fort had not been founded until the Prague Castle was already in existence, since it dates back to the mid-10th century. In the latter half of the 11th and in the 12th century Vysehrad used to be the Przemyslides princes' main residence which brought about a generous building activity within its walls. Among noteworthy sights there are the precious Romanesque rotunda of St. Martin (interior only for groups announced in advance), the Gothic church of St. Peter and Paul (in the late 19th century rebuilt in the neogothic style), the Vysehrad cemetery used as a burial site of the Czech outstanding personalilties since 1869 with a collective tomb called Slavin, the underground casemates housing the originals of several baroque statues from the Charles Bridge Afternoon visit of Mala Strana Mala Strana, Walk around Wallenstejn Palace, Visit one of the gardens in Mala Strana, Church of Lady Victorious with its small and world famous little sculpure of the Jesus child. One of Prague s Baroque jewels is the St. Nicholas Church in Lesser Town Square. The Jesuits had merit in building this church after they received imperial consent to demolish the existing ancient church of the same sanctification. The bell tower was in the past occupied by a watchman, who was observing the surrounding areas watching out for fire. During the communist regime the tower was a secret observation point for the State police. From this point they could monitor entrances and gardens of neighbouring embassies of Western countries. 20:00 22:00 Buffet Dinner Cruise

15 14 DAY 9, Wednesday, 9 th May, 2012 Morning visit of local school, integrated workshops and activities with Czech students until about 2:00 pm Afternoon time at leisure 17:45 18:45 Black light theater performance Black Light Theatre (in Czech černé divadlo) or simply 'Black Theatre', is a theatrical performance style characterized by the use of black box theatre augmented by black light illusion. This form of theatre originated in Asia. The distinctive characteristics of 'black theatre' are the use of black curtains, a darkened stage, and 'black lighting' (UV light), paired with fluorescent costumes in order to create intricate visual illusions. This "black cabinet" technique was used by Georges Melies, and by theatre revolutionary Stanislavsky. The technique, paired with the expressive artistry of dance, mime and acrobatics of the performers is able to create remarkable spectacles. Dinner in a historical pub. Overnight in Prague th DAY 10, Thuersday, 10 May, :00 13:00 Seminar about Jewish culture, followed by meeting with a person who survived the Holocaust Visit of the Jewish monuments We take you back to the roots of Prague's Jewish community built on stone and lime. We start at Parizska Street, previously called Josefov after the Habsburg Emperor Joseph II, son of Maria Theresia. We will proceed to visit the outside of the Old-New Synagogue, the oldest synagogue of Europe still in service. We continue with inside visits of the Maisel Synagogue with one of the largest collections of 40,000 exhibits and 100,000 books. Synagogue Synagogue Cemetery Legend has it that the Jews settled here prior to the arrival of the Slavs, immediately after the destruction of the temple of Jerusalem (70 AD). Next we visit the largest synagogue of the

16 15 Ghetto - the Klaus Synagogue, with objects related to the Jewish religious traditions and customs. Continuing, we will visit the Pynkas Synagogue with names and personal dates of the Jews of Bohemia and Moravia, murdered by the Nazis during World War II, followed by a visit of the Jewish cemetery (founded in the first half of the 15th century), called the garden of the dead, that still evokes the spirit of the Ghetto defying the passage of intervening centuries. Almost 12,000 tombstones have been erected here, but the number of persons that are buried there is much greater. The genius loci of Prague's famous Ghetto gave this place "the magic town-within town" image. We will also visit the birthplace of the world famous Jewish-German writer Franz Kafka (outside visit only). Photo taking is not alowed in Jewish Monuments!!! Lunch will be prepared in a typical Old Town restaurant or will be at leisure or will be in form of package distributed after the seminar and visits to save time Free time for lunch 14:00 18:00 Visit of Mucha Museum and Communist Museum, Wenceslav Square and Charles Square The Mucha Museum, dedicated to the life and work of the world-acclaimed Czech ART NOUVEAU artist Alphonse Mucha ( ), is housed in the Baroque Kaunický Palace in the very heart of Prague. A selection of over 100 exhibits comprising paintings, photographs, charcoal drawings, pastels, lithographs and personal memorabilia provides a privileged view into the universe of the artist who is most widely known for the posters he executed for Sarah Bernhardt in the fashionable world of fin-de-siècle Paris. Visit of Museum of Communism Special Museum guide at disposal The Museum presents a vivid account of Communism focusing on Czechoslovakia (in general) and on Prague (in particular) in a variety of fields: daily life, politics, history, sport, economics, education, the "arts" (namely the so-called Socialist Realism), media propaganda, the Peoples' Militias, the army, the police (including the dreaded secret STB apparatus), censorship, judiciary and coercive institutions (including the Stalinist show-trials and political labour camps), etc. under the totalitarian regime from the February coup in 1948 to its rapid collapse in November 1989

17 16 C harles Square (Karlovo náměstí) Originally a cattle market, the square was founded by Charles IV as the main centre of Prague's new side. It is the largest enclosed square in Prague and one of the largest in Europe. The New Town Hall (Novoměstská radnice), which served its purpose up to the year 1784, was built between the years of Renovated in 1905 the town hall today is used for administrative purposes, cultural and social events. Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí) Originally a horse market, Wenceslas Square got its present name in the mid-19th century. The Wenceslas Square is the main centre of modern Prague surrounded by shops, cinemas, office blocks, hotels, restaurants and cafés. The 750 m long and 60 m wide square has been the scene of a great deal of Czech history. In 1969 a university student Jan Palach burnt himself to death in protest against the Warsaw Pact invasion and in November 1989 protest meetings against police brutality were held here and led to the Velvet Revolution and the end of communism in Czechoslovakia. 19:00 Dinner in Czech folklore restaurant Michael (city centre)

18 17 The Michal Restaurant is situated in one of the oldest parts of historical Prague on the right bank of the River Vltava, only a few steps away from the stone arches of Charles Bridge. The building in which the restaurant is situated was reconstructed in Art Nouveau style in the second half of the 19th century. Typical Czech meal will be served Overnight in Prague DAY 11, Friday, 11 th May, :00 11:00 visit of Prague Castle A national cultural monument, Prague Castle is the symbol of more than a millennia of development of the Czech state. Since its foundation in the last quarter of the 9th century Prague Castle has been developing uninterruptedly throughout the past eleven centuries. It is a monumental complex of ecclesiastical, fortification, residential and office buildings representing all architectural styles and periods, surrounding three castle courtyards and covering 45 hectares. Originally it used to be the residence of the princes and kings of Bohemia, since 1918 it has been the seat of the president. Matyas Gate St George s. St Vitus Cathedral St. Vitus Cathedral - one of the most important monuments of Czech history. The history of this Cathedral dates back to the first half of the 10 th century with the foundation of the Romanesque rotunda by the Duke St. Wenceslas, who was later declared Saint. When Prague became the seat of an archbishop in 1344, construction of the St. Vitus Cathedral began. You will admire the St. Wenceslas Chapel, the Royal Oratory, the tomb of St. John Nepomuk, the Panel relief and others. In the Romanesque Crypt are buried the Bohemian Kings and their wives. The visits continue with the Old Royal Palace of the rulers between the 11 th and the 16 th centuries and the Basilica of St. George, the best-preserved Romanesque building of Prague. The tombs of Boleslav II and Duke Vratislav (the founder of the church) are located here. Furthermore you will see the triumphal arch frames and the chapel of St. Ludmila, which became Bohemia's first martyr. The tour ends with the visit of the Golden Lane, a picturesque street from the mysterious time of Rudolf II, with its miniature houses. Franz Kafka occupied the house at number 22 of Golden Lane in :00-13:30 Free time Visit of the Royal Gardens Ledebur Garden, Small and Great Palffy Gardens, Kolowrat and Small Fürstenberk Gardens. The gardens are situated on the southern slopes below the Prague castle. In this place, the ramparts were originally situated but at the beginning of the16th century this defensive system

19 18 lost its primary importance. The ramparts were then demolished and the plots were sold. Subsequently the vineyards and Renaissance gardens of the Italian style arose here. - After the Swedish devastation in 1648 the gardens were renovated, the Renaissance sternness was replaced by the Baroque adaptation - the balustrade terraces with sculptures, the monumental staircases, the fountains and jets. There are beautiful views of Malá Strana (the Lesser Town) and city-panorama from the terraces. Visit of Loreto and Strahov Monastery Loreto church A Marian pilgrimage place with a copy of the Italian Santa Casa (G. Orsi, ) includes also the baroque Church of the Nativity of Our Lord (K. I. Dienzenhofer, ). The ground is encircled by a cloister and chapels. The spire houses a carillon which consists of 27 Loreto bells which tune a Marian song We Greet You a Thousand Times (every hour from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.). The most valuable item of the liturgical treasury is the so-called Loreto Treasure, a collection of sacred objects from the 16th to 18th centuries. The most famous of these is the Diamond Monstrance adorned with 6,222 diamonds. Bibliotec Strahov Bibliotec Loreto Strahov Monastery The Strahov Monastery is a Premonstratensian order monastery, founded in 1140 by Vladislav II. The present baroque shape was acquired in the latter half of the 17th and during the 18th century (J. B. Mathey, A. Lurago, I. J. Palliardi). Within the monastery precincts there are the Church of the Assumption ( ), the Strahov picture gallery, the valuable Strahov library with a large number of medieval illuminated manuscripts, maps, globes and graphics, the baroque Theological Room ( ), and the classicist Philosophy Room ( ) decorated with fresco paintings of A. Maultbertsch. According to departures and flight schedules, coach transfer to the airport from railway station for connecting flights back to Asia.

20 CZECH REPUBLIC and POLAND Itinerary for Group Two

21 1 Itinerary for World Classroom Trip to The Czech Republic and Poland May 2012 (Map of Members of European Union) The European Union was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between neighbours, which culminated in the Second World War. As of 1950, the European Coal and Steel Community began to unite European countries economically and politically in order to secure lasting peace. The six founders were Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. The 1950s were dominated by the Cold War between the East and the West. Protests in Hungary against the Communist regime were put down by Soviet tanks in 1956; while the following year, 1957, the Soviet Union took the lead in the space race, when it launched the first man-made space satellite, Sputnik 1. Also in 1957, the Treaty of Rome created the European Economic Community (EEC), or Common Market. 1 May 2004 Eight countries of central and eastern Europe the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia joined the EU,

22 2 finally ending the division of Europe decided by the Great Powers sixty years earlier at Yalta. Cyprus and Malta also became members. The accession of Romania and Bulgaria completed the fifth enlargement of the EU that began in May 2004, raising the number of Member States to 27 and the population within the Union to million inhabitants. The EU now has 23 official languages, following the addition of Bulgarian, Romanian and Irish. CZECH REPUBLIC The Slavs arrived to this area in the 6th century but it was inhabited by Germanic and Celtic tribes before. The most important rulers of the country were the emperors Charles IV and Rudolf II. During the reign of Charles IV ( ), Prague grew into one of the largest cities in Europe. It acquired its Gothic face and famous landmarks, including Charles University, Charles Bridge and St. Vitus Cathedral. In the second half of the 16th century the city experienced great prosperity under the rule of the emperor Rudolf II and was made the seat of the Habsburg Empire. Rudolf II invited great artists and scholars to his court and established many collections of art. At the beginning of the 20th century Bohemia was a part of the Austrian Empire. After World War I in 1918, Czechoslovakia declared its independence. The new republic was established from three parts: Bohemia, Moravia and Slovakia. The popular personality, Tomáš Garigue Masaryk, became the first president. Nazi Germany occupied the Sudetenland in October 1938, with the acceptance of France and Britain, after the Munich Agreement. Germany occupied Bohemia and Moravia in March Czechoslovakia was reestablished as an independent state after World War II in The Communists won the elections in 1946 and ruled the country until November In the 1960s Czechoslovakia enjoyed a gradual liberalization under the reformist general secretary of the Czechoslovak Communist Party, Alexander Dubček, but this short period was crushed by a Soviet invasion in August The communist government resigned in November 1989 after a week of demonstrations known as the Velvet Revolution. The popular Václav Havel was elected president of the republic. Czechoslovakia split into the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic at the end of Twelve years later, on May 1, 2004 the Czech Republic became a part of the European Union. At present, the Czech Republic is a modern and democratic country with a rich cultural and historical heritage. Security is an important factor when planning a trip. The Czech Republic is one of the calmest and safest places on earth. Th e Czech Republic can boast a full twelve historic areas inscribed in the UNESCO. Register of World Cultural and Natural Heritage sites, as well as one UNESCO geopark. All of these monuments are easily accessible from Prague; it is a matter of a car trip lasting between 30

23 3 minutes to three hours. No other concentration of UNESCO-registered sites can be found anywhere else in the world. The Czech Republic is a country with a very vibrant culture. The Czech Republic belongs among the great powers of European music, and everyone with an interest in classical music most certainly knows such names as Smetana, Dvořák, Janáček or Martinů. In the eastern region of the Czech Republic, visitors have an exceptional opportunity to experience folk traditions and music. Summer is the season for the largest folklore festivals. Many village museums, such as Vlčnov, Strážnice, Rožnov pod Radhoštěm and many more, revive the old celebrations, customs and traditions. Visitors to the Czech Republic have the unique opportunity to learn about this fascinating culture at its many Jewish sites as well as at various other places throughout the country. The film festival in Carlsbad (Karlovy Vary) is the most important category A international film festival in central and Eastern Europe, with over 40 years behind it. It takes place every year in July. The combination of thousands of young film fans from around the entire world and international stars create a unique informal atmosphere. Wine/Beer/Food Czech and Moravian wines regularly win awards at international competitions. Every year in autumn events celebrating this popular tipple take place wine festivals. The range of beers available on the Czech market would satisfy even the most discerning beer drinker. In Czechia you can dine well, and in all price categories. Awaiting you is both traditional Czech cuisine as well as international cuisine POLAND Poland is situated almost directly in the geographic center of Europe. Its territory of sq. km. ( sq. miles) makes it the biggest state in Central Europe. The country borders Germany to the west, the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south, Russia (the Kaliningrad enclave), Belarus, the Ukraine and Lithuania to the east and the Baltic Sea to the north. Poland is predominantly quite a flat country with wide sandy beaches at the seaside, lots of crystal clear lakes and wild forests in the north. The center of the country is covered by a huge plateau and the south is bordered by a few mountain ranges with the highest - the Tatras (Rysy meters above the sea level). Climate Poland lies in the moderate climate zone, intermediate between marine and continental climates. The Polish summer starts in May, and offers lots of sunny days till the end of September. The average monthly temperatures (Celsius degrees) are January: -2 degrees, February: 0 degrees, March: 5 degrees, April: 11 degrees, May: 19 degrees, June: 21 degrees, July: 25 degrees, August: 23 degrees, September: 21 degrees, October: 17 degrees, November: 6 degrees, December: 2 degrees. People The population of the country is 38,7 million. Almost 2 million live in Warsaw - the capital. Poland is almost ethnically homogeneous - less than 3 % of the population are national minorities: Ukrainians, Belarussians and Germans.

24 4 Religion More than 90% are Roman Catholic. Among minorities we may find: Orthodox, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim and others. Time The entire Polish territory lies one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Electricity Poland's power grid supplies 220 V/50 HZ current; since round, European-style two-pin plugs are used, 110 V/60 HZ electrical equipment requires an adapter. Currency and Money Exchange The official Polish currency unit is the zloty", abbreviated zl". In circulation are the following notes: 200, 100, 50, 20, 10; and coins: 5,2,1 zloty, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, 1 groszy". Convertible currencies may be changed into Polish zlotys at banks, hotels and at private currency-exchange offices - the kantors". Major travelers checks are easily changed and all major credit cards are accepted. DAY 0, Thursday, 3 rd May, 2012 Depart China / Hong Kong, en route DAY 1, Friday, 4 th May, :00 Arrival in Prague, Czech Republic. Meet and greet at the airport with local guides and Mrs Kabylova 10:00 Departure for West Bohemia, Karlovy Vary 12:00 Arrival at the hotel, check in. 12:00 Free time for lunch Karlovy Vary This famous spa town located in Western Bohemia gained its reputation thanks to the discovery of hot mineral springs, the history of which originated in the Middle Ages. Mineral waters are used mainly for drinking cures which are the most important part of the spa treatment. Today there are 12 hot springs in use here, and you will have the chance to taste the waters at each of them. The best known spring is named Vridlo - the sprudel which belches its curative water to a height of 17 m. There are many famous personalities among the visitors of the town: Ludwig van Beethoven, Frederic Chopin, Franz Liszt, Johann Wolfgang Goethe, Friedrich Schiller, Alexei Tolstoy, Antonin Dvorak etc. The town is situated about 130 km from Prague. 13:00 15:00 Moser Crystal Glass Factory, excursion and visit to the new Glass Museum We offer you a remarkable experience of our glassmakers work in the glassworks. Watch perfect hand manufacturing of products. Learn about their top quality and the unique talent of master glassmakers.

25 5 The magic atmosphere when products are blown and shaped, the typical fragrance of burntout wooden moulds and the beauty of glowing mass will certainly be a strong experience. During the tour photographing and camera shooting are allowed for a fee. In such a way you can keep your memories of the glassworks visit forever. The tours are complemented with a presentation of glassmaking raw materials, tools and production procedures. A new museum offers a unique look into the glassworks history. A brand new exposition in modern interiors offers a tour tracking down the more than 150-year-old glassworks history. It presents famous owners of luxury Moser glass and the oldest glass design as well as current collections with over 2,000 exhibits. The exhibition is complemented with 7 documentaries in 6 languages. There are audio guides available. Using them you can choose your individual tour and pace 15:00 18:00 Guided tour 18:00 20:00 Free time 20:00 Dinner in the city centre Overnight in Karlovy Vary DAY 2, Saturday. 5 th May, :00 12:00 Visit SOS Village in Doubi and participate in activity there Hermann Gmeiner came to Czechoslovakia for the first time in August He had been invited by the Czech paediatric society. A group of friends of the SOS Children's Villages was soon formed. The SOS Children's Village of Doubí is located about 10 kilometres from the city centre of Karlový Váry. The children attend school in Karlový Váry and also get medical assistance in this city. The official opening ceremony of the SOS Children's Village Doubí took place in June 1970 in the presence of numerous guests of honour. The SOS Children s Village Doubí consists of twelve family houses with rooms for the SOS aunts (who support the SOS mothers and take care of the children when the mothers are on leave), a community building, a pedagogical and psychological counselling centre, a workshop and a house for the village director. Additionally, a playground and a sports field have been created. Up to 78 children find a new home in the twelve SOS family houses. 12:00 13:00 Free time for lunch 15:00 19:00 Visit of Marianske Lazne spa town

26 6 Marianske Lazne, a relatively young spa town, developed at the beginning of the 19th century in a valley where several excellent healing streams spring from the ground, though its inhabitants were aware of the springs as early as the 1200s. In 1528, King Ferdinand ordered these springs to be examined for salt content. By the end of the 18th century, the prelate of the Teplá Monastery, Dr. Jan Josef Nehr, had begun a systematic examination of their curative effects. In 1805, he founded the first brick house for spa guests near the Cross Spring called "The Golden Globe", built at the site of a former wooden cabin. During the Second World War, Mariánské Lázně became a hospital town. In the years immediately following the Second World War, the city started to develop again. The first residential neighborhoods and recreation complexes were built. In 1952, a new environment-friendly trolley-bus service was introduced. Regardless, the city still maintains its extraordinary and unique spa and tourist character. Approximately 40,000 visitors come to Mariánské Lázně each summer season. The ongoing efforts to restore the original city character, its architecture, parks and its overall atmosphere have been in progress since :00 21:00 Dinner in town Overnight in Karlovy Vary DAY 3, Sunday, 6 th May, :00 latest Departure for Pilsen 9:00 Arrival in Pilsen 9:00 11:00 Guided walk of the city with visits to all important monuments Pilsen Metropolis of West Bohemia. Since its foundation in 1295, the city of Pilsen has naturally become a cultural and economic centre of West Bohemia. Nowadays, Pilsen with its 165,000 inhabitants covers an area of 138 square kilometres and is easily accessible by the D5 motorway. The city came to prominence in the middle of the 19th century when the Škoda Works Company and the Pilsner Urquell brewery were founded. Nowadays, the industrial potential of the city concentrates on value added production and the so called knowledge economy projects. The Municipal Industrial Park Borská Pole (Bory Fields) is a major attractive locality for this type of investments. Many district and regional institutions reside in the city, among them about forty secondary schools and apprenticeship training colleges, the University of West Bohemia and the Faculty of Medicine of Charles University.

27 7 The historical centre of Pilsen cannot be passed without noticing. As soon as you enter the Pilsen basin from any direction, you will be safely guided to the centre of the city by the tower of St. Bartholomew Cathedral which with is height of 102,6 m (336 feet) is the highest church tower in Bohemia and a unique dominant of the city skyline. The historic city centre has been a listed municipal protected historic district since There are also two listed national cultural monuments on its territory: the archdeacon church of St. Bartholomew and the Pilsen Madonna a sculpture made of arenaceous marl in the late 14th century. Valuable historical houses around the square (many of them having stone portals), the Franciscan monastery, the Renaissance city hall, the Great Synagogue or Aleš sgrafitti. Visit of all important monuments 11:00 12:00 Free time for lunch 12:00 Departure for Prague PRAGUE Distances from other central European cities: Vienna is 300km away, Bratislava 320km, Berlin 350km, Budapest 550km, Warsaw 630km and Copenhagen 750km, Prague is approximately 600km from the Baltic, 700km from the North Sea and 700km from the Adriatic. Prague city centre s exact geographical location is N and E. The city is on Central European Time (CET; GMT + 1), summer time - CET + 1 (GMT + 2) Prague s historical centre has an area of 866ha (Hradčany and Prague Castle, Malá Strana, the Old Town including Charles Bridge and Josefov, the New Town and Vyšehrad). Since 1992 it has been listed by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage site. Typical for Prague city centre are its winding lanes and buildings in every possible architectural style: Romanesque rotundas, Gothic cathedrals, Baroque and Renaissance palaces, art nouveau, neo-classical, cubist and functionalist houses and contemporary structures. Examples of architectural styles over 1000 years of development presented Prague with the most beautiful historical monuments of all architectural styles 13:00 Arrival in city centre - Visit Old Town, Charles Bridge and have some free time (luggage continuing to the hotel) Old Town Square has been since its beginning the heart of the Czech identity. The square had also been the focus of central European trade exchange in the 12 th and 13 th centuries. Most of the buildings were rebuilt in the Gothic style, later receiving a Renaissance or Baroque cladding. The most admired building on Old Town Square is surely the Old Town Hall with its famous astronomical clock from 1490 which shows every full hour with the 12 apostles.

28 8 The complicated clockwork shows everything from hours and days to equinoxes and phases of the moon. Charles Bridge Named after the Emperor Charles IV in 19th century the Charles Bridge is Prague's most familiar monument. Designed by Petr Parler, it was completed in 1400 and it connects the Lesser Town with the Old Town. Although it is now pedestrianised, it withstood wheeled traffic for 600 years. 18:00 Check in at your hotel 18:15 19:30 time for journals 19:30 Meet in lobby and depart for dinner Dinner in restaurant Nebozizek This particular restaurant is located in the middle of Petřín Park with a magnificent view of the most interesting sights the Old Town has to offer. Acces is by funicular train. While you are waiting for your chosen meal, the history of the Old Town will unfold before your eyes, which will follow the meanderings of the Vltava River weaving among the historic buildings finally coming to rest on the classic silhouette of the Prague Castle... Possibility to make a lot of nice photos 20:00 21:30 Dinner 22:00 Back in the hotel Overnight in Prague DAY 4, Monday, 7 th May, :00 13:00 Seminar about Jewish culture, followed by meeting with a person who survived the Holocaust Visit of the Jewish monuments We take you back to the roots of Prague's Jewish community built on stone and lime. We start at Parizska Street, previously called Josefov after the Habsburg Emperor Joseph II, son of Maria Theresia. We will proceed to visit the outside of the Old-New Synagogue, the oldest synagogue of Europe still in service. We continue with inside visits of the Maisel Synagogue with one of the largest collections of 40,000 exhibits and 100,000 books.

29 9 Synagogue Synagogue Cemetery Legend has it that the Jews settled here prior to the arrival of the Slavs, immediately after the destruction of the temple of Jerusalem (70 AD). Next we visit the largest synagogue of the Ghetto - the Klaus Synagogue, with objects related to the Jewish religious traditions and customs. Continuing, we will visit the Pynkas Synagogue with names and personal dates of the Jews of Bohemia and Moravia, murdered by the Nazis during World War II, followed by a visit of the Jewish cemetery (founded in the first half of the 15th century), called the garden of the dead, that still evokes the spirit of the Ghetto defying the passage of intervening centuries. Almost 12,000 tombstones have been erected here, but the number of persons that are buried there is much greater. The genius loci of Prague's famous Ghetto gave this place "the magic town-within town" image. We will also visit the birthplace of the world famous Jewish-German writer Franz Kafka (outside visit only). Photo taking is not alowed in Jewish Monuments!!! Lunch will be prepared in a typical Old Town restaurant or will be at leisure or will be in form of package distributed after the seminar and visits to save time Free time for lunch 14:00 18:00 Visit of Mucha Museum and Communist Museum, Wenceslav Square and Charles Square The Mucha Museum, dedicated to the life and work of the world-acclaimed Czech ART NOUVEAU artist Alphonse Mucha ( ), is housed in the Baroque Kaunický Palace in the very heart of Prague. A selection of over 100 exhibits comprising paintings, photographs, charcoal drawings, pastels, lithographs and personal memorabilia provides a privileged view into the universe of the artist who is most widely known for the posters he executed for Sarah Bernhardt in the fashionable world of fin-de-siècle Paris. Visit of Museum of Communism Special Museum guide at disposal

30 10 The Museum presents a vivid account of Communism focusing on Czechoslovakia (in general) and on Prague (in particular) in a variety of fields: daily life, politics, history, sport, economics, education, the "arts" (namely the so-called Socialist Realism), media propaganda, the Peoples' Militias, the army, the police (including the dreaded secret STB apparatus), censorship, judiciary and coercive institutions (including the Stalinist show-trials and political labour camps), etc. under the totalitarian regime from the February coup in 1948 to its rapid collapse in November 1989 Charles Square (Karlovo náměstí) Originally a cattle market, the square was founded by Charles IV as the main centre of Prague's new side. It is the largest enclosed square in Prague and one of the largest in Europe. The New Town Hall (Novoměstská radnice), which served its purpose up to the year 1784, was built between the years of Renovated in 1905 the town hall today is used for administrative purposes, cultural and social events. Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí) Originally a horse market, Wenceslas Square got its present name in the mid-19th century. The Wenceslas Square is the main centre of modern Prague surrounded by shops, cinemas, office blocks, hotels, restaurants and cafés. The 750 m long and 60 m wide square has been the scene of a great deal of Czech history. In 1969 a university student Jan Palach burnt himself to death in protest against the Warsaw Pact invasion and in November 1989 protest meetings against police brutality were held here and led to the Velvet Revolution and the end of communism in Czechoslovakia. 19:30 Dinner in typical pub in city centre Overnight in Prague

31 11 DAY 5, Tuesday, 8 th May, 2012 (State Holiday) 9:00 11:00 Visit of Loreto and Strahov Monastery Loreto church A Marian pilgrimage place with a copy of the Italian Santa Casa (G. Orsi, ) includes also the baroque Church of the Nativity of Our Lord (K. I. Dienzenhofer, ). The ground is encircled by a cloister and chapels. The spire houses a carillon which consists of 27 Loreto bells which tune a Marian song We Greet You a Thousand Times (every hour from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.). The most valuable item of the liturgical treasury is the so-called Loreto Treasure, a collection of sacred objects from the 16th to 18th centuries. The most famous of these is the Diamond Monstrance adorned with 6,222 diamonds. Bibliotec Strahov Bibliotec Loreto Strahov Monastery The Strahov Monastery is a Premonstratensian order monastery, founded in 1140 by Vladislav II. The present baroque shape was acquired in the latter half of the 17th and during the 18th century (J. B. Mathey, A. Lurago, I. J. Palliardi). Within the monastery precincts there are the Church of the Assumption ( ), the Strahov picture gallery, the valuable Strahov library with a large number of medieval illuminated manuscripts, maps, globes and graphics, the baroque Theological Room ( ), and the classicist Philosophy Room ( ) decorated with fresco paintings of A. Maultbertsch. 11:30 13:30 Free time for exploration watch the changing of the Castle guard, listen to the Prague Castle musicians, shop or have lunch in the vicinity. After the break, meet punctually for tour of Prague Castle. 13:30 visit of Prague Castle A national cultural monument, Prague Castle is the symbol of more than a millennia of development of the Czech state. Since its foundation in the last quarter of the 9th century Prague Castle has been developing uninterruptedly throughout the past eleven centuries. It is a monumental complex of ecclesiastical, fortification, residential and office buildings representing all architectural styles and periods, surrounding three castle courtyards and covering 45 hectares. Originally it used to be the residence of the princes and kings of Bohemia, since 1918 it has been the seat of the president.

32 12 Matyas Gate St George s. St Vitus Cathedral St. Vitus Cathedral - one of the most important monuments of Czech history. The history of this Cathedral dates back to the first half of the 10 th century with the foundation of the Romanesque rotunda by the Duke St. Wenceslas, who was later declared Saint. When Prague became the seat of an archbishop in 1344, construction of the St. Vitus Cathedral began. You will admire the St. Wenceslas Chapel, the Royal Oratory, the tomb of St. John Nepomuk, the Panel relief and others. In the Romanesque Crypt are buried the Bohemian Kings and their wives. The visits continue with the Old Royal Palace of the rulers between the 11 and the 16 centuries and the Basilica of St. George, the best-preserved Romanesque building of Prague. The tombs of Boleslav II and Duke Vratislav (the founder of the church) are located here. Furthermore you will see the triumphal arch frames and the chapel of St. Ludmila, which became Bohemia's first martyr. The tour ends with the visit of the Golden Lane, a picturesque street from the mysterious time of Rudolf II, with its miniature houses. Franz Kafka occupied the house at number 22 of Golden Lane in Visit of the Royal Gardens Ledebur Garden, Small and Great Palffy Gardens, Kolowrat and Small Fürstenberk Gardens. The gardens are situated on the southern slopes below the Prague castle. In this place, the ramparts were originally situated but at the beginning of the16th century this defensive system lost its primary importance. The ramparts were then demolished and the plots were sold. Subsequently the vineyards and Renaissance gardens of the Italian style arose here. - After the Swedish devastation in 1648 the gardens were renovated, the Renaissance sternness was replaced by the Baroque adaptation - the balustrade terraces with sculptures, the monumental staircases, the fountains and jets. There are beautiful views of Malá Strana (the Lesser Town) and city-panorama from the terraces. th th 19:00 Dinner in Czech folklore restaurant Michael (city centre) The Michal Restaurant is situated in one of the oldest parts of historical Prague on the right bank of the River Vltava, only a few steps away from the stone arches of Charles Bridge. The

33 13 building in which the restaurant is situated was reconstructed in Art Nouveau style in the second half of the 19th century. Typical Czech meal will be served Overnight in Prague DAY 6 Wednesday, 9 th May, 2012 Morning visit of local school, integrated workshops and activities with Czech students until about 4:00 or 5:00 pm 17:45 18:45 Black light theater performance Black Light Theatre (in Czech černé divadlo) or simply 'Black Theatre', is a theatrical performance style characterized by the use of black box theatre augmented by black light illusion. This form of theatre originated in Asia. The distinctive characteristics of 'black theatre' are the use of black curtains, a darkened stage, and 'black lighting' (UV light), paired with fluorescent costumes in order to create intricate visual illusions. This "black cabinet" technique was used by Georges Melies, and by theatre revolutionary Stanislavsky. The technique, paired with the expressive artistry of dance, mime and acrobatics of the performers is able to create remarkable spectacles. 20:00 22:00 Buffet Dinner Cruise Overnight in Prague DAY 7, Thursday, 10 th May, :00 Departure for Telc Reflected in the surface of placid ponds, the picturesque town of Telč is a true real pearl of the Vysočina region. The ancient royal water fort was founded here in the 13th century on the crossroads of busy merchants routes. Besides the monumental Renaissance chateau with an English park, the most significant sight is the town square a unique complex of historical houses in the Renaissance and Baroque style.

34 14 The historical heart of the town was registered in 1992 on the UNESCO s List of World Cultural Heritage Sites. Free time for lunch 13:00 15:00 Guided walk Transfer to Hluboka Castle 16:30 18:00 Visit of Hluboka Castle Hluboká nad Vltavou is situated 10 km north of the town České Budějovice and is mainly known for its wonderful castle. The region around this town is chiefly known for fish-farming and woodworking industries and deer-parks founded in the 16th century. The originally royal and new-gothic style castle (lengthways ground plan) from the 13th century was rebuilt in the Renaissance style in the 16th century. Hluboká castle belonged to the Princes Schwanzenberk. The present Neo-Gothic appearance with eleven towers, several bastions, many balconies and Castle Tower dates from the reconstructions in Tudor Gothic after the model of Britain s Windsor Castle ( ). The castle is now a museum. There are more than 140 rooms and halls rich in collection of pictures (especially Dutch painting), porcelain, tapestries by Badouin von Beveren, weapons, glass, furniture with woodcarvings, hunting trophies and much else besides. The former riding school was converted in this century ( ) to the Aleš South Bohemian Picture Gallery, named after the Czech painter Mikoláš Aleš. There is a large collection of pictures by Southern Bohemian artists, 17th century Flemish and Dutch painting, 17th and 18th century graphic art... A large and beautiful park preserve, (English style) one of the most important in the Czech Republic, surrounds the castle. Transfer to Ceske Budejovice The Czech King Premysl Ottakar II established the town České Budějovice in 1265 as a royal town. For a long time the town was a buttress of Czech kings in the region. The historical centre was planned as a complex protected from two sides by the Vltava and Malše rivers, with a geometric web of streets around the square and with marked location of the Dominican monastery, which was founded together with the town.

35 15 Dinner and Night in Ceske Budejovice DAY 8, Friday, 11 th May, :30 Departure for full day in Cesky Krumlov Full day in Cesky Krumlov, Visit of the Chateau, Puppet Museum, Fairy-Tale House Free lunch and time for own exploration and/or shopping Impressions of Český Krumlov With its Old Town almost encircled by the River Vltava, Český Krumlov is a jewel of historical architecture in Southern Bohemia. Lying close to the German and Austrian borders, the town has always been a mix of German speaking residents and Czech inhabitants. Thanks to the most expensive complex of castle and chateau structures in Bohemia and old burgher s houses with preserved medieval character, Český Krumlov is one of the most visited destinations in the Czech Republic. The State Castle of Český Krumlov, with its architectural standard, cultural tradition, and expanse, ranks among the most important historic sights in the central European region. Building development from the 14th to 19th centuries is well-preserved in the original groundplan layout, material structure, interior installation and architectural detail. A worthy assessment of the area by both domestic and foreign experts resulted in the acquisition of historic monument preservation status. In 1963, the town was declared a Municipal Preserve, in 1989 the castle became a National Monument, and in 1992 the entire complex was included onto the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Visit of the Castle, free time 16:30 Departure direction Prague 18:30 Dinner en route 21:17 Train departure for Krakow, Poland Overnight in train th DAY 9, Saturday, 12 May, :00 Arrival in Krakow

36 16 Transfer to the hotel Breakfast at the hotel or elsewhere 9:30 19:30 Full day visits in Krakow including the city centre, Kazimir, Wavel Free time for lunch in Milk Bar KRAKOW For the Polish people, Krakow, or Cracow, is a special city: the old capital of kings, the place where kings were crowned and laid to rest. Today, Cracow is the key to understanding Poland and Poland s place in Europe. Come and see the Old Town area within the Planty greenbelt an excellently preserved medieval city. We start the walk next to the old defence walls. The vast Old Town Market Square is considered to be one of the largest town squares in Europe. The surroundings of the square have remained unchanged for almost 700 years and contain buildings of historic value such as St. Mary s Church with the famous wooden altar, the Town Hall Tower, the Cloth Hall, the Wierzynek restaurant and the burgher houses. Every hour, you can hear the bugle call to the four corners of the world from the tower of St. Mary s Church. Wawel Castle Wawel Castle is the most popular and the richest museum in Poland. In its 71 magnificent rooms with 7,040 sq. meters of floor space, several thousand works of art of greatest value are on display. Through a tall vaulted gate we enter the Renaissance arcades of the castle courtyard. This is where the colourful pageants, the knights tournaments and entertainments were held. The most valuable of all the works of art in the Wawel collection are the Arras tapestries. This great art legacy is due to King Sigismund Augustus, who commissioned the work with the best Flemish weavers, and supervised its progress over twenty years. A visit to the Wawel Cathedral which used to be the scene of coronations and is the eternal resting place of the kings of Poland. Wawel Hill is dominated by the Cathedral, the Castle and the defence towers. In the Sigismund Tower hangs the largest bell in Poland, called Zygmunt. Kazimierz District Enter the maze of narrow streets of the former Jewish district of Kazimierz, to take a plunge into the culture of a different world. The dramatic history of the Jewish community, exterminated by the Nazis, was presented by Steven Spielberg who made the movie Schindler s List in the actual setting. In the past, Kazimierz was a distinct town with its own Market Square and Town Hall, as well as thriving culture, this having blossomed with particular force in the 16th century. That period witnessed the foundation of Poland s oldest Judaic shrine, the Old Synagogue, and then the Remuh Synagogue with the adjoining Renaissance cemetery. Visit the Old Synagogue with the exhibition that shows the history and culture of the Jewish community of Cracow Overnight in Krakow in 3 or 4 star hotel

37 17 DAY 10, Sunday, 13 th May, :00 Departure for Auschwitz 10:00 13:00 Visit of the Concentration Camp Auschwitz The Death Camp in Oświęcim, known as Konzentrationslager Auschwitz, was in fact a complex of camps, the largest Nazi death factory, where four million people, mostly Jews, perished. Auschwitz consisted of several units, including the largest one at Brzezinka (Birkenau). Of the millions of people brought there in the period of , only 60 to 70 thousand utterly emaciated victims survived the time of liberation of the camp. At present, the National Museum of Oświęcim is situated on the site of the former camp Free time for lunch Transfer to Vielicka 17:00 19:00 Visit of the Salt Mines Salt Mine The oldest salt mine in Europe, the impressive underground world of salt lakes, chambers, galleries and the unique museum of Salt Works created by many generations of Polish miners. A part of the mine has been opened to the public as a museum, and it is a fascinating journey through the labyrinth of tunnels and levels. 19:15 20:30 Dinner in Krczma Halit folklore restaurant next to the Salt Mine Typical countryside restaurant with traditional Polish food and live folklore performance

38 18 Transfer to the train station 21:50 Transfer to Prague Overnight in train DAY 11, Monday, 14 th May, :40 Arrival in Prague, Czech Republic Luggage to be given to the deposit storage Breakfast in the station (the main rail station is completaly reconstructed) Possibility to freshen up 9:00 or later Short transfer to Vysehrad Ancient legends situate the original seat of the Czech princes - the legendary Princess Libuse and the first Przemyslides - on the hill. In fact, however, this fort had not been founded until the Prague Castle was already in existence, since it dates back to the mid-10th century. In the latter half of the 11th and in the 12th century Vysehrad used to be the Przemyslides princes' main residence which brought about a generous building activity within its walls. Among noteworthy sights there are the precious Romanesque rotunda of St. Martin (interior only for groups announced in advance), the Gothic church of St. Peter and Paul (in the late 19th century rebuilt in the neogothic style), the Vysehrad cemetery used as a burial site of the Czech outstanding personalilties since 1869 with a collective tomb called Slavin, the underground casemates housing the originals of several baroque statues from the Charles Bridge. 9:30 12:00 Visit of Vysehrad Transfer to Wenceslav Square Free time for lunch and last minute shopping Transfer to Mala Strana