The Czech Republic May 2 15, 2009

Transcription

1 1 The Czech Republic May 2 15, 2009 CZECH REPUBLIC History The Slavs arrived in this area in the sixth 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 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 deciding on a destination for an educational trip. The Czech Republic is one of the calmest and safest places on earth. The Czech Republic can boast a full twelve historic areas inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural

2 2 Heritage List, as well as one UNESCO geopark. All of these monuments are easily accessible: from Prague; it is a matter of a coach trip lasting between 30 minutes to three hours. No other concentration of UNESCO-registered sites can be found anywhere else in the world. 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. The 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 cultural sites. The Czech Republic is a country with a very vibrant culture. 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 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 May 2, 2009 Depart China / Hong Kong, en route DAY 1 SUNDAY, May 3, :00 a.m. Arrival to Prague, Czech Republic 9:45 a.m. Departure to Karlovy Vary via Terezin 10:45 a.m.-2:45 p.m. Visit of Terezin (Theresienstadt), Organised lunch box to be eaten in Terezin during a 30-minute break Terezin The former garrison town originally built by Emperor Joseph II as an ingenious system of military fortresses for a protection of the kingdom at the end of the 18th century, was completely changed and converted into a Jewish ghetto and a concentration camp by the Nazis during the World War II. Terezin is situated about 60 km from Prague.

3 3 The lunch box will include two or three sandwiches, a beverage, fruit, and a musli bar. 2:45 p.m. Departure for Karlovy Vary 4:15 p.m. Check in in hotel Martel 5:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Guided walk of Karlovy Vary 9:00 p.m. Dinner in the hotel 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. 5:00 p.m. Check in Hotel Martel for three nights 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Guided walk of Karlovy Vary 9:00 p.m. Dinner in the hotel Hotel Martel*** Hotel Marttel has a capacity of 120 beds. Rooms are mostly doubles with a possibility of an extra bed. All the rooms have a private bathroom either with a bath tub or a shower and toilet. In every room there is also a TV and phone. Situated in a quiet villa district Dolní Drahovice minutes walking from the spa and shopping centre. DAY 2 MONDAY, May 4, :00 a.m.-7:45 a.m. Breakfast

4 4 7:45 a.m.-8:30 a.m. Christian lesson 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Excursion to Moser Factory 10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m. En route to Tepla Closter 12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Organised lunch close to Tepla 1:15 p.m.-2:45 p.m. Visits Learn something from the fascinating history of this order and as well about the purpose and structure of cloisters in the Middle Ages, and the life in them. Tepla Abbey is a Premonstratensian abbey in the western part of Bohemia, included in the Archdiocese of Prague; it was founded in 1193 by the blessed Hroznata, a Bohemian nobleman (d. 1217). The first monks came from the Abbey of Strahov in Prague. The Teplá Abbey church The present monastery building was erected by Abbot Raimund Wilfert II ( ); the library was built by Abbot Gilbert Helmer (since 1900). The Romanesque church, with additions in the style of the transition to the Gothic, is one of the oldest churches of Bohemia.[2] The high alter of the church was sculpted by Josef Lauermann and Ignatius Platzer in After Hroznata was beatified in 1897, his reliquary casket was moved to the aspe of the church for display. The original burial place of Hroznata is marked on the floor before the main altar, where his original sarcophagus also stands. Besides its spiritual services, Premonstratensians have always cared for the development of culture and education. 2:45 p.m.-3:30 p.m. En route to Marianske Lazne 3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Guided walk through the spa zone. Mariánské Lázně Marianski Lazne is a relatively young spa town. It 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 neighbourhoods 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

5 5 ongoing efforts to restore the original city character, its architecture, parks and its overall atmosphere have been in progress since :15 p.m. Departure from Marianske Lazne to Karlovy Vary 6:15 p.m. Back in the hotel Further visit of Karlovy Vary (stag statue) 8:30 p.m. Dinner in city centre of Karlovy Vary Overnight in Hotel Martel in Karlovy Vary DAY 3 TUESDAY, May 5, :00 a.m.-7:45 a.m. Breakfast 7:45 a.m.-8:30 a.m. Christian lesson 9:00 a.m. Departure for full day trip to Pilsen Pilsen Metropolis of West Bohemia. Since its foundation in 1295, the city of Pilsen has naturally become a cultural and economic centre of the West Bohemia. Nowadays, Pilsen with its 165,000 inhabitants covers an area of 138 square kilometres and it 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 notice. 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 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 late 14th century; and 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. 10:15 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Guided tour of Pilson with all its highlights 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. Lunch in Pilsen Brewery Lunch will include pleasant seating in the stylish surroundings of the largest Czech pub with traditional Czech cuisine and excellent beer from Plzeňský Prazdroj. (soft drink for visitors under 18 or alcohol-free beer.)

6 6 The restaurant was opened in 1992 on the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Pilsen brewery and is situated in the former fermentation cellar in the brewery complex. 2:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Visit of the Brewery (90 minutes) Time for buying souvenirs Would you like an original glass, t-shirt, cap or other items for your parents? Just visit our souvenir shops, which you can find in the Brewery courtyard and in the Brewery Museum. The assortment of more than 500 items includes a wide range of products ranging from small souvenirs, beer glasses, tankards and clothing, to exclusive gifts. Excursion in the world famous Brewery Welcome to the Pilsen brewery, the birthplace of the most famous beer in the world, Pilsner Urquell! The brewery s website writes: Beer is an important foodstuff. Used in moderation it has no harmful effects for a person engaged in physical work. Although the nutritional elements in beer are low in volume, they are all contained in a highly pleasing form. (Otto's Dictionary part XIX, p. 816) the cradle of beer is considered to be Mesopotamia, where local people cultivated grain from as early as the seventh millennium BC and probably also knew fermented grain drinks. Chammurapi's Code mentions blossoming brewing activity and the legal stipulation of the wort content in beer and its price. A breach of the law was punishable by death by drowning. according to the ancient Egyptians it was the gods who invented beer. Apparently, it was the god of the sun himself who taught man how to make beer. Edda, the collection of legends from the northern countries of the ninth century, considers mead and beer as a gift of the gods and believes that after death men in Valhalla drink beer from the hand of a beautiful girl. the first mention of beer production in the Czech lands comes from the Brevnov Monastery. The record states that in 993 AD the Benedictine monks produced wine and beer. The English have produced beer since ancient times. In the thirteenth century, special supervisors of breweries and hop-gardens were appointed. the first historical document relating directly to beer production is the endowment document issued by the first Czech king, Vratislav II, for the Vysehrad' chapter of in the old days, serious songs were sung around the vat. The superstition held sway that without divine songs the brew would fail. Or they were sung in order to overcome lack of sleep so that nobody fell into the vat. Saint Otta's biography states that in Pomerania, the Saint's companions preferred Slav beer to foreign wine.

7 7 probably the oldest document on the cultivation of hops in the lands of what is today the Czech Republic is the endowment document from Prince Bretislav from the 1030s. The growing of hops spread in the eleventh and twelfth centuries and they were even cultivated in Prague, for example on Strelecky Island. the great popularity of beer among our ancestors, which often led to an inordinate love of the drink and drunkenness, is evident in the laws issued in 1039 by Prince Bretislav I. These contain punishments for publicans serving drunkards, such as breaking all the publican's dishes and serving vessels, shaving his head, or putting him in the pillories in a public place. beer has been brewed in Pilsen since the city's foundation in in 1530, the English king, Henry VIII, banned the adding of hops to beer, although the ban was lifted after 22 years. You can view an extensive collection of more than 15, 000 items and documents from the malter's, brewer's and catering trades in the Brewery Museum in Pilsen. In the mid-nineteenth century the Pilsen brewery instituted a revolution in brewing. For the first time in history beer was produced as we know it today the bitterish beverage with a golden tinge and snow-white head. Today, the brewery is a lively and dynamic place linking the traditional production process of Pilsner Urquell beer with the most modern brewing technologies. It has become a unique industrial monument, attracting not only experts and lovers of good beer. Visitor Centre - short film on the history of Pilsner Urquell beer Modern packaging plant - the most modern packaging plant in the Czech Republic, with a capacity of 60,000 bottles an hour New Pilsner Urquell exhibition - film on the production of Pilsner Urquell beer in a panoramic cinema with a revolving auditorium, sensory exhibition of raw materials, historic brewhouse from the beginning of the 20th century Brewhouse - the unique production procedure for Pilsner Urquell beer Hall of Fame - the brewery's most important exhibits 4:30 p.m. Transfer back to Karlovy Vary 5:45 p.m. Arrival to the hotel Leisure time or further visits 8:30 p.m. Dinner in the hotel Overnight in Hotel Martel in Karlovy Vary DAY 4 WEDNESDAY, May 6, :00 a.m.-7:45 a.m. Breakfast

8 8 7:45 a.m.-8:30 a.m. Christian lesson 9:00 a.m. Departure for Ceske Svycarsko 12:00 noon Arrival 12:15 p.m.-1:45 p.m. Organised lunch in the area Wonderful scenery with spectacular rock formations, narrow passes, view towers and mesas that stretch right up to the German border await your discovery. Walking through the countryside you can find Pravčická gate, the largest rock bridge in Europe and many beautiful rocky view points that tower up to the tree tops as well as great sailing in the canyon of the Kamenice River. Thanks to the unique topography of the area a stay here could benefit your health. Air gets heated on the rocky cliffs and mesas. This causes strong thermal up drafts to occur. These up drafts cause a mixing of the lower atmosphere with air higher up. The air up above is clean air blown in from the North Sea. This air mixes with the hot dry thermals and creates an especially healthy mix. The area has long been known as an air spa. One of the best-known attractions in Czech Switzerland are the gorges on the Kamenice River. The landscape started to develop many millions of years ago at the bottom of the sea. When the sea receded it started to transform the landscape by natural processes that continue to this day. For a long time the area around the Kamenice River was hard to access and its mystery instead turned people away. It was not until the late 19th century that the area was investigated and modified for the purposes of tourism. Visitors can expect walks through romantic nature along the Kamenice River surrounded on both sides by a wall of high rocks. You will walk beneath rock ledges, through several tunnels and across narrow footbridges. Two sections of the trail are passable only by boat Edmund Gorge (also known as Quiet Gorge) and Wild Gorge. A boat driven by human power carries us between rock formations and the ferryman acquaints us with the living and petrified denizens of the gorges. Boat rides can be made in both directions on two river segments called Edmund's Gorge and Wild Gorge. Access to the gorges is allowed only by boat. The gorges have the form of a rocky canyon with sheer, often vertical, walls from 50 to 150 metres high. Some pieces of rock broke off a long time ago and slid down to the bottom of the gorge. Many rock towers have interesting shapes ( Rock Family, Guard et al.). The ferryman steers the boat with a pole, just as it had been done when this attraction was first created. During the journey he gives a talk on the gorge's past and present and describes the odd rock shapes the so-called "denizens of the gorge". Edmund (Quiet) Gorge measures 960m and Wild Gorge is 450m. The ride through Edmund Gorge lasts about twenty minutes and through the Wild Gorge fifteen minutes.

9 9 Arrival will be to the place called Mezni Louka parking place 20 minutes walk downhill to Wild Gorge followed by a 15 minute boat ride. Get off the boats for a nice and easy walk of 25 minutes to the other point called Quiet Gorge. Get on boats for another 25 minute ride. You arrive at a point where your coach will be waiting in a 20-minute walking distance. 4:00 p.m. Departure for South Bohemia - Cesky Krumlov (300 kilometres) Characteristics of the region: The landscape is nearly untouched by modern civilization. Numerous cultural and historical sights offer a large range of activities to the visitors such as walking tours, angling, water sports or visits of historical towns, castles, chateaus and monasteries. Český Krumlov is the jewel among the south-bohemian towns. Its centre has been included in the UNESCO list of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage Sites, which is also the case of the Holašovice Village with its complex of folk buildings. The chateaux Hluboká nad Vltavou and Červená Lhota, the Zvíkov Castle or the monasteries Vyšší Brod and Zlatá Koruna are the most popular. 8:00 p.m. Approximate arrival to the hotel Check-in at Hotel Village Golf*** The hotel is located a few kilometres from Cesky Krumlov city centre Very pleasent hotel surrounded by a rural green environment, in old country style, swimming pool. Dinner Hotel Village Golf DAY 5 THURSDAY, May 7, :00 a.m.-7:45 a.m. Breakfast 7:45 a.m.-8:30 a.m. Christian lesson 9:00 a.m. Departure from htl by coach 9:45 a.m.-11:15 a.m. State Castle visit 11:15 a.m.-11:45 a.m. Orientation- explanation walk 11:45 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Free time for exploration of this fairy-tale town 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 on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.

10 10 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. 3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Guided walk to point out the most interesting parts of the unique UNESCO protected city centre 5:00 p.m.-6:00 pm. S/S Rafting on the river Vltava 6:00 p.m.-6:45 p.m. Visit of Fairy Tale House we will see the Puppet Cabinet of the National Museum. The puppets have been borrowed from the Theatre Department of the National Museum. 7:00 p.m. departure to the hotel or to stay in town for dinner at 8 p.m. Overnight in Village Golf Hotel, Cesky Krumlov DAY 6 FRIDAY, May 8, :00 a.m.-7:45 a.m. Breakfast 7:45 a.m.-8:30 a.m. Christian lesson 9:00 a.m. Departure for 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. The original name was Budejovice. In the 14th century it was an important centre of trade and crafts in South Bohemia and it surpassed other towns in the region. Kings Wenceslas II and Charles IV gave a lot of privileges to the town and they helped the town to develop quickly. The town was loyal to the rulers during the Hussite Wars (the first half of the 15th century) and during the revolt against Emperor Ferdinand I ( ). Then it was rewarded with a lot of privileges. The silver mines were founded on the north-eastern outskirts near the village Rudolfov and between also the mint was here. The new name of the town, České Budějovice comes from this era too.

11 11 The Thirty Years' War and big fire in 1641 interrupted the growth of the town. The restoration was very slow and the new development started in the 18th century. In 1751 České Budějovice became a centre of the district around the town. A bishop's residence was established there during the Josephin's reforms (the end of the 18th century). Until the 19th century, České Budějovice was a small town enclosed in town walls, with less then 10,000 people. An important turning-point was the construction of the horse-drawn railway (about 1830) from České Budějovice to the North-Austrian town Linz, the first railroad on the continent (the first one in Europe was in England). During the 19th century the town walls were pulled down, the growth continued and the town enlarged to the present appearance. The most well-known building is the 72 m high Černá Věž (Black Tower). It was built in the north-eastern corner of the square in the 16th century. Guided tour around the central square and some free time for pictures 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. en route to 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. 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. Organised lunch in Telc 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Guided Tour to see all the highlights in this historical town including the churches 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Free time 5:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m. en route to hotel some free time for journals 8:30 p.m. dinner in the Village Golf Hotel, Cesky Krumlov time for journals Overnight Cesky Krumlov DAY 7 SATURDAY, 9 May, :55a.m. Luggage ready outside the hotel for pick-up 7:00 a.m.-7:20 a.m. Christian lesson (must be shorter today and stick to schedule) 7:30 a.m.-8:00 a.m. Breakfast 8:15 a.m. Transfer to Hluboka Castle 9:15 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Visit Hluboka The town 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 fishfarming 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 a Renaissance style in the 16th century. Hluboká castle belonged to 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

12 12 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 ( ) in 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. 11:00 a.m.-11:45 a.m. Early lunch in Hluboka 12:00 noon Departure for Karlstejn (2 ½ hour ride) 2:30 p.m. Arrival at Karlstejn parking place 3:00 p.m. Arrival at the Castle (Groups must be there at least 15 minutes prior to the tour) 3:15 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Inside tour of Karlstejn Castle KARLSTEJN The high Gothic castle founded in 1348, has a unique position among Czech castles. It was built by the Czech King and Roman Emperor Charles IV as a place for safekeeping of the royal treasures, especially Charles's collection of holy relics and the coronation jewels of the Roman Empire. The first stay of Charles IV in the castle is documented in 1355 when he came to supervise the building works as well as the decoration of interiors, especially the castle chapels. The construction of the castle was finished in 1365 when the Chapel of the Holy Cross situated in the Great tower was consecrated. At the outbreak of the Hussite wars the castle became the place for safekeeping of the Czech coronation jewels, which were kept here, with the exception of several short-time breaks, for nearly 200 years. The castle was reconstructed in late Gothic style after 1480 and in Renaissance style in the last quarter of the 16th century. The present appearance of the castle comes from the last reconstruction, which was carried out in the purist neo-gothic style by architect Josef Mocker at the end of the 19th century. Very impressive is the original step-like order of buildings. From the Well Tower and Burgrave's Palace located as the lowest you walk up to the majestic five-storey Imperial Palace and further up towards the Marian tower. And finally at the top of the headland stands the monumental 60m high and separately fortified Great Tower. 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Free time 5:40 p.m. Departure for Prague

13 13 6:40 p.m. Arrival in Prague Check in at hotel, some time to refresh 8:00 p.m. Meet in lobby and transfer by public transport to the Nebozizek Restaurant for dinner. Overnight in Prague x 6 nights in Hotel Panorama**** Located very close to the city centre just four short Metro stations (6 minutes ride) A modern, high-rise hotel, recently renovated throughout, the Corinthia Panorama Hotel provides excellent levels of comfort and a calm relaxing environment. Rooms are superbly appointed and fully equipped. 450 rooms, each with individually controlled air-conditioning on 24 floors Each room equipped with colour television, mini-bar, safe deposit box, direct telephone and hairdryer in bathroom PRAGUE Prague is approximately 600km from the Baltic, 700km from the North Sea and 700km from the Adriatic. Distances from other central European cities: Vienna is 300km away, Bratislava 320km, Berlin 350km, Budapest 550km, Warsaw 630km and Copenhagen 750km. 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 1,000 years of development presented Prague with the most beautiful historical monuments of all architectural styles. 8:00 p.m. Meet in lobby and transfer by public transport to the restaurant. 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. Access is by furnicular 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.

14 14 Possibility to make a lot of nice photos DAY 8 SUNDAY, May 10, :00 a.m.-7:45 a.m. Breakfast 7:45 a.m.-8:30 a.m. Christian lesson 9:00 a.m. latest departure from the hotel 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Visit of Vysehrad Monuments Ancient legends situate the original seat of the Czech princes the legendary Princess Libuše 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 neo-gothic style), the Vysehrad cemetery used as a burial site of the Czech outstanding personalities since 1869 with a collective tomb called Slavin, the underground casemates housing the originals of several baroque statues from the Charles Bridge. 11:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m. visit of Charles Square and Wenceslas Square 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.

15 15 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 750m long and 60m 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. 1:00 p.m-2:15 p.m. Organised lunch around Wenceslas Square or in Old Town 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Visit of Old Town Square, Clock Tower 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. Inside visit of the Tower 5:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Visit of Mucha Museum 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.

16 16 6:15 p.m.-7:30 p.m. 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 :00 a.m. Meet in the city centre and transfer by coach to the pier. 8:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Boat Buffet Dinner Cruise 10:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. Prague by night with stops for photos Overnight in Prague DAY 9 MONDAY, May 11, :00 a.m.-7:45 a.m. Breakfast 7:45 a.m.-8:30 a.m. Christian lesson This whole day will be dedicated to public service The exact lay-out of the day will be confirmed later 8:00 p.m.-11:30 p.m. Dinner in Vikarka - Prague Castle Vikarka (transfer by tram or Metro) is located just next to the 1,000-year-old St. Vitus Cathedral. You can choose between an elegant private salon on the first floor with a view to the Cathedral or the Alchymistic main restaurant room with decoration from the era of the Habsburg Emperor Rudolf II who resided at Prague castle.

17 17 Overnight in Prague DAY 10 TUESDAY, May 12, :00 a.m.-7:45 a.m. Breakfast 7:45 a.m.-8:30 a.m. Christian lesson 9:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. Visit of Prague Castle The Prague Castle is a national cultural monument, the symbol of more than a millennial of development of the Czech state. Since its foundation in the last quarter of the ninth century Prague Castle has been developing uninterruptedly throughout the past 11 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, and since 1918 it has been the seat of the president. Matyas Gate St George s Golden Lane 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.

18 18 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 :30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. Free time. The visits will end at the Matyas Gate. It is possible to see the changing of the guards in front of the palace. Lunch options and shopping are possible in nearby Nerudova Street. Meet at the Matyas Gate after the break. 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Visit of the Castle 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. Ledebur Garden Great Palffy Garden Sala Terena 2:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Visit of Mala Strana Walk around Wallenstejn Palace, visit one of the gardens in Mala Strana, Church of Our Lady Victorious with its small and world famous little sculpure of the Jesus child. Outside look to the high Baroque churche of St Nicolas one of the most ornate of its kind in Europe. Walking to the Kampa and discover the magic part of little Prague Venice under the Charles Bridge. As a highlight, enjoy the truly unusual little boat trip through the narrow river links. You can pass through these narrow canals only by small boats; however you will see things which you could never see from a large boat. The first of these are original and so far unseen views of the well-known panorama of the Prague Castle, the seat of the Kings of Bohemia, which, when observed from the river, seem even more royal and noble than an ordinary pedestrian may see them. From all possible

19 19 angles, the beauties of the noble work of Emperor Charles IV are revealed the bridge which his faithful master-builder Peter Parler vaulted over the river. The construction of our boats, which faces no obstacles in the river, allows you to observe also the so-called zero arch, which is completely hidden from the sight of pedestrians. And a veritable feast for the eyes of the connoisseurs and admirers of Czech culture and famous history is sailing underneath the last extant arch of Judith Bridge, the worthy predecessor of Charles Bridge. This wholly unique spot is now completely hidden underneath Křížovnické Square, known only by genuine experts on Prague topography. Charles Bridge (Karlův most) Named after the Emperor Charles IV in the 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. 5:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m. small boat ride (End on the other side of the river) Visit of the newly opened museum of the most important King in our history, Charles IV. Period of Charles IV's rule was meant for the Bohemian state the top of political, social and cultural life. In the second half of the 14th century, Prague was one of the most populated metropolises of the world. In the year 1378 the city had 40,000 inhabitants. All that brougt on development of guilds and crafts associated in them. Along with the simple professions, there was a growth of very specialized professions or crafts for making luxury goods and objects of art. 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Free time 8:00 p.m. Walking to the dinner Dinner in U Fleku Imagine a building which has served as a pub to countless generations of Prague dwellers and visitors (500 years). Imagine more than eight spaces, each with its own particular charm and character. Imagine four brass bands playing in the different spaces and a total of 1,200 people sitting down to a good pint. Imagine sitting on timber chairs which are 150 years older than you. And imagine if Napoleon himself had dropped by to sample the beer and tuck into some good old Czech goulash and dumplings while on his (unsuccessful) mission to conquer Mother Russia. Imagine if he'd been so impressed with the hospitality that he'd presented the owner of the pub with one of his battle flags! Overnight in Prague DAY 11 WEDNESDAY, May 13, :00 a.m.-7:45 a.m. Breakfast

20 20 7:45 a.m. -8:30 a.m. Christian lesson The whole day will be dedicated to the visits and activities in and with the local school; Lunch in school 4:00 p.m. Back in hotel 6:00 p.m. Meet in Lobby and transfer to dinner in Old Town 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Typical Dinner in U Cerneho Slunce Dinner in the house is placed near Staroměstské náměstí (Old Town Square) and its history goes back to the beginning of the 13th century the time of early gothic. About 500 years later, the restaurant has moved to this house. The owner s widow married the prague druggist Hampacher. Her daughter married her music teacher and composer František Xavec Dušek. She was the famous singer Josefína Dušková. Her name is still related with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The cellar restaurant is devided into a number of parts and can offer its services up to 165 guests at the moment. It's aimed to offer gastronomic services to organised groups of tourists and also to private guides. After 20 years, it has became famous for it's superior, pleasant and mainly fast servicing. 8:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Performance of Black Light Theater nearby Overnight in Prague DAY 12 THURSDAY, 14 May, :00 a.m.-7:45 a.m. Breakfast 7:45 a.m.-8:30 a.m. Christian lesson 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Visit of Jewish Ghetto including the seminar and organised lunch We take you back to the roots of Prague's Jewish Community built on stone and lime". We start at the Parizska Street, previously called Josefov after the Habsburgs 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

21 21 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 inside Jewish monuments!!! A special highlight of the visit to the Ghetto will be a seminar presented by one of the survivors of the Holocaust, a very rare experience indeed. 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Organised lunch in Old Town 1:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Visit of Skoda Museum in Mlada Boleslav SKODA MUSEUM There are only four automobile makers in the whole world able to boast of a century-long history of uninterrupted exchange of information, know-how, experience, development, and production. Škoda is one of them Join us to get the feel of history. Three sections of exhibits 100 Years of Škoda Auto, Gallery of Engines and Slavia Exhibition map the successful journey of the Czech industry from 1895 to date. Individual exhibits are multimedia supported join the play. The Museum s structures include buildings with richly decorated stucco facades, cast-iron columns, and wooden roof trusses, as well as reinforced concrete frame structures with the charm and romantic appearance of old-time industrial structures (not to forget to mention riveted crane tracks, steel frames, and cast-iron factory windows). 6:00 p.m. Back in the hotel 6:30 p.m. Meet in llobby and coach transfer to the final dinner 7:15 p.m. Dinner in FOLKLORISTIC restaurant U Marcanu (coach transfer there and back) U Marcanu is located abouit 15 minutes from the city centre in a residential part of Prague. Visitors can taste typical Czech meals and enjoy the "show" of Bohemian, Gipsy, Moravian and Slovakian folk songs and dances. The musicians play typical folk-instruments, such as hammerdulcimer, fujara and bag-pipe. After the main part of the programme, guests can listen to famous compositions of classical music, which were inspirated by folk music (Smetana, Dvořák, Brahms, Sarasate, Monti etc.) and at the end guests are invited to dance the typical czech dances Polka and Mazurka. The restaurant has 140 seats.

22 22 Overnight in Prague DAY 13 FRIDAY, 15 May, :00 a.m.-7:45 a.m. Breakfast 7:45 a.m.-8:30 a.m. Christian lesson Free time in the morning En route to the airport, visit of Loreto church 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 the 18th centuries. The most famous of these is the Diamond Monstrance adorned with 6,222 diamonds. Strahov Monastery Library The 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. Coach transfer to the airport for departure from the Czech Republic.