| Prague Holiday Celebration December 23rd, 2001—January 2nd, 2002 An escorted ten night, eleven day tour Prague |
|
|
458
West 52nd Street #1D
New York, NY 10019 (800) 916-0312 |
Join Pro Musica Tours
for our special Holiday Fantasy Tour to Prague- a music lover's dream, where
the sounds of Mozart come drifting from every corner of the city. Prague
is the Jewel of Bohemia, a romantic city of castles, churches, myth and
music. Prague is especially fascinating during Christmas, as this ancient
city takes on an unforgettable Christmas atmosphere with music resounding from
every corner of the city.
Sunday December 23rd
Independent overnight flights to Prague.
Monday December 24th
Independent arrivals
at Prague, and transfers to the turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau styled Hotel Pařiž
Praha (5 star) located ideally in the center of the Old Town, across from the
magnificently restored Art Nouveau Municipal House, featuring designs by Alfons
Mucha, a pioneer of the Art Nouveau. The afternoon is at leisure for
rest. In the evening we
gather for our festive Christmas Eve Welcome Dinner (with carols) at the
Restaurant Sarah Bernhardt, followed by the option of attending Midnight Mass
at nearby St. James Church.
Tuesday December
25th
We will enjoy a special Christmas Breakfast this morning before we visit Prague
Churches which have extraordinary Nativity Displays. Some are life-sized, or
made of paper, ceramics, wood, and even gingerbread!
A rare treat awaits us this afternoon us as we attend the State Opera to hear a
traditional performance of the Czech Christmas Mass, by
Jakub Jan Ryba (1765-1815). This is a concert of old Bohemian Christmas carols
and songs. Ryba was a composer of mainly church music, and author of many well
known Czech Christmas songs.
Evening at leisure.
Wednesday December 26th
The morning is at leisure.
Our afternoon treat
will be an optional performance of Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic, The
Nutcracker Ballet, performed at the National Theatre
(Supplemental Ticket Price $50). This evening we are excited to attend of
Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte at
the delightful Theatre of the Estates.
Thursday
December 27th
This morning we visit the Old Town of Prague, including Old Town Square with
the extraordinary Astrological Clock, and the fascinating Jewish Quarter. The afternoon is at leisure, and in the
evening we attend the ornate State Opera, for a performance of Verdi’s
stunning Nabucco.
Friday December 28th
This morning we visit the Open Air Museum in Přerov
nad Labem to see old Bohemian Christmas customs, including depictions of St.
Martin´s Wake; feather stripping; and over fifty different kinds of
Nativities, Christmas trees and decorations. We will hear Christmas carols;
admire national costumes; see the preparation of home-made Christmas
pastry; witness St. Nicholas
celebrations with a Devil and an Angel as well as Christmas and Boxing Day
Bohemian customs including the Three Kings´Carol Singers. Lunch is
included during which we will enjoy typical Czech specialties of the
season. The balance of the afternoon is at leisure. This evening we will
again attend the State Opera for a performance of one of Verdi’s most
popular works, Rigoletto.
Saturday December 29th
The morning is at
leisure. In the afternoon we see the delightful Czech folk opera, Prodaná
nevěsta (The Bartered Bride), by Smetana, at the
National Theatre. We offer the
option of attending a performance this evening of Verdi’s La Traviata at the State Opera.
(Supplemental Ticket Price $50).
Sunday December 30th
A morning tour takes us to the spectacular Castle District, with special
emphasis on the Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral and the Bohemian Art at the
Convent of St. George. This
afternoon and evening, we present the option to attend one of two truly unique
performances: A Chamber Music Concert at
The Bertramka Estate where Mozart was a guest of the Dusek family (program
TBA); or Mozart’s Don
Giovanni at the National Marionette Theatre (Supplemental Ticket
Price TBA)
Monday December 31st
This morning we will enjoy another special treat - a backstage tour of the
famous Theatre of the Estates where Mozart conducted the premiere of his Don
Giovanni. We will drink a toast Mozart, and the New Year, while enjoying a
short private concert of chamber music performed by the musicians of the
orchestra. The afternoon is at leisure, to allow you to further explore
the city, and to prepare for the festivities surrounding the bringing in of the New Year. Our very
special evening celebrations will commence at the State Opera, with a
performance of Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss, followed
by a festive Gala New Year´s Eve Dinner with a concert program and
dancing.
Tuesday January 1st
The morning is at leisure to rest after the celebrations. Our late afternoon New
Year's Day Concert will be a special affair at the State
Opera. We conclude our Fantasy Holiday with our Farewell Dinner at one of
Prague's enchanting restaurants.
Wednesday
January 2nd
Individual departures from Prague for home.
Prague State
Opera: Czech Mass, Nabucco,
Rigoletto, La Traviata (optional), New Year’s Eve Gala
Die Fledermaus, New
Year’s Day Concert.
National Theater Prague: The Nutcracker (optional),
Prodaná nevěsta (The Bartered Bride)
Theater of The Estates Prague: Die Zauberflöte
National Marionette Theater: Don Giovanni (optional)
Betramka Estate: Chamber Music Concert (optional)
INCLUDED MEALS
Buffet Breakfast Daily; One Lunch; Festive Christmas Eve Dinner and
Christmas Morning Breakfast; New Year’s Eve Gala; Farewell Dinner.
TOUR PRICE
Land Arrangements (Based on Double Occupancy) US$ 2995
Single Supplement US$ 1000
$1000 Deposit is required to secure your space on
tour. Balance due on November 1st,
2001.
TRANSPORTATION
Lowest airfare at time of booking is available directly
through Pro Musica Tours, at cost, for your convenience. A Saturday night stay is included to
assure you the lowest airfare possible.
Transportation for tour
events is by private deluxe coach. Most of the historic areas of Prague
are deemed pedestrian only, so appropriate footwear and warm clothing are
recommended for this tour.