Portals to Prague and Poland - 2013
 Prague, Czech Republic  Royal Castle in Warsaw, Poland  |
15-day Educational Tour to Prague & Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic and Krakow & Warsaw in Poland.
Global Praxis is pleased to offer this private educational tour that is more "compact" than our traditional 4-week college-credit study abroad programs. By popular demand, adult learners, working professionals, community residents, and retired couples have asked us to create a shorter length program but one that retains the same level of high-quality and cultural/educational immersion. The purpose of all Global Praxis educational tours and programs is as stated under our company name above: “Creating International Learning Environments.” The emphasis here is on “learning.” Our associates and contacts in the host countries are selected based on their expert knowledge and ability to impart to you the cultural, historical, political, and social dynamic of their respective countries. This is what distinguishes our programs from others and it affords our participants a value-added dimension that offers you much more than simple tourism. We invite you to consider this truly global learning experience and engage in a part of the world that, until a generation ago, we could not freely visit. You will be a personal witness to the remarkable transition taking place in these two countries and be a part of this "living history." Dates: June 25, 2013 - July 9, 2013
Itinerary at-a-glance (see below for detailed itinerary and pricing): Day 1 - Departure from U.S. Day 2 - Arrive in Prague, visit Wenceslas Square, Old Town, and Charles Bridge Day 3 - Dr. Jiri Pehe and Prague Castle (Prague) Day 4 - Prague's Jewish Quarter & Musical Concert in evening (Prague) Day 5 - Cesky Krumlov Day 6 - Farewell to Prague Day 7 - Travel to Krakow, Poland Day 8 - Market Square and Wawel Hill (Palace and Cathedral) (Krakow) Day 9 - Schindler Museum and Kazimierz District (Krakow) Day 10 - Auschwitz and Birkenau ( Oświęcim) Day 11 - The Salt Mine Wieliczka and Travel to Warsaw Day 12 - Royal Castle, Old Town Square, Nowy Świat (Warsaw) Day 13 - Łazienki Park and Chopin Concert in Park (Warsaw) Day 14 - Warsaw Rising of '44 Museum (Warsaw) Day 15 - Depart Warsaw Apply for Program: Applications closed. |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Departure from U.S.
June 25, 2013 (Tue)
Each participant is responsible for their own flight arrangements. Since flights from the U.S. arrive in Prague on the following day, please make sure you depart from the U.S. on June 25 to arrive in Prague on June 26. Also, please make sure you send us a copy of your itinerary so that we may have personnel meet you at airport to transfer you to your hotel.
NOTE: If you are a U.S. citizen all you need is a valid passport with an expiration date longer than 6 months from the last day of travel. For more information on U.S. passports visit travel.state.gov.
Each participant is responsible for their own flight arrangements. Since flights from the U.S. arrive in Prague on the following day, please make sure you depart from the U.S. on June 25 to arrive in Prague on June 26. Also, please make sure you send us a copy of your itinerary so that we may have personnel meet you at airport to transfer you to your hotel.
NOTE: If you are a U.S. citizen all you need is a valid passport with an expiration date longer than 6 months from the last day of travel. For more information on U.S. passports visit travel.state.gov.
Day 2 - Arrival in Prague
Old Town Square
June 26, 2013 (Wed)
Welcome to Prague – A city that has been called the most magical, the most mystical city in Europe and one-time center of astrology, astronomy, and alchemy. Its compact medieval center remains an evocative maze of cobbled lanes, ancient courtyards, dark passages, and churches beyond number.
Prague, also referred to as the “City of 100 Spires,” boasts one of the world’s most pristine and varied collections of architectural styles – from Art Nouveau to Baroque, Renaissance, Cubic, Neo-Classical, Gothic, Romanesque, and Ultra-Modern. You will visit and experience the sites that make this city “magical” like the Old Town Square (market square since the 11th century), Prague Castle, the ancient symbol of the Czech lands that has stood for over a thousand years, St. Vitus Cathedral, Wenceslas Square – Prague’s “sacred space”, the famous Charles Bridge, and the historic Jewish Quarter – the most well preserved in all of Europe.
Welcome to Prague – A city that has been called the most magical, the most mystical city in Europe and one-time center of astrology, astronomy, and alchemy. Its compact medieval center remains an evocative maze of cobbled lanes, ancient courtyards, dark passages, and churches beyond number.
Prague, also referred to as the “City of 100 Spires,” boasts one of the world’s most pristine and varied collections of architectural styles – from Art Nouveau to Baroque, Renaissance, Cubic, Neo-Classical, Gothic, Romanesque, and Ultra-Modern. You will visit and experience the sites that make this city “magical” like the Old Town Square (market square since the 11th century), Prague Castle, the ancient symbol of the Czech lands that has stood for over a thousand years, St. Vitus Cathedral, Wenceslas Square – Prague’s “sacred space”, the famous Charles Bridge, and the historic Jewish Quarter – the most well preserved in all of Europe.
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Today's Schedule:
Global Praxis staff will meet you at airport to transport you to the Grand Majestic Plaza Hotel. Afternoon: Welcoming Orientation and walking tour of Wenceslas Square and Old Town. Evening: Welcome Dinner hosted by Global Praxis |
 Wenceslas Square |
Day 3 - Dr. Jiří Pehe and Prague Castle
Dr. Jiří Pehe
June 27, 2013 (Thu)
Morning: Breakfast at Hotel.
10:00 am – 12:00 pm: Presentation by Dr. Jiří Pehe. Dr. Pehe was the Chief Political Advisor to former Czech President Vaclav Havel and a member of his cabinet. He currently is a political analyst and Academic Director of New York University’s Prague Program.
Dr. Pehe will present our group a foundational lecture on the history and politics of Czechoslovakia/Czech Republic. Among the highlights will be the creation of the new sovereign country of Czechoslovakia in 1918 and the “island of democracy” it was until the Nazi occupation in 1939 and the subsequent communist takeover from 1948-1989. Featured will be the events that led up to the “Prague Spring” of 1968, the “Velvet Revolution” in 1989 and the progress the Czech Republic has made during this transition from a totalitarian country to a democratic nation with a free-market economy since 1989.
Morning: Breakfast at Hotel.
10:00 am – 12:00 pm: Presentation by Dr. Jiří Pehe. Dr. Pehe was the Chief Political Advisor to former Czech President Vaclav Havel and a member of his cabinet. He currently is a political analyst and Academic Director of New York University’s Prague Program.
Dr. Pehe will present our group a foundational lecture on the history and politics of Czechoslovakia/Czech Republic. Among the highlights will be the creation of the new sovereign country of Czechoslovakia in 1918 and the “island of democracy” it was until the Nazi occupation in 1939 and the subsequent communist takeover from 1948-1989. Featured will be the events that led up to the “Prague Spring” of 1968, the “Velvet Revolution” in 1989 and the progress the Czech Republic has made during this transition from a totalitarian country to a democratic nation with a free-market economy since 1989.
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12:00 pm: Lunch on your own.
1:00 pm: Tour of Prague Castle guided by Vaclav Štorek, M.A. History. The Castle was first founded around the year 880. The Guinness Book of World Records lists Prague Castle as the largest coherent castle complex in the world, with an area of almost 70,000 square meters. Today, Prague Castle, besides the seat of the head of state, is also an important cultural and historical monument. The crown jewels are kept in Prague Castle, as are the relics of Bohemian kings, precious Christian relics, art treasures and historical documents. Events important for the whole country have taken place within its walls. Hence Prague Castle is the embodiment of the historical tradition of the Czech state, linking the present with the past. Evening: At leisure. |
 Prague Castle at night. |
Day 4 - Jewish Quarter
Kafka statue in Jewish Quarter
June 28, 2013 (Fri)
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning: Prague's Jewish Quarter.
One cannot come to Prague without experiencing the historic Jewish Quarter. The Jewish community in Prague is unlike any other country. The life of the Prague ghetto has been uninterrupted for a longer period of time and the existence of the Jewish community here has continued since the 10th century.
Your tour guide will be Dr. Zuzana Pavlovska, an expert on Jewish Studies and docent at the Jewish Museum of Prague. Dr. Pavlovska will take you to visit the following museums and offer you an unforgettable and meaningful experience:
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning: Prague's Jewish Quarter.
One cannot come to Prague without experiencing the historic Jewish Quarter. The Jewish community in Prague is unlike any other country. The life of the Prague ghetto has been uninterrupted for a longer period of time and the existence of the Jewish community here has continued since the 10th century.
Your tour guide will be Dr. Zuzana Pavlovska, an expert on Jewish Studies and docent at the Jewish Museum of Prague. Dr. Pavlovska will take you to visit the following museums and offer you an unforgettable and meaningful experience:
We will be here to admire the gems of the architecture and the history of the Prague ghetto and to honor the memory of the Jews persecuted in the past. Free for Lunch Evening: Live Musical Concert at Obecní Dům (Municipal House), Walking tour of Charles Bridge |
 Obecní Dům (Municipal House) |
Day 5 - Cesky Krumlov
Cesky Krumlov
June 29, 2013
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning: Included in your program is a delightful visit to Cesky Krumlov – a medieval town encircled by the Vltava River and a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in southern Bohemia. Cesky Krumlov is an architectural jewel with a fairy tale style castle that is a must see for anyone traveling to the Czech Republic. (Travel by Coach)
Afternoon: Guided tour of Cesky Krumlov Castle.
Evening: Group Dinner and Entertainment.
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning: Included in your program is a delightful visit to Cesky Krumlov – a medieval town encircled by the Vltava River and a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in southern Bohemia. Cesky Krumlov is an architectural jewel with a fairy tale style castle that is a must see for anyone traveling to the Czech Republic. (Travel by Coach)
Afternoon: Guided tour of Cesky Krumlov Castle.
Evening: Group Dinner and Entertainment.
Day 6 - Farewell to Prague Cruising the Vltava River
June 30, 2013
Breakfast at hotel. Afternoon: Return from Cesky Krumlov by Coach. Evening: Farewell to Prague Dinner Boat Cruise on Vltava River. |
“How long since I last saw The Sun sink low behind Petřin Hill? With tearful eyes I gazed at you, Prague, Enveloped in your evening shadows. How long since I last heard the pleasant rush of water Over the weir in the Vltava River? I have long since forgotten the bustling life of Wenceslas Square. Those unknown corners in the Old Town, Those shady nooks and sleepy canals, How are they? They cannot be grieving for me As I do for them. . . Prague, you fairy tale in stone, how well I remember!" --Petr Ginz (1928-1944) Terezín |
Day 7 - Travel to Krakow, Poland
July 1, 2013 (Mon)
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning: Check out of hotel and travel by train to Krakow.
Evening: Arrive in Krakow and transport to Hotel Wielopole, conveniently located near the Market Square and the Kazimierz District.
Today, Krakow is the cultural heart of Poland and an international showcase of Polish historical heritage. One of the oldest cities in Poland, and its former capital city, Krakow resounds with a youthful and vibrant charm. It is a city of majestic architectural monuments, cobbled streets, cultural treasures and priceless artworks. Krakow’s “favorite son” is the former Archbishop Karol Wojtyla who later became Pope John Paul II.
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning: Check out of hotel and travel by train to Krakow.
Evening: Arrive in Krakow and transport to Hotel Wielopole, conveniently located near the Market Square and the Kazimierz District.
Today, Krakow is the cultural heart of Poland and an international showcase of Polish historical heritage. One of the oldest cities in Poland, and its former capital city, Krakow resounds with a youthful and vibrant charm. It is a city of majestic architectural monuments, cobbled streets, cultural treasures and priceless artworks. Krakow’s “favorite son” is the former Archbishop Karol Wojtyla who later became Pope John Paul II.
Day 8 - Market Square and Wawel Hill (Castle and Cathedral)
Wawel Castle
July 2, 2013 (Tue)
Breakfast at hotel.
Market Square: The magnificent Market Square in the middle of Old Town is the largest medieval square in Europe. It is the chosen venue for summer festivals, concerts, fairs, and meeting place for young and old. There are numerous cafes, restaurant gardens, and shops that surround the square. You will visit the famous St. Mary’s Basilica with its uneven spires that tower over the square and see its monumental altarpiece and stained glass windows.
Wawel Hill Complex: The most important monument in Poland is Wawel Castle which mixes Medieval, Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles. This imposing castle on the banks of the Vistula River was the seat of Polish Royal power until the 17th century. The interiors of the castle feature exhibitions which are a must to see: royal chambers, a collection of eastern art and war trophies, a unique collection of Flemish tapestries, as well as archeological discoveries testifying to the more than one-thousand year presence of Christianity within the Polish lands.
One of the most important sections of the Wawel Castle complex is the famous Cathedral replete with chapels, tombs, and sarcophagi. Pope John Paul II performed his first Holy Mass here in 1946.
Evening: Dinner and entertainment at Pod Wawelem Restaurant.
Breakfast at hotel.
Market Square: The magnificent Market Square in the middle of Old Town is the largest medieval square in Europe. It is the chosen venue for summer festivals, concerts, fairs, and meeting place for young and old. There are numerous cafes, restaurant gardens, and shops that surround the square. You will visit the famous St. Mary’s Basilica with its uneven spires that tower over the square and see its monumental altarpiece and stained glass windows.
Wawel Hill Complex: The most important monument in Poland is Wawel Castle which mixes Medieval, Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles. This imposing castle on the banks of the Vistula River was the seat of Polish Royal power until the 17th century. The interiors of the castle feature exhibitions which are a must to see: royal chambers, a collection of eastern art and war trophies, a unique collection of Flemish tapestries, as well as archeological discoveries testifying to the more than one-thousand year presence of Christianity within the Polish lands.
One of the most important sections of the Wawel Castle complex is the famous Cathedral replete with chapels, tombs, and sarcophagi. Pope John Paul II performed his first Holy Mass here in 1946.
Evening: Dinner and entertainment at Pod Wawelem Restaurant.
Day 9 - Schindler Museum and Kazimierz District
Schindler Museum. Exterior photo by Noa Cafri.
July 3, 2013 (Wed)
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning: Guest Lecturer – Professor from Jagiellonian University on Krakow under Nazi and Communist occupation.
Guided tour of Schindler Museum at the old Schindler enamel factory made famous in the award-winning film: “Schindler’s List."
Afternoon: Walking tour of Kazimierz District. Kazimierz is the area that housed Krakow’s Jewish community for over 500 years. Peeling facades and wooden shutters hide dozens of cafes, many affecting an air of pre-war timelessness. Alternative, edgy, and packed with oddities and history, this is an essential point of interest for any visitor. Our stay in Krakow will coincide with the 23rd Annual Jewish Culture Festival – a tradition that started with the demise of communist rule in Poland in 1989. Many activities, festivals, concerts, workshops, artistic, literary, and musical events will be ongoing. Various scenes from "Schindler's List" were filmed in Kazimierz.
Rest of the day is free.
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning: Guest Lecturer – Professor from Jagiellonian University on Krakow under Nazi and Communist occupation.
Guided tour of Schindler Museum at the old Schindler enamel factory made famous in the award-winning film: “Schindler’s List."
Afternoon: Walking tour of Kazimierz District. Kazimierz is the area that housed Krakow’s Jewish community for over 500 years. Peeling facades and wooden shutters hide dozens of cafes, many affecting an air of pre-war timelessness. Alternative, edgy, and packed with oddities and history, this is an essential point of interest for any visitor. Our stay in Krakow will coincide with the 23rd Annual Jewish Culture Festival – a tradition that started with the demise of communist rule in Poland in 1989. Many activities, festivals, concerts, workshops, artistic, literary, and musical events will be ongoing. Various scenes from "Schindler's List" were filmed in Kazimierz.
Rest of the day is free.
Day 10 - Private tour of Auschwitz and Birkenau
July 4, 2013 (Thu)
Breakfast at hotel.
All day: Private tour of both Auschwitz and Birkenau facilities by Museum-sponsored guide and expert on the Holocaust.
“Auschwitz “ – a name that has become synonymous with the Holocaust— and the symbol for the extermination of Jews, Poles, Slavs, the Roma (Gypsies), and other minority groups. Auschwitz is the German name for the Polish city of Oświęcim where the concentration camps were located. More people were killed at Auschwitz-Birkenau than in any other Nazi camp.
Today, the Auschwitz camps have been preserved and turned into the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum. The dramatic authenticity of these grounds lends exceptional significance to the tragedy of the Holocaust and you will be witnessing, through this memorial, aspects of the genocidal policies of the German Third Reich and their state-sponsored mass murder.
Learning about Auschwitz and the Holocaust can take place anywhere. But it is in Oświęcim, on the terrain of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, that in addition to learning the history about how the camp functioned, one can have direct contact with the testimony and reminiscences of witnesses; and it is here that one can see with his or her own eyes, the evidence of the Holocaust.
“I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” -- Elie Wiesel, Auschwitz survivor
Breakfast at hotel.
All day: Private tour of both Auschwitz and Birkenau facilities by Museum-sponsored guide and expert on the Holocaust.
“Auschwitz “ – a name that has become synonymous with the Holocaust— and the symbol for the extermination of Jews, Poles, Slavs, the Roma (Gypsies), and other minority groups. Auschwitz is the German name for the Polish city of Oświęcim where the concentration camps were located. More people were killed at Auschwitz-Birkenau than in any other Nazi camp.
Today, the Auschwitz camps have been preserved and turned into the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum. The dramatic authenticity of these grounds lends exceptional significance to the tragedy of the Holocaust and you will be witnessing, through this memorial, aspects of the genocidal policies of the German Third Reich and their state-sponsored mass murder.
Learning about Auschwitz and the Holocaust can take place anywhere. But it is in Oświęcim, on the terrain of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, that in addition to learning the history about how the camp functioned, one can have direct contact with the testimony and reminiscences of witnesses; and it is here that one can see with his or her own eyes, the evidence of the Holocaust.
“I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” -- Elie Wiesel, Auschwitz survivor
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Day 11 - Wieliczka Salt Mine and Travel to Warsaw
The Mermaid, symbol of Warsaw
July 5, 2013 (Fri)
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning: Trip to the Salt Mine Wieliczka. The Wieliczka mine is thought to have been created by forces of nature around 15 million years ago. This popular tour takes in a series of underground chambers full of carvings and statues from the same natural resource. The bas-relief wall carvings, made by the talented miners themselves, depict scenes from the New Testament and display amazing dimension and realism.
Late afternoon: Train ride from Krakow to Warsaw. Check in at 5-star Westin Warsaw.
Warsaw (pronounced var-SHAVA to the locals) is a lively metropolis and a remarkable city for both its past and present. However, it is not possible to understand Warsaw without looking at this city and remembering that it was here where the bloodiest uprising against the Nazis in Europe took place during World War II--not by any organized military but by the men, women, and children of Warsaw themselves. Just as the invasion of Poland by Hitler triggered the start of the war on September 1, 1939, it was also in Poland where Europe’s largest resistance movement against the Nazis in 1944 grew out of the desperation and bravery of its citizens. The “Rising of ‘44” as it became known, were 63 days of heroic struggle against the occupying German forces. These battles are remembered on street corners or where fighting was the fiercest by commemorative inscriptions on buildings, squares, and as monuments across this city. They are important places of memorial to the tens of thousands of Poles who were murdered by the Nazis during the “Rising of ‘44” and the over 6 million Polish citizens that lost their lives during the war from a total population of 35 million --- almost one-fifth of the population. Although Warsaw also suffered repression during the Soviet period (1948-1989), the physical destruction of the city was most pronounced during the Nazi occupation.
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning: Trip to the Salt Mine Wieliczka. The Wieliczka mine is thought to have been created by forces of nature around 15 million years ago. This popular tour takes in a series of underground chambers full of carvings and statues from the same natural resource. The bas-relief wall carvings, made by the talented miners themselves, depict scenes from the New Testament and display amazing dimension and realism.
Late afternoon: Train ride from Krakow to Warsaw. Check in at 5-star Westin Warsaw.
Warsaw (pronounced var-SHAVA to the locals) is a lively metropolis and a remarkable city for both its past and present. However, it is not possible to understand Warsaw without looking at this city and remembering that it was here where the bloodiest uprising against the Nazis in Europe took place during World War II--not by any organized military but by the men, women, and children of Warsaw themselves. Just as the invasion of Poland by Hitler triggered the start of the war on September 1, 1939, it was also in Poland where Europe’s largest resistance movement against the Nazis in 1944 grew out of the desperation and bravery of its citizens. The “Rising of ‘44” as it became known, were 63 days of heroic struggle against the occupying German forces. These battles are remembered on street corners or where fighting was the fiercest by commemorative inscriptions on buildings, squares, and as monuments across this city. They are important places of memorial to the tens of thousands of Poles who were murdered by the Nazis during the “Rising of ‘44” and the over 6 million Polish citizens that lost their lives during the war from a total population of 35 million --- almost one-fifth of the population. Although Warsaw also suffered repression during the Soviet period (1948-1989), the physical destruction of the city was most pronounced during the Nazi occupation.
By the end of the war in 1945, Warsaw was a city of rubble, completely devastated. When General Dwight Eisenhower visited Warsaw after the war he was appalled:
"I have seen many towns destroyed during the war, but nowhere have I been faced with such extent of destruction executed with such bestiality."
Your visit to Warsaw will hold special significance as you will witness the transformation it has made from its occupation by not only the Nazis during WWII but from the communist regime under Soviet domination until 1989. The people of this proud city have literally rebuilt their proud city, brick by brick. This rebuilding is a demonstration of the fighting spirit of its citizens to mobilize and raise their capital city--from the rubble and ashes--to greatness once again.
"I have seen many towns destroyed during the war, but nowhere have I been faced with such extent of destruction executed with such bestiality."
Your visit to Warsaw will hold special significance as you will witness the transformation it has made from its occupation by not only the Nazis during WWII but from the communist regime under Soviet domination until 1989. The people of this proud city have literally rebuilt their proud city, brick by brick. This rebuilding is a demonstration of the fighting spirit of its citizens to mobilize and raise their capital city--from the rubble and ashes--to greatness once again.
Day 12 - Royal Castle -- Old Town Square -- Nowy Świat
Royal Castle
July 6, 2013 (Sat)
Morning: Guided tour of the Royal Castle. More a palace than a castle it was originally built in the 13th century. Once the capital was moved to Warsaw from Krakow, it served as the royal seat of king and government. After it was completely destroyed during World War II, it was rebuilt between 1971-1988 using the same castle remains and rubble--a spectacular achievement and a symbol of the restoration of Polish pride and glory.
Old Town Square - Founded in the late 13th and early 14th centuries, this is one of the most picturesque corners of the city. Once the main square of Warsaw, it was where celebrations and markets were organized and legal judgments were passed on the condemned. The beautiful buildings around the square were also completely destroyed in 1944 and painstakingly reconstructed after the war. The present appearance of the area is a perfect match to the Square's original look in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Afternoon: Guest Lecturer – Professor from Warsaw University providing historical, political, and social developments.
Evening: Walking tour of Nowy Świat (New World Street) to experience modern Warsaw at its best. This busy and trendy street boasts many exclusive shops, galleries, trendy clubs, national and international restaurants and cafes. During summer weekends, the street is closed to traffic and is transformed into the most famous promenade in the city.
Dinner provided at one of the fine restaurants around Nowy Świat.
Morning: Guided tour of the Royal Castle. More a palace than a castle it was originally built in the 13th century. Once the capital was moved to Warsaw from Krakow, it served as the royal seat of king and government. After it was completely destroyed during World War II, it was rebuilt between 1971-1988 using the same castle remains and rubble--a spectacular achievement and a symbol of the restoration of Polish pride and glory.
Old Town Square - Founded in the late 13th and early 14th centuries, this is one of the most picturesque corners of the city. Once the main square of Warsaw, it was where celebrations and markets were organized and legal judgments were passed on the condemned. The beautiful buildings around the square were also completely destroyed in 1944 and painstakingly reconstructed after the war. The present appearance of the area is a perfect match to the Square's original look in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Afternoon: Guest Lecturer – Professor from Warsaw University providing historical, political, and social developments.
Evening: Walking tour of Nowy Świat (New World Street) to experience modern Warsaw at its best. This busy and trendy street boasts many exclusive shops, galleries, trendy clubs, national and international restaurants and cafes. During summer weekends, the street is closed to traffic and is transformed into the most famous promenade in the city.
Dinner provided at one of the fine restaurants around Nowy Świat.
Day 13 - Łazienki Park and Chopin Concert in the Park
Łazienki Park
July 7, 2013 (Sun)
10 am: Visit Łazienki Park - This is the largest and most beautiful park in Warsaw and one of the loveliest palace/park locations in all of Europe. It had been the preferred residence of Polish royalty since its construction in the late 1700s. It combines elements of a traditional French garden within the landscape of a classical English park. It is the venue of numerous natural, cultural, and scientific events and entertainment and a much-loved place for residents, families, and tourists alike to stroll through its majestic landscape.
10 am: Visit Łazienki Park - This is the largest and most beautiful park in Warsaw and one of the loveliest palace/park locations in all of Europe. It had been the preferred residence of Polish royalty since its construction in the late 1700s. It combines elements of a traditional French garden within the landscape of a classical English park. It is the venue of numerous natural, cultural, and scientific events and entertainment and a much-loved place for residents, families, and tourists alike to stroll through its majestic landscape.
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12 pm: Chopin Concert in park by Chopin Statue. Frederick Chopin is Poland's greatest composer and Warsaw's favorite son -- revered and honored throughout the country. Since 1959, renown pianists from all over the world have come to offer live Chopin recitals performed here at Łazienki Park by the Chopin sculpture every Sunday afternoon between May and September.
Mid-afternoon meal – Pierogi restaurant. Rest of Sunday at your own leisure. |
 Chopin Statue |
Day 14 - Warsaw's Rising of '44 Museum
Symbol of the '44 uprising
July 8, 2013 (Mon)
Today we will be visiting the Warsaw Uprising Museum - It was inaugurated in 2004 which marked the 60th anniversary of the outbreak of fighting in Warsaw. The Museum is a tribute to Warsaw’s residents who fought and died for independent Poland and its free capital. The exhibition is packed with interactive displays, photographs, video footage, and miscellaneous exhibits. It is one of the best museums anywhere and is guaranteed to leave a lasting mark on all visitors. Visitors are guided through the subsequent stages of the Rising until the time when the insurgents left Warsaw. Their future fate is also portrayed. The Museum's stated goals include the creation of an archive of historical information on the Uprising and the recording of the stories and memories of the still living Uprising participants.
Today we will be visiting the Warsaw Uprising Museum - It was inaugurated in 2004 which marked the 60th anniversary of the outbreak of fighting in Warsaw. The Museum is a tribute to Warsaw’s residents who fought and died for independent Poland and its free capital. The exhibition is packed with interactive displays, photographs, video footage, and miscellaneous exhibits. It is one of the best museums anywhere and is guaranteed to leave a lasting mark on all visitors. Visitors are guided through the subsequent stages of the Rising until the time when the insurgents left Warsaw. Their future fate is also portrayed. The Museum's stated goals include the creation of an archive of historical information on the Uprising and the recording of the stories and memories of the still living Uprising participants.
Day 15 - Depart Warsaw
July 9, 2013 (Tue) - This is the final day of the program. Participants are free to schedule their own transportation arrangements for either continued travel in Europe or return to their respective homes.
(Each participant is responsible for their own flight arrangements.)
(Each participant is responsible for their own flight arrangements.)