May 12 - 21, 2012

In Prague, The Jacobin at the National Theatre & Le nozze di Figaro at the Theater of the Estates; In Vienna, Salome, Der fliegende Holländer and La traviata at the legendary Vienna Staatsoper

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We return to central Europe in the Spring 2012 for an excellent and varied performance itinerary in two of the world's most storied musical cities.

Prague is one of the most stunning cities in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage listed gem, lauded as the 'City of a Thousand Spires'. It has become the archetypal post-communist success story, with seemingly not a month going by without another city being hailed as the 'New Prague'. As well as exploring the history that echoes through its streets, we will attend performances at the Baroque jewel that is the Estates Theater (Le nozze di Figaro) and also the National Theater (Dvorak's The Jacobin). Our hotel is the refined Hotel Palace Praha, in the heart of the Old Town near Wenceslaus Square and the Estates Theatre.

One of the great capitals of Europe, Vienna is a unique blend of the historic and the modern, so full of tradition it can be read on the face of the city, yet with a forward-looking approach that will surprise the visitor. Vienna’s role as the seat of the Habsburg Empire for centuries can be seen in the wealth of architecture and in the city’s artistic and musical heritage.

Vienna bears a cultural legacy created by the many artistic geniuses nourished here. In particular, its musical heritage is legendary. Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms, Strauss, Mahler, and Bruckner all lived in the city, producing music that is still played in concert halls all over the world.

We will enjoy three performances at the legendary Staatsoper (Salome, Der fliegende Holländer and La traviata) and will stay at the storied Sacher Hotel, one of the world’s great hotels.

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Saturday, May 12 Departures

Departures from North America to Prague.

Sunday, May 13 Prague

Upon arriving at the airport you will be met and transported to the 5-star Hotel Palace Praha, in the heart of the city within walking distance of many of the major historical sites. After time to rest, we meet for cocktails in the hotel lobby before enjoying our Welcome Dinner at the hotel’s excellent Gourmet Club Restaurant.

Monday, May 14 Prague

After breakfast we meet in the hotel lobby for a private guided walking tour of Prague's Castle District, with a stop at the Museum of Music and a walk across the Charles Bridge to conclude the tour. In the evening we transfer to the National Theatre for a performance of Dvorak’s The Jacobin.

Tuesday, May 15 Prague

This morning we tour the Old Town and Jewish Quarter, the best preserved complex of Jewish historical monuments in Europe. Our lunch following the tour is at the elegant Blue Duck, a local favourite. The evening is at leisure.

Wednesday, May 16 Prague

The entire day is at leisure to explore the many treasures of Prague. Tonight we attend Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro at the beautiful Estates Theatre.

Thursday, May 17 Prague - Vienna

This morning our bags are collected and we depart mid-morningby luxury coach, arriving in Vienna in the early afternoon. Once settled in our rooms at the fêted Hotel Sacher, across from the Vienna State Opera (Staatsoper), the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Friday, May 18 Vienna

After breakfast we meet our superb guide, Peer, for a walking tour of the Old Town, exploring the city's Imperial history and musical past. We visit the Great Hall of the National Library at Hofburg, the Imperial Apartments, the Treasury and Crypt. Following the tour, we enjoy lunch at the superb Novelli, near the Spanish Riding School. Tonight we have the pleasure to attend Strauss’ Salome (Schirmer; Moser, Dame Gwyneth Jones) at the legendary Staatsoper.
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Saturday, May 19 Vienna

A morning to rest, visit your new favorite café, or stroll along the Kärntnerstraße. In the afternoon we tour the Upper Belvedere Palace, former summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy. The palace houses a superb art collection, including works by Klimt, Schiele and Hundertwasser. This evening we enjoy an early dinner at the Staatsoper before we attend Wagner’s Der fliegende Holländer (Jenkins; Wilson, Dohmen).

Sunday, May 20 Vienna

Today we attend a matinee performance of Verdi’s La traviata (de Billy; Jaho, Demuro) at the Staatsoper. Following the performance we will transfer for our Farewell Dinner to the elegant and stunning Hotel Imperial, originally built in 1863 as the private palace of Prince Philip of Würrttemberg.

Monday, May 21 Departures

Individual departures to the airport.