Day by Day Itinerary

Mon., July 16 - MINNEAPOLIS /EN ROUTE                                           (I)

We will depart Minneapolis this afternoon by scheduled airline service at the start of our transatlantic journey to Warsaw, Poland.

Tues., July 17 - WARSAW/KRAKOW                                                   (I, D)

As the sun begins to rise on the Polish lowlands, we will arrive in Warsaw where we'll meet our Tour Escort who will travel with us throughout our vacation. From Warsaw Airport we'll travel by private motor coach south across the nostalgic lowland landscape of Mazovia and picturesque Malopolska to reach the city of Krakow. One of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Central Europe, Krakow has a unique charm created by centuries of history and cultural wealth.

Wed., July 18 - KRAKOW (Wieliczka Salt Mine)                                 (B, D)

Our day will begin with an introductory tour of the city that will start in the Old Town where we'll see the Barbican fortress, one of the remaining elements of Krakow 's medieval fortifications, and the Florian Gate, once the main entry point to the city. Then we'll walk along Ulica Florianska, a charming street full of restaurants, cafes and shops that will take us into the Old Market Square. One of the largest squares in all of Europe, Rynek Glowny is home to many of the city's historic sights. In the center of the square we'll see the Renaissance Cloth Hall that is today filled with cafes and shops, and home to the Gallery of Polish Painting. We'll also see the Gothic City Hall Tower crowned by a Baroque cupola, and visit the Church of St. Mary with its masterpiece altar carved by Wit Stwosz.

Then we'll follow the Royal Route down Grodzka Street before heading off to Kazimierz, the ancient Jewish district, which today has a distinctly artistic tone. Here we'll look at several of the splendid synagogues, as well as the enchanting old Renaissance graveyard. Our tour will come to an end as we arrive at Wawel Hill, home to the Royal Castle and Gothic Cathedral. Here we'll visit Wawel Castle which at one time was one of the most magnificent Renaissance residences in Central Europe. Afterward, we'll end our tour with a visit to the Cathedral of Saints Stanislaw and Waclaw. Once the site of coronations and royal burials, the Royal Cathedral is regarded by Poles as a spiritual shrine.

This afternoon we'll travel south of Krakow to the town of Wieliczka, famous for its ancient salt mine. The Wieliczka Salt Mine is a splendid 3-mile-long underground complex of chambers, chapels and statues sculptured from salt. Our visit will take us into the ancient underground chambers where we'll see saline lakes, wooden mining machines and underground buildings. The most impressive is the Chapel of Saint Kinga. Hand-carved one hundred years ago by a group of highly gifted miners, it is an awe-inspiring thing to behold.

Thurs., July 19 - KRAKOW ( Czestochowa )                                           (B, D)

Today we will travel to Czestochowa where we'll visit the Monastery of Jasna Gora, the most famous shrine of the Virgin in Poland and the country's greatest place of pilgrimage. The image of the Black Madonna of Czestochowa, to which miraculous powers are attributed, is Jasna Gora's most precious treasure. The Monastery also houses a magnificent Refectory decorated with rich frescoes, the Knight's Hall containing a series of 17th century paintings depicting events in the monastery's history, the Basilica of the Holy Cross and the Nativity of the Virgin Mary.

Fri., July 20 - KRAKOW / CESKE BUDEJOVICE                                (B, D)

This morning we depart Krakow and travel to Auschwitz, site of the infamous Nazi concentration camp, so chillingly evoked in the movie, "Schindler's List." From 1941, Nazis imprisoned people here from all the countries occupied by the Third Reich. In 1942, it also became one of the biggest extermination camps for the European Jews. The basic structures of the camps have survived, and the experience of these is amplified by a number of exhibitions about the major victims of the atrocities, chiefly the Jews, but also Poles, Gypsies and Russians. Afterward, we're headed across the Czech Republic border as we travel through the picturesque countryside of the Moravian Karst on our way to Ceske Budejovice, the capital of Southern Bohemia located at the junction of the Malse and Vltava Rivers.

Sat., July 21 - CESKE BUDEJOVICE

(Sobeslav Brass Band Festival)                                                                       (B)

We'll begin our day with an introduction to Ceske Budejovice's old­world little streets on our way into the Old Town. Surrounded by parks and gardens, Otakar II Square comes alive with history and tradition as we view the Samson Fountain, the Baroque Town Hall and the Cathedral of St. Nicholas. Afterward, free time will allow us to explore the Old Town on our own, an opportunity to visit the South Bohemia Museum and to climb the Black Tower for a sweeping view of the city. This afternoon we're then headed to the village of Sobeslav to attend the Festival of Brass Bands where we'll hear the likes of Vejvodova Kapela and Alle Kapellen, and revel in the festivities of the afternoon and early evening.

Sun., July 22 - CESKE BUDEJOVICE/KARLOVY VARY (Pilsen)  (B, L, D)

This morning we depart Ceske Budejovice and travel across the Bohemian countryside on our way to Pilsen. The town was founded by King Wenceslas II in 1295 and over time has developed into a major industrial and economic center. Today, Pilsen is best known throughout the world for its beer brewing and a visit to the Pilsner Urquell Brewery will introduce us to this time honored tradition. Afterward, we're headed to Karlovy Vary, the largest of the spa towns beautifully situated in a deep wooded valley of the Tepla River. Karlovy Vary was founded in 1358 by the Emperor Charles IV after he stumbled across a hot spring during a hunting expedition, hence its name. To this day, the town continues to owe its international fame to its mineral springs, the most famous of which is the Vridlo.

Mon., July 23 - KARLOVYVARY/PRAGUE                                      (B, D)

A morning tour of Karlovy Vary will introduce us to the famed mineral springs, and we'll also take in the history and traditions of Market and Castle Square before ending with a cable railway ride to the Diana lookout tower for a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside. Early this afternoon we'll depart Karlovy Vary and stop just outside of town to visit the famous Moser Glass Factory where we'll receive a true insight into this time honored Bohemian tradition. Then we'll be on our way to the Czech Republic capital city of Prague. Built on seven hills and spanning the Vltava River, the Czech Republic's "Golden City of the Hundred Spires" is one of the world's most impressive capital cities.

 Tues., July 24 - PRAGUE                                                                    (B)

A leisurely day will begin with an introductory tour of Prague that will take us past Strahov Stadium before we stop to visit both Hradcany Castle as well as the city's most distinctive landmark, St.Vitus's Cathedral. A few yards away we'll find the Golden Lane, a row of tiny, colorful 16th century houses, where the famous Czech writer Franz Kafka once lived. Then we'll continue down to the Mala Strana and walk across the magnificent Charles Bridge that was built in 1357, which connects the Mala Strana to the Old Town. Until 1741, the Charles Bridge was the only crossing over the Vltava River. Today, Prague's most familiar landmark is now the pedestrian bridge offering locals and visitors alike a virtual outdoor museum of no less than 30 religious statues. Our tour will come to an end in the Old Town Square where we'll view the superbly preserved medieval astronomical clock and its moving figures of the apostles, as well as the magnificent houses that surround the square. Following our tour, the afternoon is free to explore the city on your own, perhaps time to shop for Bohemian crystal, pottery and embroidered goods.

Wed., July 25 - PRAGUE                                                                      (B, D)

A day at leisure will allow you to explore Prague on your own. Historic Prague's three districts include the Lesser Quarter, the Old Town and the New Town. The Lesser Quarter, or Mala Strana, is located on the left bank of the Vltava River at the foot of the majestic Hradcany Castle and this is where you'll find most of the splendid Baroque Palaces and old houses. The14th century Charles Bridge links the Lesser Quarter to the Old Town. Free of traffic and ringed with historic buildings, Prague's Old Town Square ranks among the finest anywhere, and though most of the neighboring Old Ghetto has disappeared, much of the area's fascinating history is preserved in the synagogues around the Old Jewish Cemetery. The adjacent New Town, now the commercial center, was originally planned and laid out around three large central marketplaces, most notably impressive Wenceslas Square.Whatever you choose to do, Prague has something for everyone!

This evening we'll end our vacation by attending a traditional Folklore Evening complete with dinner and entertainment. We'll revel in this festive evening filled with local folklore tunes, while dancers dressed in traditional costumes demonstrate the various types of dances from different regions of the country.

Thurs., July 26 - PRAGUE/MINNEAPOLIS                                         (B, I)                      

Early this morning we will travel to Prague's Ruzyne International Airport to begin the return transatlantic journey home. No better time to reflect on memories that will last a lifetime and a celebration of new friendships made along the way!

                                        (B) Breakfast      (L)  Lunch       (D) Dinner        (I) In flight meal

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