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 Friday, May 14, 2010
Day 1: Group flight departs San Francisco for Warsaw, Poland today
Saturday, May 15-
Day 2: Arrive in Warsaw, Poland
Dzien dobry! (Good day!) Your musical journey through central Europe begins appropriately as you land at Frederic Chopin International Airport in Warsaw, Poland. You’ll be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Rest and relax before meeting your KDFC host Hoyt Smith and Earthbound Expeditions program director for an orientation and welcome dinner. Sleep in Warsaw
Day 3: Chopin's Warsaw
Today Warsaw is a fascinating city of two million people and is steeped in history, culture and of course, memories of Chopin. In order to get an overall impression of Poland’s capital city, we’ll start by visiting the city’s most famous landmarks. Although completely destroyed during World War II, Warsaw's Old Town center has now been completely restored. We’ll see the Cathedral of St John, the Royal Castle, Lazienki Palace and Park, as well as the outstanding Chopin Museum. This fine museum, located in Ostrogski Castle was built in the 17th century and houses a fascinating exhibition featuring numerous documents from Chopin`s life. Our morning tour will also include a walk through the city to the Church of the Holy Cross, where the jar containing Chopin's heart was sealed inside a column, where it has remained untouched since being preserved in alcohol following his death in Paris. In the afternoon, enjoy a splendid Chopin concert. Sleep in Warsaw
Day 4: A pilgrimage to Chopin’s birthplace
 Today we travel to Chopin’s birthplace and visit the very house where the great master was born. En route to the village of Zelazowa Wola, you’ll see the Mazovian valley, overflowing with beautiful meadows, forests, rivers and streams.
Upon arrival in Zelazowa Wola, you’ll enter the world of Chopin’s early childhood by visiting the country manor house where Fryderyk was born. Today, the perfectly restored manor is an excellent museum which contains family portraits, some of the composer’s manuscripts and other interesting documents. If luck prevails, there may even be a small concert being performed during our visit.
After a multi-course country lunch, it’s just a short drive to the Church in Brochów. Chopin's parents were married in this Basilica (1806) and the composer was baptized here in 1810. His oldest sister Ludwika was also married here in 1832. Architecturally, the church, dating back to the 16th century, is one of the most important sites for Polish sacral-defensive architecture. We return to Warsaw in the afternoon. Enjoy another included concert this evening (TBA). Sleep in Warsaw
 Day 5: Poland’s Cultural Capital; Krakow
Enjoy another morning of sightseeing in Warsaw and a multi course lunch before setting our for historic Krakow. A true survivor of war, Krakow is a colossus of art and architecture and is Poland’s best-preserved city. And, because the Kings of Poland resided here, the city became the cultural and scientific center of the entire territory. Naturally, Krakow also became the center of Jewish life and through the centuries Krakow’s Jewish population thrived. Tonight, we’ve planned a special evening of traditional Jewish music and a festive kosher feast in the heart of Krakow’s old Jewish quarter, where we attend an entertaining Klezmer concert. Sleep in Krakow
Day 6: Imperial Krakow
This morning join an engaging local guide for a walk back to Krakow's Golden Age. Visit Central Europe’s largest medieval market place at Rynek Glowny and continue to Wawel Castle where generations of Polish kings were crowned and buried.The afternoon is yours to further explore this breathtaking city at your own pace. Optional concert this evening (TBA) Sleep in Krakow
ABOUT TRADITIONAL KLEZMER MUSIC
 Vibrant and soulful, Klezmer is the traditional instrumental music of the Eastern European Jews. Emerging in post-medieval Eastern Europe, professional folk musicians, the Klezmorim, played at Jewish and gentile celebrations, the courts of the Hassidic rebbes(religious leaders) and for the non-Jewish aristocracy. With roots in the vocal music of the Synagogues, the Klezmorim adopted techniques from other European dance and folk music and incorporated melodic ideas from Greco-Turkish popular music.The music formed part of the Yiddish culture, captured on record, in film, performed in music halls and still played at Jewish celebrations up to the fifties. Nearly lost, the music was rediscovered in the seventies and is now thriving.
Day 7: Historic district of Kazimierz, Krakow
Krakow itself had been a hub of Jewish civilization in Europe for several centuries, a situation that had been aided by the tolerant mindset of Poland's Renaissance elite. The relationship between Poles and Jews was not however, always harmonious, but the greatest storm was brought by outside invaders in 1939. The historic district of Kazimierz had been the heart of Jewish Krakow until the war. Few Jewish families survived the conflict however, and the trickle of families that returned in 1945 was too small to be called a community. For several decades, crumbling graveyards, synagogues and houses were the only palpable remains of six centuries of Jewish history in Krakow - Kazimierz was a realm of ghosts. When democratic changes came to Poland in 1989, much of Krakow was falling apart. Kazimierz, the heart of the old Jewish city, was in especially bad shape. In recent years, the district has seen a revival with artists and musicians opening up shops in once abandoned buildings. After lunch the afternoon is free to further explore the medieval quarter of Krakow or take an optional trip south and explore Poland’s famous salt mines. This evening you may wish to attend an optional concert. Optional concert this evening (TBA) Sleep in Krakow
MOZART IN OLOMOUC
Hauenschild Renaissance Palace was built in 16th century and is richly decorated. It was here that Salzburg bandmaster Leopold Mozart and his family were accommodated during their stay in Olomouc in the year 1767. The 11-year-old Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart composed his 6th symphony in F-major in this very building.
Day 8: A Visit to Auschwitz and West to Moravia
This morning we make a pilgrimage to the infamous concentration camp of Auschwitz in order to fully understand the origins of the suffering at the hands of the Nazis. After our deeply moving tour we drive due east to the province of Moravia, Czech Republic. The wine-loving Moravians considered themselves somewhat separate from their beer-producing brothers in Bohemia. In the earlier part of this decade they even called upon the newly created Czech State to change its name to Czech-Moravia. Our destination, Olomouc, is rich in history, architectural beauty, and is a prominent university town. It also contains several large and richly decorated squares, the chief of which is adorned with a Holy Trinity Column which stands 115ft high and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Olomouc is also famous for its collection of colorful mosaics, the most unusual being the glockenspiel which is strangely decorated with 1950 style communist motifs and figures. Before dinner, we’ll enjoy an historic walking tour, then dine on Moravian delicacies and sample some of her many wines. Sleep in Olomouc, Moravia – Czech Republic
 Day 9: In Pursuit of Dvorak, Smetana & Mozart !
After breakfast, we drive west towards the soaring spires of Prague. We stop to explore the beautiful Vysehrad Cemetery which is more than just a normal, quiet cemetery. It is the final resting place of the most honored Czech composers, artists, sculptors, writers, scientists and politicians. It is here that you will find the graves of Smetana, Dvorák and the 19th century Moravian-Czech artist, Mucha.
We are now only minutes from one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Prague is the birthplace of Franz Kafka and the city Mozart loved best. It’s also the home of the 65th Prague Spring International Music Festival which you will be attending. Being that this is our first evening in Prague, let’s enjoy a Bohemian feast together. Sleep in Prague
Day 10: Mozart in Prague
From its mythological inception to the present, benefactors have placed Prague on the cusp of the divine. King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor Karl IV refashioned Prague into a city of soaring cathedrals and lavish palaces. Our historic walking tour of Prague will start at its medieval center, the Old Town Square. We’ll cover some of Prague’s most interesting sights including the Estates Opera house where Mozart himself conducted the Marriage of Figaro in 1787. For those interested a number of optional concerts will be offered this evening (TBA). Sleep in Prague
 Day 11: Pragues Old Jewish Quarter and the Dvorak Museum
This mornng we tour Prague’s stirring medieval Jewish quarter. We’ll take time to savor this culturally rich neighborhood and stop by the Old Synagogue, which has been a place of worship for over 700 years. Upon final victory, Hitler bizarrely envisioned that he would turn this neighborhood into a museum for an extinct Jewish race.
After our tour, enjoy a farewell lunch with your KDFC host Hoyt Smith. Then, join your guide for an afternoon tour of the wonderful Dvorak museum. Or, spend the afternoon exploring this city’s charming streets. Perhaps you’ll want to take in a Bohemian market, a world class museum or simply wander the wondrously preserved historic old town. This evening enjoy a final concert at the 65th annual Prague Spring Music Festival! Sleep in Prague
Tuesday, May 25-
Day 12: Return home or spend three extra days in Chopin’s Paris
Post-tour extension to Paris begins! Join us for an in-depth look at Chopin’s life in Paris, visit colorful markets and spend an afternoon at the Cordon Bleu! Or, return home. Group airport transfers included this morning to Prague's airport. Return home with a lifetime of memories.
POST TOUR TO PARIS !
May 2010
4 Days/ 3 Nights
$1495.00 Per Person Double Occupancy ( based on 12-24 guests)
Single supplement: $395.00
IT'S INCLUDED!
- Airport transfers in Prague and Paris
- All breakfasts, one lunch and two dinners
- An afternoon cooking class at the Cordon Bleu
- Airline tickets from Prague to Paris on Air France
- Three nights in a centrally-located Charming Parisian hotel
- Museum entrances as listed
- An in-depth historic walk highlighting Chopin’s life in Paris
- A private tour of Paris
 ABOUT YOUR PARIS HOTEL
Elegant and delightful, the Duquesne Eiffel offers 40 rooms of character, all recently renovated with the greatest refinement. Larger comfort rooms have been reserved for you.
To learn more visit: www.duquesneeiffel-paris-hotel.com
ABOUT YOUR PARISIAN GUIDE, MUGUET BECHARAT
Muguet Becharat holds degrees in English and Art History from the University of Tours, France and obtained her national guide license from the University of Nanterre, Paris. She has worked extensively with Alumni groups from Yale, Cambridge and Texas Universities, as well as the Smithsonian and San Diego Art Museum. She has also lectured on barge trips throughout France, and worked as an interpreter at the Cordon Bleu cooking school. Her love of art and architecture, medieval history and gastronomy is infectious, and she has charmed all who have been lucky enough to visit Paris with her!
Not Included: Alcoholic beverages • Trip Insurance • Meals and items not listed in your itinerary.
”A man of exquisite heart and mind,”
French painter, Eugene Delacroix on Chopin
CHOPIN IN PARIS
 In the fall of 1831, Chopin arrived in Paris. He immediately makes musical connections with Rossini, Cherubini, Herz, Liszt, and Schumann. In 1831, Chopin makes a close friend with August Franchomme, a cellist, and together they write the Grand duo concertant. Chopin also begins giving piano lessons in Paris and publishes Mazurkas opp. 6 and 7 and Nocturnes op. 9.
Early in 1833 Chopin becomes a member of the emigre Literary Society. By the end of the year Chopin composes a set of Variations, op. 12, Etudes, op. 10, Valse, op. 18, and Bolero, op. 19. In 1834, Chopin meets Felix Mendelssohn who immediately recognizes him as a "foremost pianist." Chopin also begins to take interest in Neapolitan folk music.
In the spring of 1844, Chopin's father Mikolaj Chopin dies. This sends Chopin into a deep depression. By 1847, Chopin completes the Mazurkas, op. 63, and the Sonata op. 65. In 1848, a revolutionary outbreak occurs in Paris. For the rest of the year Chopin travels to London, Edinburgh and Manchester, where he gives small performances. In the winter of 1848, Chopin returns to Paris where he writes some of his final works: the Valse in A minor and the Mazurka in G minor. For most of 1849, Chopin is extremely ill. He travels to Chaillot, just outside Paris, for the summer where he may have started the sketches to his last unfinished composition, the Mazurka in F minor. Chopin returns to Paris and orders that all his unfinished works be destroyed. Frederic Chopin died on October 17, 1849.
POST-TOUR ITINERARY…
Tuesday, May 25
Day 12: Mésdames, Messieurs, bonjour!
Group departs Prague this morning for Paris. Those returning to the USA this morning will have a short layover in Paris before boarding their flight home. For guests joining us on the Paris post-tour extension, please note that your French guide will meet you in the arrival hall at the airport. En route to your hotel, enjoy a city tour and an outing to the legendary Père Lachaise cemetery. Laid to rest here are the writers Molière, Marcel Proust and Honoré de Balzac, opera diva Maria Callas, Irish writer Oscar Wilde, French singer Edith Piaf and of course, composer Frédéric Chopin (Note: Although Chopin is buried in the Père Lachaise cemetery in Paris, his heart is entombed in a pillar in the Church of the Holy Cross in Warsaw). Dinner this evening is included at a nearby bistro. Sleep in Paris
Day 13: The Musée d’Orsay & and afternoon at the Cordon Bleu!
We’ve planned a private guided tour of the Musée d’Orsay this morning, after which we’ll have lunch together. In the afternoon we’ll make our way to the most famous cooking school in France, Le Cordon Bleu. There we’ll have a tour of the facilities and be treated to an entertaining cooking lesson with a Cordon Bleu chef. Sleep in Paris
 Day 14: Exploring Chopin's Paris
This morning we are off to discover Chopin’s Paris. We’ll see the apartment at 5 rue Tronchet where Chopin lived upon returning from George Sand’s estate in Nohant in the fall of 1839. Chopin soon left his apartment at 5 rue Tronchet to move into Sand's house at 16 rue Pigalle with her two children. The four lived together at this address from October 1839 to November 1842, spending their summers in Nohant. In 1842 they moved to 80 rue Taitbout in the Square d'Orléans and lived separately but in adjacent buildings.
In the last year of his life Chopin took up residence without George Sand in a very beautiful, sunny apartment at 12 Place Vendôme. It was there, a few minutes before two o'clock on the morning of Wednesday, 17 October 1849, that Chopin died. Before the funeral, following Chopin's dying wish (which stemmed from a fear of being buried alive), his heart was removed and preserved in alcohol, perhaps brandy. His sister later took it in an urn to Warsaw, where it was sealed within a pillar of the Holy Cross Church. Chopin’s funeral was held at the Church of the Madeleine in Paris. Chopin had requested that Mozart's Requiem be sung at his funeral and the soloists performing it included the bass Luigi Lablache — who had sung the same work at Beethoven's funeral and had also sung at Bellini's funeral. The funeral was attended by nearly three thousand people, but George Sand was not among them. Also played were Chopin's Préludes No. 4 in E minor and No. 6 in B minor.
The later part of your morning will be spent in the famous artist district of Montmartre. Located on the highest hill of Paris, Montmartre was formerly a village packed with windmills. As Paris grew, it slowly merged with the city and is now the most romantic of all Parisian districts. It’s easy to leave all the tourists behind as you climb and descend quiet stairways, peer into little alleys and deserted squares and explore the streets brimming with cafés, boutiques and a young artsy community. We’ll see the highlights of this delightful neighborhood and have free time in the afternoon. This evening we'll have a farewell feast together and toast to our wonderful week in this magical city. Sleep in Paris
CHOPIN AND GEORGE SAND
It was Franz Liszt who introduced him to Aurore Dudevant, "the lady with the somber eye", better known by her pen name of George Sand. The two first met each other in 1838. Sand was greatly impressed by Chopin's creative ability. Their relationship lasted eight years, during which Chopin spent his summers at her estate in Nohant. Eventually, however, their friendship turned into bitter hostility, and they parted.
Friday, May 28-
Day 15: Depart Paris
After breakfast you will be transported to Charles De Gaulle airport where you will board your Air France flight for home. Return home with a lifetime of memories. Bon Voyage!
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Join Hoyt Smith, morning host of 102.1 KDFC and fellow classical music lovers in May of 2010 to celebrate Frederic Chopin’s 200th birthday! On this eleven day pursuit you’ll walk in Chopin’s footsteps and relive his extraordinary life. Visit the very places where Frederic lived, loved and worked: the family home where Frederic was born, the village church where he was baptized and the Frederic Chopin University of Music in Warsaw. Discover Poland’s stunning cultural capital, Krakow. Visit the cathedral where the kings of this ancient land are buried, stroll the campus of the University of Copernicus and marvel at one of Europe’s largest medieval squares. Our musical quest culminates in the Czech Republic where together we’ll relive the lives and times of Smetana, Mozart and Dvorak and attend the legendary Prague Spring International Music Festival. Space is limited to 28 guests, so don’t miss out on this extraordinary musical adventure!
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ABOUT THE 65th PRAGUE SPRING INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL
Deposit and payment schedule:
