The Carolina International Chorale (CIC) under the direction of Dr. Sue Klausmeyer is heading to Central Europe from June 23 to July 3, 2010.
The destinations for the singers, their family and friends include Austria, the Czech Republic and Hungary. Highlights will be visits the imperial cities of Prague, Vienna and Budapest, but also stepping off the beaten tourist path by exploring smaller towns and villages such as Cesky Krumlov in Bohemia, Göttweig, Dürnstein and Melk along the Danube as well as Szentendre in beautiful Hungary.
The choir will perform in stunning venues and everyone traveling with the group as entourage is guaranteed the best seats. In addition, the travelers have the opportunity to experience the countries and cultures through meaningful exchanges and musical interactions. Last but not least, great food will be served from hearty sausages and Wiener Schnitzels to tasty Apfelstrudel and Sacher Torte.
The itinerary is almost final at this time with many pleasant surprises coming your way as we add the finishing touches over the next few months to make the CIC journey as special as possible.
DAY 1 Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Travel to EuropeOvernight group flight to Prague with Lufthansa.
DAY 2 Thursday, June 24
Vítejtes to Central EuropeYour tour manager Barbara Holl will welcome you at Prague airport and assist you in the transfer plus check-in at the Moevenpick Hotel. After a welcome meeting in the lobby, a special welcome dinner awaits you in in Prague’s historic Old Town with local specialties.
DAY 3 Friday, June 25
Prague in-depth & first ConcertYour guided sightseeing tour starts in the Royal Castle District where you will see beautiful St. Vitus Cathedral and then cross over Charles‘ Bridge into the Old Town. At 2 pm, CIC presents the first formal concert at the baroque church of St. Nicholas located right in the heart of the city center and on one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. The remainder of the day is at your leisure under the guidance of your tour manager.
DAY 4 Saturday, June 26
Prague at Leisure - Evening Concert and receptionExplore the Czech capital at your own pace, then take a short ride just a few miles outside of the city to the town of Panenské Brezany u Prahy for a special highlight performance in the magnificent Chapel of St. Ann. After the concert, a special reception by the local town's people awaits you and the mayor of the small village invites all members of the CIC Tour to refreshments.
DAY 5 Sunday, June 27
Magical Cesky KrumlovDrive to South Bohemia and visit Cesky Krumlov‘s historic city center (UNESCO World Heritage). Aside from having plenty of time for museum visits, shopping or just strolling around town, a medieval-style dinner in a cellar tavern awaits you. The Satlava restaurants is one of our old time favorites and known for its special garlic soup. The now rustic tavern once served as the town prison.
DAY 6 Monday, June 28
Via Linz to the Danube ValleyCross the border to Austria and visit Linz. Continue along the Wachau Valley to the Benedictine Abbey of Goettweig where a special reception, private tour, and dinner in the panoramic gourmet restaurant awaits you.
DAY 7 Tuesday, June 29
Krems - Melk - Dürnstein & another very special ConcertAfter a leisurely morning in beautiful and historic Krems, your group visits beautiful Melk Abbey and then continues to the picturesque town of Dürnstein. This evening, a highlight concert joined by a local orchestra takes place at the magnificent Stiftskirche at Göttweig Abbey.
DAY 8 Wednesday, June 30
Vienna Sightseeing“Willkommen in Wien“: Visit Schubert‘s Birthplace and the Mozart Museum, then drive along the famous Ring and last not least see Stephansdom. The afternoon and evening are at leisure so you can pursue your own activities, be it a stroll through the city center, attending a concert at the State Opera House or Schönbrunn Palace, or enjoying a special dinner at one of the many famous Viennese restaurants. Your home away from home is the Austria Trend Hotel Messe right near the Prater Park with the famous giant ferris wheel.
DAY 9 Thursday, July 1
Off to charming BudapestCross the border to Hungary and drive straight to Budapest. Start your stay in the Hungarian capital city with a panoramic sightseeing that takes you up to the Castle District, Matyas Templom and the Fishermen's Bastion. Evening at leisure.
DAY 10 Friday, July 2
Szentendre - Finale Concert & CruiseEmbark on a half-day excursion to the nearby artist colony of Szentendre in the morning, then return to Budapest in the afternoon for some free time. At 6 pm, CIC presents another highlight concert at the beautiful followed by a fun farewell dinner cruise with music and local specialties on the Danube.
DAY 11 Saturday, July 3
Departure to the USAfter breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight or for those of you who would like to stay longer, embark on your individual extensions.
This 4-star hotel is located in the modern city center of Prague, and features large spacious rooms with high-speed internet, a spa and wellness center, as well a lobby bar and two restaurants, the Mövenpick Hotel Restaurant and the Il Giardino.
A traditional, yet recently upgraded 4 star hotel, the Old Inn is situated on the main square of the beautiful ancient town of Český Krumlov. Three historic houses have been beautifully restored to create “The Old Inn Hotel”. The hotel's buildings are amongst the finest in this beautiful, historic fairytale city.
Steigenberger Hotel Advance, a 4 star hotel, that is surrounded by vineyards, apricot gardens and mystical villages. In the middle of this enchanting countryside, high above the river Danube and the 1,000 year old town of Krems, stands the Steigenberger Avance Hotel. This hotel offers splendid views of the city of Krems and marvelous opportunities for walks through Lower Austria’s lovely Wachau region. One can also enjoy the Spa World, the hotel's wellness area that spans over 1200m². It includes an infinity indoor pool with large panorama windows, that allow views of the vineyards, a panorama terrace with pool bar, as well as organic herbal saunas, the Finnish sauna, the amethyst steam grotto or the outdoor whirlpool.
et just off the Opera, this beautiful property is Austrian-owned and operated which stands for excellence in service and a wonderful breakfast. The main shopping street Vaci Utca is within easy reach too. The quite spacious guest rooms feature individually adjustable air-conditioning, sound-proof windows, satellite TV with international channels, ISDN direct-dial telephone, safe, mini-bar, coffee & tea making facilities, free high speed Internet access via LAN, electronic door lock plus fully equipped bathrooms with bathtub, hair-dryer and cosmetic mirror. The hotel offers a bistro as well as room service. And last not least, there is a wellness area offering a range of services to help your body and mind to relax, provide energy and well being! Sauna and gym can be used free of charge. Massages are available upon request and incur a fee while fitness with weight and cardio training equipment as well as the sauna and relaxation zone are free of charge. We sure hope you agree that when it comes to the Budapest Hotel, change is for the better.
