PRAGUE SPRING FESTIVAL
19-24 MAY
The beautiful city of Prague is alive with music at festival time. In addition to a varied repertoire at the city's three superb opera houses there is a choice of concerts in some of the beautiful palaces and churches featuring international musicians who are drawn to Prague for this prestigious annual event.
Travel for the Arts' six day tour balances opera and concert performances with visits in and around the city and a historical perspective on the Czech composers.
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Full programme details of Festival concerts will be available in December and will be circulated to all those who have booked on the tour to allow you to reserve tickets. |
SATURDAY 19 MAY
Depart London Heathrow on British Airways at 1430. Arrive Prague Airport at 1725 and transfer by private coach to the 4 star Hotel Meteor Plaza. Centrally located in the Old Town, the hotel is housed in an historic building. This evening join your travelling companions for a drink in the hotel's 14th century wine tavern.
Optional tickets for Prague Spring Festival concerts. Programme to be advised.
SUNDAY 20 MAY
Morning transfer to the National Theatre. Morning performance of RUSALKA (Dvorak) at the National Theatre. After the performance lunch has been arranged in a local restaurant. This afternoon join your guide for a tour of Prague Castle, the largest inhabited castle in the world. The vast complex that comprises the castle is a town within a town spanning ten centuries of historical development. The soaring spire of St Vitus Cathedral etched on the city's skyline has become almost an emblem of the city itself. We visit the Cathedral, the Vladislav Hall and stroll along the Lilliputian Golden Lane, the haunt of alchemists in another age. Following this there will be a coach transfer back to the hotel. Optional evening performance of DALIBOR (Smetana) at the National Theatre.
MONDAY 21 MAY
This morning there will be a guided walking tour of the delightful Old Town. Leaving our hotel, we pass the Estates Theatre before continuing to the Old Town Square, a harmonious mix of architectural styles and the site of Smetana's first music school. Marvel at the intriguing Astronomical Clock before ending the tour at the famous Charles Bridge, dominated by a procession of statues including St Jan Nepomuk, subject of a Czech legend.
The afternoon is free for independent exploration. Optional evening performance of LA TRAVIATA at the State Opera OR Optional Prague Spring Festival Concerts (details to be advised).
TUESDAY 22 MAY
Morning visit to the charming 18th century summer chateau, Villa Amerika which houses the Dvorak Museum. The collection includes the composer's piano, viola and desk as well as scores and photographs. Antonin Dvorak was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Music by Oxford University and his robes are on display in the museum. Drive out of the city and pause for lunch in a country restaurant. After lunch visit the Castle of Konopiste, the home of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his morganatic wife, Sophie von Chotek. Stroll in the grounds and admire the fine collection of old English roses. Afternoon return to Prague. Optional evening performance of TOSCA (Puccini) at the National Theatre OR Optional Prague Spring Festival Concerts (details to be advised).
WEDNESDAY 23 MAY
This morning an exclusive tour of the 18th century Estates Theatre has been arranged (subject to rehearsal schedules). Built by Lukas von Hildebrandt, designer of the Belvedere in Vienna, the theatre is a neo-classical jewel, decorated inside in delicate pastel colours. Don Giovanni received its premiere here in 1787 conducted by Mozart himself, to rapturous acclaim from the Prague audience. Re-opened in 1992 after years in the dark the theatre now presents the operas of Mozart as well as ballet and drama programmes and remains redolent of operatic history. Remainder of the day at leisure. Evening performance of LE NOZZE DI FIGARO (Mozart) at the Estates Theatre.
THURSDAY 24 MAY
Morning departure from the hotel for Bertramka, the Dusek's villa on the outskirts of the city where
Mozart stayed three times and is reputed to have written the overture to Don Giovanni, shortly before
the opera's premiere. Continue to Prague Airport and depart on British Airways at 1220. Arrive London Heathrow at 1325.
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PRICE per person
6 Day Tour Price |
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£795.00 |
Single Room Supplement |
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£192.00 |
Deposit required |
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£295.00 |
Booking Deadline |
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15 Jan |
Tour Code |
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PRG |
Tour price includes
Flights and airport taxes - transfers - accommodation - sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees - Buffet breakfast daily - two lunches - top category tickets for Rusalka and Le nozze di Figaro
- tour manager or local representative.
Dress: Lounge suit
Supplements
| Additional tickets. Please request at time of booking. |
21 May |
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La traviata |
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£25.00 |
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