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| Frederic Chopin |
1810-1849 was born near Warsaw of French and Polish parents and his lyrical, often melancholy, compositions brought romantic piano music to
unprecedented expressive heights. A child prodigy as a pianist and composer, he began performing at aristocratic salons in Warsaw and in 1826 he started full-time studies at Warsaw Conservatory. After concert appearances in Vienna and Munich, he settled in Paris, where he gave his first concert in 1831. Although he remained devoted to Polish culture and artists, he never returned to his homeland. In Paris he became closely associated with the principal composers, artists, and literary figures of his time. He was a virtuoso interpreter of his own works, but his dislike of playing in public made him prefer teaching and composing to the concert stage. In 1836, Liszt introduced Chopin to Madame Dudevant, better known by her pen name George Sand, with whom he spent the winter of 1838 in Majorca; there, despite worsening pulmonary illness, he wrote his 24 preludes, which are counted among his finest compositions. The stormy affair with the novelist lasted until 1847, by which time Chopin’s illness had developed into tuberculosis. He made a last concert tour through Great Britain in 1848. Chopin established the piano as a solo instrument free from choral or orchestral influence. Even in the piano concertos in E Minor (1833) and F Minor (1836), the orchestra is completely dominated by the piano. Other major works include the sonatas in B Flat Minor (1840) and B Minor (1845), and two sets of études (1833, 1837). Because of their highly romantic quality, some of his works have become known by descriptive titles that he did not give them; they were published simply as nocturnes, scherzos, ballades, waltzes, impromptus, fantasies, and the like. Polish nationalism is evident in his many polonaises and mazurkas. His last concert was a benefit performance for Polish refugees, and at his funeral in Paris, Polish soil was strewn on his grave. |
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Fully Escorted Tour
17 days
Moscow, Novgorod, St. Petersburg, Tallinn,
Riga Vilnius, Warsaw, Krakow, Prague |
| Day 1, Saturday, arrive Moscow |
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| On arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day is free to rest and relax, or you may take an optional tour of the Moscow subway. (D) |
| Day 2, Sunday, in Moscow |
| Moscow, one of the largest cities in the world, is the symbolic heart and soul of the country. Sightseeing tour begins at Red Square, dominated by St. Basil’s Cathedral and the massive red walls of the Kremlin. Inside the Kremlin, a city within a city, admire the medieval towers, cathedrals and palaces. We visit the Armory Museum, the world famous museum-treasury, Moscow University and the popular Arbat shopping district. Drive on wide boulevards, and stroll through GUM, the largest Russian department store. Rest of the day at leisure. (B) |
| Day 3, Monday, to Novgorod |
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| After an early breakfast we depart for Tver, an ancient trading port, nestled against the banks of the River Volga offering fascinating treasures including Putevoy Dvorets built for Catherine II as a resting place on her journey from Moscow to St. Petersburg. Enjoy a short sightseeing tour of this remarkable city. We end the day in Novgorod, founded 1110 years ago near Lake Snezhskoye. (B,D) |
| Day 4, Tuesday, to St. Petersburg |
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| A morning sightseeing tour of Novgorod starts at the Kremlin with a visit to St. Sophia Cathedral in the
Citadel. Cross the river to visit Yaroslav Court. In the afternoon travel north to St. Petersburg, the former capital of Romanov Czars. Afternoon at leisure or an optional tour to visit Petrodvorets, Peter the Great’s summer palace
standing at the edge of the Gulf of Finland.) (B,D) |
| Day 5, in St. Petersburg, Wednesday |
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| Not many cities in the world can match the grace of St. Petersburg. When Peter the Great founded the city in 1703, he hired Europe’s best architects, craftsmen and artists to build and decorate it. Spread over 100 islands linked by over 600 bridges it is often referred to as the “Venice of the North”. In the morning visit Peter and Paul Fortress, which houses the crypt of the Russian emperors. Visit St. Isaac’s Cathedral followed by free time for lunch on your own. Afternoon sightseeing features the highlight of the tour - the famous Hermitage, which houses many treasures from the Czars’ era in the Winter Palace. (B,D) |
| Day 6, Thursday, to Tallinn |
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| We depart via Narva, where we stop for lunch, for Tallinn, the capital of the Republic of Estonia, situated on the southern coast of the Finnish bay. This old town has
typical narrow medieval streets, towers, town walls, Gothic churches, trading and residential houses of the 13th to 17th centuries. (B,D) |
| Day 7, Friday, to Riga |
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Our sightseeing tour of Tallinn starts with a bus drive to the park of Kadriorg (founded by Peter the Great in the 18th century), the grounds where the National Song Festivals is held, the ruins of the 15th century St. Brigit’s convent (Pirita klooster) in Pirita. A walking tour of the Old Town (Vanalin), a UNESCO World Heritage site, starts in the Upper Town (Toompea) visiting the Toompea Castle, the present seat of Parliament, orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Dome Church
(Toomkirik) from the 13th century. In the Lower Town see the 14th century gothic Town Hall , Niguliste church and the main shopping streets of Old Town. In the afternoon, depart for Riga, the capital of the Republic of Latvia. (B,D) |
| Day 8, Saturday, in Riga |
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Riga is another major Baltic port dating back to the age of the Hanseatic League, situated at the mouth of the Dougava River. The city’s narrow medieval streets display a variety of architectural styles : Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Classical. During your sightseeing tour, see Riga Castle, the magnificent Dome Cathedral, St. Jacobs Cathedral, St. Peter’s Church, the Parliament building, Liberty Monument, Academy of Art, State Art Gallery and the district of Art Nouveau houses. The afternoon is at leisure. (B,D)
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| Day 9, Sunday, to Vilnius |
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| Morning departure for Vilnius, capital of Lithuania. (B,D) |
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| Day 10 Monday, in Vilnius |
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| The city of Vilnius is located at the confluence of the Neris and Velnele Rivers and has been inhabited since the 9th century. In Old Vilnius visit Peter and Paul Church and St. Anna’s Church. View Vilnius University, dating back to 1570, Gedimeno’s Tower in the Upper Town and Vilnius Castle. The afternoon is at leisure or you may take an optional excursion to Trakai.(B,D) |
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| Day 11, Tuesday, to Warsaw |
| We bid farewell to the former Soviet Union and cross the border to Poland. At day’s end we reach Warsaw. (B,D) |
| Day 12, Wednesday, in Warsaw |
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| This 700 year old capital of Poland is a symbol of nationhood and the will to survive against great odds. A sightseeing tour here includes a drive along the famous Royal Route from magnificent Castle Square to Lazienki Park with its Palace, summer residence of the last King of Poland. Pass by the Palace of Science and Culture (known as a “wedding cake”), Saxon Gardens, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Monument to the Heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto and the Barbican. Continue the walking tour of the Old Town, Old Market Square and St. John’s Cathedral. The rest of the day is free for shopping, a stroll through the city or an optional late afternoon Chopin concert. (B) |
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| Day 13, Thursday, to Krakow |
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| During the morning journey to Krakow we stop in Czestochowa, known for the blackened picture of St. Mary in the Yasna Gora Monastery called the “Black Madonna”. After the lunch break, we proceed to Krakow. During the journey, there is time for an optional side trip to one of the most sombre memorials of our past, Auschwitz. End the day in Krakow. (B,D) |
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| Day 14, Friday, in Krakow |
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Sightseeing will start with a visit to Wawel Hill, viewing Royal Castle and visiting Royal Cathedral. Enjoy a
walking tour of the Old Town where you will visit the Main Market Square, Renaissance Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Church. The afternoon is free for strolling around the city on your own. (B) |
| Day 15, Saturday, to Prague |
After a drive through the Polish countryside, we cross the border of Slovakia, Czech Republic and on to Prague, with its baroque churches, promenade, parks and ancient city walls. (B,D) |
| Day 16, Saturday, in Prague |
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| Built on seven hills more than 1000 years ago and situated on both banks of the Vltava River, Prague is one of the most attractive cities in the world. Your city tour starts with a panoramic drive to Wenceslav Square, Strahov Stadium and Castle Square. During a walking tour visit the Royal Castle of Hradcany with its gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, Royal Palace and Loretto Church. Over Charles Bridge, dating back to 1400’s to view the Jewish Ghetto and see the world famous Astronomical Clock. The balance of the day is free for an optional visit to a cultural performance. (B) |
| Day 17, Monday, depart Prague |
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After breakfast we transfer to Prague airport, where we board our homeward bound flight. (B)
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| Map of the tour |
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| Tour includes: |
| PRICES & DEPARTURE DATES |
STARTING DATES: |
TERMIN. DATES: |
10-May |
28-May |
31-May |
18-Jun |
21-Jun |
9-Jul |
12-Jul |
30-Jul |
2-Aug |
20-Aug |
23-Aug |
10-Sep |
13-Sep
CLOSED |
1-Oct
CLOSED |
4-Oct |
22-Oct |
PRICES: |
PP twin: |
$ 4738 |
Single suppl. |
$ 1832 |
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