JMU Symphony Orchestra- Czech/Slovak Republics

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Monday May 17: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Tuesday May 18: Prague

Arrive in Prague, the Golden City, and meet your tour manager. Transfer to your hotel and take a short orientation tour of the area around your hotel, before a welcome dinner (D)

Day 3, Wednesday May 19: Prague

After breakfast take a guided sightseeing tour of historic Prague on foot (the only way to experience this wonderful ancient city!) beginning with the Castle district. Continue past the Old Royal Palace and St. Vitus Cathedral as you make your way to the Old Town, where you'll cross the famous Charles Bridge. Continue your exploration of the city this afternoon at your leisure, before an independent dinner tonight. (B)

Day 4, Thursday May 20: Prague

Today, enjoy a tour of the Estates Theater, one of the most beautiful historic theaters in Europe, where Mozart himself conducted the world premiere of Don Giovanni in 1787. Later perform your first concert of the tour at a local House of Culture concert hall in collaboration with a local orchestra. Celebrate your stay in Prague with a dinner cruise on the river Vltava, as the sun sets behind the spectacular castle! (B,D)

Day 5, Friday May 21: Olomouc

This morning check out and depart to the Southwest towards the Moravia region, a land of beautiful hills, unique rock formations and historic old towns. En route visit the spectacular Punkevni Cave complex including a subterranean guided tour and boat trip, with lunch included. Continue to the Baroque city of Olomouc, where he evocative central streets are dotted with beautiful churches, testifying to the city's long history as a bastion of the Catholic Church. Check in to your new hotel in time for dinner together (B,D)

Day 6, Saturday May 22: Olomouc

After a leisurely morning in Olomouc, depart on for a visit to to Kromeríž. The town's main landmark is the Baroque Kromeríž Bishop's Palace, where some scenes from the movies Amadeus and Immortal Beloved were filmed. It was once selected as the most beautiful historical town of the Czech Republic. Along with a local guide, take a short walking tour of the town and the Castle, before perfoming your next concert in the stunning Archbishops' hall in the Castle itself! (B,D)

Day 7, Sunday May 23: Bratislava

Today, you will check out and depart for Bratislava. En route you'll make a stop in the most musically significant city in Europe, Vienna! Take a guided sightseing tour of all the major sights, including St Stephen's Cathedral, the exterior of the Musikverein concert hall, and the State Opera House. Continue the journey to your next capital city, Bratislava, and check in to your hotel in time for an independent dinner. (B)

Day 8, Monday May 24: Bratislava

This morning explore Bratislava with your licensed guide and discover the capital of Slovakia and the cultural, political and economic centre of the country. The history of the city has been strongly influenced by people of different nations and religions; it was the capital of the Kingdom of Hungary, a part of the larger Habsburg Monarchy territories and it has been home to many Slovak, Hungarian and German historical figures. Later prepare for your final concert in a prestigious concert hall such as the Small Hall of the Slovak Radio Concert Halls, before a farewell dinner together (B,D)

Day 9, Tuesday May 25: Departure

Transfer to the airport for return flight to the United States. (B)