* POLAND'S CHOPIN CELEBRATION *
Frédéric Chopin, The Immortal Genius
Krakow, Czarny Las, Warsaw
October 19 - 25, 2010

* * * I T I N E R A R Y * * *

Tuesday, October 19 - KRAKOW (D)

Independent arrivals in Krakow. All tour guests will be met at the Krakow Airport and accompanied to the RADISSON BLU HOTEL in Krakow -- the first European city included in the UNESCO list of the most precious places of the world. The combination of Krakow’s being the residence of the Polish kings and the royal court, the site of the university established here in 1364, one of the oldest in Europe, and the wealth brought by trade, contributed to Krakow’s becoming an important center. Admire its medieval brilliance during an orientation tour. Welcome dinner with Polish delicacies.

Wednesday, October 20 - KRAKOW-CZARNY LAS (B/L)

Visit the COLLEGIUM MAIUS MUSEUM – showcasing the piano that once belonged to Frédéric Chopin. COLLEGIUM MAIUS was one of Europe's first universities, with the astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus among its alumni. See a room dedicated to Copernicus’ stay at the University. Continue to the BASILICA OF THE VIRGIN MARY where the Gothic master Veit Stoss created the magnificent altarpiece. Continue the WAWEL CASTLE and CATHEDRAL, the political and cultural center of Poland until the early 17th century. Along with other medieval treasures, you may admire the unparalleled collection of the once great European art of weaving, magnificent painting-like pictures, some of them designed by Michael van Coxcie, “the Flemish Raphael". The balance of the afternoon at leisure.

SPECIAL FEATURE: MYSTIC MEETINGS OF CHOPIN AND SCHUMANN - classical music concert featuring both composers’ masterpieces, to be held in ST. CATHERINA’S CHURCH, a Gothic pearl.

Overnight in luxury 4-star CZARNY LAS PALACE HOTEL in WOZNIKI near Czestochowa.

Thursday, October 21 - CZARNY LAS-ANTONIN-WARSAW (B/L)

There are places on earth which attract celebrities and inspire artists. ANTONIN, situated amidst forests, is one of them. It is famous for a wooden hunting lodge of the RADZIWILL FAMILY. Duke Radziwill, an educated man, was on friendly terms with leading artists of his day. He was able to spot the genius of young Chopin, his exceptional individuality as a composer and virtuoso. Chopin visited Antonin at the duke’s invitation, stayed here and gave concerts. Here he composed the POLONAISE IN C MAJOR, OP. 3 for Piano and Cello. It is also worth mentioning that the PIANO TRIO OP. 8 IN G MINOR was dedicated to Radziwill, who expressed his thanks for the piece in his letter to the composer. The most widely known event organized in the lodge is the CHOPIN IN THE AUTUMN COLORS FESTIVAL. The lodge boasts a memorial room in which instruments from the artist’s period, pictures, lithographs, and a cast of Chopin’s hand can be admired. Lunch in the hunting lodge.

Accommodations in Warsaw at the RADISSON BLU HOTEL.

Friday, October 22 - WARSAW (B/L)

Warsaw is the city of Chopin, where the artist lived and where he developed his talent for almost twenty years. Many places commemorate the great composer: the CHURCH OF THE NUNS OF THE VISITATION, where he was an organist; PROTESTANT CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY where he gave concerts as a young boy, invited by the Grand Duke Konstanty; the Chopin Family Drawing Room, the composer’s final living quarters before departing for France in 1830. Its interiors were reconstructed according to an original sketch made by Chopin’s schoolmate Antoni Kolbert.
See the CHOPIN MONUMENT in the ROYAL LAZIENKI PARK and visit the HOLY CROSS CHURCH, where the composer’s heart lies. There is a quotation on the plaque from the New Testament, saying: “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Continue to the CHOPIN MUSEUM housing an imposing collection of original music scores, letters, photographs and manuscripts.

SPECIAL FEATURE: Concert by the laureates of the 16th INTERNATIONAL CHOPIN PIANO COMPETITION.

Saturday, October 23 - WARSAW (B/L)

Poland is the homeland of Frédéric Chopin and, according to the composer’s will, it is home to his heart. Enjoy a trip to ZELAZOWA WOLA, best known because the great genius was born here. Visit the manor, now a biographic museum with the composer’s memorabilia. The old traditional house of the Chopin’s family is a delight – with its simple shape and picturesque location. Stop in BROCHOW with its Gothic parish church, a witness to many important events from Chopin’s family life. It was here where Chopin’s parents were married. In the same church, on Easter Sunday, 23 April 1810, Fryderyk Franciszek Chopin was baptized.

SPECIAL FEATURE: A two-part concert: “Frédéric Chopin, A Poet Of The Piano” -- in fine historic interiors of Warsaw. Despite the fact that Chopin’s music is among the most technically demanding, his style emphasizes poetry, nuance, and expressive depth rather than mere technical display.

Sunday, October 24 - WARSAW-LODZ-LOWICZ-WARSAW (B/D)

Lecture on “Polish Tradition In Chopin’s Music”. Excursion to LODZ to visit the MUSEUM OF THE HISTORY OF THE CITY OF LODZ, with an interesting exhibition devoted to Artur Rubinstein, born in Lodz, an international virtuoso pianist, known especially as an interpreter of Chopin’s music.

A special treat in LOWICZ: a private visit to the Polish family living in a wooden cottage, romantically set at the base of the ruins of a former bishop's castle. Our hosts, owners of the castle ruins, are committed to bringing back LOWICZ CASTLE’s grandeur. Their charming house is the special venue for a recital of Chopin’s songs. Enjoy a traditional Polish welcome with a loaf of bread and salt and dinner with Polish delicacies. The Mazovia region with a nostalgic voice of weeping willows, whispers of the streams, sounds of folk music. Farewell cannon shot.

SPECIAL FEATURE: Polish Sweet Melancholy - a unique recital of Chopin songs by artists of the National Opera.

Monday, October 25 - DEPARTURE (B)

Transfers to the Warsaw Airport will be provided for everyone leaving Warsaw today.

* * * * * * * * * * * *
Land Arrangements: $3,575.00 per person sharing a twin/double room
Single Room Supplement: $495.00
* * * * * * * * * * * *
The deposit required to hold space on this tour is $1,500.00 per person.

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TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:

* Breakfast daily, 4 lunches, 2 dinners. * Accommodations at leading hotels for 6 nights. * All performance tickets. * All taxes, entrance fees. * All transfers where necessary. * Wine with the included lunches and dinners. * Gratuity to the Dailey-Thorp tour director as well as for all other group services. Land arrangements price is based on sharing a twin/double hotel room. Land Arrangements Price does NOT include: Air fares; items of a personal nature; accident/baggage/cancellation insurance.

AIR TRANSPORTATION:

Any flights from any airport -- may be arranged with Dailey-Thorp's air agent in New York -- Mr. Christophe Buszkiewicz; Telephone 212-944-2121, ext. 2829 and/or ext. 2217. Having been the manager of Dailey-Thorp's air department for many years in New York, Christophe is familiar with all our tour operations. Or, tour guests may book their flights through their local travel agent or directly with the airlines.

CURRENCY FLUCTUATION: Please note that, depending on the fluctuation of the Euro against the US Dollar, there may be a surcharge resulting from additional increases of the EURO. This will be established approximately one month prior to the commencement of the tour.

CANCELLATION OF TOUR:

LAND ARRANGEMENTS: For cancellation by the client, these charges will apply: Cancellations received 60 days or more prior to tour commencement = $250.00 per person; 59-31 days prior = 50% of land arrangements price; less than 31 days prior =100% of land arrangements price; no appearance/no written notice = 100% of the land arrangements price. No refunds will be made for any part of the tour package, such as sightseeing, meals, performances or transfers, which are voluntarily omitted by any tour member; the tour is sold as a package. We must strictly adhere to our cancellation policy to offset costs incurred prior to the commencement of the tour.

AIR TRANSPORTATION: Cancellation of AIR FLIGHTS will be subject to the cancellation policy of the airline.

TRIP INSURANCE: WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE. An application for travel insurance will be included with our acknowledgment of your reservation. We suggest that you apply for it as soon as possible after signing up for a tour. Should it become necessary for you to cancel due to illness (but not business reasons) the policy may cover your losses (subject to insurance terms).

All cancellations must be in writing.
All tour programs are subject to change by the operator.

CANCELLATION INSURANCE IS HEARTILY RECOMMENDED!

DT1071 --- 4/29/2010