MOZART CELEBRATIONS

14 Days / 13 Nights Salzburg, Vienna, Budapest & Prague
Departing ex Perth Monday 26 June 2006

Monday 26 June: Perth to Vienna
Home pick-up will be provided to your Emirates flight to Dubai, connecting to Vienna.

Tuesday 27 June: Vienna to Salzburg
We will be met and transferred to Salzburg (a journey of 4 hours). Situated in one of the most beautiful regions imagineable, the city of Salzburg has outstanding Renaissance and Baroque architecture, ancient (narrow) streets and an imposing fortress. We will be transferred directly to the Cordial Theater Hotel where we stay 3 nights. Our centrally located 4-star hotel has a bar, safety deposit boxes, an elevator and a restaurant. Small by international standards, the Cordial Theater Hotel offers convenience, comfort and a friendly staff. (D)

Wednesday 28 June: Salzburg - Mozart Activities
This morning we will undertake a leisurely Walking Tour, visiting Mozart’s birthplace and passing various memorials to Salzburg’s favourite son, the Mozart Museum (located in the residence within which the composer wrote many of his great works) and the fortress of Hohensalzburg (mini-train ride included). This afternoon, we attend “Viva Mozart,” a Multi-Media Show which looks back on the life and times of the great composer then, this evening, don our glad rags and attend a Concert of Mozart’s Music. What a wonderful day’s activities. (B/D)

Thursday 29 June: Salzburg - City Sightseeing
This morning we visit the cathedral, St Peter’s Cemetery, narrow streets, open squares, the picturesque Mirabell Gardens and a performance of the “Water Games” in Hellbrunn Gardens. This afternoon we can relax, or you can undertake one of the interesting optional tours as are available. This evening, we attend a Mozart Dinner Concert in the baroque hall of St Peter’s Monastery. This very old restaurant provides quality cuisine and with Mozart’s chamber music performed by artists in period costume. (B/D)

Friday 30 June: Imperial Amadeus Train to Vienna
This morning we undertake a tour into the countryside (Salzkammergut), visiting the small town of St Wolfgang on the shores of Lake Wolfgang, the acclaimed Pacchar altar in the church and the legendary “White Horse Inn” from Benatzky’s operetta of the same name. We will also take a boat ride across the lake to the small village of St Gilgen, birthplace of Mozart’s mother. This afternoon is at leisure until we depart for the railway station and depart (at 6.10pm) on the Imperial Amadeus train for Vienna.

We will be travelling in one of 2 luxurious carriages from the Majestic Imperator Train de Luxe, attached to the normal train. Rebuilt from the original plans of the carriages built for the Austro-Hungarian Emperor, the Imperial Amadeus provides exceptional standards of comfort, cuisine and service. Sit back, relax and enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne, followed by a delicious 3-course meal. Background music will, of course, be Mozart’s and time will fly on this special journey. We will be met on arrival at Vienna and transferred to the Prinz Eugen Hotel for a stay of 3 nights. Our well located, 4-star hotel, has 106 comfortable rooms with soundproof windows, radio, minibar, satellite-TV, in-room safe, trouser press, IDD phone and hairdryer. It’s just a 10 minute tram ride to the historic heart of the city. (B/D)

Saturday 1 July: Vienna - Sightseeing
We will be provided with city sightseeing this morning, driving along the Ringstrasse and viewing many classical buildings including the State Opera House, the Imperial (Hofburg) Palace, the Museums of Fine Art and Natural History, the Parliament and Town Hall, the Burgtheatre, the University and Church of Vows. We will also see some glorious gardens and make a stop at the Burggarten to view Mozart’s memorial statue. Mozart died an impoverished man and his grave was unmarked, however there’s an opportunity to see a simple monument which was erected at the presumed site of his grave.

After lunch, we will be taken on a Walking Tour through Vienna’s historic inner district around St Stephan’s Cathedral and will see numerous examples of a by-gone age (including the cathedral, House of the Teutonic Order and the Figoro House), as well as famous shopping streets, exclusive boutiques and delightful cafes. This evening is free to attend one of the popular concerts which are regularly played in Vienna. (B/D)

Sunday 2 July: Vienna - Sightseeing & Performance
This morning we will visit Schonbrunn Palace, the magnificent summer palace of the imperial family, where we will view a few of the 1,441 rooms and with time to stroll through the outstanding Baroque garden.

While we’ve been out having a good time, more than 50 members of Perth’s Collegium Symphonic Chorus have been rehearsing (with other choristers) in Salzburg and Vienna towards a massed-choir performance of Mozart’s "Coronation Mass" (Mass in C). They performed their 1st concert in Salzburg on Friday evening and come together again for a repeat performance tonight. We will be attending what will be a magnificent event - with a 200+ strong choir and orchestra performing Festival repertoire and concluding with Mozart's Mass in C.

We will enjoy a "farewell to Austria" dinner tonight. (B/D)

Monday 3 July: Vienna to Budapest
That’s all of Mozart for the moment folks. This morning, we'll depart Vienna by coach (following a similar route to the Perth Symphonic Chorus group). Our journey takes us along the Danube River, stopping in Eisenstadt to visit the Haydn Museum, Esterhazy Palace (including the Haydnsaal, where many of Haydn’s works were aired for the first time), and Haydn Church. Continue to Budapest where we stay 3 nights at the Hotel Liget. With 139 air-conditioned rooms, the 4-star centrally located Hotel Liget is nearby the Museum of Fine Arts, the Art Gallery, Széchenyi Spa and Botanical Gardens and just short ride by underground to the National Opera House. Facilities include in-room safes, internet access, laundry services and a pleasant restaurant. (B/D)

Tuesday 4 July: Budapest - Sightseeing
Budapest is the modern combination of 3 cities: Obuda, Buda and Pest. Linked by 8 bridges, these cities have retained their own distinctive characteristics whilst (collectively) creating one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. 2 opera houses, 5 concert halls and numerous theatres are just a small part of the dazzling entertainment in this captivating city.

This morning we’ll undertake a guided tour which will include the Parliament, Chain Bridge, Royal Castle Hill, St Stephen’s Cathedral, Matthias Church, the Fisherman’s Bastion (occupying the site of Buda’s old defensive walls) and the National Gallery; then walk through the grounds of Vajdahunyad Castle (built for the World Exhibition in the late 1800s) and visit the picturesque streets of Tancsis Mihaly utca, Uri utca and Fortuna utca. (B/D)

Wednesday 5 July: Budapest - At Leisure
At leisure in Budapest. For those who are interested, an interesting optional tour will take you out into the countryside where you can get up close and personal with gypsies and their horse-riding skills. (B/D)

Thursday 6 July: Budapest to Prague
This morning we set out for Prague, travelling via the scenic route and with visits as may be appropriate. On arrival, we will be accommodated for 3 nights at the Hotel Caesar. Our centrally located art nouveau-style hotel is nearby the National Theatre, Charles Bridge, Wenceslas Square and famous café Slavia. There are 82 accommodation units, each with satellite TV, mini-bar, safe and hair dryer. (B/D)

Friday 7 July: Prague
Prague is one of the most enchanting cities in Europe. It was during Charles IV’s reign in the 14th Century that Prague briefly became the seat of the Holy Roman Empire and acquired its distinctive Gothic imprint. The city escaped serious wartime damage and is (today) considered to be one of the most beautiful in Europe. This morning we’ll undertake a guided tour of Prague including the Charles Bridge, St Nicholas Church, Old Town Square, Municipal House, St Agnes Convent, the Jewish Quarter and Hradcany Castle (including St Vitus Cathedral and the old Royal Palace). This afternoon, we will attend a performance being provided by the Collegium Symphonic Chorus. (B/D)

Saturday 8 July: Prague - Sightseeing
Today we will undertake a half day guided tour of Terezin (former fortress and Nazi concentration camp for children), including entrance to the fortress and Museum of the Ghetto. This afternoon is free for further sightseeing, excursions and/or shopping. (B/D)

Sunday 9 July: Prague to Vienna
Those who wish to terminate here will be transferred to the railway station or airport. The remainder will depart for Vienna where a further night will be provided at the Prinz Eugen Hotel. (B/D)

Monday 10 July: Vienna to Perth
After a leisurely breakfast, you will be transferred to your choice of Prague railway station or airport (to commence further arrangements), or to return to Perth, connecting via Dubai. (B)

HOLIDAY COSTS
Ex Perth	Share Twin	Single Room
6 nights Salzburg & Vienna	$4,932	$5,263
13 nights Salzburg, Vienna, Budapest & Prague	$6,470	$7,226
Check for conditions.