Opera in Prague

Day 1 London to Prague, Czech Republic.

Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to the Almanac X Alcron Hotel for our four night stay. Settle into your room before meeting for dinner this evening at a local restaurant. (D)

Day 2 Prague.

After breakfast we will begin our morning city tour of Prague at Prague Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to the Guinness World Records it is the world’s largest ancient castle complex, covering an area greater than seven football fields. The castle has always been the seat of Czech monarchs and is the official residence of the head of state. Dating back to the 9th century, it grew haphazardly as different rulers added their own touches. From here we will visit the Lobkowicz Palace, a beautiful 16th century Baroque Palace, to admire one of Europe’s oldest and finest private art collections. After lunch we continue to the Strahov Monastery Library, the largest monastic library in the country, whose magnificent Baroque halls date from the 17th and 18th centuries. Our visit will include access to two library halls normally closed to the public: the Theological Hall and Philosophical Hall. Return to the hotel for some time to relax before meeting in the early evening for a canapé reception. We then make our way to the National Theatre to watch the performance of Libuše. (B, L, C*)

‘Libuše’ by Bedrich Smetana According to legend, Princess Libuše, having inherited the throne of Bohemia following the death of her father, founded the city of Prague. The first act features a land dispute between two brothers, the loser contesting any verdict brought about by a woman. This prompts Libuše to announce her intention to marry, and the hunt begins to find a suitable partner. The choice falls on the surprising figure of Premysl, a farmer. The sub-plot of the warring brothers continues with their own courtship by Krasava. She loves the one who had lost out in the land dispute and pretended to love the other in order to provoke a proposal out of the chosen one. This not only has the desired effect but also prompts him to accept Libuše’s earlier verdict with good grace. The opera then ends with a grand tableau in which Libuše has a prophetic vision of the glorious future of the Czech nation.

Day 3 Prague.

This morning we will walk from the hotel to the Jewish Quarter, also known as Josefov. Located between the Vltava River and the Old Town Square, this area became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. While exploring on foot with our guide we will visit the Jewish Museum which was established in 1906 and consists of six Jewish monuments including the Maisel Synagogue, the Ceremonial Hall and the Old Jewish Cemetery. In a grotesquely ironic act, the Nazis took over the management of the Prague Jewish Museum to preserve artefacts from destroyed Jewish communities throughout Bohemia, with the intention of creating a ‘museum of an extinct race’. It amassed the world’s largest collection of sacred Jewish artefacts. We will also see the Old-New Synagogue, Europe’s oldest working synagogue and one of Prague’s earliest Gothic buildings. After our tour, you can return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure or if you would prefer to continue to explore the city independently, our local guide will recommend some spots for lunch and places to visit. This evening, after a canapé reception we will transfer to the Estates Theatre for our performance of Don Giovanni. (B, C*)

‘Don Giovanni’ by Amadeus Mozart First performed in 1787 at the Estates Theatre, ‘Don Giovanni’ is Mozart’s exhilarating retelling of the Don Juan legend, filled with some of his most famous and much-loved music. Combining comedy and tragedy, the opera follows the notorious womaniser as he lusts his way towards his dramatic downfall. In this production the director and conductor ask the questions is Giovanni an incorrigible slave to his instincts, or is he a provocateur, rebel, revolutionary even, human and symbol, or is he a mere catalyst around whom Mozart thoroughly depicts the constantly changing universe of female emotions?

Day 4 Prague.

After breakfast we will leave the city for a short drive to Nelahozeves Castle, one of Bohemia’s finest Renaissance castles. This 16th century estate is perched above the Vltava River and is another spectacular family home of the Lobkowicz family. After a tour of the castle interior we will enjoy lunch at the castle. This afternoon on our return to Prague we will visit the home of Czech composer Antonin Dvorak. The Baroque house now functions as an international music centre and museum. We will learn about the composer’s humble beginnings to worldwide success. After some time to relax and freshen up at the hotel we will meet for our farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Prague to London.

After breakfast transfer to the airport for our return scheduled flight to London. (B)