ART ESCAPES: Irresistible : September 13-21, 2016

Art Escapes invites you to join CMA Executive Director Nannette Maciejunes on a trip to the beautiful city of Prague, once the cultural center of Europe. Discover the art, music, food, and culture that has made Prague one of the “must see” destinations in Europe. While in Prague we will be staying at the famous Hotel Paris, located adjacent to a jewel of art nouveau architecture, the Municipal House. The trip also includes a daytrip to Melnik, Terezin, and Nelahozeves as well an overnight excursion to Cesky Krumlov.

Hotel Paris in Prague Wednesday, September 14

We will be met at the airport by our private motor coach for an orientation tour of the city. Followed by tea at the Municipal House, a jewel of art nouveau architecture decorated with murals by Alfons Mucha. It is home to some of the most decadent confections in the world. After checking in at the Hotel Paris—right next door—you may wish to explore the historic center of Prague on foot before a welcome dinner at the Novometsky Pivovar brewery restaurant. TD

Thursday, September 15

Our coach will whisk us away to Prague Castle which is beautifully situated on a hill overlooking the River and Old Town Prague. We will explore its many courtyards, gardens and palaces as well as St. Vitus Cathedral and Wenceslas Chapel where the priceless Bohemian crown jewels are stored. We will also visit the Royal Picture Gallery where the best works from the centuries old collection are exhibited. B

View from Prague Castle

Friday, September 16

Our group will enjoy a private visit to the Library which is housed in a monastery dating to the 12th century. With about 70 monks living there today, it is still a place of meditation and learning. The library itself is over 800 years old and decorated with baroque ceilings. It contains more than 2,500 books published before the 16th century, the oldest of which is the 9th century Strahov Gospel. We also will explore the history of Europe from the unique perspective of the Lobkowicz Gallery. The family’s collections include not only paintings by the old masters, Strahov Library, photo by Matěj Baťha via Wikipedia but also ceramics and decorative arts, and musical instruments and original scores by Mozart and Beethoven.B

Saturday, September 17

We will take a day trip to Terezin, also known as Strahov Library, photo by Matěj Baťha via Wikipedia Theresienstadt. The former military fortress was named for Empress Maria Theresa, and was used by the Nazis as a concentration camp in WWII. Many famous artists, writers, and composers spent time in Terezin before being sent to Auschwitz and other camps. We will visit the Memorial Museum and other sites of remembrance.

On our return trip we will have lunch at the beautiful Melnik Castle located at the confluence of the Vltava and Elbe Rivers. From there we will enjoy a private visit of Nelahozeves Castle. Inspired by the era of Ferdinand Zdenko, 10th Melnik Castle, photo by Ввласенко via Wikipedia Prince Lobkowicz (1858-1938), the tour illustrates in extensive detail how an influential noble family lived in the 19th century. BL

Sunday, September 18

We will begin our day in Prague at the Cloister of St. Agnes, home to a fine collection of Gothic art originating in Bohemia and Moravia. Then we will take a walking tour of the historic Jewish quarter of Prague known as . There, we will visit the Jewish Museum and the Old New Prague Synagogue. Finally we will visit the Dox Center for Contemporary Art. This evening we will enjoy a dinner cruise on the Vltava River. BD

Monday, September 19

The group will travel to Cesky Krumlov which is situated on the banks of the Vltava River. The town was built around a 13th-century castle with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements. This UNESCO World Heritage site is an outstanding example of a small central European medieval town whose architectural heritage has remained intact thanks to its peaceful evolution over more than five centuries. While in Cesky Krumlov we will stay at the Hotel Dvorak which is perfectly situated to enjoy the views and the Old Town.

In addition to the castle tour, we will see the best preserved Baroque theater in the world, the summer house and gardens of Bellarie, and the beautifully painted Masquerade Ballroom. BL

Tuesday, September 20

This morning you will be on your own to visit the Egon Schiele Art Centre. On our return trip to Prague we will stop for lunch at Ceske Budejovice, the center of brewing in Bohemia since the 13th century. While the name sounds similar, it has little in common with the American knockoff. Budwar Cesky Krumlov remains one of the most popular beers in Europe. Before returning to the Hotel Paris, we will visit artist Jaroslav Malina in his studio.

This evening we will have a delicious farewell dinner at the Hotel Paris. BLD

Wednesday, September 21

Return to Columbus. Group transfer to the airport is provided.

The cost of the trip is $4200 double occupancy excluding airfare; single supplement is $1200. Space is limited. A deposit of $2100 will reserve your place on the trip.

Deposits are due no later than April 1 with final payment due on June 1. All deposits are refundable with a cancellation fee of $1050. After April 1, no refunds will be made.

The cost of the trip includes ground transportation, hotels, entrance fees, performances at the Municipal House and a puppet theater, meals, and guides as noted in the itinerary. This itinerary is subject to change.

Please call Nancy Turner at 614.629.0301 with questions or to register.