Day 1. Praha
After breakfast, tour of Strahov Premonstratensian Convent, founded in the 12th century and rebuilt in Baroque style. Library of precious medieval manuscripts and maps along with a picture gallery can by found in there. Tour of Loreta, remarkable grounds made up by ambulatories, Church of the Nativity, Basilica of the Holy House, a tower with clocks and internationally known chime. Loreta is an important holy shrine – pilgrimage site.
In the afternoon tour of Prague Castle premises – Loreta square, castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, the Golden Lane.
Day 2. Praha
After breakfast, tour of Jewish Quarter including the Jewish cemetery, City Hall and 6 synagogues. The Jewish Quarter or Town originates to the 13th century but was redeveloped on the break of the 19th and 20th century. The preserved sights make up one of the best extant complex in Europe.
A walk over the Charles Bridge, through Lesser Town, to the Church of Virgin Mary Victorious, which is the most prominent pilgrimage site in Prague. The statue of Prague Infant Jesus can be found inside. In Lesser Town, there is also the peak-baroque St. Nicholas Church where W. A. Mozart played the organ during his Prague stay.
In the evening, a walk through Kampa with its typical taverns and cafés.
Day 3. Sázava – Žďár – Třebíč
After breakfast, departure to Sázava. Tour of the Sázava Monastery. Its originations are dated back to around 1032. According to the legend it was founded by Oldrich Duke of Bohemia after meeting St. Procopius on the rocky promontory above the right bank of Sázava river. Fact is, the construction was begun only during the reign of his son, Bretislaus. Sázava Monastery became a cultural and learning centre shortly after its establishment. It was here where Cyril and Methodius had gone when they were driven out of the Great Moravia empire.
Transfer to Žďár nad Sázavou where there is pilgrim Sanctuary of St. John of Nepomuk on Zelená Hora, a Baroque artwork by J. Santini, listed in UNESCO.
The Last stop is in Třebíč with its Jewish Quarter of two synagogues, a cemetery and around 120 houses. Visit of Romanesque Basilica of St. Procopius, a part of Benedictine Monastery – all of them in UNESCO list since 2003.
Accommodation in Brno.
Day 4. Brno – Peace Monument
Guided tour of Brno centre – Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, marketplace, tomb of Capuchin monastery, Old and New Town Hall, Minorite monastery and Church of Sts. John, Church of St. James, in the afternoon, visit of Old Brno monastery with the G. Mendel Museum of Genetics together with visit of Basilica of the Ascension of the Holy Virgin.
In the afternoon seeing of the Austerlitz battlefields, Žuráň, visit of the Peace Monument in Prace village, in place of the 1805 battle of Napoleon and Austrian Russian armies. The 1910 monument designed by J. Fanta in secession style represents a Slavic burial mound where the remains of dead soldiers are hidden.
Optional dinner in Stará Pošta restaurant, Pozořice, with describtion of the battle and wine tasting.
Day 5. Mikulov – Znojmo
After breakfast, departure to Mikulov, a picturesque border town lying on the historical Amber Route, former seat of Moravian rabbi. Follows a walk in the historic centre, sightseeing of the Jewish cemetery and chateau park.
In the afternoon follows the tour of Znojmo, former king’s city, Rotunda of St. Catherine, whose wall paintings are the oldest in the Czech Republic. They show images from life of the Přemyslids. Then visiting of Louka Premonstratensian Monastery, founded at the end of 12th century, which is nowadays a museum of vineculture.
In the evening, optional visit of wine-cellar in Šatov combined with tasting of wine and dinner.
Day 6. Kroměříž – Olomouc
After breakfast, departure to Kroměříž, archbishop’s summer seat, tour of the chateau and Chateau and Floral Gardens, both listed in UNESCO.
Afterwards, transfer to Olomouc, the Bishop’s seat, city lying in the heart of Haná region, which has always been one of most prominent cities in Moravia. Walk through the historic centre with baroque column of the Holy Trinity (UNESCO), unparalleled in all Europe for its magnitude and rich sculptural decoration.
Accommodation in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm.
Day 7. Rožnov – Příbor – Katowice
After breakfast visit of outdoor museum – open-air showcase of traditional folk architecture of Valašsko region.
Příbor is the town where the pioneer of modern psychology Sigmund Freud was born on 6 May 1856. It is one of the oldest towns in North-East Moravia. It lies on both banks of Lubina river. From three sides, it is bordered by beautiful scenery of Beskydy foothills with a view of Štramberská Trůba castle, Hukvaldy Castle and venerable Radhošť mountain.
Accommodation in Katowice, Poland.
Day 8. Krakow - Czestochowa
Krakow – a gem among European cities, under protection of UNESCO, historic seat of Polish kings with abundance of outstanding sights. This South Poland city overshadows the capital Warsaw with its appeal and location on the river Visla. It is considered a culture capital of the country, you can find here the Jagiellonski University, which is the oldest in Poland and one of the oldest in Europe. A walk through the Jewish Quarter Kazimierz, then the Wawel hillock where the former Royal House can be found along with the majestic cathedral.
After the noon, transfer to Czestochowa – the clerical centre of Poland.
If there is such a pilgrimage site called a national shrine it is absolutely true for the Shrine of Black Madonna on Jasna Góra (English: Bright Hill) in Czestochowa. Cardinal Wyszinsky once spoke about the mysterious gravity of this place and said: “Jasna Góra proved to be the inward bond in lives of Polish that grasps the heart in its deepest and keeps the whole nation in humble but firm faith in God and his pastors”.
Accommodation in Czestochowa.
Day 9. Lodz – Warsaw
After breakfast, departure to Lodz, city of four cultures. Especially notable are "Księży Młyn" Residence – a unique industrial zone, presently branch of the Museum of Art in Łódź and Izrael Poznański's Palace – City History Museum and Museum of Art. The Central Museum of Textiles is seated in White Factory and offers a rare collection of tapestries. The Piotrkowska high street is the longest promenade in Europe.
In the Afternoon – Warsaw – strolling through the Old Town with extraordinary atmosphere as it was restored after its destruction in WW2 and today it is on UNESCO World Heritage List. The medieval vibes are evoked by narrow streets and houses from the 15th – 18th centuries, remains of fortifications with a moat and barbican.
The Royal Chateau has become symbol of Poland’s independence.
Accommodation in Warsaw.
