We will have an additional informational meeting on Wednesday, 11
October at 4 PM in room 3060 PHYS (Physical Sciences Building).
If you are interested in the trip, please contact either Dr.
Jim Davis or Dr. John Stimac.
If you missed the informational meeting
and would like to see the presentation shown, it can be downloaded
as a PowerPoint file.
Foreign/Study Abroad Course Number(s)
and Title(s):
STA 3970 Study Abroad; Faculty-Led Program; 3 SH
EIU Equivalency or Substitution Course(s):
CSC 3001G: Survival of Humanity
(Social and Behavioral Science)
EIU 4101G: Spaceship Earth
(Senior Seminar)
ESC/GEG 3200: Human Impacts on the Environment
GEL 2300G: Science and Technology: A
Promise or a Threat?
(Scientific Awareness)
Estimated Program Cost:
~$5000
(Tuition and Fees Additional)
Dealine to sign up:
1 February 2007. Please do not miss this
deadline. You can sign up through the School of
Continuing Education, here.
Brief Program Description:
This course will include a brief history of the regions visited as well
as comparisons between typically Western, Eastern, and transitional
European cultures. One of the central themes during this program
will be a comparison and analysis of the "westernization" and change
that Europe has undergone. Visiting some of the most important
cultural, historic, and religious centers in Europe allows participants
an opportunity to see how different regions influence one another, as
well as maintained their own identities. While a major part of
European history was prior to World War II, the war and its aftermath
are key to the change that Europe is currently undergoing. During
the program, students will spend two days visiting Auschwitz
Concentration Camps (Auschwitz, Birkenau, and Monowitz) in
Poland. Students will also have the option of visiting Dachau,
outside Munich and Treblinka or Sobibor in Poland. The major
financial and industrial cities of Frankfurt and Munich will be visited
to show how parts of Germany have changed since W.W. II. This
course
is open to any current undergraduate or graduate student at EIU and has
no prerequisites.
Passports:
If you received your last passport more than ten years ago, or never
had one, it is time to get a new passport. They are easy to
obtain, but may take between six (6) and eight (8) weeks so it is best
to order them early. On the U.S.
Department of State's Passport page look on the left side
naviagation bar to choose either a first time (new) passport or a
renewal. Passports fees total $97. You will also need two
(2) 2" x 2" color head shots. The photos can be obtained at
Walgreens, Osco, Kinkos, and many other similar stores.
Tentative Itinerary:
Day #
Day
Date
City
Meals
Places/Events
1
Monday
7-May
LEAVE
on-plane
Flight to Frankfurt
2
Tuesday
8-May
Frankfurt
ARRIVE
D
Tour of Romer Square, Cathedral, Imperial Hall
3
Wednesday
9-May
Frankfurt
B
On own to take Mein cruise, visit financial district
4
Thursday
10-May
Cologne
B, D
Rhine river cruise (?) to Cologne
5
Friday
11-May
Cologne
B
City tour, Kšln Cathedral, Museum Ludwig (largest Picasso
exhibit in world)
6
Saturday
12-May
Cologne
free
B
Free day
7
Sunday
13-May
Berlin
B, D
Travel day and Mining Museum in Oberharz; arrive Berlin
8
Monday
14-May
Berlin
B
Berlin city tour (Kaiser Wilhem Church, Reichstag;
Brandenburg Gate; Hidden City Tour).
9
Tuesday
15-May
Berlin
B
Potsdam, Whittenburg
10
Wednesday
16-May
Berlin
free
B
Free day
11
Thursday
17-May
Gdansk
B, D
Travel to Gdansk
12
Friday
18-May
Gdansk
B
City tour in morning
13
Saturday
19-May
Gdansk
B
Westerplatte; Nowry Lighthouse (Baltic)
14
Sunday
20-May
Warsaw
B, D
Travel to Warsaw (Malbork Castle en route)
15
Monday
21-May
Warsaw
B
City tour
16
Tuesday
22-May
Krakow
B, D
Travel to Krakow; city tour of Krakow (Wawel Castle, etc.)
17
Wednesday
23-May
Krakow
B
Auschwitz / Burchenau (all day)
18
Thursday
24-May
Krakow
B
Wieliczka Salt Mine
19
Friday
25-May
Prague
B, D
Travel to Prague
20
Saturday
26-May
Prague
B
City tour - Golden Lane, Cathedral, Charles Bridge, St.
Mary's Church
21
Sunday
27-May
Prague
free
B
Free day
22
Monday
28-May
Wien
B, D
Travel to Wien
23
Tuesday
29-May
Wien
B
City tour
24
Wednesday
30-May
Wien
free
B
Free day
25
Thursday
31-May
Salzburg
B, D
Travel day to Salzburg
26
Friday
1-Jun
Salzburg
B
City tour; Eagle's Nest
27
Saturday
2-Jun
Innsbruck
B, D
Innsbruck City tour then Imst
28
Sunday
3-Jun
Munich
B, D
Travel day to Munich; Castle; Weis Church
29
Monday
4-Jun
Munich
B
City tour; Nymphenburg Palace
30
Tuesday
5-Jun
Munich
free
B
Free day
31
Wednesday
6-Jun
RETURN
B
Return to US
Other Attractions:
While in the major cities, e.g., Frankfort, Cologne, Berlin, etc., we
will have some free time to explore the local cultural, historical,
architectural, and related sights on your own. Below are some
sights that may be of interest in the various cities.
Frankfurt
Historical Museum - This outstanding museum was established in
1878 and houses exhibits that portray the history and culture of
Frankfurt. The museum has a great collection, including gold and
silver plate ware and jewelry; pottery and porcelain; paintings;
lithographs; photographs; and models of the Altstadt. The museum
is open Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from 10h00 - 17h00; Wednesday from
16h00 - 20h00; Friday 10h00 - 14h00; and Saturday 13h00 - 17h00.
Admission is $4.80 for adults; $2.60 for children 6 - 18; and children
under 6 are free.
The Palmengarten - This beautiful park and botanical garden has
been recently renewed and all the historic greenhouses restored. The
park has a perennial garden; an expanded rock garden; and a beautiful
rose garden. There is also an exhibition hall for flower shows and
other botanical exhibitions, surrounding the 1869 palm house. Recently
a few new conservatories have been added, including a Tropicarium;
Sub-Antarctic House; and Entrance Conservatory. The park is open daily,
March to September 09h00 - 20h00; October and February 09h00 - 18h00;
and November to January 09h00 - 16h00. Admission is $4.20 for adults;
$1.80 for children; or $9 for a family ticket.
Liebieghaus - This sculpture museum, housed in an 1896 villa, is
along with Bargello in Florence one of the most important in Europe.
Its extensive collection includes, objects from ancient Egypt;
classical Greece and Rome; medieval and Renaissance Europe. Some of the
museum's highlights are a small 8th century BC bronze horse and Roman
copies of the Torso of Polycletus; Praxiteles's Satyr; and Myron's
Athena. The museum is open Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday from 10h00 -
17h00 and Wednesday from 10h00 - 20h00. Admission is $4.80 for adults
and $2 for children and seniors.
Zoo Frankfurt - The Frankfurt zoo is one of the top attractions
of the city. The zoo has many animals and also takes part in the
European Endangered Species Program, and presently supervise 150
species. Some of the most popular animal houses at the zoo are the
Exotarium, with many fish; lizards; crocodiles; and other reptiles and
insects, the Seal Cliffs, the Big Cat Jungle, and the Grzimek House.
The zoo is open daily from 09h00 - 19h00 in summer and from 09h00 -
17h00 in winter. Admission is $9.60 for adults; $4.80 for children; and
$24 for a family ticket.
Dom St. Bartholomaus - The 15th century red-sandstone tower of
the Dom is the dominant feature of the Altstadt. Inside its chapels the
emperors of the Roman Empire were elected and crowned for almost 300
years. The Dom was destroyed by Allied bombers in 1944 and was rebuilt
in 1953. The Dom museum is located in the cloister and has many
exhibitions including robes of the imperial electors. The Dom is open
daily from 09h00 - 12h00 and 14h00 - 18h00, admission is free. The
museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 10h00 - 17h00 and weekends 11h00
-17h00, admission is $2.4 for adults and $1.20 for children.
Stadel Gallery - This is the most important art gallery in
Frankfurt, and houses a collection of most European schools of
painting. On the first floor there are French Impressionists like
Renoir and Monet, and German painters of the 19th and 20th centuries.
On the second floor there is an excellent collection of Flemish
primitives; 17th century Dutch artists; and 16th century German masters
including Durer; Grunewald; Memling; and Elsheimer. The gallery is open
Wednesday and Thursday from 10h00 - 22h00, Tuesday; Friday; Saturday;
and Sunday from 10h00 - 20h00. Admission is $7.20 for adults; $6 for
children 12 and older; and children under 11 are free.
German Film Museum - This is the best film museum in Germany, and
showcases the history of film and its development. It has an extensive
collection of old films, which are shown continuously on the second
floor. On the first floor exhibits chronicle the history of the film
making industry, displays include Emile Reynaud's 1882 Praxinoscope;
Edison's Kinetoscope from 1889; and a copy of the Lumiere brothers'
Cinematograph from 1895. The museum is open Tuesday, Thursday and
Sunday from 10h00 - 17h00; Wednesday and Friday from 10h00 - 20h00; and
Saturday from 14h00 - 20h00. Admission is $3 for adults and $1.80 for
children and students.
Cologne
Cologne Cathedral - The cathedral has been Cologne's most famous
landmark for centuries, and is the top architectural monument in
Germany. The church was built from 1248 till 1880 when it was
finally completed. The churches top attraction is the Sarcophagus of
Epiphany, which dates back to the 13th century. There are also a number
of relics and works of art housed in the cathedral's treasure
chamber. The cathedral is open daily from 07h00 - 18h00, except
during religious services; the tower is open daily from 09h00 - 17h00;
and the treasury is open Monday to Saturday from 09h00 - 17h00.
Admission to the cathedral is free, and to the treasury and tower is
$2.60 for adults and $1.40 for children.
Chocolate Museum - The Chocolate Museum is located in the former
harbor and was opened in 1993, it is housed in a building designed in
the shape of a ship's prow. The museum displays exhibits on chocolate's
3,000 year history, tracing back to it's beginnings in South America
right up to the present day. There is also a chocolate factory that
makes some of the most delicious chocolates for visitors to sample. The
museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 10h00 - 18h00 and weekends from
11h00 - 19h00. Admission is $7.25 for adults and $4.20 for children.
Museum Ludwig - This beautiful museum houses one of the world's
biggest collections of the works of Pablo Picasso. Irene Ludwig donated
774 works of Picasso to the museum. Works on display in the museum
include 49 unique works; 29 ceramics; 37 works in paper; 15 relief
plates; and 681 graphic prints. The museum is open from Tuesday to
Friday 10h00 - 18h00 and weekends 11h00 - 18h00. Admission is $10.30
for adults and $5.35 for children and students.
Cologne Zoo - The Cologne Zoo is the third oldest zoo in Germany,
and is one the most popular places to visit in Cologne. The zoo has
many attractions, including an elephant house; monkey island; owl
house; aquarium; and many more. There are also cafes and snack
shops that sell a wide range of refreshments, as well as the Zoo-venir
shop that sells souvenirs. The zoo is open daily from 09h00 -
18h00 in summer and 09h00 to 17h00 in winter Admission is $10.30
for adults and $5 for children.
Berlin
Botanical Garden - This garden contains a large collection of
indigenous European and exotic plants; the big palm house is one of the
largest in the whole world. The garden also has a large arboretum; a
garden for blind visitors; and a garden with water plants. The
garden is open everyday from 09h00 - 20h00. Admission is $3 for adults;
$1.50 for children over 6; and children under 6 are free. The museum is
open from Tuesday to Sunday 10h00 - 17h00 and admission is free.
Berlin Zoo-Aquarium - This is Germany's oldest zoo and was
founded in 1844. The zoo is massive and covers almost the whole
southwest corner of the Tiergarten. The zoo is home to over 13,000
different animals, most of them live in large and open natural
habitats. It also has Europe's best and most modern birdhouse, which
has over 550 different species of birds. The aquarium is just as
amazing as the zoo, with over 9,000 fish; reptiles; amphibians;
insects; and many other marine creatures. The terrarium inside the
aquarium houses crocodiles; Komodo dragons; and tuataras. The aquarium
also has a large collection of snakes; lizards; and turtles.
Admission to the zoo is $8 for adults and $3.75 for children. Admission
to the aquarium is $8 for adults and $3.75 for children. A combined
ticket for both costs $12 for adults and $6 for children. They are open
daily from 09h00 - 18h00.
Egyptian Museum - This is one of the best Egyptian museums in the
world and is housed in the palace's east guardhouse. The museum's
prized exhibit is the colored bust of Queen Nefertiti, which dates back
to 1360 BC and was discovered in 1912. Other noteworthy attractions
include the head of Queen Tiy; the head of a priest in green stone; and
the amazing Kalabasha Gateway, which was built by Emperor Augustus in
30 BC. There are also other displays containing jewelry; papyrus;
tools; weapons; and objects relating to the Egyptian belief in the
afterlife. The museum is open from Tuesday to Friday 10h00 -
18h00, and Saturday and Sunday 11h00 - 18h00. Admission is $4 for
adults; $2 for children; and free admission on the first Sunday of
every month.
Berlin Cathedral - The Berlin Cathedral was the church of the
Kaisers and the former court cathedral of Prussia's Royal family. It
was built between 1894 - 1905 during the reign of Kaiser Wilhelm II.
The beautiful interior was designed by Julius Raschdorff in the late
1800s, attractions inside include the Sermon Chapel with its golden
altar frieze depicting the 12 apostles; the amazing Sauer organ; and
the outstanding sarcophagi of the Great Elector and Electress Dorothea,
King Friedrich I and Queen Sophie Charlotte. Admission is $6.20 for
adults and $4 for seniors; students; and children.
Marzahn Recreational Park - The park was opened in 1987 during
Berlin's 750th celebrations. It covers 21 hectares and has various
areas, including the Yellow Garden; the White Garden; and the
Rhododendron Grove. The park also has playgrounds; areas for sunbathing
and ball games; and the figures from Grimm's fairytales. The Chinese
Garden is the largest found outside China, the Garden of the Reclaimed
Moon has gentle rolling hills; a miniature Chinese Wall; bridges and
rocks; and its centerpiece is a 4,500 square meter lake. A few new
areas have recently opened, there is now a Japanese Garden; Balinese
garden; and Garden of three harmonies. The park has a lot to offer and
is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Admission
is $3 for adults; $1.50 for students; and children are free.
Brandenburg Gate - The Brandenburg Gate is one of the most famous
sights of Berlin and should be on any tourist’s list of things to see.
This sandstone structure was built between 1788 - 1791, and has 12
Doric columns and is based on the Acropolis in Athens. On either side
six Doric columns support the 11 meter-deep transverse beam, which
divides the gate into five passageways. The gate was crowned in 1794
with the quadriga and goddess of victory created by Schadow, that looks
eastwards over the city centre.
Knaack Klub Berlin - This is possibly the hottest and most
popular club in Berlin, and is frequented by a mixed group of young
people that want to party and have fun. The club has 4 different levels
and plays a mix of the best music from 80s; 70s; to crossover; punk;
rock; and metal. There are also regular live performances by the many
of the world's top bands and artists, held at the club. This is the
place to go when in Berlin, if you're looking to have the best party of
your life.
First Floor - This is one of the best restaurants in Berlin,
located near the Tiergarten on the first floor of the Palace Berlin
Hotel. They serve a wide range of excellent regional German and French
dishes. Some of the specialties include terrine of veal with
arugula-flavored butter; Bresse chicken; guinea fowl stuffed with foie
gras and served with a truffled vinaigrette sauce; and a cassoulet of
lobster and broad beans. This restaurant is the place to go to sample
some local cuisine at it's best. The prices are a little above average,
but the excellent food and memorable dining experience are well worth
the extra money.
Berlin Film Museum - The museum houses exhibitions and displays
about the history of German cinema. One of the main focuses of the
museum is the link between the Berlin and Hollywood film
industries. The extensive collection of the museum includes a
million stills of scenes; portraits; and productions, as well as with
30,000 screenplays; 20,000 posters; and 60,000 film programs. The
museum is open from Tuesday - Sunday 10h00 - 18h00. Admission is $6 for
adults and $4 for seniors; students; and children.
Warsaw
The Old Town Market Square - The Square is definitely worth a
visit as it is full of life both by day and by night. You will be able
to listen to professional and amateur musicians, watch theatrical
groups give performances and there are also street artists whose work
you can admire while strolling around the Square. From the square you
can take a leisurely walk through romantic alleys and defensive walls
that all lead to the Vistula River. All around the square there are
cafes and restaurants where you can relax and enjoy a delicious
specialty and a glass of well-aged wine. Also located in the Market
Square is the Historical Museum, which reflects Warsaw’s history from
the beginning to present day.
Krakowskie Przedmiescie Street - This street has been for
centuries a favorite for both residents and visitors. Taking a walk
along this street is a must as you will be able to see the flashing
lights of limousines on their way to the Presidential Palace. Along
this street you will also find the churches of St. Anne’s, St Joseph,
and the Church of the Nuns of the Visitation and the Holy Cross Church
all of whom will welcome visitors to enter. This street is always busy
with guests from the luxurious Bristol and Europejski hotels taking a
stroll, plus the students from the Warsaw University.
The Castle Square - The square is home to the oldest secular
monument, that of Sigimund’s Column which was erected in 1644. This
Column erected in honor of King Sigismund III Vasa, was the principal
person to have the capital of Poland moved from Krakow to Warsaw in
1596. From the square you will be able to take a walk along the Royal
Tract, where you will discover more about the history of Warsaw. The
walk is only about an hour long and will take you to the Royal Castle
and the Palaces in Kazienki and Wilanow. It is a delightful walk with
plenty of places of interest such as various palaces, churches,
bourgeois houses, historic parks and government buildings.
The Palace of Culture and Science - The Palace of Culture and
Science is located in the city centre and has been the central point of
the city since 1955. It is an excellent landmark for tourists who do
not know the city, as it is the highest building in Poland and
dominates Warsaw. The palace has many murals, statues and stucco work
which commemorate the working class and which represents the strength
and resistance of workers from villages and towns. The palace is open
to visitors and the whole building can be seen from the basement to the
viewing room on the 30th floor. However, the machine room is not
accessible for safety reasons.
Royal Castle - Although the Royal Castle is only celebrating its
20th anniversary, the fact is that it has been in existence from the
16th century, when it functioned as the Royal Residence of the Mozavian
Princes. When the capital was moved in 1596 to Warsaw it was completely
reconstructed. The castle has been destroyed and reconstructed twice
since then; first in the late 17th century during Swedish invasion and
again in 1944 during the Second World War. It wasn’t until the late
1970’s that building began again on the reconstruction of the castle
and in 1984 it opened its doors to the public. Visitors will find many
of the original decorations and works of art inside, which were saved
during the war years. At present the Kubicki arcades are being built
and will house galleries, shops and restaurants.
The Botanical Garden - There is a rich assortment of plants,
trees and monuments in the Botanical Gardens, which is run by the
Warsaw University. Visitors to the gardens will find plenty to admire
from the common oak and European hornbeam to the beautiful rose garden.
The splendid decorative section is worth a visit as many different
plants, from annuals to fuchsias have been used to form multi-colored
patterns. Next to the Astronomical Observatory the visitor will find
magnificent flowerbeds of annuals with colored leaves, which have been
designed in geometric shapes. Also to be found here are the herb
gardens, the splendid alpine garden with plants from European mountains
and in the pools different colored water lilies.
Jazz in the Square - This festival runs from July to August and
is held in the Old Town Square. This annual festival has become one of
Warsaw’s most recognised cultural festivals. The event draws more than
4,000 people to the Old Town Square and is dominated by music premieres
and international projects especially for the festival. The festival
attracts top jazz musicians from the US, Sweden and Israel. The
concerts are free and all start at 7pm
Fret@Porter - This restaurant is located on the New Town Square
and has both indoor and outdoor seating. The interior is fairly dark
and eccentric, but very pleasant. The menu is varied with meals such as
braised goat cheese en curette with mixed greens and a light dressing,
a truly delicious French onion soup and filet of sole almondine with
shrimp linguini, to name but a few of the moderately priced dishes. The
food is of a high quality and the presentation is first-rate. The
members of staff are pleasant and are very willingly to discuss the
menu; however, they are not intrusive which makes for a very pleasant
eating experience.
Blue Cactus - This Mexican restaurant is located next to Moskie
Oko Park and is highly recommended. Enjoy a pleasant evening with good
food in a really great atmosphere. The diner will find the decor bright
and vibrant, even the tables and chairs a brightly painted; however,
the overall effect is one of relaxation. You will find a large
selection of meals available, from the standard Tex-Mex meal to
something more elegant like goat cheese salad and roasted garlic soup.
The servings for the main dishes are plenty, especially the paella,
which can serve two and the prices are moderate. The members of staff
who all appear very energetic are also attentive but not intrusive.
Krakow
The Main Market Square (Rynek Glowny) - Krakow is steeped in
history and the best place to start your experience is here at the main
Market Square. A really good way to explore Krakow is by walking. The
square began operations as early as 1257 when the Great Royal Charter
was granted. In the square you will find the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice),
which has survived to this day; it started as a place to trade cloth
and used to be the main seat of the National Museum. You will also find
the tiny church of St Adalbert (Woiciech or Voitek) and the bigger St
Mary’s church with its two slender spiraled towers. The square also has
numerous restaurants and cafes where you can relax and enjoy watching
the world go by.
Wawel Hill - To reach Wawel Hill you will walk up one of the
city’s most important and ancient streets, Kanonicza Street, which is
short, narrow and very much alive and has not changed much over the
centuries. Once you reach the top of Wawel Hill you will find Wawel
Castle, which is full of interesting chambers full of exhibitions that
cannot be missed. There are the royal chambers and stately rooms and
the most amazing Flemish tapestries. There are collections of Oriental
art and Military trophies and archaeological specimens. Outside there
is the beautiful arcaded courtyard, the cathedral and the ringed castle
walls. There is so much to see that one visit may not be enough.
Cafe Sukiennice - This restaurant situated right in the heart of
the Old Town Square has a vibrant atmosphere with an added attraction
of having good International or traditional Polish fare. The service is
excellent and definitely worth a visit. If the weather is good you can
sit outside and admire the Renaissance arcades of the Cloth Hall, even
at night, as the main square is lit up. Or sit inside to a truly
delicious candle-lit dinner. The cafe has regular fashion shows or
Karaoke nights, which will certainly raise the spirits after a long day
of sightseeing. For those who are not hungry and would just like
something to drink, try the coffee, as they a huge selection from
around the world.
St. Mary’s Tower - The tower is also known as the Watch Tower or
Bugle Tower and is the only tower in the world where for the last six
hundred years a bugle has been played. To reach the top of the tower
requires a bit of energy as you have to climb 239 steps to be able to
hear and see this wonderful sight. As you reach the top, you will be
cheerfully greeted by the bugle players. The bugle players are members
of the fire service, the last magicians of Krakow. In the old days the
bugles were played from the towers and gates of Krakow to announce the
beginning and end of the day. Those caught outside the gates at night
had to wait for the reopening of the gates at sunrise. The Tower is
open from 1 May – 31 August every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday: Times
are from 9am – 11.30am and 1pm – 5.30pm
St. Mary's Church - This historic church dominates the Krakow
skyline when lit at night and it is from here that the bugle call rings
out every hour, on the hour, across the city, no matter the weather.
This is the largest church in Krakow and after the Wawel Cathedral the
most important place of worship. The interior is full of gold and
studded tombs and memorials and may not be to everyone’s taste.
However, stay awhile and explore the interior as you will find some
really fine treasures of tombs, sculptures and beautiful stained-glass
windows (especially when the sun shines through during the late
afternoon). The most memorable piece is probably Veit Stoss’s
exceptional alter piece.
Mikolajczyki Amber - There are plenty of shopping opportunities
in Krakow and this little amber shop with its old statue of Christ
above the doorway is a gem, even if it’s only to window shop. They have
the most amazing pieces of amber jewelry, such as necklaces with
perfectly sculptured beads, chess sets in shades of amber and art
nouveau style lamps. This is definitely a treasure trove and the
selection is absolutely stunning with a bonus of it being tax-free.
Este Gallery of Curiosities - This charming shop in Krakow is
located in a really lovely townhouse in the Old Town, which just adds
to its appeal. Unlike most curiosity shops where you will only find an
occasional treasure, the Este shop is a place where you could spend the
whole day just walking around checking out all that they stock. Here
you will find items from antique Chinese furniture to prints by Polish
artists.
Prague
Staromestske (Old Town Square) - This is the most impressive
square in Prague, and is the lifeblood of the city. The Square has been
the city’s principal market place since the 11th century. The vividly
colored houses look as if they date from the 18th century but much
older buildings are hidden behind the facades. This Square along
with Wenceslas has been the scene of most of the country’s brutal
demonstrations and altercation’s. Most of Prague’s busiest shops, pubs
and restaurants are located around here and the Old Town as they have
been for hundreds of years. Just off from the square is the Pold Town
with its warren of narrow streets.
Josefov (Old Jewish Quarter) – Situated in the Old Town is what
is left of the once vibrant district of Josefov, Prague's former Jewish
ghetto. Hitler, strangely enough, ordered the preservation of several
of the synagogues, a medieval cemetery and a town hall. This was to
provide a site for “ An Exotic Museum of an Extinct Race. To this end,
Jewish artefacts were brought here from all over central Europe. This
is now one of the largest and most priceless collections of Judaica in
Europe.
Stary zidovsky hrbitov (Old Jewish Cemetery) – Situated at the
heart of Josefov, the cemetery was established in the fifteenth century
and was in use until 1787. By then there were something like 100,000
people buried here, one body on top of the other. The authorities have
had to rope off the graves to protect them against the huge number of
visitors. The oldest grave, dates from 1439 and every headstone bears a
symbol, which indicates the profession or tribe of the deceased.
Prazsky hrad - The Castle provides the picture-postcard image of
Prague. It is lit up at night, and looks awe-inspiring. It’s been
through some golden ages but the dark days including those of Stalin’s
purges have all left their mark here. Although it is still the official
residence of the president there are several galleries and museums in
the grounds and the public are free to explore the area.
The UPM or Umelecko-prumyslove museum - The Museum of Decorative
Arts is one of the most fascinating museums in Prague. The UPM houses
the finest works of the Czech modern movement. this ranges from Art
Nouveau to the avant-garde. Of particular interest is the treasure
hall, which is a sort of modern-day cabinet of curiosities, which has
everything from ivory objets d'art and hard stone mosaics, to miniature
silver furniture. Watch out for the Bohemian garnet jewelry and the Art
Nouveau, Cubist metalwork.
Mala Strata terraced gardens - are tucked away behind the Baroque
palaces on Valdstejnska. If you want to spend an hour or so chilling
out these gardens are the place to come. The views over Prague are
stunning. The restoration of the gardens took a very long time but they
are all now open to the public except for the Polish Embassy's
Furstenberska zahrada.
The Karluv most, (Charles Bridge) - The bridge has, for over four
hundred years, been the only link between the two halves of Prague and
is the city's most well-known edifice. It's an extraordinary piece of
medieval engineering and interspersed along its length are some
wonderful, mainly Baroque statues. Set against the backdrop of the
Castle, the effect is tremendous. The bridge is closed to vehicles, and
is a very popular place to hang out, whatever the time of day or night.
Maly Uvoz 46 - Mala Strana Prague, teahouses are generally, in
contrast to the pubs, non-smoking, quiet, relaxed places where you can
enjoy a one of the enormous range of teas available and chill out. Tea
drinking is taken very seriously in the city and some of the teas on
offer are very expensive. This teahouse is very representative of
Prague teahouse decor, it has a Buddhist altar in situated in a corner
and the menu offers a selection of lovely vegetarian Vietnamese snacks.
U medvidku (The Little Bears) - This Prague beer hall dates back
to the thirteenth century and has remained more or less the same ever
since. The beer is good, the service excellent and the Czech food are
reasonable. You should make a note that in Prague pubs its usual to
share a table with other customers and most pubs have waiter service.
Terezin - is sobering to realise that just a one-hour bus journey
out of Prague takes you to the site of one of Hitler’s World War 11
concentration camps. Nazi propaganda declared that the camp was
an idyllic spa resort where Jews were able to educate their children
and lead a “fulfilling life”. In reality over 30,000 people died here
and many more were transported on to death camps such as
Auschwitz. The Ghetto Museum in the town displays children’s art
from the ghetto along with adult work and many documents of the time.
Salzburg
Mozart’s Geburtshaus - One of the popular attractions in Salzburg
is this, the house where the town’s most famous citizen was born. You
will find the house on Getreidegasse in the Old Town, it has been
lovingly preserved as a museum containing some of the great composers
instruments such as his piano, harpsichord and violin. A visit here
will enlighten one as to Mozart’s life and his massive influence on
classical composition.
Mirabellgarten - These delightful gardens can be found in the
Andraviertel neighborhood, the train stops at Mirabellplatz. The
impressive Schloss Mirabell was built on the commission of Archbishop
Wolf Dietrich in 1606 and the gardens surround the palace, they are
open to all and free. The park can be enjoyed all year round and is a
wonderful break from the bustle of town, with the many fountains,
statues, balustrades and the show of flowers in season is stunning.
Salzburger Konzertgesellschaft - You definitely will not be the
only tourist at this must do in Salzburg. As the name suggests this
soiree celebrates the famous composers works in a unique way. The
musicians wear costumes that Mozart would be familiar with and you will
enjoy a three-course meal at the same time. The venue is St Peters
Abbey near the Herbert-v-Karajan Platz train station and it is totally
in keeping with the vibe Mozart would have been familiar with, so come
and be transported back to a time when life was simpler.
Dinners are held most nights, but check out the site at
www.salzburg-concerts.com
Mirabell Grodig - You will find this specialty shop in the
Salzburg Umgebung area. Famous for the sweet delicacy of Mozartkugel
(Mozart Ball), which is a chocolate ball filled with nougat, creme and
marzipan, invented in Salzburg by Paul Furste in 1890. These chocolates
are manufactured here in a very special way, going through 14 different
machine processes before the finished product is consumed. You can
purchase the seconds at the factory shop here for a fraction of the
retail price.
Festung Hohensalzburg - This 11th century fortress is located a
quarter hours walk up a hill from the Old Town (There is a funicular
that runs from St Peters Cemetery) which is rewarded by the most
fantastic views all around the city and as far as the Alps. The castle
dominates the town and is one of Europe’s largest. The many enemies
through its most interesting history of which it’s worth hiring a guide
to explain have never conquered the castle. On site you will discover a
Benedictine Convent, which was where the real Maria portrayed in the
famous film “The Sound of Music”, taught and married the Captain Von
Trapp. You will be excused for bursting out in song at this point!
Haus Der Natur - This fascinating Natural History Museum is
located in the heart of the Old Town is the perfect place to escape the
elements for a few hours. There are 80 rooms stuffed with ancient
minerals, flora, fauna and even an Aquarium with a stunning display of
tropical fish. The reptile house is home to over 200 species in their
terrariums. This museum is well thought out as to the exhibits, display
and explanations and one of the few places in town that hardly mentions
Mozart. So if you tire of hearing the name here is your refuge.
Bad Durrnberg Salt Mine - Its well worth the short trip (Half
hour south of Salzburg by bus or train) to the town of Hallein to
discover the reason Salzburg got its name. Salt has been mined in the
area for about 4,500 years and is the mineral that bought prosperity to
the area. Today tourism has replaced salt mining as a money-spinner.
The visitor to the mine is given a pair of overalls and taken by a
small train underground, and there is a raft to transport one across
the salt lake. The experience is very commercial, but the well-informed
guides will educate you.
Stiftskeller St. Peter – This restaurant, which claims the title
of The Oldest Restaurant in Europe, is located in the Old Town at
Hanuschplatz. The restaurant is in the monastery of St Peter that dates
back to 803. The monks are long gone, but the atmosphere remains.
Excellent Austrian cuisine is served and the monks did leave some of
their favorite recipes behind including Monastery Stew and St Peters
Fish, which the chef has taken and improved slightly. Try for a table
in “Richardstube” an atmospheric vaulted cellar.
Munich
Botanical Garden - The Botanical Garden was designed in 1909 -
1914 and is situated on the grounds of Nymphenburg Castle. The garden
has over 15,000 different kinds of plants and covers a very large area.
It is a perfect place to take a relaxing stroll through nature, or go
and relax at the lake with the ducks and frogs. The garden has many
different areas, including the schmuckhof; spring garden; arboretum;
rock garden; rose garden; and many greenhouses. The garden is open
daily from 09h00 - 17h00. Admission is $2.60 for adults and $1.20 for
children.
Alte Pinakothek - This is one of the most important art museums
in Germany and has the best collections in Europe. The museum is housed
in a neoclassical building, and contains a collection of 900 paintings
from the 14th to the 18th century. Highlights of the collection include
Albrecht Altdorfer; Rembrandt; Rubens; and works by other Dutch and
Flemish masters. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday 10h00 -
17h00. Admission is $6 for adults $4.20 for students and children under
14 are free.
Olympiapark - The Olympic complex was originally built for the
1972 Olympic Games, and is now used for a wide range of leisure
activities from sports events to concerts. The Olympic Tower, which is
287m high, offers amazing views over the city and is open from 09h00 -
24h00. The canopy roof, which covers the Olympic Stadium; the Olympic
Swimming Pool; and the Olympiahalle, is one of the most interesting
sights to see. The Olympic Stadium is home to one of Europe's top
football teams, FC Bayern Munich.
Hellabrunn Zoo - The zoo is located in the Tierpark Hellabrunn,
and is one of the largest zoos in the world and has hundreds of animals
living in natural habitats. There is also a large children's zoo, where
children can get up close and personal with some of the animals. The
zoo is open everyday from 08h00 - 18h00 in summer and in winter from
09h00 - 17h00. Admission is $7.25 for adults; $5.45 for seniors and
students; $3.65 for children aged 4 - 14; and children under 3 are free.
Englischer Garten - This is one of the oldest English style
gardens in Europe, it is also one of the largest municipal gardens. The
garden is a popular place with people wanting to get away from the
hustle and bustle of the city and relax amongst nature. The garden has
many facilities on offer, including a Chinese pagoda with beer garden;
the Monopteros Greek temple; a river; and a boating lake. A traditional
tea ceremony is held in the Japanese teahouse. The park is always open.
Toy Museum - This museum is a great place to take the children to
learn about the history of toys. The museum has a large collection of
historical toys and other things related to toys and toy making. There
are many interactive and informative displays throughout the museum.
The museum is open everyday from 10h00 - 17h00. Admission is $4 for
adults; $1.20 for children; and $8 for a family.
Michaelskirchev - The church was built in 1583 and is the largest
Renaissance church north of the Alps. It also has the world's second
largest barrel-vaulted roof. Many famous people have been laid to rest
in the crypt of the church, including Duke Wilhelm; more than 40
Wittelsbachs; and "Mad" King Ludwig II. The church is open everyday
from 09h00 - 19h00; the crypt is open Monday to Friday from 10h00 -
13h00 and 15h00 - 16h45, and Saturdays from 10h00 - 15h00. Admission is
free.
