The Lira Ensemble
Performing Arts of Poland and America
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
invites you to be part of its highly praised
TOUR OF SOUTHERN POLAND
THURSDAY, JUNE 24th to WEDNESDAY, JULY 7th, 2010
featuring music, culture, history and lots of fun
personally escorted by LUCYNA MIGALA
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR/GENERAL MANAGER of the LIRA ENSEMBLE and an EXPERIENCED TOUR GUIDE
Lira will show you the Poland of your dreams during this 13-day tour of
WARSAW * KRAKOW * CZESTOCHOWA * ZAKOPANE * CHOPIN’S BIRTHPLACE * WROCLAW * AND MORE
Please Note: This is a tour for tourists only. Lira artists do not come along on this tour.
The Lira Tour begins with a get-acquainted evening in Chicago on Wednesday, June 23rd
featuring a gourmet Polish dinner. (We promise not to keep you up late!)
Our tour flies non-stop to & from Warsaw on LOT Polish Airlines wide-body Boeing 767 jets.
We travel in Poland on an ultra-modern, air-conditioned motorcoach with an airplane-type bathroom on board.
THIS TOUR INCLUDES:
FIRST CLASS HOTELS * ALL TOURS & TRANSPORTATION * BAGGAGE HANDLING * MOST TIPS
ALL ADMISSIONS TO CONCERTS & OTHER PERFORMANCES
THREE MEALS A DAY - EXCEPT FOR THREE LUNCHES & TWO DINNERS ON YOUR OWN, AS INDICATED BELOW
Thursday, June 24th |
We depart from O'Hare Airport on LOT Airlines in the evening, enjoy dinner over the Atlantic and breakfast over Europe. All meals/refreshments onboard, including wine and beer (should you want them), are covered in your tour price. We nap/sleep or watch a movie or two and land in Warsaw, Poland’s heroic capital city, on Friday afternoon. |
Friday, June 25th |
We arrive in Warsaw about 2pm and transfer to the Sheraton, one of Warsaw's finest hotels. We tour historic Old Town and New Town Market in Poland’s capital city and see a short documentary film about the tragic plight of Warsaw during World War II. Since 2010 marks the Bicentennial of the Birth of Frederic Chopin – Poland’s most famous composer, we begin our tour with a private concert of his piano music in an historic setting, followed by dinner at “Polka,” one of Warsaw’s newest and most charming restaurants. Then we overnight at our hotel. |
Saturday, June 26th |
We enjoy a breakfast buffet at our hotel, with a large choice of Polish, Continental, and American dishes. Then we tour the magnificent, recently restored Royal Castle. We lunch at the “Sekret” restaurant in Old Town, which has an international reputation. We tour the newly opened, state-of-the-art Chopin Museum in the Ostrogski Palace, built to honor the Bicentennial. We follow Warsaw’s Royal Route with its many palaces, including those where Chopin lived and performed. After a brief stop at our hotel to change, we have dinner at “Belvedere”- one of the best restaurants in Poland, which is set in an historic royal orangery. Next we have a special treat. The National Opera will still be open this year, so we visit this beautiful art deco building and see the exciting opera “Carmen” by Georges Bizet. |
Sunday, June 27th
|
After breakfast at our hotel, we attend Mass (if you like) at Holy Cross Church where Chopin’s heart is buried. Then, we drive to Zelazowa Wola, Chopin’s birthplace. After lunch in the countryside, we drive to the village of Brochow, to the church where Chopin was baptized. We drive on to Lowicz, the Mazovian town known for its colorful folk paper cutouts, for a folk art presentation and folk entertainment at the unusual home of Kasia and Wojtek Gronecki, who serve us a homemade, home-grown dinner. Then back to the Sheraton Hotel for the night. |
Monday, June 28th |
Breakfast is at the hotel, then we drive into the suburbs to see Wilanow, known as the Polish Versailles. It was the summer residence of King Jan III Sobieski, who saved Europe from a Turkish invasion at the Battle of Vienna in 1683. Driving back to Warsaw, we stop at the Chopin monument and also see grand buildings and churches in the capital city. Lunch is at one of Warsaw’s fine restaurants, then we see the monument to heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto. Next we tour the new Museum of the Warsaw Uprising in 1944 to learn more about the history of this remarkable city. We have dinner before we return to our hotel for the night. |
Tuesday, June 29th |
After breakfast at the hotel, we drive southwest to the city of Lodz, Poland’s second largest city, once an important industrial center. We do a short city tour of Lodz (pronounced “would-ge”) to see how Poland is recovering from communism. Lunch will feature local specialties, then on, to the city of Wroclaw, the capital of Lower Silesia to the new John Paul II Hotel. We tour Wroclaw’s charming Town Square. We have a group dinner reservation at perhaps the best spot in town, the Czarist Royal Restaurant, where you have your first chance in Poland to make your own menu choices and pay individually. Then back to our hotel for the night. |
Wednesday, June 30th |
Our breakfast at the hotel is also a buffet, which is customary in Poland. We tour more of Wroclaw and see the Gothic Town Hall. We visit the marvelous Aula Leopoldina, decorated in the ultimate Baroque Rococo style, at the University of Wroclaw. We see the Raclawicka Panorama, the 360-degree painting of the Battle of Raclawice at which Tadeusz Kosciuszko led Polish troops in revolt against the Russians. Lunch is at a local restaurant, then some time for shopping, and we drive to Ksiaz Castle, one of the biggest in Poland, with 400 rooms. Then, back to Wroclaw for dinner and to our hotel for the night. |
Thursday, July 1st |
After breakfast at the hotel, we drive southeast into the beautiful Polish mountains - the Tatra Mountains, part of the Carpathian chain. The panoramas here are spectacular! We stop for lunch at the charming Kraskow Palace. After lunch, on to Zakopane, Poland’s most popular ski resort town, known for its distinctive architectural style with intricate wood carvings. We check into the Mercure Kasprowy Hotel, situated in a mountain meadow. We tour some of Zakopane’s beautiful churches and see its sights before we enjoy Highland specialties at one of the best of the many adorable restaurants in this city, then overnight at the Kasprowy. |
Friday, July 2nd |
After a good rest in the clean mountain air, we breakfast at the hotel, then continue our tour of Zakopane and “go up” as the highlanders say, to a mountaintop for some gorgeous scenery. We stop at the Orski Gallery of works by Polish-American artist Ryszard Orski. You will have time for shopping and there are lots of unusual, handmade folk art items and much more to see in charming shops and at Zakopane’s famous outdoor market. The air is fresh, perfect for a leisurely walk. Lunch is on your own at one of the numerous restaurants with local color and good food. In the evening, we enjoy a festive program of Highland folklore and a hearty mountaineer dinner before returning to the Kasprowy. |
Saturday, July 3rd |
Breakfast is at the hotel, then we take a restful - totally not dangerous - raft ride down the Dunajec River Gorge at the very southern border of Poland, with Slovakia on the other side of the river. We enjoy Polish country food for lunch, then drive to Debno to see an historic wooden church, typical of many in Poland. We continue on to Krakow, the capital of Malopolska (Little Poland - the heartland), which Conde Nast Traveler Magazine has called “the most European of all cities.” We check into the Krakow Sheraton, one of the best hotels in Poland, before heading to the famous Krakow Market Square. Dinner is at the famous Wierzynek Restaurant, a Cracovian tradition, and the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the world, for a wonderful meal. We return to the Sheraton for the night. |
Sunday, July 4th |
Breakfast at the Sheraton is always great, then we drive to the suburbs to Lagiewniki to see the new Sanctuary of Divine Mercy, begun by one of Poland’s newest saints, Sister Faustina. We hear Sunday Mass (if you like) and tour the complex. Then we tour Krakow to discover why it is so beloved by so many people. We visit Wawel Castle and Cathedral, the Sukiennice (an historic shopping mall), St. Next is free time to shop and for lunch on your own. We will point out many enchanting restaurants at various price levels. The food in Krakow is fantastic; the French frequently vacation here. You may also use this time to wander through Krakow’s cobblestone streets and see the sights. Since this is the Fourth of July, we will have a special celebratory dinner, then back to the Sheraton for the night. |
Monday, July 5th |
Breakfast is at the hotel before we drive to we drive to Czestochowa, the spiritual capital of Poland. We see the miraculous, historic painting of Our Lady and tour the monastery on the Mount of Light and. We will have the opportunity to request Masses to be celebrated at the foot of the painting, for friends and family, and also a chance to buy religious souvenirs at Czestochowa. We lunch at the delightful small palace in the village of Czarny Las. Then we drive to Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Nazi German concentration camp - an unforgettable experience. It is an extremely tragic, but important, part of Polish history. We stop at Wadowice, the birthplace of Pope John Paul the Great. Back in Krakow, briefly visit Kazimierz - the former Jewish district of Krakow. Then you have a evening off and you will have the opportunity to pick a restaurant because dinner is on your own. You may want to dine at one of the many outdoor cafes. The food is excellent and not pricey. We overnight at our hotel. |
Tuesday, July 6th |
After breakfast at the Sheraton, we drive to the suburbs to tour the famous Tyniec Monastery and to enjoy a short organ concert. The monks will serve us lunch, then we return to Krakow, stopping at the suburb of Nowa Huta to see the striking church that helped launch the career of Pope John Paul II. You will have some time for final shopping or resting. In the early evening, we tour the famous Wieliczka Salt Mine – which has to be seen to be believed. Our farewell dinner is in one of the salt chambers – a very unusual experience. We enjoy a Polish folk song and dance presentation before returning to the Sheraton. |
Wednesday, July 7th |
Do have a large breakfast this morning, because this day will be one of the longest of your life, due to your trans-Atlantic flight. We transfer to Krakow Airport early in the morning, arrive in Warsaw for a bit of duty-free airport shopping (or window shopping), then we depart for Chicago. When you arrive in Chicago, it will be nearly 10 hours later, but it will still be Wednesday afternoon in Chicago. |
PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change. And there will be some surprises!
The cost of the 2010 Tour of Southern Poland led by Lira Board Members is:
FROM CHICAGO: $5,449.00 PER PERSON, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY,
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT $850; CHILDREN OVER 12, FULL PRICE
PLUS $356.00 TAX , which is subject to change and has changed in the past.
You may depart from New York City at a somewhat different price.
You may also fly Business Class, if you like. Ask us about the additional charge.
Tour payments may be made by check only. Sorry, no credit cards.
PLEASE NOTE: A minimum of 21 adults must register for this tour, or the price will be $400.00 higher.
At least 16 people must register for the tour or it cannot take place.
Since the value of the US dollar in relation to the euro has been so erratic recently, we must also add:
If the dollar falls steeply, there may be an additional charge; if the dollar rises significantly, there may be a refund.
A portion of this price is deductible from your federal taxes. A tax receipt will be issued after the tour.
$1,000.00 DEPOSIT IS DUE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE - ANOTHER $1,000 ON APRIL 1st - BALANCE ON MAY 1st
THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER FOR THIS TOUR IS APRIL 20th
If you wish to remain in Poland after the tour, there is an additional airfare charge and you must send $1,500 as your first payment.
Lira can help arrange HOTELS, TRANSPORTATION and TOURS for your extended stay.
If you want to find your family, your ancestral city, town or village in Poland, Lira can suggest a trusted specialist in Poland withexcellent English.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 773-508-7040, OUTSIDE OF ILLINOIS, CALL 1-800-547-LIRA
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
HOTELS: Twin-bedded or double bedded rooms with bath or shower in first class or deluxe hotels. A limited number of single rooms are available at the supplementary charge of $850.00. Hotels subject to change.
TIPS & TAXES: Service charges, as imposed by hotels and taxes by local administrations and government authorities on accommodations, meals, and transportation, are included. Tips to local guides and baggage handlers at the airport and at hotels are included. It is customary for tour members to tip the tour guide and driver who travel with the tour, on the last day of the tour.
SIGHTSEEING & TRANSFERS: Sightseeing is as specified in the itinerary, including entrance fees, and subject to change. Transfer upon arrival and departure overseas by motorcoach between airport and hotel and vice versa if traveling with the tour group.
RESERVATIONS & PAYMENT: A deposit of $1,000.00 per person is required at the time of booking. A second installment of $1,000.00 is due April 1, 2010 and the balance is due on May 1, 2010. Reservations and payments are accepted with personal or bank checks only. Sorry, credit cards are not accepted for tour deposits or payments.
TRIP CANCELLATION, BAGGAGE AND MEDICAL INSURANCE: It is advisable to purchase insurance coverage for cancellation due to illness or accident. Applications for suggested insurance as well as baggage and travel insurance will be provided once tour deposits are received.
CANCELLATION AND REFUNDS: Cancellations must be in writing and the following cancellation charges per person will apply: Up to 61 days prior to departure - $500.00; 60-40 days prior to departure - 15% of the cost; 39-16 days prior to departure - 30% of the cost; 15 to 3 days prior to departure - 60% of the cost; within 2 days prior to departure - 100% of the cost.
YOUR RATE DOES NOT INCLUDE: Passport fees, taxes or tips on services not included in the itinerary; laundry or valet service; excess baggage charges; insurance of any kind; wines, liquors, or any food and beverages not on regular menus of included meals.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: A valid passport is required for all U.S. and Canadian citizens traveling to Poland. Your passport expiration date must be at least six months after your return to the U.S.
RESPONSIBILITY: The Lira Ensemble acts only as an agent for the hotels, airlines, bus companies or owners, operators or contractors providing accommodations, transportation, meals, tours, or other services and all vouchers, coupons, contracts and tickets issued are subject to any and all tariffs, terms and conditions under which the foregoing or any services whatsoever are provided by such hotels, airlines, bus companies or owners, operators or contractors. By the acceptance of the above, the tour member agrees to the foregoing and also agrees that the ensemble shall not be or become liable or responsible for any loss, injury or damage to person, property or otherwise in connection with any transportation, accommodation, meals, tour or other services referred to herein, or resulting from neglect or default of any person, corporation or other entity engaged to supply the same. The tour operator reserves the right to make changes in the itinerary, whenever, in their sole judgment, conditions warrant; or if they deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience or safety of the passengers. They can accept no responsibility for losses of additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine or other causes. All such losses must be borne by the passenger as tour rate provides for arrangement only for the specified. Such alterations may be made without penalty to the tour operator. The airline concerned is not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not aboard their planes or conveyance. The passenger contract in use by the airline concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the airlines and purchaser of this tour and/or passage.
###
THE LIRA ENSEMBLE
TOUR OF SOUTHERN POLAND
June 24th through July 7th, 2010
TOUR REGISTRATION FORM
Please use a separate form for each individual joining the tour. Each individual must sign personally.
Please print or type. This form may be duplicated.
LEGAL NAME as it appears on your passport (first, middle, surname)_______________________
ADDRESS_________________________________________________________________
CITY______________________________________STATE________________ ZIPCODE________________
HOME TELEPHONE________________________CELLPHONE____________________________________ E-MAIL ADDRESS____________________Please send all future tour information to be by e-mail_________
DATE OF BIRTH_________________________________________CITIZENSHIP_______
PASSPORT NUMBER_______________________________PASSPORT EXPIRATION DATE_____________________________________________________________________
I PLAN TO DEPART FROM: ___ CHICAGO ___ NEW YORK CITY
No visa is needed to visit Poland. Only a valid passport is required.
If you do not have a valid passport, please apply for one at a passport office or post office as soon as possible.
The closer to summer, the longer the lines at the passport office and the longer it takes to get your passport.
Passport offices are listed in the telephone directory under "Federal Government".
Do check your local post office first; many of them accept passport applications.
IMPORANT: Your passport expiration date must be at least six months after your return to the United States.
Would you like a single room throughout the tour? (Extra cost of $850.00)______________
If not, with whom are you sharing a room?________________________________________
Do you want us to find a roommate for you? __________________ Do you smoke? ______
If you are traveling with your spouse, do you prefer twins beds?___________Or a double bed?______________
Will you return with the tour on July 7th ? ____________If not, what is your return date? __
Note: An extended stay, past July 7th requires an additional airfare charge and a deposit of $1,500.00
(rather than $1,000). If you are planning an extended stay, please call the Lira office as soon as possible.
Would you like us to book hotels or arrange travel or tours for you in Poland after July 7th?
Would you like us to contact an expert to do research for you in Poland, for a fee?________________________
How did you learn of the Lira Tour?____________________________________________________________
DISCLAIMER: By making application for the above captioned trip sponsored by the Lira Ensemble, I hereby acknowledge that the Lira Ensemble (including its directors, officers, volunteers and employees) have no connection or responsibility with regard to the transportation or other facilities offered by the tour operator and airline making arrangements for the trip, and that the Lira Ensemble is not contracting parties with regard to any of the arrangements made or to be made. I understand that by signing this document I have contracted directly with the tour operator (Mazurkas Travel of Warsaw) and LOT Polish Airlines and that contractual responsibilities, if any, are directly between Mazurkas Travel, LOT Airlines, and me. I am fully cognizant of all risks of travel and arrangements for trip of this nature and fully disclaim, waive, and discharge the Lira Ensemble (including its directors, officers, volunteers, and employees) from any and all liability, claims, or responsibilities with regard to the proposed trip and arrangements made with respect thereto, even if caused by the negligence or purported negligence of the Lira Ensemble (including directors, officers, volunteers, and employees).
SIGNATURE OF TRAVELER______________________________________DATE______
Please send this completed form,
with a $1,000.00 deposit as a check payable to the Lira Ensemble, as soon as possible, to:
About The Ensemble | Concerts & Events Schedule | Ticket
Information
| Lira Recordings | The Lira Singers | The
Lira Dancers
|