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The Lira Ensemble announces
TWO TOURS OF SOUTHERN POLAND THIS SUMMER
A Multigenerational Tour for Children, Parents & Grandparents
leaving June 13th
A Tour for Adults
leaving June 27th
Please read the information below
TOUR FOR ADULTS
Dear Friend of the Lira Ensemble:
In the name of the Board of Directors of the Lira Ensemble, I invite you to join Lira's highly-praised tour of Southern Poland. We plan to offer a tour of Northern Poland and Lithuania in 2014.
The Lira Ensemble is a not-for-profit organization and is the only professional performing arts company in the US specializing in Polish music, song, and dance. We are a symphony orchestra, singers and dancers and are artist-in-residence at Loyola University Chicago. We have organized tours of Poland since 1993. I am a second generation tour director, trained by my parents who were very successful travel agents specializing in Poland.
Lira has become famous for its tours because we stress personal service, we spotlight the arts, folk and high culture, and history. We are experts on Poland, so we show you all the attractions, but also go to places and do things unavailable to most tourists. Our trips are like a group of friends visiting Poland, because they attract interesting, like-minded people whom I am certain you will enjoy. Ours is an exclusive tour; you will not be “bundled” with other groups. Our performers do not go along; these excursions are for only Lira supporters, audience members, their family and friends, but you do not need to be Polish to come along.
My intention is to explain why you should see what our unique tour has to offer: I lead discussions about Poland. We sing on the bus, we learn a bit of the Polish language, sample all kinds of delicious Polish cuisine, attend concerts and shows. And we have lots and lots of fun.
This is a first class tour, organized by the best travel company in Poland, with a state-of-the-art tour bus and the finest hotels – many of them new. Our price includes three meals a day, except for four lunches and one dinner, so you can choose your menu, or have a chance not to eat, because the Poles give us lots to eat – too good to leave on the plate.
Last year’s tour was a bit less expensive than in 2011, because the euro was rather weak in relation to the US dollar. Currently the euro is stronger, so our tour price is $170.00 more than last year’s Southern Tour. At least the airport tax is about the same as last year.
Our price is based on 21 people. If fewer register, we can still go, but the price will be about $400 higher. At least 16 people must register or we cannot go. If the tour is cancelled you get ALL of your money back.
At any price, this trip is a great value because we do not print fancy, full-color brochures and our advertising is mostly word-of-mouth. We put all your money into showing you a great time. Whatever is left, we use for our mission of bringing the best of Polish culture into American life. Since we are a charity, any excess income to us is considered a donation by you. After the tour, when all bills are paid, you will receive a tax receipt showing what amount you can deduct, which is usually about 8% of the tour price.
My husband, Frank Cizon, who is vice chair of Lira’s Board, and I love to run these tours. We do this as volunteers and we do it with great joy. Do join us this summer! Call me at 773-508-7040 or 1-800-547-5472 with any questions.
Sincerely,
Lucyna Migala, Artistic Director/General Manager - and Tour Director
The Lira Ensemble
Performing Arts of Poland and America
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
invites you to join its highly praised, exclusive
TOUR OF SOUTHERN POLAND
THURSDAY, JUNE 27th to WEDNESDAY, JULY 10th, 2013
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 14-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.
The Lira Tour begins with a get-acquainted evening in Chicago on Wednesday, June 26th
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 newest Boeing jets.
We travel in Poland on an ultra-modern, air-conditioned motorcoach.
THIS TOUR INCLUDES:
FIRST CLASS HOTELS * ALL TOURS & TRANSPORTATION * BAGGAGE HANDLING * NEARLY ALL TIPS *
ALL ADMISSIONS TO CONCERTS & OTHER PERFORMANCES
THREE MEALS A DAY, EXCEPT FOR FOUR LUNCHES & ONE DINNER ON YOUR OWN, AS INDICATED BELOW
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Thursday, June 27th
We depart from O'Hare Airport on LOT Airlines in the early 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, then land at Chopin Airport in Warsaw, Poland’s heroic capital city, on Friday morning.
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Friday, June 28th
We arrive in Warsaw about 10am and transfer our bags to the Sheraton in Three Crosses Square, one of Warsaw's finest hotels, while we begin touring immediately – we see the magnificent, recently restored Royal Castle, then see Warsaw’s historic Old Town and New Town Market and view a short documentary film about the tragic plight of Warsaw during World War II. We enjoy a light lunch in one of the charming restaurants in Old Town. We freshen up for our evening which begins with a private concert of music of Poland’s greatest composer: Frederic Chopin. Our welcoming dinner is at one of Warsaw’s most exclusive restaurants. Then we overnight at our hotel.
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Saturday, June 29th
We enjoy a breakfast buffet at our hotel, with a large choice of Polish, Continental, and American dishes. After breakfast, we follow Warsaw’s Royal Route with its many palaces, churches and monuments and see more of the capital city. We visit Wilanow Palace, the summer residence of King Jan III Sobieski, one of Poland’s greatest heroes, who saved Europe from Turkish invasion at the Battle of Vienna in 1683. We lunch at one of Warsaw’s famous restaurants. After lunch, we have some free time to shop or relax and re-fresh for our evening which begins with dinner at another of Warsaw’s elegant restaurants. We enjoy a Mozart opera, just as Amadeus would present it, as part of the internationally acclaimed Mozart Festival in the historic Warsaw Chamber Opera House, before driving back to our hotel for the night.
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Sunday, June 30th
After breakfast at our hotel, we attend Mass (if you like) at Holy Cross Church where Chopin’s heart is buried. Then, drive into the countryside to visit Zelazowa Wola, the birthplace of Frederic Chopin. Lunch is at a darling country restaurant. Next, we tour Nieborow Palace to experience the lifestyle of Polish wealthy magnate families. Then, we drive to Lowicz, the Mazovian town known for its colorful paper cutouts. We enjoy a folk art presentation and entertainment at the unusual home of Kasia and Wojtek Gronecki, We tour the ruins of the ancient castle they are restoring. They will serve us a homemade, home-grown dinner in their charming cottage. We drive back to Warsaw to our hotel for the night.
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Monday, July 1st
Breakfast is at the hotel, then we drive southwest to the city of Lodz, Poland’s second largest city, once an important industrial center. We do a short 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 (pronounced VROH-ts-wahf), the capital of Lower Silesia. 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 to make your own menu choices and pay individually. Then we overnight at the Radisson Blu Wroclaw.
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Tuesday, July 2nd
Our breakfast at the hotel is also a buffet, which is customary in Poland. Then we tour the city of Wroclaw with its Gothic architecture and Silesian style – different than in other parts of Poland. We visit the marvelous Aula Leopoldina at the University of Wroclaw, decorated in the ultimate Baroque Rococo style. 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 – and won the battle. Lunch is at a local restaurant, followed by free time for shopping or resting. In the early evening, we drive to Borowa Palace for a Polish picnic with yummy Polish country treats and some fun surprises. After much fresh air, food and drink, you will probably sleep very well at the Radisson Blu.
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Wednesday, July 3rd
After breakfast at the hotel, we head southeast into the mountains. Lunch is at Kraskow Palace where you see how Polish landed gentry lived in the 18th and 19th centuries. We stop at Swidnica to see a UNESCO Site, the Church of Peace – one the biggest timber-framed religious buildings in Europe with very unusual architecture and construction. We continue our drive south through the gorgeous scenery of the foothills and the beautiful Tatra Mountains, part of the Carpathian chain. We arrive at Zakopane and check into the new Grand Stamary Hotel. For dinner, we try some of Zakopane’s unique cuisine at a local restaurant before we return to the hotel for the night.
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Thursday, July 4th
After breakfast at the hotel, we tour Zakopane with its distinctive architectural style of intricate wood carvings. Zakopane is Poland’s most popular ski resort town, so we go up into the High Tatras in a cable car. Back in the valley, we visit the Orski Gallery of works by Polish-American artist Ryszard Orski. Lunch is on your own today and there is time for resting or shopping in the afternoon. There is much to buy here, especially unique mountaineer folk artifacts. Our hearty dinner is at a highlanders’ inn with lots of atmosphere. We overnight at the Grand Stamary Hotel.
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Friday, July 5th
After a good rest in the clean mountain air, we breakfast at the hotel. We drive to a national park for a restful - totally not dangerous - raft ride down the Dunajec River Gorge at the very southern border of Poland. Slovakia on the other side of the river. We enjoy Polish country dishes for lunch at a charming inn, then head for Krakow, a city beloved by many, many people. We stop to see the historic church at Debno, an excellent example of old Polish wooden architecture. We check into the Sheraton Krakow – one of the best hotels in Poland. Our dinner is at what is probably the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the world, and is also a Cracovian tradition – Wierzynek – in Old Town Square. Our gourmet meal will be scrumptious. We overnight at the Sheraton.
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Saturday, July 6th
Breakfast is at the hotel, then we tour scenic Krakow, the capital of Malopolska (Little Poland - the heartland). Conde Nast Traveler Magazine calls it “the most European of all cities.” We see Wawel Castle and Cathedral, St. Mary’s Church, Old Town Square, the Sukiennice (an historic shopping mall) and much more. Lunch is on your own and Krakow is famous for its delightful restaurants – in various price ranges. In the afternoon we visit the famous Sukiennice Gallery of 19th century Polish art. Next, we see Krakow’s newest attraction – the Underground Route on Old Town Square –a great way to learn about the history of this fantastic city. Dinner is at another of Krakow’s exquisite restaurants, then we overnight at the Sheraton.
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Sunday, July 7th
We attend Mass (if you like) at one of Krakow’s many historic churches. Breakfast at the Sheraton is always great, 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. We return to Krakow in time for lunch on your own, then some time for shopping, resting or wandering the cobblestone streets of this charming city. You may want to dine at one of the many outdoor cafes. The food is delicious and not pricey. We re-group in the evening to drive through the Jewish district, Kazimierz, where we have a typical Jewish meal with terrific klezmer music. We return to the Sheraton for the night.
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Monday, July 8th
We rise early for breakfast at the hotel before our we drive west 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. 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 enchanting small palace in the village of Czarny Las. We drive back to Krakow to Lagiewniki, the new Sanctuary of Divine Mercy, a movement begun by one of Poland’s newest saints, Sister Faustina. We see the new John Paul II Center there. We stop in the suburb of Nowa Huta to see the striking church that helped launch the career of Blessed John Paul the Great. Dinner is at another Krakow landmark restaurant, then we overnight at our hotel.
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Tuesday, July 9th
Since you have been very good travelers and very busy, we offer you all the morning off. You can sleep in and have a leisurely late breakfast, do some final shopping, or start packing, or do anything else that makes you happy. Lunch is on your own. In the early evening, we tour the remarkable Wieliczka Salt Mine – which has to be seen to be believed. Our farewell dinner is in one of the salt chambers – a very unusual, enjoyable experience. We enjoy a bit of Polish folk song and dance, return to the Sheraton.
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Wednesday, July 10th
Do have a large breakfast, because this will be one of the longest days of your life, due to our trans-Atlantic flight. We must be at Krakow Airport by 8:30am. Our flight to Warsaw takes only about an hour. Since bags will be checked through to the US, your arms will be free for a bit of duty-free airport shopping (or window shopping). The Chicago flight departs at 12:35pm and arrives about 10 hours later, but it will be 3:20pm in Chicago.
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PLEASE NOTE: The tour itinerary is subject to change. And there will be some surprises!
The cost of the 2013 Tour of Southern Poland led by Lira Board Members is:
$5,549.00 PER PERSON, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY, FROM CHICAGO
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT $870.00
PLUS $256.29 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. LOT has no first class compartments.
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 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 the tour price is deductible from your federal taxes. A tax receipt will be issued after the tour.
A $1,500.00 DEPOSIT IS DUE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE - ANOTHER $1,500.00 ON APRIL 1st
THE BALANCE IS DUE ON MAY 1st
If you wish to remain in Poland after the tour, there is an additional airfare charge and you must send $2,000 as your first payment.
Lira can help arrange HOTELS, TRANSPORTATION and TOURS for your extended stay.
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 $870.00. 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 (“pilot”) and driver who travel with the tour, on the last day of the tour. These tips are not included.
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 $1,500.00 per person is required at the time of booking. A second installment of $1,500.00 is due April 1, 2013 and the balance is due on May 1, 2013 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. Cancellation charges will apply: Within 90 days prior to departure - 50% of the cost; within 60 days prior to departure - 30% of the cost; within 30 days prior to departure – no refunds.
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, beers, liquors, soft drinks 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.
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. 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. All 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.
Click here to download
THE LIRA ENSEMBLE
TOUR OF SOUTHERN POLAND
June 27th through July 10th, 2013
TOUR REGISTRATION FORM
TOUR FOR CHILDREN, PARENTS & GRANDPARENTS
Dear Friend of the Lira Ensemble:
In the name of the Board of Directors of the Lira Ensemble, I invite you to join Lira's first Multigenerational Tour of Southern Poland - a tour specially designed for grandparents, parents and children.
The Lira Ensemble is a not-for-profit organization and is the only professional performing arts company in the US specializing in Polish music, song, and dance. We are a symphony orchestra, singers and dancers and are artist-in-residence at Loyola University Chicago. We have organized tours of Poland since 1993. I am a second generation tour director, trained by my parents who were very successful travel agents specializing in Poland.
Lira has become famous for its tours because we stress personal service, we spotlight the arts, folk and high culture, and history. We are experts on Poland, so we show you all the attractions, but also go to places and do things unavailable to most tourists. Our trips are like a group of friends visiting Poland, because they attract interesting, like-minded people whom I am certain you will enjoy. Ours is an exclusive tour; you will not be “bundled” with other groups. Our performers do not go along; these excursions are for only Lira supporters, audience members, their family and friends. You do not need to be Polish to come along.
We are also experienced in working with children and teens – in our Lira Children’s Chorus – “Dzieci”(which means “children in Polish). Unfortunately the “Dzieci” Chorus is suspended until the economy improves more substantially.
My job as tour director is to explain Polish history and culture in a way that is understandable for children and not boring for adults. I will lead discussions about Poland. We sing on the bus, we learn a bit of the Polish language, sample all kinds of delicious Polish cuisine – for children and adults, attend private concerts and shows just of us. And we have lots of fun.
This is a first class tour, organized by the best travel company in Poland, with a state-of-the-art tour bus and the finest hotels – many of them new. Our price includes three meals a day, except for three lunches and two dinners, so you can choose your menu, or have a chance not to eat, because the Poles give us lots to eat – too good to leave on the plate.
This packet includes tour prices for adults, children ages 2 to 12 and children 13 to 17. Unfortunately, teens over 17 are considered adults and must pay full price. The prices come down if more people join our tour.
At any price, this trip is a great value because we do not print fancy, full-color brochures and our advertising is mostly word-of-mouth. We put all your money into showing you a great time. Whatever is left, we use for our mission of bringing the best of Polish culture into American life. Since we are a charity, any excess income to us is considered a donation by you. After the tour, when all bills are paid, you will receive a tax receipt showing what amount you can deduct, which is usually about 8% of the tour price.
I love to run tours of Poland and I do it with great joy. I hope you can join me. Please call me at 773-508-7040 or 1-800-547-5472 with any questions.
Sincerely,
Lucyna Migala, Artistic Director/General Manager - and Tour Director
The Lira Ensemble
Performing Arts of Poland and America
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
invites you to join its first-ever
MULTIGENERATIONAL TOUR OF SOUTHERN POLAND
for Children, Parents and Grandparents
THURSDAY, JUNE 13th to MONDAY, JUNE 24th, 2013
specially tailored with Polish music, culture, history and lots of fun – for all ages
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 12-day tour of
WARSAW * KRAKOW * CZESTOCHOWA * ZAKOPANE * CHOPIN’S BIRTHPLACE
* AND MORE
Please Note: This is a tour for tourists only. Lira artists do not come along.
Our tour flies non-stop to & from Warsaw on LOT Polish Airlines newest Boeing 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
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Thursday, June 13th
We depart from O'Hare Airport on LOT Airlines in the early 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, then land at Chopin Airport in Warsaw, Poland’s heroic capital city, on Friday morning.
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Friday, June 14th
We arrive in Warsaw about 10am. Our luggage is driven to our hotel - the recently remodeled Bristol- Warsaw's most famous hotel, while we begin touring immediately. We explore the magnificent restored Royal Castle, we see Warsaw’s historic Old Town and New Town Market and view a short documentary film about the tragic plight of Warsaw during World War II. We enjoy a light lunch in one of the charming restaurants in Old Town. We stop at the Wedel shop for a cup of delicious liquid chocolate, not chocolate milk, but actual liquid chocolate, for which Wedel is famous. Then we freshen up for our evening which begins with a private concert of music of Poland’s greatest composer, Frederic Chopin, in a beautiful palace setting. Our welcoming dinner is at one of Warsaw’s most exclusive restaurants. Then we overnight at our hotel.
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Saturday, June 15th
We enjoy a breakfast buffet at our hotel, with a large choice of Polish, Continental, and American dishes. After breakfast, we follow Warsaw’s Royal Route with its many palaces, churches and monuments and see more of the capital city. We visit Wilanow Palace, the summer residence of King Jan III Sobieski, one of Poland’s greatest heroes, who saved Europe from Turkish invasion at the Battle of Vienna in 1683. We lunch at one of Warsaw’s famous restaurants. We visit the Copernicus Center for a great science experience for children. Then we have some free time to shop or relax and re-fresh for our evening which begins with a pierogi cooking class. Then we dine at a restaurant that specializes in all kinds of pierogi, including sweet ones for dessert. We overnight at the Bristol.
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Sunday, June 16th
After breakfast at our hotel, we attend Mass (if you like) at Holy Cross Church where Chopin’s heart is buried. Then, drive into the countryside to visit Zelazowa Wola, the birthplace of Frederic Chopin. Lunch is at a darling country restaurant. Then, we drive to Lowicz, the Mazovian town known for its colorful paper cutouts. We enjoy a folk art presentation and entertainment at the unusual home of Kasia and Wojtek Gronecki. We tour the ruins of the ancient castle they are restoring. We have drawing/painting lessons in the garden before they serve us a homemade, home-grown dinner in their charming cottage. We drive back to Warsaw to our hotel for the night.
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Monday, June 17th
Breakfast is at the hotel, then we head for the airport for our morning flight to Krakow. It will last about an hour. Then we drive south through the scenic countryside of the foothills and the beautiful Tatra Mountains, part of the Carpathian chain, to the city of Zakopane. We stop for lunch at a cozy restaurant. When we arrive in Zakopane, our bags will be driven to our hotel while we tour Zakopane, which is known for its beautifully carved wooden churches. We check into new Grand Stamary Hotel. We have free time for shopping. There is much to buy here, especially unique mountaineer folk artifacts – both in shops and in the picturesque open air market. Dinner is on your own. We can suggest several cute restaurants which offer mountaineer specialties. We overnight at our hotel.
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Tuesday, June 18th
Our breakfast at the hotel is also a buffet, which is customary in Poland. Then we take a cable-car to the high Tatras for a spectacular view of the city and the entire valley. Next, we drive to the village of Chocholow – with its Polish Highland style cottages. We take a horse carriage ride into the woods for a Polish picnic with a bonfire, lots of treats and entertainment. We return to Zakopane for free time for shopping or resting. Dinner is on your own and Zakopane has lots of interesting restaurants – from elegant to rural style. After lots of fresh air, food and drink, you will probably sleep very well at the Grand Stamary Hotel.
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Wednesday, June 19th
After a good rest in the clean mountain air, we breakfast at the hotel. We drive to a national park for an enjoyable - totally not dangerous - raft ride down the Dunajec River Gorge at the very southern border of Poland. Slovakia is on the other side of the river. We enjoy Polish country dishes for lunch at a charming inn, then head for Krakow, a city beloved by many, many people. We stop to see the historic church at Debno, an excellent example of old Polish wooden architecture. We check into the Sheraton Krakow – one of the best hotels in Poland. Our dinner is at what is probably the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the world, and is also a Cracovian tradition – Wierzynek – in Old Town Square. Our gourmet meal will be scrumptious. We overnight at the Sheraton.
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Thursday, June 20th
Breakfast is at the hotel, then we tour scenic Krakow, the capital of Malopolska (Little Poland - the heartland). Conde Nast Traveler Magazine calls it “the most European of all cities.” We see Wawel Castle and Cathedral, St. Mary’s Church, Old Town Square, the Sukiennice (an historic shopping mall) and much more. Lunch is on your own and Krakow is famous for its delightful restaurants – in various price ranges. In the afternoon we visit the new underground museum, under Old Town Square, which features lots of holograms. It’s a great way to learn about the history of this fantastic city. Dinner is at another of Krakow’s exquisite restaurants, then we overnight at the Sheraton.
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Friday, June 21st
Breakfast at the Sheraton is always great, 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 return to Krakow in time for lunch on your own, then some time for shopping, resting or wandering the cobblestone streets of this charming city. You may want to dine at one of the many outdoor cafes. The food is delicious and not pricey. We re-group in the evening to drive through the Jewish district, Kazimierz, where we have a typical Jewish meal with terrific klezmer music. We return to the Sheraton for the night.
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Saturday, June 22nd
We rise early for breakfast at the hotel before our drive west 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. 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 enchanting small palace in the village of Czarny Las. We drive back to Krakow to Lagiewniki, the new Sanctuary of Divine Mercy, a movement begun by one of Poland’s newest saints, Sister Faustina. We see the new John Paul II Center there, with its tower with a great view of Krakow. There should be some free time before we enjoy dinner at another of Krakow’s wonderful restaurants. We overnight at the Sheraton.
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Sunday, June 23rd
We attend Mass (if you like) at one of Krakow’s historic churches before our breakfast at the Sheraton. Since you have been very good travelers and very busy, this day we offer you lots of free time for some final shopping, or to start packing, or do anything else that makes you happy. Lunch is on your own. In the early evening, we tour the remarkable Wieliczka Salt Mine – which has to be seen to be believed. It will both educational and fun. Our farewell dinner is in one of the salt chambers – a very unusual, enjoyable experience. After dinner, we have Polish folk song and dance, plus dancing lesson for everyone. You will learn some Polish folk dance. It will be great fun! We return to the Sheraton for the night.
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Monday, June 24th
Do have a large breakfast, because this will be one of the longest days of your life, due to our trans-Atlantic flight. We must be at Krakow Airport by 8:30am. Our flight to Warsaw takes only about an hour. Since our bags will be checked through to the US, your arms will be free for a bit of duty-free airport shopping (or window shopping). Our Chicago flight departs at 12:35pm and arrives about 10 hours later, but it will be 3:20pm in Chicago when we get home.
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PLEASE NOTE: This tour itinerary is subject to change. And there will be some surprises!
The cost of the 2013 Multigenerational Tour of Southern Poland led by Lira Board Members is:
THESE PRICES ARE DOUBLE OCCUPANCY, FROM CHICAGO
Polish hotels permit up to 3 persons in a double room – a single room is an additional $775.00
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Tour Members
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Adults (ages 17 & up)
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Ages 13 to 16
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Ages 2 to 12
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12 to 15 persons
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$5,279.00
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$4,227.00
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$3,955.00
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16 to 20 persons
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$4,860.00
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$3,913.00
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$3,641.00
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21 to 30 persons
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$4,572.00
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$3,694.00
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$3,425.00
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PLUS $305.66 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. LOT has no first class compartments.
Tour payments may be made by check only. Sorry, no credit cards.
PLEASE NOTE: A minimum of 12 persons must register for this tour, or the tour cannot take place.
Since the value of the US dollar in relation to the euro has been so erratic recently, we must 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 the tour price is deductible from your federal taxes. A tax receipt will be issued after the tour.
A $1,500.00 DEPOSIT PER PERSON IS DUE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE - ANOTHER $1,500.00 ON APRIL 1st - THE BALANCE IS DUE ON MAY 1st
If you wish to remain in Poland after the tour, there is an additional airfare charge and you must send $2,000 as your first payment.
Lira can help arrange HOTELS, TRANSPORTATION and TOURS for your extended stay.
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 $775.00. 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 (“pilot”) and driver who travel with the tour, on the last day of the tour. These tips are not included. 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 $1,500.00 per person is required at the time of booking. A second installment of $1,500.00 is due April 1, 2013and the balance is due on May 1, 2013. 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. Cancellation charges will apply: Within 90 days prior to departure - 50% of the cost; within 60 days prior to departure - 30% of the cost; within 30 days prior to departure – no refunds. 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, beers, liquors, soft drinks 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.
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. 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. All 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.
Click here to download
THE LIRA ENSEMBLE
MULTIGENERATIONAL TOUR OF SOUTHERN POLAND
June 13 through June 24, 2013
TOUR REGISTRATION FORM
QUESTIONS? CALL 773-508-7040 or 1-800-547-5472
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The Lira Ensemble,
6525 North Sheridan Road #CH-LL, Chicago, Illinois 60626
773-508-7040 or email lira@liraensemble.org |
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