tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75814107639263774122024-02-06T22:17:37.422-08:00Bellarmine University 2013 Europe Performance TourCentral Europe is the destination for The Bellarmine University Music Department, featuring Schola Cantorum and the Bellarmine University Jazz Ensemble, all of Louisville, Kentucky, as they head with Incantato Tours on a performance tour of Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Austria in March of 2013. Hosts are Dr. Timothy Glasscock and Mr. Richard Burchard. Prime choral venues include Weimar's Herderkirche, Melk Abbey, Passau Cathedral, Stephansdom (Vienna) and St. Ignatius in Prague.Incantato Tours and Concertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08548987035545720054noreply@blogger.comBlogger119125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581410763926377412.post-21252483998712449422013-02-21T10:43:00.002-08:002013-02-21T10:43:57.013-08:00Incantato Concert Venue: Town Church of St. Peter and Paul (Herderkirche) in Weimar, Germany<a href="http://www.thuringia-tourism.com/travel-hotel-holiday-tour/stadtkirche-st.-peter-und-paul-104224.html">Town Church of St Peter and Paul</a> is popularly know as "Herderkirche" which gets this nickname from Johann Gottfried Herder. Between 1776-1803, Johann Gottfried Herder was the general superintendent and vicar at the Town Church and the people of Weimar also called the church the "Herder Church". The church is considered to be the most important church building in Weimar. The original church was built on the same spot from 1245 to 1249 and was then destroyed by fire in 1299 of which only the foundation remained. The foundations are among the oldest building sections in the town. Then a second building was then destroyed by fire 1424. The current church which is a three-aisled hall church in late Gothic style. The church was built between 1498 and 1500. Towards the end of the Second World War the damaged by bombs on February 9, 1945. Restoration continued through 1977. Since 1998, the church and the Herder House have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Classicist Weimar" ensemble of monuments.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CxPv2bSzSlg/UBbp8sZeg4I/AAAAAAAAAUA/SOCKxGJSFmQ/s1600/Church+of+St.+Luke+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CxPv2bSzSlg/UBbp8sZeg4I/AAAAAAAAAUA/SOCKxGJSFmQ/s320/Church+of+St.+Luke+(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581410763926377412.post-74373166483487798912013-02-19T13:08:00.002-08:002013-02-19T13:08:10.124-08:00Next stop Bratislava, Slovakia: Overnight the Mercure Hotel<br />
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Your next stop for the night of Tuesday, March 5 is the four star <a href="http://www.mercure.com/gb/hotel-6840-mercure-bratislava-centrum-hotel/index.shtml">Mercure Centrum Hotel</a> which is located in the center of the city of Bratislava (Slovakia) within a 10 minute walk from the Bratislava castle and the downtown pedestrian shopping area. A chill-out and bar area are available. <br />
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Each of the airconditioned 175 rooms is inspired by moments of pop-art. There is a dataport, safe deposit box, remote control tv and wifi access in each room. <br />
<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581410763926377412.post-34208451786040890612013-02-19T12:26:00.003-08:002013-02-19T13:08:41.623-08:00Austria Trend Park Royal Hotel in ViennaThe <a href="http://www.austria-trend.at/Hotel-Park-Royal-Palace-Vienna/en/">Austria Trend Park Royal Hotel</a> is where the Bellarmine group will stay for one night on Wednesday, March 6 as part of their Incantato Tour to Central Europe.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Osn25udprk/UR1WXZYfciI/AAAAAAAAAts/EQG5pTQr2WI/s1600/atvienna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Osn25udprk/UR1WXZYfciI/AAAAAAAAAts/EQG5pTQr2WI/s320/atvienna.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This recently opened four star very modern hotel (October 2011) offers 233 airconditioned guest rooms. High speed Internet connections and flat screens are available in all bedrooms.<br />
The hotel is walking distance of the Technical Museum of Vienna and opposite <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Schönbrunn Palace</span><span style="background-color: white;">.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?client=gme-expedia&channel=expedia-HotelInformation&center=48.18855,16.31427&size=415x258&zoom=14&sensor=false&format=png8&maptype=roadmap&markers=48.18855,16.31427&signature=vHSd6_Va48v5NfvSyUxHp9li2O8=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?client=gme-expedia&channel=expedia-HotelInformation&center=48.18855,16.31427&size=415x258&zoom=14&sensor=false&format=png8&maptype=roadmap&markers=48.18855,16.31427&signature=vHSd6_Va48v5NfvSyUxHp9li2O8=" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581410763926377412.post-53145385086427639362013-02-19T12:25:00.000-08:002013-02-19T12:44:57.439-08:00Two nights in Bavaria at the Ibb Passau HotelOnce back in Bavaria, the travelers from Bellarmine University will be staying in the Ibb Passau Hotel for 2 nights Thursday, March 7 and Friday, March 8. <a href="http://ibbhotelpassau.de/index.php?page=ibb-passau-8">http://ibbhotelpassau.de/index.php?page=ibb-passau-8</a><br />
The 4 star city center hotel is situated directly at the river Danube and across the railway station. The Danube bicycle path and the "Donausteig" pass by near the hotel.<br />
Each of the airconditioned rooms have telephone, safe, radio clock. The bathroom has bathtub/shower as well as hairdryers.<br />
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<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581410763926377412.post-20499409553289110172013-02-19T12:22:00.001-08:002013-02-19T12:23:39.554-08:00Home away from home in Prague: Jury's Inn<br />
Welcome to Prague! <br />
You will be staying two nights Sunday, March 3 and Monday, March 4 at the <a href="http://praguehotels.jurysinns.com/">Jury's Inn Hotel </a>.<br />
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This modern hotel is centrally located and near a metro stop. It offers 214 airconditioned bedrooms, each bedroom has a safe and mini-fridge. Bedrooms also have a flatscreen MultiChannel TV as well as complimentary toiletries. <br />
A bar and restaurant are on the premises and for those caffeine addicts an all day coffee bar is available. The hotel also has an onsite gym.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s02bTESXSNY/USPd1Jm0poI/AAAAAAAAAu0/LhPCZ45w4cw/s1600/Jury's+inn+prague.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s02bTESXSNY/USPd1Jm0poI/AAAAAAAAAu0/LhPCZ45w4cw/s320/Jury's+inn+prague.jpg" width="245" /></a><br />
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581410763926377412.post-16472431443731994112013-02-19T12:19:00.002-08:002013-02-19T13:11:14.796-08:00BU's final European Hotel: Maritim Munich<br />
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The <a href="http://www.maritim.com/en/hotels/germany/hotel-muenchen">Maritim Hotel </a> in Munich, Germany offers 347 rooms with a rooftop indoor swimming pool with view across the rooftops of Munich and the Frauenkirche. This will be the last night on your journey March 9th. Each room has airconditioning, satellite TV, wifi, room safe and minbar. Bathroom includes a hairdryer.<br />
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<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?client=gme-expedia&channel=expedia-HotelInformation&center=48.1383,11.55861&size=415x258&zoom=14&sensor=false&format=png8&maptype=roadmap&markers=48.1383,11.55861&signature=mRIFuBWZenXWlE4tET2MruSje0g=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?client=gme-expedia&channel=expedia-HotelInformation&center=48.1383,11.55861&size=415x258&zoom=14&sensor=false&format=png8&maptype=roadmap&markers=48.1383,11.55861&signature=mRIFuBWZenXWlE4tET2MruSje0g=" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.maritim.com/upload/media/media/46/.thumb_159_146_762_762_0_0_7352_custom_253_253" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://www.maritim.com/upload/media/media/46/.thumb_159_146_762_762_0_0_7352_custom_253_253" /></a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581410763926377412.post-28493030630914752592013-01-25T11:43:00.000-08:002013-01-25T11:43:00.307-08:00Confirmed Concert Venue: Thomaskirche, Leipzig<a href="http://www.thomaskirche.org/files/images/phpXKoEiY20090526151924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.thomaskirche.org/files/images/phpXKoEiY20090526151924.jpg" width="219" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The St. Thomas Church, <span style="font-size: small;">located near the center of the <span style="font-size: small;">German city of Leipzig, <span style="font-size: small;">has become famous because it is the final resting place of <span style="font-size: small;">Johann Seba<span style="font-size: small;">stian Bach. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The German composer, organist, violist and violinist lived <span style="font-size: small;">from 1685 to 1750, during the Baroque period<span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">While the foundations of the church date back to 1160, the altar sanctuary was rebuilt in 1355<span style="font-size: small;">, changing it from a Roman<span style="font-size: small;">esque to a<span style="font-size: small;"> Gothic style. <span style="font-size: small;">The <span style="font-size: small;">Romanesque nave <span style="font-size: small;">was torn down in 1482 and repla<span style="font-size: small;">c</span>e<span style="font-size: small;">d</span> with a late-Gothic church hall, which still e<span style="font-size: small;">xists today. The steeple was completed much later, in 1702. With the exception of the steeple, the architectural style of the St. Thomas <span style="font-size: small;">C</span>hurch has not chaged since the end of the 15<span style="font-size: small;">th Ce<span style="font-size: small;">ntury. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<a href="http://www.thomaskirche.org/files/images/phpIwC6KR20090408102956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.thomaskirche.org/files/images/phpIwC6KR20090408102956.jpg" width="214" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">For the past 800<span style="font-size: small;"> years, the Thomas<span style="font-size: small;">kirche <span style="font-size: small;">ha<span style="font-size: small;">s also been the home of the St. Thomas Boys Choir<span style="font-size: small;">. The most famous St. Thomas Cantor was <span style="font-size: small;">Johann Sebastian Bach <span style="font-size: small;">himself. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The year 2000 marke<span style="font-size: small;">d the commemoration of the 250th anniversa<span style="font-size: small;">ry of Bach'<span style="font-size: small;">s death. It was <span style="font-size: small;">at this time that the church received the <span style="font-size: small;">new Bach Organ. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Choirs visit the St. Thomas <span style="font-size: small;">Church from around the world, because for many it is a <span style="font-size: small;">special experience to sing in<span style="font-size: small;"> front of Bach's gra<span style="font-size: small;">ve. <span style="font-size: small;">On Sunday, March 3, 2013, t</span>he Bellarmine University <span style="font-size: small;">Schola Cantorum</span> has been granted p<span style="font-size: small;">ermission to give a 20 Minute a capella recital from the ste<span style="font-size: small;">ps of the altar room<span style="font-size: small;"> and in front of Bach's tomb.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581410763926377412.post-15574646182778557052013-01-02T09:23:00.000-08:002013-01-02T09:23:00.098-08:00The latest News from Vienna, brought to You by Incantato<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Continue reading to find out more of what is currently happening in Vienna:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>2012</b></span><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lCiwy86466o/UMIl0Klm8QI/AAAAAAAAARA/wEIO8l3zyrY/s1600/A_Vienna_MuseumofFineArts_s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lCiwy86466o/UMIl0Klm8QI/AAAAAAAAARA/wEIO8l3zyrY/s320/A_Vienna_MuseumofFineArts_s.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The 150the anniversary of the Austrian painter <a href="http://www.gustav-klimt.com/" target="_blank">Gustav Klimt</a> was a major success. Mullions of guests visited the various exhibitions of the founder of Vienna's Art Nouveaux and made it the most successful year it the history of the Viennese tourism board.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>2013</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2013 is the year of the art of enjoyment. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Vienna is known around the world as a metropolis of art and culture. In light of this reputation, a total of three new cultural institutions will be contributing to the city's cultural attractions:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Chamber of Art and Wonders in the <a href="http://www.khm.at/en/collections/kunstkammer-wien/" target="_blank">Kunsthistorisches Museum</a> is now shining with a new splendor.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The new concert hall of the <a href="http://www.wienersaengerknaben.at/jart/prj3/wsk_website/main.jart?rel=en" target="_blank">Vienna Boys' Choir</a> in the Augarten now invites visitors to regular performances.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.palaisliechtenstein.com/en/city-palace.html" target="_blank">Stadtpalais Liechtenstein</a> is now offering art of the Biedermeier and Classicism periods. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A new and exclusive event series for visitors and Vienna residents are <a href="http://www.vienna-unwrapped.com/vienna-coffeehouse-conversations.html" target="_blank">The Vienna Coffeehouse Conversations</a>. They facilitate eventful trips to Vienna by connecting you with local residents one by one in English. They are reviving the history of Vienna coffeehouses and their particular culture, which is protected by UNESCO.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fDGghU9Aeuw/UMIl9TWuKTI/AAAAAAAAARI/RQeW1l_8zbA/s1600/A_Vienna_SchoenbrunnDetail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fDGghU9Aeuw/UMIl9TWuKTI/AAAAAAAAARI/RQeW1l_8zbA/s320/A_Vienna_SchoenbrunnDetail.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.goldenesquartier.at/en.html" target="_blank">The Goldenes Quartier</a> is located near the Old Town, in the heart of Vienna. It was names a UNESCO World Heritage site and is regarded as Vienna's top address in one of the oldest parts of the town. The famous streets Kohlmarkt Graben and Kaertner Strasse extend via the pedestrian zone to the Judenplatz and the Hof. It is here that you will find </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">shops such as </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Louis Vitton and Prada, as well as Miu Miu, Armani and other brands opening stores in 2013. <b> </b> </span><br />
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<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581410763926377412.post-65274794640903769282012-12-12T11:56:00.000-08:002012-11-30T11:57:22.905-08:00First Itinerary for the Bellarmine Central Europe Tour<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Day 1, Thursday, February 28</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Overnight flight to Germany</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Day 2, Friday, March 1</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Willkommen in Deutschland - Via Eisenach to Weimar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Your Incantato Tour Manager welcomes you at Frankfurt airport. Continue to the charming town of Eisenach for a special welcome lunch at Wartburg Castle followed by a guided tour. Those interested may also see the Bach-Museum or just enjoy a leisurely stroll through this charming town. Continue to Weimar, a UNESCO world heritage city for its rich culture and high artistic quality. Check-in, remainder of the day at leisure. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Day 3, Saturday, March 2</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Weimar Tours & Concerts</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Take a guided tour of Weimar's sights (taste some Thuringia Bratwurst at the historical market sqaure), then see Belvedere Castle. An optional visit to nearby Buchenwald can be offered. Opportunity to attend Schola Concert and Jass Ensemble gig. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Day 4, Sunday, March 3</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Mass & Matinee Schloss Concert - Via Leipzig & Thomaskirche to Prague</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Schola will be singing three times today, first for Sunday Mass, then a Schlosskonzert and also at J.S. Bach's Tomb in Leipzig. The journey then continues to Prague where the Jass Ensemble has an evening club gig. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Day 5, Monday, March 4</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Prague Sightseeing</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Today is a leisure day with a guided tour of Prague's highlights, but plenty of time for individual exploring. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Day 6, Tuesday, March 5</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Beautiful Bratislava</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Next stop is the capital city of Slovakia with lots to see and do. A special beer tasting will be offered for those interested among other opportunities. <b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Day 7, Wednesday, March 6</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Vienna Sightseeing - Mass & Jazz</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Austria is just a short drive away. Explore Vienna with an expert guide, prior to Schola signing Mass at Stephansdom. The afternoon is at leisure with a coffee break at the famous Cafe Sacher. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Day 8, Thursday, March 7</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Via Melk to Passau - Recital</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Perched high upon a hill on the Danube Valley, Melk Abbey is a must-see Catholic heritage site. Schola will sing in the baroque Stiftskirche. Later, the journey continues to Passau, Germany.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Day 9, Friday, March 8</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Catholic Passau - Cathedral concert</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A Christian center since the third century, Passau is home to Germany's largest cathedral and one of the world's oldest institutes for Catholic studies. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Day 10, Saturday, March 9</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">To Munich - Mass & Jazz</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The final and last tour stop is Munich where additional performance opportunities await the musicians and there is so much to see and do for you, too. A special highlight will be the joint Bavarian farewell dinner. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Day 11, Sunday, March 10</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Return to the USA</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Transfer to Munich airport for your return flights home. <b> </b> </span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581410763926377412.post-43759434353052812262012-12-11T05:18:00.000-08:002012-11-29T13:24:19.105-08:00Leipzig's Music Trail<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.leipzig.de/int/en/" target="_blank">city of Leipzig</a> boasts a density of composeres’ houses
and classical music sites that is unique in Europe. 23 of these sites are now
connected by the three mile<a href="http://www.notenspur-leipzig.de/?id=Leipziger%20Notenspur&lang=en" target="_blank"> “Leipzig Music Trail” </a>throughout the city.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This tour introduces music and the musical history of
Leipizg and some of the sights visited include: </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.notenspur-leipzig.de/images/verlauf_notenspur_gross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://www.notenspur-leipzig.de/images/verlauf_notenspur_gross.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(2) Medelssohn House</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(3) Grieg Memorial Center</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(5) Museum of Musical Instruments </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(7) Schumann House</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(9) Wagner Memorial</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(10) Leipzig Opera</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(12) St. Nikolai’s Church</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(13) Old City Hall</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(14) Museum of Fine Arts – Beethoven</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(17) St. Thomas’s Church</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(18) Bach Museum</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(19) Site of Clara Wieck’s birth house</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(21) Paulinum – Auditorium and University Church St. Pauli</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The aim of the <a href="http://www.notenspur-leipzig.de/?id=Notenspur-Initiative&lang=en" target="_blank">Leipzig Music Trail initiative</a> is the bringing to life of Leipzig's music tradition. In total there are now three individual discovery tours through which a person is able to explore the city's unique musical treasures. Two routes are designed to be followed on foot, the third is intended to be taken by bicycle. </span></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581410763926377412.post-54738633306067669022012-11-28T07:27:00.000-08:002012-11-29T11:37:11.625-08:00Prague - welcome to the capital of the Czech Republic<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zvnk7fOF-XY/T5ggZKLXnDI/AAAAAAAAAOo/aQJhIoYkvco/s1600/prague-fun-facts1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zvnk7fOF-XY/T5ggZKLXnDI/AAAAAAAAAOo/aQJhIoYkvco/s320/prague-fun-facts1.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Czech name „Praha“, or „Praga“ in Old Czech, actually means
threshold or doorstep. The oldest records do not mention any place with
this name, but rather, they mention a settlement along the river
described as „Mezigrady“, meaning „between the castles“. From the 10<sup>th</sup> to the 12<sup>th</sup>
centuries, the name Prague referred only to the Castle. The name later
came to be used for the settlements on both sides of the river Vltava.
People originally used the term Prague Village, then Prague City and
later simply Prague. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The capital of the Czech Republic, has always played an
important role in the history of the country and Europe. Since the
Middle Ages Prague has been famous as one of the most beautiful cities
of the world and has been attributed adjectives such as “golden“,
“hundred-spired“, “the crown of the world“. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The unique character of the city is also partly a consequence
of its natural environment: Prague, similar to Rome built on seven
hills, was built on nine hills along the Vltava river. The dominant features of the city architecture are reflected
in the river: towers, church spires and cupolas, palaces and town
houses, along with the greenery of gardens, parks and islands. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EWJrXD7qmzM/T5ghkvpDydI/AAAAAAAAAOw/eHWAP6wIYG8/s1600/PRG_charlesbridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EWJrXD7qmzM/T5ghkvpDydI/AAAAAAAAAOw/eHWAP6wIYG8/s320/PRG_charlesbridge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Prague's top monuments are: The Prague Castle: National cultural monument, the symbol of more than millennial
development of the Czech state. Since its foundation in the last quarter
of the 9th century it has been developing uninterruptedly throughout
the past eleven centuries. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Charles Bridge: The oldest Prague bridge built in the place of the Judita's Bridge that
had been badly damaged by a flood in 1342. The Stone or Prague Bridge
since 1870 called Charles Bridge, was founded by Charles IV in the year
1357. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Old Town Hall with Astronomical Clock: Established 1338 as the seat of the Old Town authorities. The oldest
gothic part of the complex which includes a tower and an oriel chapel is
richly decorated with coats of arms. It was built in the latter half of
the 14th century.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Old Town Bridge Tower: The entrance gate to Charles Bridge from the Old Town river bank,
the most beautiful gate of Gothic Europe, was a masterpiece of
the Court buildingworks. It was finished before 1380. It is richly
adorned with sculptures.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And many, many more to explore.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fun Fact: <span style="text-align: left;">Tremors under foot:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: left;">Many </span><span style="text-align: left;">writers</span><span style="text-align: left;"> and academics have claimed to have felt </span><span style="text-align: left;">strange</span><span style="text-align: left;"> and</span><span style="text-align: left;"> disturbing tremors</span><span style="text-align: left;">
coming from under the ground in Prague. Dark alleys and desolate
squares have been known to produce many eerie sounds and have spooked
many writers, including those such as </span><span style="text-align: left;">Kafka</span><span style="text-align: left;"> and his friends, into thinking ghouls were beating drums underground.</span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some famous people and Prague: Mozart came to Prague with his wife in January 1787 for the first time
and Prague welcomed him as its darling. In his honor, a large ball was
organized in Breitfeld Palace (at the corner of Nerudova Street and
Jánský vršek), where Mozart met also with Giacomo Casanova. Mozart
himself conducted <i>The Marriage of Figaro</i> in the Nostic Theatre
performed by the Italian Pasquale Bondini opera company and he also
performed two public piano recitals. He was immediately drawn into
Prague social circles and musical events.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The famos writer Franz Kaffka (Letters to Milena, The Castle, Amerika) was born in Prague in 1883 and lived there for a long time until he moved to Austria where he died at age 40 in 1924. His body was transported to Prague and buried in a family tomb at the
New Jewish cemetery in Strašnice (grave No. 137).</span><br />
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<b></b>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581410763926377412.post-68497678332240649412012-11-12T07:26:00.000-08:002012-11-12T10:56:37.964-08:00Bratislava - Slovakia's capital - watch out for Cumil and his friends!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9cDyStYpKhjImA7xaRiPpqkO3bAhyphenhyphenYEoJZ4V0jxfWtqny5JI01dQlj2LgtZXWYttglfgGri6aCKV0y3AwxhH2qMY-BJU8UJzjY2Jvd2IWBKY1YWH7O-xe1OPF-JXn012hCYAfm1zy-2M/s1600/bratislava.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9cDyStYpKhjImA7xaRiPpqkO3bAhyphenhyphenYEoJZ4V0jxfWtqny5JI01dQlj2LgtZXWYttglfgGri6aCKV0y3AwxhH2qMY-BJU8UJzjY2Jvd2IWBKY1YWH7O-xe1OPF-JXn012hCYAfm1zy-2M/s320/bratislava.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It might be Europe's most relaxed capital, because what this city does have is old-town charm, sophisticated restaurants, traditional pubs, good music ranging from jazz to opera, stylish people, and a human scale which means that as a visitor you will not spend half your day trekking in and out of underground stations or getting from the airport into town. All this, and Europe's greatest river as a backdrop. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Known as Pressburg to German-speakers or Pozsony to Hungarian-speakers, Bratislava got its present name only 90 years ago. But the city has a long and proud history that dates back to pre-Roman times. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the city itself there is plenty to see and do. Bratislava's long history - as home to Celts, Romans, Germans, Hungarians, Jews, and of course Slovaks - means there is an impressive range of architecture, languages and cuisine. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The handsome homes of the Austro-Hungarian noble families who built palaces here dot the city, and many of them are now open to the public as museums and galleries. The castle, with its long and checkered history (it has been destroyed more than once), is now undergoing a major restoration. There are great views over the mediaeval old town and the Danube valley from its fortifications. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bratislava was once one of the most important centres of Jewish learning in Europe. A unique memorial to its most renowned rabbi, the Chatam Sofer, and the city's Museum of Jewish Culture celebrate this heritage. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Communism too left its mark: across the river, the unmistakable ranks of concrete housing blocks - paneláky in Slovak - line the horizon, with the unique UFO-style New Bridge in the foreground. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Danube River itself is, of course, one of the city's main assets. There are several cafes along its banks, within walking distance of the centre. The pedestrian decks of the New and Old Bridges are good places to watch the river traffic, including huge Danube barges, glide past. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fun Fact: It’s not technically Bratislava but it’s worth mentioning anyway because it’s something not very people know. The famous American pop artist Andy Warhol made Slovakia famous for more than 15 minutes because his parents were originally from Miková, which is on the very opposite side of the country to the capital.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB6B-m8Ay67k1vWMjNTaqLolkzi9XOg7lf-GsI8fB7QYl5_9Y7Hf7w5fOHKKIOBPB-wWz678AmSKIqYNLQfrbh0jQsJsJiCIucCot63fJ7ImiK4dMuORifYKgm9GBoG3GN8RmOa2E-FpA/s1600/bratislava_figur2_m_rgb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB6B-m8Ay67k1vWMjNTaqLolkzi9XOg7lf-GsI8fB7QYl5_9Y7Hf7w5fOHKKIOBPB-wWz678AmSKIqYNLQfrbh0jQsJsJiCIucCot63fJ7ImiK4dMuORifYKgm9GBoG3GN8RmOa2E-FpA/s320/bratislava_figur2_m_rgb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But now, what about this Cumil and his friends? As Bratislava looked to shed the greyness of the Communist era many
buildings were repainted. In an attempt to enliven the city centre, a
few quirky statues were installed. Their popularity with tourists led to
new statues, filling the centre of Bratislava with funny and quirky
installations.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cumil - This guy, residing in the Old Town, dates back only to 1997, but Bratislavians and tourists love him. Children like to abuse him by sitting on his head. More than once has he been damaged car drivers. Heated discussions have taken place as to what actually the man is up to - you have to decide whether he is simply resting or just cleaned the sewer...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Schone Naci - The stuff of Bratislava legends, Schone Naci was a well known figure in the early 20th century. A poor and mentally ill man, he paraded the streets of Bratislava in old, but elegant attire - a velvet frock, greeting passers-by with his top-hat and bowing courteously to ladies passing by.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Paparazzi - An even more recent addition adorning the eponymous restaurant in the Old Town, just round the corner from the Main Square.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hans Christian Andersen - On the Hviezdoslav square there is a statue of famous fairy tale author. About Bratislava he said: If you want a fairy tale, your city is a fairy tale itself. After his visit he produced some of his masterpieces such as The Little Match Girl. Now, have fun looking for Cumil and his friends while strolling through beautiful Bratislava!</span>Incantato Tours and Concertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08548987035545720054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581410763926377412.post-6985556736585207432012-10-26T06:27:00.000-07:002012-10-26T06:27:10.539-07:00Discover Melk Abbey with Incantato Tours<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YeYfeEKFzI8/UIqPapkEpSI/AAAAAAAAALo/rZSPtt_CtfE/s1600/A_Melk_Abbey_L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YeYfeEKFzI8/UIqPapkEpSI/AAAAAAAAALo/rZSPtt_CtfE/s320/A_Melk_Abbey_L.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Melk Abbey was originally a palace. Located on the bank of the Danube River between Salzburg and Vienna, Melk Abbey stands crowned by towers and resplendent in a golden hue. The impressive Baroque ensemble at Melk was built in 1702-1736 by architect Jakob Prandtauer. Especially noteworthy is the church with magnificent frescoes by Johann Michael Rottmayr and the library containing countless medieval manuscripts. The monastic community of Melk is over 900 years old and black-robed Benedictine monks still stroll amidst the marble sculptures and frescoed walls. It is now also a prestigious coed monastery school with more than 700 students. <span class="s2">Melk has played an important role in the Danube region since Roman times, when a fortress was built on the promontory overlooking a tiny "arm" of the Danube. Melk also appears in the German epic poem Nibelungenlied, in which it is called "Medelike". The rock-strewn bluff where the abbey now stands was the seat of the Babenbergs, who ruled Austria from 976 until the Hapsburgs took over. In the 11th century, Leopold II of Babenberg presented the palace at Melk to Benedictine monks, who turned it into a fortified abbey. Its influence and reputation as a center of learning and culture spread throughout Austria, as reflected in Umberto Eco's popular novel The Name of the Rose. Eco researched his novel in the abbey's library. Melk Abbey suffered damaged during the Reformation and the 1683 Turkish invasion, but it was spared direct attack when the Ottoman armies were halted outside Vienna. Reconstruction of the abbey began in 1702 in full Baroque style and was completed in 1736. The abbey church was damaged by fire in 1947, but is now almost completely restored. </span><span style="background-color: white;">The design of the present abbey ensemble (1702-36) is primarily the work of architect Jakob Prandtauer. The Marmorsaal (Marble Hall) contains pilasters coated in red marble and an allegorical painted ceiling by Paul Troger. The library rises two floors and also has a Troger ceiling, along with around 80,000 volumes of priceless works. The Kaisergang (Emperors' Gallery) stretches for 198m (650 ft.), decorated with portraits of Austrian royalty. The highlight of the abbey, though, is certainly the Stiftskirche (Abbey Church). The church has an astonishing number of windows and is richly embellished with marble and frescoes by Johann Michael Rottmayr with help from Troger.There are fine views of the river from the abbey's terrace, which Napoleon probably used as a lookout when he used Melk as his headquarters for his campaign against Austria. The abbey restaurant (Stiftsrestaurant Melk) located near the entrance serves hot meals in beautiful Baroque and outdoor surroundings.</span></span><br />
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581410763926377412.post-37709722345569116212012-10-17T06:41:00.000-07:002012-10-26T06:27:33.097-07:00Incanato welcomes you to Munich<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IKQT84H8dnE/UH60JPadPbI/AAAAAAAAAJA/LnnT6ycJnkE/s1600/GER_Munich_Townhall2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IKQT84H8dnE/UH60JPadPbI/AAAAAAAAAJA/LnnT6ycJnkE/s320/GER_Munich_Townhall2.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The origins of Munich lie with a handful of monks who built their abbey at the Marienplatz, Munich's old salt- and corn market. The name Munich originated from the German word for monks. Munich officially became a town in 1170. It rapidly overshadowed once powerful neighboring cities to become southern Germany's main metropolis and cultural capital. As an ardent admirer of Italy, it was King Ludiwg I of Bavaria that
created the "new Munich," as a center of art and architecture. His traces can still be found today on such streets as the Ludwigstrasse or in the Glyptothek, which houses his collection of Roman and Greek sculptures. In the late 19th century, the Munich Academy of Fine Arts was among Europe's best art schools. Today, with its 1,3 million inhabitants, Bavaria's capital city is a mixture between modern and traditional. It is the sights, symbols and festivals that define Munich today and offer a wide variety of opportunities to discover the city. Cultural attractions include museums, world-class orchestras, the BMW world, and the famous soccer team Bayern Munich. They complement each other and represent the wide spectrum that makes the city come to life. </span><br />
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<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581410763926377412.post-87460407125454215102012-10-05T08:54:00.000-07:002012-10-05T08:54:00.468-07:00Historical Czech Republic with Incantato Tours<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mEVA2HRdC0s/UGxCu1qj6pI/AAAAAAAAAnU/212r5VREyfI/s1600/CR_Prague_Panorama_web.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mEVA2HRdC0s/UGxCu1qj6pI/AAAAAAAAAnU/212r5VREyfI/s400/CR_Prague_Panorama_web.gif" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Czech Republic is situated in the center of Europe, sharing borders with Germany, Poland, Austria and Slovakia. The country boasts an impressive total of twelve UNESCO World Heritage sites, among which are the historic center of Prague and the town of Cesky Kurmlov. Known personalities of European and world science and art such as Beethoven, Casanova, Einstein, Goethe, Kafka, and Mozart were influenced by or were in some way connected with Czech history.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The capital city of Prague has a population of around 1,213,400 and is situated on hills overlooking the Vltava River. The historic Old Town, with its winding streets, is more than ten centuries old and centers around the Old Town Square with the Church of Our Lady Before Tyn and the Old Town Hall with the famous astronomical clock. Not far away is the Charles Bridge, one of the oldest stone bridges in Central Europe. Perched above the city sits Prague Castle, the ancient residence of the kings of Bohemia. Across from it is Petrin Hill, where you can have a stunning view of the city from the lookout point in the form of a smaller version of Paris' Eiffel Tower. </span><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mVwX8IaCYi4/UGxCuC2oC-I/AAAAAAAAAnM/LgCdASHPfy4/s1600/CR_Prague_AstronlClock_web.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mVwX8IaCYi4/UGxCuC2oC-I/AAAAAAAAAnM/LgCdASHPfy4/s320/CR_Prague_AstronlClock_web.gif" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of course experiencing the cuisine will also be a part of your journey. Influenced by German and Austro-Hungarian culinary heritage, Czech food features a great variety of dishes. Possibly the most traditional dish is the dumpling, a unique phenomenon of Czech cuisine. Once the main component of any meal in the Czech Republic, dumplings were used in replacement of meat and are still widely used in Czech dishes today, mostly in combination with a variety of tasty sauces and gravy.</span><br />
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.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581410763926377412.post-67952226919751619962012-09-25T12:28:00.001-07:002012-09-25T12:28:49.334-07:00Welcome to Wonderful Weimar with Incantato<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ask anyone who’s been there and they’ll tell you the place is a gem. Weimar has a unique </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">classical heritage and an air of elegance, but is also a very vibrant modern Thuringian town, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">on the river Ilm southwest of Leipzig, where enjoying life is as much a priority as celebrating </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">culture.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Historically, Weimar is a bit of an overachiever, punching well above its weight. It may have </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">only 65,000 inhabitants today but boy, has it left its mark.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One UNESCO World Heritage listing wasn’t enough, so the city has been given two: one </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">for classical Weimar with 13 buildings and architectural ensembles, and one for its Bauhaus </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">sites.</span><br />
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<a href="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/s720x720/399024_495432320467057_825668649_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/s720x720/399024_495432320467057_825668649_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Weimar classic period from 1775 to 1832 flourished under the reign of Duchess Anna </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Amalia, and her library with the exquisite Rococo Hall is probably the most famous in the </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">collection of eminent classical buildings. And while on the subject of libraries, Weimar is still </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">best known around the world for its associations with Germany’s ‘national poets’ Goethe and </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Schiller who lived and worked in the town during the classic age. Goethe’s Home, part of</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the classical Weimar collection, also houses the Goethe National Museum. In August 2012, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">a new permanent exhibition was opened to honor the über-author, entitled ‘Floods of life, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">storm of deeds”’.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fast forward into the 20th century and Weimar was again the birthplace of a movement, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">this time of the world’s most influential art and design school. In 1919, Walter Gropius </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">established the Bauhaus School and assembled the whole of the European avantgarde of </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the time in Thuringia to teach at the new school of design. ‘Haus am Horn’, the most famous </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">example of Bauhaus architecture, was built as a model house for the first architecture </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">exhibition in 1923 and is one of three Bauhaus sites in Weimar.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As befits an institution that is dedicated to the roots of Modernism, the Bauhaus Museum, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">currently in a neoclassical building opposite the National Theatre, will finally get a new </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">home. The winners of an international architectural competition for the new museum were </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">announced in summer 2012 and the design sounds spectacular; a geometrically clear shape </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">forming a dominant solitaire at the edge of the Weimarhallen park in the town centre</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
<a href="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/s720x720/184007_495432070467082_1030355082_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/s720x720/184007_495432070467082_1030355082_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Apart from all its elegant palaces, museums and beautiful parks, Weimar is also a very </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">liveable town, keen on letting its hair down now and then. Every October since 1653 the </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Onion Festival (12 to 14 Oct 2012) celebrates the humble plant, and it is the biggest such </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">festival worldwide. Onion garlands, decorated with colourful dried flowers, are popular </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">souvenirs, there are stands selling handicrafts, food and drink, music and an Onion Market </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Queen who reigns for one year. The whole historic town centre is one big party and 350,000 </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">visitors make this the biggest festival in Thuringia. Not quite UNESCO World Heritage </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">material yet, but another reason why Weimar is more than worthwhile.</span><br />
<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581410763926377412.post-5301401425135955912012-08-27T13:23:00.002-07:002012-08-27T13:23:48.635-07:00Home away from home: Leonardo Hotel, Weimar<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="http://www.leonardo-hotels.com/Octopus//Upload/ResortImages/E_LH_Weimar_01_572x335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="Leonardo Hotel Weimar - Exterior" border="0" height="185" id="hotelMainPic" src="http://www.leonardo-hotels.com/Octopus//Upload/ResortImages/E_LH_Weimar_01_572x335.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The modern four star<a href="http://www.leonardo-hotels.com/germany-hotels/weimar-hotels/leonardo-hotel-weimar" target="_blank"> Leonardo Hotel</a> is within walking distance of the historical old town and immediately next to a park by the river Ilm. The location also accounts for the beautiful park and river views from many of the 294 rooms.</span><br />
<a href="http://www.leonardo-hotels.com/Octopus/Upload/ResortImages/FO_LH_Weimar_01_572x335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="Leonardo Hotel Weimar - Lobby" border="0" height="186" id="hotelMainPic" src="http://www.leonardo-hotels.com/Octopus/Upload/ResortImages/FO_LH_Weimar_01_572x335.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All rooms are decorated in a classic and comfortable design. They feature a telephone, satellite TV, WiFi and a full bathroom in addition to air conditioning in all areas of the hotel. There is an extensive breakfast buffet in the mornings, while international and local specialties are served a la carte during the day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Relaxation is also provided for in the health club, situated under a large domed glass roof. In addition to the indoor swimming pool; a whirlpool, sauna, solarium, fitness area and beauty & wellness center are also available for use. Two bowling alleys and a billiard table provide for additional entertainment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For a full tour of the hotel, check out the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4trgMlLmd5w&feature=player_embedded#" target="_blank">official hotel video</a>.</span><br />
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581410763926377412.post-11806565601544005092012-06-15T12:25:00.000-07:002012-06-22T00:20:15.726-07:00Make sure you protect yourself and your investment: Travel Insurance<span style="background-color: white;"><b>Incantato Tours requires getting travel insurance for your upcoming journey.</b></span><br />
Not only are you covered medically should anything happen when traveling, but with a company of your choice or with our preferred supplier and TravelGuard's policies, you also protect your investment should you have to cancel or interrupt the trip. Last but not least, there is also coverage for delayed and lost luggage, etc.<br />
Here is a direct line to purchase travel insurance online, and you can do so with your credit cards and also select the option that is best for you.<br />
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<a href="http://www.travelguard.com/agentlink.asp?ta_arc=150996&pcode=&agencyemail=info@incantatotours.com"><img border="0" height="60" src="http://www.travelguard.com/images/travelguard/08/tgi3_234x60.gif" width="234" /></a><br />
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In the meantime, have a look at the most comprehensive coverage option The Protect Assist Gold below.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Protect Assist (Gold)</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> - </span><br />
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<tr> <td align="left" valign="top"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Comprehensive Travel Protection for the World Traveler</span></td></tr>
<tr> <td><ul>
<li>Trip Cancellation </li>
<li><b>JUST ADDED!</b> - Trip Cancellation due to employment loss or layoff<br />
if employed with the same employer 1 year or longer </li>
<li>Trip Interruption and Travel Delay </li>
<li>Emergency Medical and Emergency Medical Transportation </li>
<li>Baggage and Travel Document Protection </li>
<li>Baggage Delay and Lost Baggage Tracking </li>
<li><b>NEW </b>- Cancel For Any Reason option now available </li>
<li><b>NEW </b>- Cancel For Work Reasons option now available </li>
<li><b>NEW </b>- Children age 17 and under covered at no additional cost </li>
<li><b>IMPROVED</b> -Trip Cancellation limit increased to $100,000 (from $15,000), </li>
<li>I<b>MPROVED</b> - Trip Interruption coverage increased to 150% of Trip Cost </li>
<li><b>IMPROVED</b> - Travel Delay required hours<i> </i><u>reduced </u>to 5 hours (from 12)</li>
</ul>
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<b>ProtectAssist special features:</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Best coverage for Weather Related Cancellations</b> </li>
<li>Pre-existing Condition Exclusion Waiver* </li>
<li>Default/Bankruptcy Protection* </li>
<li>$50,000 Flight Accident Insurance* </li>
<li>24-Hour "LiveTravel" Travel Agency </li>
<li>Emergency Cash Transfers </li>
<li>Identity Theft Restoration</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">* These additional benefits apply If you are purchasing within 15 days of making your initial trip deposit or payment, however, coverage may still be purchased at any time up to 24 hours prior to departure.</span><br />
<b>Increase your coverage with these valuable additions to your Protect Assist Plan:<br />
</b><b><br />
Cancel For Any Reason – 50% </b><span style="font-family: Arial;">reimbursement of nonrefundable expenses if you cancel your trip for any reason, up to 48 hours prior to your departure</span>. <span style="font-family: Arial;">Only available when this plan is purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment.<br />
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Cancel For Work Reasons – </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Offers additional work-related reasons for cancellation or interruption. Also includes our exclusive “Business Assistant” services if you have work obligations during your travels. Only available when this plan is purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment.<br />
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</span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Umbrella Package – </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Medical Expense limits are doubled and coverage is upgraded to primary. Emergency Medical Transportation limits are doubled and benefits upgraded to take you home or to the hospital of your choice. $25,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage will be added.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Car Rental Collision Coverage –</b> <span style="font-family: Arial;">$35,000 in primary coverage. Covers cost of repairs for covered collision damage to a rental car for which the car rental contract holds you responsible. Subject to $250 deductible.</span></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;"><b>Optional coverages cannot be purchased separately. Must be purchased with base ProtectAssist plan</b>.<br />
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</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b><u>Comprehensive non-insurance travel services* automatically included with plan!<br />
</u></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">With the Protect<i>Assist</i> plan, every customer also has access to these valuable travel services when they travel:<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Arrangements for last-minute flight changes<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Hotel finder and reservations<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Rental car reservations<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Emergency medical assistance<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">BagTrak</span><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>®</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> -- lost baggage tracking<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Pre-trip health and safety advisories<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Live e-mail and phone messaging to family and friends<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Cash transfers<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Airport transportation<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Golf course reservations<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Event ticketing<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Floral services<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Identity Theft restoration<br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Business Assistant* <i>(available when Optional Cancel for Work Reasons coverage is purchased)</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><i>*Non-Insurance services are provided by AIG Travel Assist.</i></span></div>
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<b class="Error">Eligibility</b><br />
Citizenship: All Nationalities<br />
Residency: United States<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">New York, Oregon, and Washington residence please call to purchase<br />
Some rider options are not available and other restrictions may apply</span><br />
Destination: Worldwide<br />
Ages: All Ages<br />
Max Trip Length: 365 Days</span>Incantato Tours and Concertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08548987035545720054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581410763926377412.post-10231879051067321112012-06-06T05:18:00.002-07:002012-06-06T05:18:30.753-07:00News at the Mozarthaus in Vienna!<br />
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<a href="http://www.hdm.at/upload/images/inline/mozarthauslogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><img border="0" height="121" src="http://www.hdm.at/upload/images/inline/mozarthauslogo.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Only one of Mozart’s apartments in Vienna still exists today, where the composer lived from 1784 to 1787. Here, the life and works of this musical genius are presented in and around the apartment on four exhibition levels. The exhibition focuses on his years in Vienna, which marked a high point in his creativity. In addition to this permanent exhibition, the Mozarthaus Vienna is once again providing a range of new offers and services:</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.mozarthausvienna.at/downloads/pressebilder/mhv_aussen/Nacht%2001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.mozarthausvienna.at/downloads/pressebilder/mhv_aussen/Nacht%2001.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Special exhibition extended</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Due to the high level of public interest, the current special exhibition <u>"Between Fear and Hope - Mozart's rise and fall in the Viennese society"</u> has been extended until January 6th, 2013. Visitors can view the exhibition with the regular ticket for Mozarthaus Vienna. The exhibition features letters and documents that illustrate the musical genuis' varying degrees of success.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Concert program for the 2012/23 season</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A comprehensive concert program completes the offer of the Mozarthaus Vienna in the upcoming 2012/13 season. Click on the following link for the detailed program (available in the summer): <a href="http://www.mozarthausvienna.at/cgi-bin/mozart/mnew.pl?cid=49;lang=en;limit=10;list=1" target="_blank">Mozarthaus Vienna - Events - Concerts</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Special "museum and concert" package</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our special "museum and concert" package combines a visit to the museum with an exclusive concert in the concert hall of the Mozarthaus Vienna. The standard package can be upgraded to include a guided tour and can also be booked to take place outside of regular opening hours. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For further information you can either contact them under <u>ticket@mozarthausvienna.at</u> or <a href="http://www.mozarthausvienna.at/cgi-bin/page.pl?id=44;lang=en" target="_blank">take a look at the website section for special offers for groups</a>.</span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581410763926377412.post-68116287088400646292012-06-06T05:18:00.001-07:002012-06-06T05:18:25.531-07:00Eat as the locals do: Austria<br />
<a href="http://www.rohacek.at/uploads/pics/wiener_schnitzel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="http://www.rohacek.at/uploads/pics/wiener_schnitzel.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<div dir="ltr" id="internal-source-marker_0.8152485981117934" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.gutekueche.at/img/rezeptbilder/847/l_847_1317796769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://www.gutekueche.at/img/rezeptbilder/847/l_847_1317796769.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Traditional Austrian cuisine is composed of influences from throughout the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. Nearby regions, such as Italy, Hungary, Germany, and the Balkans, have also had an effect on Austrian cooking. </span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">WIENER SCHNITZEL is a breaded veal cutlet. It is dipped in flour, egg, and bread crumbs, then fried in butter or oil to a golden brown. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">GULASCH is a stew, similar to Hungarian “pörkölt”, of meat and vegetables. Austrian goulasch is often eaten with rolls, bread or dumplings.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">BOSNA, sometimes called Bosner, is a spicy Austrian fast food dish. Similar to a hot dog, it consists of a Bratwurst sausage, onions, and a blend of ketchup, mustard, and curry powder. It is made with white bread, which is usually grilled before serving.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">KAISERSCHMARRN is a light, caramelized pancake made from a sweet batter with flour, eggs, sugar, salt, and milk, which is baked in butter. The pancake gets split into pieces while frying, shredded after preparation, and is usually sprinkled with powder sugar. It is served hot with an apple or plum sauce, or various fruit compotes.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">SACHERTORTE is a chocolate cake that was invented by Franz Sacher in 1832 for Klemens Wenzel von Metternich in Vienna.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ALMDUDLER is the brand name of a popular Austrian soft drink. It is a sweetened carbonated beverage made of grape and apple juice concentrates and flavored with herbs. The flavor is similar to ginger ale. </span></span></span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581410763926377412.post-11986284897292056382012-05-01T07:31:00.000-07:002012-05-01T07:41:16.278-07:002013 Bellarmine University Performance Tour Route<iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=frankfurt&daddr=Weimar,+Germany+to:Prague,+Czech+Republic+to:Bratislava,+Slovakia+to:Vienna,+Austria+to:Melk,+Austria+to:Passau,+Germany+to:Munich+International+Airport,+Munich,+Germany&geocode=Fcqh_AIdj3qEACnFlnBHbwm9RzEAxrApUEMiBA%3BFQj3CQMdrMSsACmpW-0xxhqkRzFANjN0wY4gBA%3BFYNH_AId7AncACmLeXAJnJMLRzGQQBZmD68ABA%3BFT-n3gIdPgkFASmXYcoKNolsRzFoQ4j9gpsfYw%3BFS6Z3wIdO9j5ACmfyjZRngdtRzFGW6JRiuXC_Q%3BFabg3wIdyDjqACmH_vMSR2RyRzE3yYndGvyOUQ%3BFdAR5QIdi_TMAClloKBDeVh0RzEwrzcJpCUdBA%3BFb3Q4QIdKsSzACGKpxD5RFIreQ&aq=0&oq=melk,+Austria&sll=49.54169,12.877475&sspn=5.961089,16.907959&hl=en&mra=ls&ie=UTF8&t=m&z=6&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br />
<small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=frankfurt&daddr=Weimar,+Germany+to:Prague,+Czech+Republic+to:Bratislava,+Slovakia+to:Vienna,+Austria+to:Melk,+Austria+to:Passau,+Germany+to:Munich+International+Airport,+Munich,+Germany&geocode=Fcqh_AIdj3qEACnFlnBHbwm9RzEAxrApUEMiBA%3BFQj3CQMdrMSsACmpW-0xxhqkRzFANjN0wY4gBA%3BFYNH_AId7AncACmLeXAJnJMLRzGQQBZmD68ABA%3BFT-n3gIdPgkFASmXYcoKNolsRzFoQ4j9gpsfYw%3BFS6Z3wIdO9j5ACmfyjZRngdtRzFGW6JRiuXC_Q%3BFabg3wIdyDjqACmH_vMSR2RyRzE3yYndGvyOUQ%3BFdAR5QIdi_TMAClloKBDeVh0RzEwrzcJpCUdBA%3BFb3Q4QIdKsSzACGKpxD5RFIreQ&aq=0&oq=melk,+Austria&sll=49.54169,12.877475&sspn=5.961089,16.907959&hl=en&mra=ls&ie=UTF8&t=m&z=6" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small>Incantato Tours and Concertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08548987035545720054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581410763926377412.post-65809607984772295752012-05-01T07:30:00.000-07:002012-05-01T07:39:31.394-07:00Weimar, Germany: A city of culture<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm769tKQ805WqPoeSvNjERJ6NvlchZRp9-4wfG5zBtbMhx5Dhg5kUijIfKYoRLzOBx_ClCRxeaMP5me7scx3EyiBPSOuoMLnYHUd9_RMUMlkn7n_6pJU6zS4kzQ_v9RKH9r2T1bzicpQ/s1600/Weimar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #86003a; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="211" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm769tKQ805WqPoeSvNjERJ6NvlchZRp9-4wfG5zBtbMhx5Dhg5kUijIfKYoRLzOBx_ClCRxeaMP5me7scx3EyiBPSOuoMLnYHUd9_RMUMlkn7n_6pJU6zS4kzQ_v9RKH9r2T1bzicpQ/s320/Weimar.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Weimar, Germany, is best known for its cultural heritage. Located in the federal state of Thuringia southwest of Leipzig, Weimar dates back as far as the year 889. The city previously served as the capital of the Grand Duchy of Saxe-Weimar.</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Weimar is historically recognized as the locaton of the signing of Germany’s first democratic constitution following World War I, lending its name to the Weimar Republic period of German politics (1918 – 1933). The city was also the focal point of the German Enlightenment and the home of Goethe and Schiller, the prime authors of the literary genre of Weimar Classicism. Additionally, Weimar is the birthplace of the Bauhaus fine arts movement, founded in 1919 by artists Walter Gropius, Wassily Kandinsky, Paul Klee, Oskar Schlemmer, and Lyonel Feininger. Weimar is home to Germany’s most important musical and theatrical venue, the Deutsche National Theater and Staatskapelle Weimar. The twin institution, consisting of the German National Theater and the symphony orchestra Staatskapelle Weimar, operates a total of six stages throughout the city, hosting touring orchestras and theater companies from throughout the world. Throughout the years, many of Weimar’s historical landmarks have become designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Weimar was even selected by the European Council of Ministers in 1999 as the European Capital of Culture.</span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581410763926377412.post-78003931687094043262012-05-01T07:29:00.000-07:002012-05-01T07:39:18.731-07:00Johann Sebastian Bach up close in the Bachhaus in Eisenach - Germany<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNd_M8Wm9M9PVHSnp57lnp2MvnxLLlbbUG6grqDSDWPiU5a0TXWGJLOGeLQ56QmCBejyZ4Yt0Ban8EjGSWFqNvS7yu8bVcS6GyNlNMFJ_JabiC8eN3-xFdO4wsrbDmfAi1vUwv9Cjsw/s1600/Bachhaus1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNd_M8Wm9M9PVHSnp57lnp2MvnxLLlbbUG6grqDSDWPiU5a0TXWGJLOGeLQ56QmCBejyZ4Yt0Ban8EjGSWFqNvS7yu8bVcS6GyNlNMFJ_JabiC8eN3-xFdO4wsrbDmfAi1vUwv9Cjsw/s1600/Bachhaus1.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRaO0_EtXYr-5Gj24qtBfscAgYFjb1GQpuwJIukXuyUVF_qU-4mvp2shF-iLGEN5YohKFJ96gBLgbNJq2Ak96vz-hNPnsd3CLRi3Xk-0XoH_RWS_kXuBo5U16FIc_bGVG7gbk7A66Hg/s1600/bachhaus2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRaO0_EtXYr-5Gj24qtBfscAgYFjb1GQpuwJIukXuyUVF_qU-4mvp2shF-iLGEN5YohKFJ96gBLgbNJq2Ak96vz-hNPnsd3CLRi3Xk-0XoH_RWS_kXuBo5U16FIc_bGVG7gbk7A66Hg/s1600/bachhaus2.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">The <a href="http://www.english.bachhaus.de/">Bachhaus</a> in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eisenach" style="background-image: none; color: black; text-decoration: none;" title="Eisenach">Eisenach</a> (<i>Bachhaus Eisenach</i>) is the oldest museum devoted to the composer <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johann_Sebastian_Bach" style="background-image: none; color: black; text-decoration: none;" title="Johann Sebastian Bach">Johann Sebastian Bach</a>, who was born </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="body" style="line-height: 24px;">and baptized in Eisenach and lived in the city until he was 10 years old.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="body" style="line-height: 24px;">Today, Eisenach is home to the </span><a href="http://www.english.bachhaus.de/"><span class="body_link_bold" style="line-height: 24px;">Bachhaus</span></a><span class="body" style="line-height: 24px;">, </span><span class="body" style="line-height: 24px;">which is the world's leading museum about the great composer and his works.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"> It is located in a 550 year old half-timbered house </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">on the Frauenplan that was purchased by the Neue Bachgesellschaft (New Bach Society) in 1906 and reopened as a museum in 1907</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">.
It contains original documents by Bach and provides a specialist
library for researchers. In the summer, visitors to the museum can also
visit a small <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baroque" style="background-image: none; color: black; text-decoration: none;" title="Baroque">Baroque</a> garden behind the house.</span> A modern wing, called the Penkues Building (after the architectural firm that designed it) opened in 2007. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">The
exhibits will lead you through the life in Bach's time, musical
instruments from the Bach era, the composer's works, and a few surprises
(such as the step-by-step forensic reconstruction of Bach's head), or a
movie that shows a rehearsal of the <a href="http://www.thomaskirche.org/r-st-thomas-boys-choir.html">Thomaskirche Boys Choir</a> in Leipzig, which Bach directed from 1723 to 1750.</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6SbrxkotF8Hpn5egAHe6m43ZCIsDffa3fbo6SeLCQ99hvK_3oaPRq49TIlQi1moyXvwJyM7IlRaCc8q3IfHsRhYR2nYWnw9Yy0rdEOqHZgOfZJRz-FXa8arwOL_RPagK0Vn3EGcneiw/s1600/bachhaus3.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6SbrxkotF8Hpn5egAHe6m43ZCIsDffa3fbo6SeLCQ99hvK_3oaPRq49TIlQi1moyXvwJyM7IlRaCc8q3IfHsRhYR2nYWnw9Yy0rdEOqHZgOfZJRz-FXa8arwOL_RPagK0Vn3EGcneiw/s1600/bachhaus3.jpg" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">As
a bonus, you'll be treated to a mini-concert of Bach's music on a
clavichord, a harpsichord and an organ during your visit to the museum.
If you have time, you can sit in a "bubble chair" and listen to
recorded music with headphones.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The Bachhaus also has a shop that sells recordings, books and posters. The "Caf<span class="style2">é Kantate" will provide snacks and drinks after you've had your fill of history.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span class="body_link_bold" style="font-weight: bold;">Hours.</span> The Bachhaus Eisenach is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)</span></span></div>
</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581410763926377412.post-33470086969036773542012-05-01T07:28:00.000-07:002012-05-01T07:39:06.558-07:00Concert Venues: Thomaskirche, Leipzig<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6uw1Cp-nHmMfGvh8iLW1ygUqzLLwIL9_5lSqjmLkOELoEaJjOcdW4YB64C723JY0TT_FxxkOdbXnuPcXBZyCDmVYq087Ybe7cRgfEjSQRe4PvjhPDdIQJh4byvqOyhb6dc1COjl9AA/s1600/thomaskirche-leipzig.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501653495280776098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6uw1Cp-nHmMfGvh8iLW1ygUqzLLwIL9_5lSqjmLkOELoEaJjOcdW4YB64C723JY0TT_FxxkOdbXnuPcXBZyCDmVYq087Ybe7cRgfEjSQRe4PvjhPDdIQJh4byvqOyhb6dc1COjl9AA/s400/thomaskirche-leipzig.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 325px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"> </span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The
great Thomaskirche is one of the main highlights of Leipzig, a town
many refer to as the “City of Music.” Thomaskirche houses many renowned
musicians, including the Boys Choir, as well as the final resting place
of the grand composer Johann Sebastian Bach. Today people come from all
over the world to the Church of St. Thomas to experience church
services, unique performances from the Boys Choir and the Gewandhaus
Orchestra, as well as intricate organ concerts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Thomaskirche once served as a critical pawn during the Christian Reformation, as Martin Luther often preached in the 12<sup>th</sup>
century church. In 1355 the original Romanesque chancel was remodeled
in a Gothic scheme, coinciding with the congregation’s split from the
Roman Catholic Church. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Johann
Sebastian Bach served as the choir director at Thomaskirche from 1723
until his death in 1750. A statue of Bach standing outside the church’s
entrance was dedicated in the composer’s memory in 1908. Although
renovations in the mid-1800s resulted in the removal of all Baroque
equipment, a commemorative Bach organ, in the style of the original used
by Bach, was installed in the sanctuary in 2000. The older romantic
organ also remains, but is considered “unsuitable” for playing Bach’s
music and is only used when appropriate. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The
roof’s unusual 63 degree angle and sanctuary’s intricately designed
vaulted ceilings result in unbelievable acoustics and highly
complimentary reverberation.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicA1kmbb2BE1AIGLmY5I0D71kJAFE_KW68lVVfgqZVWkfr5Ey5XSj0G3uBjpw0S7ZPcPw6Bi3SilEVGdbOAygWyS9vvtiQr8ggpr0ivFbbD9_FtDwjgL3Gl4K1VQJWFbsZ_BEsiyL_w/s1600/bach+organ.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501654780923197330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicA1kmbb2BE1AIGLmY5I0D71kJAFE_KW68lVVfgqZVWkfr5Ey5XSj0G3uBjpw0S7ZPcPw6Bi3SilEVGdbOAygWyS9vvtiQr8ggpr0ivFbbD9_FtDwjgL3Gl4K1VQJWFbsZ_BEsiyL_w/s400/bach+organ.jpg" style="display: block; height: 229px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; width: 302px;" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo courtesy of Wikipedia</span></span> </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7juEVMAzmtU/T5lhIPnCHPI/AAAAAAAAARU/0dq1v7AfG4M/s1600/Ettersburg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7juEVMAzmtU/T5lhIPnCHPI/AAAAAAAAARU/0dq1v7AfG4M/s1600/Ettersburg.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ettersburg Palace, made up of the three-winged Old Palace (1706-12), with an adjoining church to the East and fronted to the South by the main building (the New Palace: built in 1722 and renovated from 1728-40), was used as a Summer residence by Duchess Anna Amalia from 1776 to 1780. The baroque palace is surrounded by an English style landscape park. Two parterres and the six-hectare countryside park supplement the palace complex, which was also used as a hunting lodge by the Weimar dukes. In the mid 19th century, Duke Carl Alexander had the outside areas redesigned and extended by the Weimar court gardener Eduard Petzold. One of the existing avenues of an historic hunting "etoile" leading directly to the palace was converted into a long forest meadow by Prince Hermann Pueckler von Muskau together with Petzold, his student. Members of the Duchess Anna Amalia's literary and musical set - which included Wieland, Goethe, Herder amongst others - would meet up here in the Summer months. There were even performances by Goethe's amateur dramatic group: the "Weimarer Liebhabertheater". </span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0