Czech Republic
Spring festival
From 26 May to 30 May 2025
Type de séjour

Small group journeys

Disponibilité

inscriptions-ouvertes

Price

From €5,690 per person

Prague captivates, enchants, and astonishes. Imagine the joy of witnessing the sunrise together over the iconic Charles Bridge spanning the Vltava River. We will marvel at the renowned Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Square and wander along the cobbled streets leading to the magnificent Prague Castle. A city within a city, this fortress houses extraordinary landmarks such as the splendid St. Vitus Cathedral. Overlooking the metropolis, this former royal stronghold offers breathtaking views of the “City of a Hundred Spires.”

 

For those drawn to unique architecture, we will not miss the Municipal House, which has its striking Art Nouveau style and Frank Gehry’s Dancing House. And let us not forget the Baroque library of the Clementinum or the treasures of the Lobkowicz Palace, as Prague’s cultural heritage is truly boundless.

 

Since 1946, the Prague Spring Festival has been one of Europe’s most prestigious music events, hosting the world’s leading orchestras alongside the finest Czech artists. During our journey, we will have the privilege of discovering the country’s rising stars, such as conductor Petr Popelka and pianist Jan Bartoš. Opening the festivities, the French ensemble Correspondances promises an exquisite baroque experience, while the London Symphony Orchestra under Antonio Pappano will deliver a grand and triumphant finale.

A musical odyssey of excellence and emotion
The program
Free arrival
May 26, 2025
Visits : Old Town, Astronomical Clock, Clementinum, Charles Bridge
May 26, 2025
Fragments of Love
May 26, 2025
Visits : Karlovy Vary, Crystalware Moser
May 27, 2025
Vienna Symphony Orchestra
May 27, 2025
Visits: Strahov Monastery, Our Lady of Loreto, Prague Castle
May 28, 2025
Prague Spring Debut
May 28, 2025
Visits: Jewish Quarter, New Town, Church of St Nicholas
May 29, 2025
London Symphony Orchestra
May 29, 2025
Free departure
May 30, 2025
MONDAY MAY 26, 2025 - ARRIVAL IN PRAGUE

Independent arrival in Prague.
Suggested flight: Departure from Paris Charles de Gaulle at 10:05 a.m. — Arrival in Prague at 11:45 a.m. (AF1382).

 

Private reception and transfer to the city for those who have booked the recommended flight.

 

A delightful lunch awaits, allowing you to relax as your luggage is discreetly delivered to your hotel.

 

Our afternoon unfolds with a guided exploration of the Old Town (Staré Město), the historical and cultural heart of Prague. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992, this enchanting quarter is a mosaic of medieval streets, charming squares, and architectural wonders.

 

At the heart of the main square stands Prague’s legendary Astronomical Clock, a masterpiece crafted in 1410 and still in motion today. Every hour, a captivating parade of animated figures, including the twelve apostles, springs to life. Climbing the tower, we will enjoy a close-up view of this intricate mechanism and take in breathtaking panoramic vistas over the city.

Next, we will enjoy a private visit to the Clementinum, one of Europe’s most majestic Baroque complexes. Founded in 1556 by the Jesuits, this architectural gem has served as a centre of learning and spirituality for centuries. Among its treasures are the stunning Baroque library—often hailed as one of the world’s most beautiful—the Mirror Chapel, and the Astronomical Tower.

 

As the afternoon draws to a close, we will stroll across the iconic Charles Bridge, an enduring symbol of Prague. Built between the 14th and 15th centuries, this 516-metre masterpiece is adorned with 30 statues and flanked by imposing Gothic towers.

 

Our walk leads us to the Prague Castle district (Malá Strana), where your hotel awaits.

 

Take time to settle in and unwind after an inspiring first day

 

Private transfer to your first concert at the magnificent Dvořák Hall in the Rudolfinum.

 

At 8:00 p.m., Rudolfinum, Dvořák Hall:

 

FRAGMENTS OF LOVE

 

Ensemble Correspondances
Sébastien Daucé : Conductor

Caroline Weynants : Soprano
Blandine de Sansal : Soprano
Eugénie Lefebvre : Soprano
Caroline Bardot : Soprano
Lucile Richardot : Mezzo-Soprano
Vojtěch Semerád : Tenor
Abel Zamora : Tenor
Davy Cornillot : Tenor
Etienne Bazola : Baritone
Sebastian Myrus : Bass

Programme :

– J.-B. Lully : arias from the operas Psyché, Persée, Atys and Armide.

 

Around 9:45 p.m., private transfer back to the hotel.

Dinner at leisure or room service. Overnight stay at the hotel.

TUESDAY MAY 27, 2025 - DAY TRIP TO KARLOVY VARY IN BOHEMIA

Breakfast at the hotel.

 

Nestled in the heart of a dense forest, 50 km northeast of Mariánské Lázně, Karlovy Vary unfolds in an amphitheatre of hills, shaped by a narrow valley along the Teplá River (“warm”). The most renowned of the Czech Republic’s thirty-four spa towns, Karlovy Vary is famous for its International Film Festival, which annually draws a wealth of distinguished actors every July. The town’s origins are tied to a 14th-century legend: while hunting a deer, King Charles IV of Bohemia reportedly stumbled upon a boiling spring and noticed its healing effects on his injured dog. The monarch decided to build a spa town there in his name (Karlsbad, meaning “Charles’ Bath” in German). By the 16th century, physician Václav Payer was prescribing the daily consumption of fifty cups of the town’s water.

 

In addition to being a beloved spa destination—visited every summer from 1891 to 1913 by Georges Clemenceau, who came to treat his gout and diabetes—Karlovy Vary is also home to the renowned Moser Crystal Works. Founded in 1857, Moser creates the finest glassware, cherished by figures such as Queen Elizabeth II, King Mohammed V, the Royal Palace of Bahrain, and many other distinguished individuals. Thanks to its exceptional quality and prestige, Moser remains one of the most sought-after crystal brands in the world.

 

After a private tour of the crystal works, we will enjoy lunch and then take a leisurely walk through the town with your French-speaking guide.

 

In the late afternoon, we return to Prague for a private transfer to the second concert of the evening, which will take place at the Municipal House—an Art Nouveau masterpiece located in the heart of Prague, next to the Powder Tower. For music lovers, attending a concert in the Smetana Hall is an unforgettable experience. Famous for its stunning glass dome, this concert hall combines exceptional acoustics with a historic atmosphere.

 

At 8 :00 p.m., Municipal House, Smetana Hall:

 

VIENNA SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA concert

 

Wiener Symphoniker
Petr Popelka : Conductor

Jan Bartoš : Piano

 

Programme :

– L. v. Beethoven: The Consecration of the House, Overture Op. 124, Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37
– J. Strauss: Geheime Anziehungskräfte (The Mysterious Forces of Attraction), Waltz Op. 173 “Dynamiden”, Der Rosenkavalier, Suite

 

Around 9:35 p.m., private transfer back to the hotel.

Dinner at leisure or room service. Overnight at the hotel.

 

WEDNESDAY MAY 28, 2025 - PRAGUE

Breakfast at the hotel.

 

After breakfast, we will enjoy the exceptional views from the terrace of the Strahov Monastery. Founded in 1143 by the Premonstratensian monks, this is one of the oldest and most significant monasteries in Prague. It houses two remarkable libraries—the Theological Library and the Philosophical Library—which contain thousands of ancient manuscripts, rare books, and invaluable works from the Medieval and Renaissance periods. A private tour will allow us to delve into the rich history of these sacred spaces.

 

Next, we will visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Loreto, known as Svatá Loretá, a pilgrimage site renowned for housing the relic of the Holy House of Nazareth, the Virgin Mary’s house, and its dazzling monstrance set with 6,222 diamonds.

 

For lunch, we will dine at a traditional Czech restaurant, enjoying a panoramic view of the city. The expression “the city of a hundred spires” will come to life as we take in the golden reflections of Prague, a city that seems to shimmer like a scene from a fairy tale.

 

The afternoon will be dedicated to exploring Prague Castle, which dominates the Vltava River. This vast complex, one of the largest and oldest castles in the world, is also the seat of the President of the Czech Republic. Within the castle’s walls lies the magnificent St. Vitus Cathedral, countless palaces, museums, and the famous Golden Lane (Zlatá ulička), with its colourful houses where Kafka lived in 1916.

 

St. Vitus Cathedral is a remarkable example of Gothic architecture and a significant symbol of Czech culture, religious history, and politics. Construction began in 1344 under the auspices of Emperor Charles IV, and it was only completed in the late 19th century after centuries of work.

 

After visiting the iconic Royal Palace, we will have the exclusive opportunity to explore the South Wing of the Castle, typically closed to the public (subject to availability if the Czech President is not using it on that day). This wing, where the President receives official visitors, includes a series of rooms and salons that have served as both ceremonial halls and the private apartments of various monarchs since the 16th century.

 

Within the castle complex, we will then enjoy a delightful tea time at the Lobkowicz Palace, built in the 16th century and still owned by the Lobkowicz family.

 

Leisure time at the hotel, before heading to the Municipal House for a concert in the evening.

 

At 8 :00 p.m., Municipal House, Smetana Hall:

 

PRAGUE SPRING DEBUT concert

 

Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra

Jan Sedláček : Conductor

Tsukushi Sasaki : Violin

 

Programme :

– L. Bernstein: Divertimento
– S. Prokofiev: Violin Concerto No. 1 in D major
– A. Dvořák: Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major, Op. 10

 

We will then enjoy a dinner at the Municipal House’s renowned restaurant (around 9:30 p.m.). An iconic establishment in Prague, it is celebrated for its modern Czech cuisine and sumptuous interior.

Private transfer back to the hotel and overnight at the hotel.

THURSDAY MAY 29, 2025 - PRAGUE

After breakfast at the hotel, we will take a walk to explore the historic Jewish Quarter of Prague, known as Josefov. This area bears witness to the Jewish presence in the city dating back to the 10th century. Among the must-see sites in Josefov are the Old-New Synagogue, one of the oldest in Europe, the Spanish Synagogue with its stunning Moorish architecture, and the Maisel Synagogue. The Old Jewish Cemetery, used from the 15th to the 18th century, is also remarkable. It is one of the oldest in Europe, containing around 12,000 tombstones, although the actual number of buried individuals is much higher due to layered burials.

 

Following the visit, we will enjoy a gastronomic lunch atop the famous Dancing House, a creation resulting from the collaboration between Czech architect Vlado Milunić and renowned Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry.

 

In the afternoon, we will discover the New Town of Prague, or Nové Město, a historic district founded in 1348 by Emperor Charles IV. We will explore its passageways, Franciscan gardens, the Church of Our Lady of the Snows, which was the site of many historical events, and the monumental kinetic sculpture “Head of Franz Kafka” by Czech artist David Černý.

 

Later, just a short walk from your hotel, we will visit St. Nicholas Church in Malá Strana, renowned for its imposing green dome, which measures 20 meters in diameter, and its richly decorated interior, soaring to over 49 meters, making it the tallest interior in Prague.

 

After a brief rest at the hotel, we will head to the Municipal House for your final concert.

 

At 8:00 p.m., Municipal House, Smetana Hall:

 

LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA concert

 

London Symphony Orchestra

Sir Antonio Pappano : Conductor

Lisa Batiashvili : Violin

 

Programme :

– H. Berlioz: Le Corsaire, Overture Op. 21

– K. Szymanowski: Violin Concerto No. 1, Op. 35

– R. Strauss: Ein Heldenleben (A Hero’s Life), Symphonic Poem Op. 40

 

Around 9:45 p.m., private transfer back to the hotel.

Dinner at leisure or room service. Overnight at the hotel.

FRIDAY MAY 30, 2025 - DEPARTURE FROM PRAGUE

After breakfast at the hotel and check-out, the morning is free for shopping or to further explore any neighbourhoods of interest.

 

Departure from Prague is at your leisure.

 

A private transfer will be arranged to the airport for those who have selected the recommended flight.

Suggested flight: Departure at 14:45 from Prague — Arrival at Paris CDG at 16:45 (AF 1183).

Your accomodation
AUGUSTINE HOTEL PRAGUE ***** — 4 NIGHTS

Housed within several wings of a 14th-century monastery (part of which remains reserved for religious orders), this 5-star hotel offers a peaceful sanctuary in the heart of Prague. Nestled at the foot of the castle in the Malá Strana district, this unique property still carries the spiritual atmosphere of the monastery. The former monk cells have now been transformed into around one hundred rooms. The ascetic spirit has given way to comfort (with excellent bedding), and under the vaulted ceilings adorned with 19th-century frescoes or within its charming landscaped garden, guests experience a rare sense of tranquillity.

Price per person
Package with The Augustine Hotel Prague *****

Package in a Premium Double Room with Castle View: €5,690
Package in a Premium Single Room with Castle View: €7,990

 

The price of this journey includes: accommodation in a Premium Double Room with Castle View, including breakfast for 4 nights • tourist tax • the visits and transfers outlined in the programme • all meals mentioned in the programme (including drinks) • Category I concert tickets • 1 La Fugue guide • surprises from La Fugue • repatriation assistance.

 

The price of this journey does not include: international flights • meals listed as free and/or room service • tips • extras.

 

Guided journey.

Transport is available upon request.

Information about this trip
In charge of the destination
Pauline Heckly
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