Splendors of Central Europe

This Cultural Tour offers students an easy way to experience the wonders of Central Europe while earning college credit. Participants may elect to take the Cultural Tour for three hours of credit HUMA 100 at a slightly higher cost.

This trip provides the chance to visit historic sites, enjoy European cuisine, and partake in the local culture. It also offers a mix of sightseeing as well. Visit historic sites like the Pantheon, explore the castles of Karstejn or Konopiste, spend the morning sightseeing in Vienna, and board a ferry across the Bay of Naples to the island of the Emperor Tiberius. In addition, it provides some free time where you can select your own adventures.

Central Europe

Travel Dates

Spring Break: March 5-15, 2004

Destination: Central Europe

Munich, Salzburg, Vienna, and Prague

Central European Itinerary

Day 1 - Friday, March 5: Depart in the afternoon from Heartland Community College to Chicago O'Hare International Airport for an overnight flight to Munich.
Day 2 - Saturday, March 6: Arrive early morning in Munich and travel by bus to the hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour includes the Marienplatz with its famous Glockenspiel and Altes Rathaus, the Frauenkirche, and Munich's most beautiful square, Odeonplatz. A group dinner will be provided by your HCC hosts at the world famous Hofbräuhaus.(Breakfast and dinner are provided.)
Day 3 - Sunday, March 7: Depart early morning for a visit to Dachau and its infamous concentration camp. The museum at Dachau presents a factual account of the Nazi atrocities. In the afternoon visit the splendid palace and gardens of Schloss Nymphenburg. In the evening join the group on a visit to a typical Munich beerhall. (Breakfast is provided.)
Day 4 - Monday, March 8: Depart early morning for Salzburg. Visit the Bishop's Palace, Mozart's birthplace, Schloss Hellbrunn, and enjoy the Sound of Music Tour. Your evening is free to explore the city.(Breakfast is provided.)
Day 5 - Tuesday, March 9: Prepare for a morning departure to Vienna with stops at the monastery of St. Florian and the Nazi concentration camp at Mauthaussen. Arrive at Vienna in the afternoon. Relax at your hotel before an evening visit to the Prater amusement park. (Breakfast is provided.)
Day 6 - Wednesday, March 10: Spend the morning sightseeing in Vienna. Visit the Stephansdom, Figarohaus, Jesuitenkirche, and Cathedral Museum, as well as the many fascinating streets and shops of Old Vienna. In the afternoon explore Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens. In the evening visit the beautiful village of Grinzing. (Breakfast is provided.)
Day 7 - Thursday, March 11: Depart for Prague. Stop in Brunn, the second largest city in the Czech Republic, and visit the historic old town and cathedral. Arrive at Prague for some free time before a group dinner hosted by your HCC guides. (Breakfast and dinner are provided.)
Day 8 - Friday, March 12: Enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Prague that includes Prague Castle and the surrounding churches, monuments, and cafés. Walk the Charles Bridge and explore the Old Town. Evening is free.(Breakfast is provided.)
Day 9 - Saturday, March 13: Visit the surrounding sites of Prague: the castles of Karlstejn or Konopiste or the medieval town of Kutna Hora. Return to Prague in the evening. Evening is free.(Breakfast is provided.)
Day 10 - Sunday, March 14: Depart early morning for Munich stopping in route at Karlsbad. Free time in Munich before a farewell group dinner provided by your HCC hosts.(Breakfast and dinner are provided.)
Day 11 - Monday, March 15: Prepare for the morning flight departing for Chicago.

Note: The daily itinerary may be subject to change depending on the weather or other unpredictable circumstances.

Program Cost

$1795 (non-credit option) or $1960 (credit option) includes:

Roundtrip transportation from Heartland Community College to O'Hare International Airport
Roundtrip airfare between Chicago to Munich, Germany
Airport transfers
Touring by luxury motorcoach
Multilingual guide service
All entrance fees to regularly scheduled attractions
First class hotel accommodation that includes twin bedded rooms with private facilities, all taxes included
Daily buffet breakfast and three evening meals
All tips included except daily maid service (approximately $1 per day)

Tour insurance - All participants are included in the insurance policy purchased as part of the tour. Coverage terms will be provided to registrants. It is advised to also check any personal or family medical insurance coverage.

HCC credit - Those taking the trip for HCC credit will pay tuition of a three-hour course and receive instruction by HCC faculty.

Single rooms - Participants requiring single room accommodations will be assessed a $250 supplemental fee.

Payment Plan (Tour Only - see Registration below)

Students make payments during the fall semester prior to departure. Final payment is due January 20, 2004.

Payment 1: $500 ($350 non-refundable deposit) at time of registration
Payment 2: $500 by November 3, 2003
Payment 3: Balance by January 20, 2004

Balance will be

Double occupancy: $795, based upon double occupancy
Single occupancy: $1045, based upon single occupancy

Registration

Enrollment is limited. Registration begins September 5, 2003. Students must complete the cultural tour registration packet and return it to the Development Secretary in the Community Commons Building, Suite 2300 at the Normal, Illinois campus. Payment for the tour must also be submitted to the Development Office.(See payment plan below.)

Students who enroll for the credit option must register at Student Services for HUMA 100 as part of their spring schedule. Payment for the class is due in accordance with the established College guidelines concerning tuition payments.

Cancellation Policy

The following cancellation charges will be applied based on notice prior to departure:

More than 60 days: non-refundable deposit of $350
30-60 days: 50% of the total price
less than 30 days: 100% of the total price

Pre-Departure Meeting

All participants will be required to attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation to be scheduled in February 2004.

For More Information, Contact

Heartland Community College
International Office
Community Commons Building, Room 2308
1500 W. Raab Road
Normal, Illinois 61761
(309) 268-8664

Traveling Administrator

Dr.Helen McKay-Katz
(309) 268-8173

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