Your trip itinerary is being carefully developed to ensure the best possible learning experience in-country. As companies are confirmed, they will appear on the itinerary together with the topics around which the visits & presentations will focus. As all itineraries are subject to change, we recommend you check back regularly to get the most up-to-date version of the itinerary.
Day 1:
Thursday, February 25
Thu February 25
Day 1:
Depart from Michigan
departure from Michigan
Day 2:
Friday, February 26
Fri February 26
Day 2:
welcome to Prague
welcome to the Czech Republic
Czechia, a landlocked country in Central Europe, borders Poland, Germany, Austria, and Slovakia. Strategically positioned on ancient trade routes, it has evolved from a centrally planned economy to a thriving social market economy as a member of the EU. Its capital, Prague—nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires”—sits on the Vltava River and is home to 1.3 million people. Renowned for its stunning architecture, rich history, and world-class beer, Prague is also a dynamic hub of technology and innovation, offering much more than its picturesque charm.
early afternoon
intercity transfers
arrive in Prague
air
transportation
transfer to hotel, check-in
bus transfer
afternoon
free to relax & explore the city
ISPer's recommendation: After settling into your hotel, take some time to explore the surrounding area. Familiarize yourself with the neighborhood by locating key amenities such as ATMs, nearby restaurants, and shops. This is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and begin to appreciate the vibrant atmosphere of your destination.
transportation
meet in hotel lobby, depart for welcome dinner
public transport
evening
meals
traditional folklore welcome dinner
Immerse yourself in Czech culture with an evening of lively folk music, dance, and authentic cuisine. Set in a charming venue in Prague’s Old Town, this unforgettable experience showcases traditional melodies from Bohemia and Moravia, performed on instruments like the cimbalom, violin, and double bass. Dancers and singers in vibrant hand-sewn costumes bring the rich heritage to life, while you savor a delicious meal of classic Czech dishes served in beautifully painted ceramic bowls. Enjoy local specialties, raise a glass, and let the rhythm of folk traditions welcome you to Prague!
restaurant
Day 3:
Saturday, February 27
Sat February 27
Day 3:
echoes of time: Prague’s past & present
breakfast
hotel
transportation
meet in the hotel lobby, depart for cultural events
public transport
morning
cultural event
Prague guided tour: get to know the "city of hundred spires"
Discover the magical capital of Czechia. Walk through its fairy-tale small lanes and see its major landmarks, including the Old Town Square and its astronomical clock, Wenceslas Square, the Charles Bridge, and much more.
public transport/walk
meals
group lunch
restaurant
afternoon
cultural event
Jewish Quarter & Museum: a journey through history
Step into the rich and complex history of Jewish Prague as you explore Josefov, the city’s historic Jewish quarter. The Jewish Museum, a collection of six significant monuments, offers insight into centuries of Jewish heritage, resilience, and culture. Visit the Maisel Synagogue, the Ceremonial Hall, and the Pinkas Synagogue, which stands as a powerful Holocaust memorial, inscribed with the names of Czech and Moravian victims. Walk through the hauntingly beautiful Old Jewish Cemetery, one of the oldest in Europe, where generations rest beneath layered tombstones. This visit provides a profound reflection on Jewish life, traditions, and the impact of the Holocaust.
public transport/walk
rest of the day at leisure
ISPer's recommendation: For a relaxing and quintessentially Czech experience, head to the Letná Beer Garden. Nestled in Letná Park, this spot offers stunning panoramic views of Prague's skyline and the Vltava River. Enjoy a refreshing local beer under the shade of chestnut trees while soaking in the beautiful scenery. It's the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploration. Mingle with locals, and experience a beloved Prague tradition. Don't forget to bring a camera to capture the breathtaking views!
Day 4:
Sunday, February 28
Sun February 28
Day 4:
the importance of keeping history alive
breakfast
hotel
transportation
meet in the hotel lobby, depart for Terezín (duration approx. 1 hour)
bus full day
morning
cultural event
excursion to the Terezín concentration camp memorial
Embark on a poignant excursion to the Terezín concentration camp. Led by a knowledgeable guide, explore the preserved grounds and barracks, reflecting on the tragic history of the Holocaust. Visit the Small Fortress to pay respects and gain insights into the lives of those who endured unimaginable hardships. This somber journey serves as a powerful educational experience, fostering remembrance and understanding. It is a moment to reflect on the past, honoring those who suffered, and to ensure that the lessons learned from history are not forgotten.
bus/walk
early afternoon
return to Prague (duration approx. 1 hour)
meals
group lunch
restaurant
rest of the day at leisure or university's own arrangements
ISPer's recommendation: The National Museum, located in Prague, is the largest museum in the Czech Republic. It has a diverse range of collections that cover multiple disciplines and fields. These collections range from the natural sciences to specialized areas of the social sciences. The museum showcases a vast array of materials, documenting the development of nature, history, and prehistory from both Czech and foreign origins. The exhibits of the museum are distributed across several buildings in Prague. Additionally, the National Museum puts together various cultural and educational programs for visitors to enjoy.
Day 5:
Monday, March 1
Mon March 1
Day 5:
free time to explore Prague
breakfast
hotel
free to relax or university's own arrangements
ISPer´s recommendation: Visit the Petřín hill. Topped by what looks like a pint-sized Eiffel Tower, Petřín hill is one of Prague’s most popular playgrounds. Come for the woodland walkways, gardens, and gorgeous views of the city below. You can hike up and down Petřín or simply hop on the 19th-century funicular; it’s part of the public transport network so a free add-on to any tram or metro journey.
transportation
meet in the hotel lobby, depart for group lunch
public transport
early afternoon
meals
group lunch
restaurant
rest of the day at leisure
Day 6:
Tuesday, March 2
Tue March 2
Day 6:
explore the heart of Prague
breakfast
hotel
morning
free to relax or university's own arrangements
ISPer's recommendation: Discover Prague’s coffee culture by visiting one of its famous coffee houses such as Café Slavia or Café Louvre. These historic spots are perfect for sipping a coffee while people-watching.
meals
lunch: own arrangements
Own arrangements
afternoon
free to explore & shopping or university’s own arrangements
This is a perfect time for some last minute shopping. If you're looking for a classic souvenir, Bohemian crystal, with its long tradition in the country since the 16th century, is a great option. You can also opt for beer cosmetics ranging from hair balms to shower gels and traditional spa wafers that will make a delicious souvenir! Another souvenir can be the Little Mole, invented in 1957 by the Prague cartoonist Zdeněk Miler. Since then, he has been seen on Czech television for more than 50 years, and for more than 30 years as part of the "Mouse Broadcast" or puppets Spejbl and Hurvínek.
transportation
meet in the hotel lobby, depart for dinner
public transport/walk
meals
group dinner
restaurant
Day 7:
Wednesday, March 3
Wed March 3
Day 7:
transfer day
breakfast
hotel
check-out, load luggage onto the bus
hotel
transportation
meet in the lobby, transfer to the train station
bus transfer
morning
intercity transfers
train to Krakow (duration approx. 6.5 hrs.)
train
meals
lunch: own arrangements
Own arrangements
afternoon
transportation
transfer to hotel, check-in
public transportation/walk
rest of the day at leisure
Day 8:
Thursday, March 4
Thu March 4
Day 8:
unveiling Krakow’s past
breakfast
hotel
transportation
meet in the hotel lobby, depart for cultural event
walk
morning
cultural event
medieval treasure trove - tour of Krakow's Old Town
Krakow is one of central Europe’s jewels with a history that stretches back to the 10th century. It is also the best preserved city in Poland, the old town center having escaped the destruction that befell the rest of the country in WWII. Join us on a guided tour and delve into the narrow, cobbled streets radiating off the impressive 13th-century Market Square. Explore the Royal Castle and Gothic cathedral which dominate the town from their perch on Wawel Hill to the 16th-century synagogues in the Jewish Quarter, made famous in Schindler’s List, to Leonardo da Vinci’s 15th-century Lady with an Ermine housed in just one of a plethora of museums.
walk
meals
welcome lunch
Welcome to Krakow, where tradition and flavor meet! Enjoy an authentic Polish cuisine, with dishes that have been passed down through generations. Indulge in hearty specialties that highlight the region’s rich culinary traditions.
restaurant
afternoon
optional cultural event
pierogi making workshop
Discover the art of making traditional Polish pierogi in this hands-on workshop led by a professional cook. Learn the techniques behind crafting these beloved dumplings, from preparing the dough to filling them with a variety of savory or sweet ingredients. With expert guidance, you’ll create your own pierogi and gain insight into one of Poland’s most cherished culinary traditions. Enjoy the fruits of your labor as you savor your freshly made pierogi at the end of the session!
sts pay individually
rest of the day at leisure
ISPer's recommendation: Take a stroll through Krakow's Main Market Square (Rynek Główny), the largest medieval town square in Europe. Explore the historic Cloth Hall and enjoy a coffee at one of the many charming cafés.
Day 9:
Friday, March 5
Fri March 5
Day 9:
legacy of the Holocaust
breakfast
hotel
transportation
meet in the hotel lobby, depart for Auschwitz (duration approx. 1.5 hrs.)
bus full day
morning
cultural event
Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp tour
Auschwitz-Birkenau is synonymous with the Holocaust. More than a million Jewish people, and many Poles and Roma were murdered here by German Nazis during WWII. Auschwitz was originally intended for Polish political prisoners, but the camp was then adapted for the collective extermination of the Jews of Europe in fulfilment of German Nazi ideology. Both sections of the camp – Auschwitz I and the much larger outlying Birkenau (Auschwitz II) – have been preserved and are open to visitors.
walk
meals
group lunch
restaurant
afternoon
return to Krakow (duration approx. 1.5 hours)
afternoon
free to relax or university's own arrangements
ISPer's recommendation: Take a visit to Oskar Schindler's famous factory that has been turned into a modern museum exhibiting the life of the Jewish population in war-time Krakow, as well as the life of its founder, the Nazi German industrialist who famously saved the lives of members of his Jewish labor force during the Holocaust. Open until 7pm, regular tickets 32 PLN, limited number of free entrances available on Mondays.
evening
meals
farewell dinner
Celebrate the end of this immersive journey with a delicious farewell meal in the heart of Krakow. It's the perfect way to cap off an enriching experience and create lasting memories with your classmates!
restaurant
Day 10:
Saturday, March 6
Sat March 6
Day 10:
explore Krakow’s charms
breakfast
hotel
morning
transportation
check-out, transfer to the airport
bus transfer
intercity transfers
depart for Detroit
air