An Die Musik - 9 days

Highlights

Schönbrunn Palace • Danube Cruise • Mozart’s House • Melk Abbey • Mirabell Gardens • Hohensalzburg Fortress • Hallein Salt Mines • Innsbruck's Hofkirche • Juliet's House • Cremona’s Famous Violin Collection • The Doge’s Palace, Venice • St. Mark’s Basilica • 3 Performance Opportunities

Overnights

Vienna 2, Salzburg 2, Verona 3

Itinerary

DAY 1: OVERNIGHT FLIGHT
Depart on an overnight flight to Vienna. Dinner and breakfast are served onboard.

DAY 2: VIENNA
Arrive in Vienna and meet your tour manager, then transfer to your centrally located Vienna hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore this elegant city! Meet again later this evening for dinner together with your tour manager.

DAY 3: VIENNA
Morning sightseeing introduces you to Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens, the royal Hofburg in the heart of the city and the Alstadt. Meet for dinner after free time to prepare for your first European performance.

DAY 4: SALZBURG
This morning float along the river made famous by the Waltzes of Johann Strauss, The Danube! After your mid-morning Danube cruise, continue to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, with a stop en-route at the Baroque abbey-palace of Melk. Arrive in Salzburg for dinner and the overnight.

DAY 5: SALZBURG
Mid-morning city sightseeing with a local guide introduces you to Mirabell Gardens, the Sound of Music courtyard, and the birthplace of Mozart. Funicular passes are provided for travel to the Hohensalzburg Fortress that looms over the city and provides a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding area. Travel to the nearby Hallein salt mines for a tour. After dinner in Salzburg, present your second European concert!

DAY 6: VERONA
Depart Salzburg for the favorite vacation destination of the Hapsburgs, Innsbruck. Your tour of this lovely city includes entrances to the Hofkirche. Continue your journey into “The Land of Sunshine,“ Italy. Your home for the next three evenings is the fair city of Verona, home to Shakespeare’s famed star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet. Time remains today for a stroll through this charming city and a visit to the house of Juliet.

DAY 7: VERONA
Today’s agenda is packed full with all things musical! Begin the day by visiting the city of Cremona’s private collection of historic violins including a 1715 Stradivarius. Complement this visit with a tour of the workshops of local violin artisans. You’ll present your final evening concert in one of the city’s unique venues. With the strong musical history and performance tradition of Cremona, expect great audience participation!

DAY 8: VERONA
Enjoy a full-day excursion to “The Queen of the Adriatic,” Venice. Transfer to St. Mark’s Square via boat as the Venetians themselves do daily. Your walking tour of this Byzantine wonder includes St. Mark’s Basilica and entrances to the Doge’s Palace. Here, you can walk through the famous “Bridge of Sighs” which connects the palace to the prison. Peer out through the bridge’s tiny window, the last look at civilization for many unfortunate inmates. Enjoy the afternoon in this unique city. Throughout the spring and summer, Piazza San Marco abounds with activity and live music. Enjoy a cool drink and listen to the strains of local musicians overlapping with the sounds of distant Goldoliers’ songs! Fares for an afternoon gondola ride through the canals of Venice are included. After dinner, return to Verona for the overnight.

DAY 9: RETURN TO THE USA