A Composer's Journey - 10 days

Highlights

Schönbrunn Palace • St. Stephen’s Cathedral • Esterhazy Palace • Haydn Kirche • Melk Abbey • Mirabell Gardens • Mozart’s House • Pegasus Fountain • Sound of Music Churchyard • Hallein Salt Mines • Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest • Nymphenburg Palace • 3 Performances

Overnights

Vienna 3, Salzburg 3, Munich 2

Itinerary

DAY 1: DEPARTURE FROM THE USA
Depart from the USA.

DAY 2: VIENNA
Arrive in Vienna, the capital of Austria and the historical center of the musical world; a must see for any musician. You will be met by your tour manager who will transfer you to your centrally located hotel for check in and a short orientation. Afterwards, begin exploring this magnificent city on your own. Why not stop at a traditional Viennese coffee house and sample a Sachertorte?

DAY 3: VIENNA
Explore the riches of the city with a local guide on your sightseeing tour this morning. Your journey takes you to the State Opera, the Habsburgs’ sprawling Schönbrunn Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral to view the famous lacy spire. Then explore Mozart’s House, where he wrote “The Marriage of Figaro,” with an included audio guided tour. Afterwards enjoy free time for lunch, and perhaps a strudel at a local café, before a free afternoon for further exploration of this musical city. Tonight’s highlight is a special Heurigen dinner which introduces you to traditional Viennese food.

DAY 4: VIENNA
Travel to nearby Eisenstadt this morning for a visit of the Esterhazy Palace where Joseph Haydn once was the court musician under the patronage of the noble family. Continue to Haydn Kirche where the famous Classical period composer was laid to rest. Later this afternoon, prepare for your first evening concert performance!

DAY 5: SALZBURG
This morning after breakfast begin your journey to the musical city of Salzburg. En route you will visit the great Baroque abbey-palace of Melk, which Napoleon used as his headquarters. Arrive in Salzburg and transfer to your hotel to freshen up before dinner. Tonight you will enjoy a special Mozart dinner right in the heart of Salzburg.

DAY 6: SALZBURG
Fall in love with the city of Mozart as a local guide shows you the Mirabell Gardens, a slice of the composer’s life at Mozart’s Birthplace, the Pegasus Fountain and the famous Sound of Music churchyard. In your free afternoon, consider taking the funicular up to the impressive Hohensalzburg fortress.

DAY 7: SALZBURG
This morning travel into the mountains at Hallein, where you descend to a salt mine and enjoy a boat ride on an underground lake. Return to Salzburg for a free afternoon to stroll along the quaint cobblestone streets or shop at one of the numerous boutiques. After dinner this evening, perform a concert in Salzburg.

DAY 8: MUNICH
This morning travel to Berchtesgaden, Hitler’s favorite resort spot. Visit Kehlsteinhaus (Eagle’s Nest), an incredible retreat perched atop a steep mountain. It was presented to Hitler by the Nazi party as a gift for his 50th birthday. Continue on your journey to the capital of Bavaria, Munich.

DAY 9: MUNICH
Tour the city with a local guide, from the dazzling Nymphenburg Palace (home of Bavaria’s Wittelsbach kings) to a walking tour of old Munich, ending with the Glockenspiel at the New Town Hall. The afternoon is free to visit priceless art at the Alte Pinakothek or shop the open-air Viktualienmarkt, a colorful flower and food market. This evening perform your final concert of the tour.

DAY 10: RETURN TO THE US
Depart for the USA.