Salzburg & Vienna

Day 2 Salzburg

Arrive in Munich and meet your Travel Concierge for the short drive to Mozart's hometown of Salzburg, a picturesque and highly walkable city that sits astride the Salzach river. Check in to the Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadt located in the city center, a hotel combining modern luxury with architectural elements harking back to medieval roots. Your Travel Concierge will be available to you at the hotel welcome desk and will have your concert tickets reserved pre-departure, ready for collection.

Early this evening, join us for a cocktail reception and dinner where an Encore host will whet your appetite with some highlights of the experiences to come! (B,D)

Day 3 Salzburg

A charming square in residential Salzburg contains the understated entrance to a unique musical treasure. Enter the Mozart Residence and descend to the vault, where guarded by Swiss bank level security are some of the most prized Mozart manuscripts. This afternoon and evening explore the city, with the insights and ideas of your Travel Concierge readily available. (B)

Day 4 Salzburg

Meet the Kapellmeister at Salzburg Cathedral and view the original book of records that documents Mozart's birth. Enjoy privileged access to the organ lofts and the seven organs of the cathedral before enjoying the rich tones of the 4,000 pipe main organ with a short recital by the Cathedral organist. Later this afternoon attend a special and private performance by professional musicians from one of Salzburg's great orchestras in the magnificent setting of the Romanesque Hall at St. Peter's Abbey, followed by a sumptuous dinner at St. Peter's Stift Kulinaik, the world's oldest restaurant. (B,D)

Day 5 Vienna

Today we move to Vienna, but not before enjoying the acoustics of the soaring Melk Abbey en route. Our visit will include an a capella soprano performance. Arrive in Vienna and check in to Hotel Am Stephansplatz where your room offers a stunning view of the cathedral facade.

Our very special welcome to Vienna this evening takes place in this grand cathedral. Stephansdom stands at the heart of Vienna and its stories represent the soul of the city. This privileged exploration of its history, architecture and music includes meeting with the head archivist and a stunning experience inside and outside the iconic multi coloured tile roof of the cathedral with musical accompaniment. Dinner at Restaurant Griechenbeisl, one of the city's finest culinary experiences, caps a memorable day in Austria. (B,D)

Day 6 Vienna

The first of two very special cultural experiences takes place this morning at the Palais Dorotheum, one of the world's largest and oldest auction houses, founded by Emperor Joseph I in 1707. Enjoy a guided visit of the historical state rooms and meet an auctioneer for insights into the most intriguing current sale items and the art of the auction. This afternoon you have the opportunity to practise or perfect your box-step under the guidance of an expert in Viennese Waltz. Dance the afternoon away before an early evening return to St. Stephen's Cathedral for a visit of the new grand organ loft followed by a short organ recital. (B)

Day 7 Vienna

Vienna lies at your feet, be sure to consult your Travel Concierge for insider tips to help in planning your day. Later enjoy privileged access this afternoon behind the scenes at Musikverein, one of the world's most stunning concert venues for its aesthetic and acoustic. (B)

Day 8 Vienna

This morning is available for those who wish to attend mass sung by the Vienna Boys Choir at the Imperial Chapel (please request tickets from your musical concierge pre-departure). (B)

Day 9 Vienna

A short excursion out of Vienna takes us to Wiener Neustadt and the headquarters of a legendary instrument maker for a visit at Bösendorfer. After a welcome by a company director, experience the passion and expertise of craftsmen as we visit the piano factory and come to understand what makes these instruments sought after by virtuosi worldwide. After time for lunch on your own in town, we return to Vienna for a private piano recital at the Bösendorfer Salon. Joining us there is a member of the Vienna Philharmonic to share insights into performing with a world class orchestra and notes on their current repertoire. (For tickets to a performance by the Vienna Philharmonic at Musikverein during your time in Vienna, please consult your Musical Concierge pre-departure). (B)

Day 10 Vienna

As the wrought iron gates swing open and you approach the grand Augarten Palais, there is a palpable sense of history and tradition no longer often found. Here in the home of the world famous Vienna Boys Choir, after a welcome and introduction by President and Artistic Director, Gerald Wirth, hear the boys rehearse before an informal reception and time to chat with their choral director. Enjoy time this afternoon for one more museum or Viennoiserie at a traditional café. This evening put on your finery for our visit to the grand State Opera House where we will hear notes from an opera expert on tonight's production of Vincenzo Bellini's I Puritani. Then sit back and soak up the sound and spectacle of opera at Staatsoper. Bubbles and canapés will be served during intermission and post performance we take just a few steps across the street from the opera house, to top the night off with culinary excellence in a historic setting at the restaurant of the grand Hotel Sacher. (B,D)

Day 11 Departure

Transfer to Vienna International Airport for your return flight to the USA.