In The Footsteps of Bach

Germany
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In collaboration with Diane Linn, Executive Director of the Community Chorus of Detroit, we are delighted to offer “In the Footsteps of Bach’, a glorious trip through Germany celebrating the life and works of J.S. Bach and other great German composers.

The program features a rich array of German culture and music, luxury hotels, excellent regional food and wine as well as an Oktoberfest evening event in Dresden. Musical highlights include a private chamber concert on historic instruments, a private organ recital of Bach works, public choral concerts in Leipzig, behind the scenes at Bluthner piano factory including a recital showcasing the instruments, a private chamber concert at Mendelssohn House, a performance at Semperoper and Dresden’s famous Kreuzchor boys choir. Cultural experiences include a hands-on Thuringian cooking lesson, a photography tour of Dresden, wine tasting, Meissen Porcelain manufactury, Wartburg Castle where Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German and a stunning farewell dinner at Schloss Wackerbarth.

Featured Experiences

Signed by Blüthner

Musical
Germany

Stop in Störmthal for a special visit of the Blüthner piano factory where Julius Blüthner’s ancestors continue his legacy to build the finest hand-crafted pianos. A member of the Blüthner family will welcome you with glass of champagne while relating the turbulent history of the company, as well as showing you how the pianos are made. Later, there will be a short recital in the factory’s own concert hall with works by Schumann and Mendelssohn.

Bach’s Reverie in Eisenach

Musical
Germany

Explore the birthplace of Bach with a private chamber concert at the Bachhaus, an intimate evening steeped in Bach’s reverie amid historical instruments.

Meissen Masterworks

Cultural
Germany

In Meissen, we explore the winding, cobbled streets and the magnificent cathedral, followed by lunch at the historic Vincenz Richter restaurant, which serves wine from its own vineyards. Afterwards, enjoy an exclusive tour of the world-renowned Porcelain Manufacture, which includes a display of porcelain from the past 300 years and the chance to watch skilled artists mold objects, sculpt delicate blossoms, and paint flowers on plates and teacups.

What's Included

  • Travel Concierge
  • Exquisite, Well-Located Hotels
    • Eisenbach: Thuringer Hof Hotel (4*)
    • Leipzig: Hotel Steigenberger (5*)
    • Dresden: Gewandhaus Hotel (5*)
  • Motorcoach transportation
  • Private organ recital in Eisenach
  • Performance at Semperoper
  • Choral concert in Leipzig
  • Privileged access to the Bluthner Piano factory
  • Private tour and concert at Mendelssohn House
  • Oktoberfest Celebration
  • Guided tour of the Meissen Porcelain Factory
  • Farewell Dinner

Itinerary

11 Days

Day 1 OVERNIGHT FLIGHT

Departure from the United States. This exclusive program is themed around the life and works of JS Bach, but also includes a great variety of exceptional experiences related to the finest in German music, culture and cuisine. While the itinerary has been designed to avoid long walking routes, in order to take part fully each day guests should be able to walk approximately two miles over the course of a day at a leisurely pace.

Day 2 EISENACH

Arrive in Frankfurt and meet your Encore Tour Manager. Board your private coach and journey northeast to Eisenach, our base for exploring a variety of important places in the life of the great JS Bach. Check in to the deluxe 4* Thuringer Hof Hotel in the center of town, then enjoy a leisurely stroll with your Tour Manager to get your bearings, before dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

Day 3 EISENACH

This morning a local expert will introduce us to Bach related sights around town such as St. George's Church where Bach was baptized and the Bachhaus which will be the venue for a private chamber concert on historical instruments. Enjoy time for lunch but don't eat too much as, after some free time to explore, later this afternoon we will get together for a fun-filled hands-on cooking class, working in small groups to prepare typical Thuringian specialities that we will enjoy for dinner! (B,D)

Day 4 EISENACH

An excursion out to Arnstadt and Dornheim continues our discovery of JS Bach's personal journey and where we will be treated to a private organ recital of Bach works at a beautiful local church. The afternoon visit is to medieval Wartburg Castle where we will visit the rooms Martin Luther occupied while translating the New Testament into German. At the end of our tour, relax and enjoy a sunset dinner in the castle restaurant! (B,D)

Day 5 LEIPZIG

Leave Eisenach today and head towards Leipzig, stopping first for a visit of gorgeous medieval Weimar. Take time for lunch on your own before we arrive in Leipzig and check in to the 5* Hotel Steigenberger. Enjoy dinner with a view tonight as we ascend to the top of the Panorama Tower overlooking Gewandhaus and the city below. Our stay in Leipzig, a city renowned for great choral music, will include vocal performances which will be detailed here as concert schedules are published. (B,D)

Day 6 LEIPZIG

Our guide will lead us on a musical tour of the city including entrance to Thomaskirche where Bach served as Thomaskantor (musical director) for over twenty-five years. We will have the opportunity to lay flowers on his grave inside the church before visiting his museum across the street.

Day 7 LEIPZIG

A morning drive to Stormthal, home to the Blüthner Piano factory where we will be hosted by the charismatic 5th generation family owner Christian Blüthner. After a welcome drink and introductions, a fascinating behind the scenes tour culminates in a short recital to demonstrate why Bluthner pianos are revered by virtuosi worldwide. Back in Leipzig this afternoon visit the Mendelssohn House for a private tour and chamber concert; 'Choral Treasures of Leipzig' featuring works for solo voices by Mendelssohn, Bach and Schumann. (B)

Day 8 DRESDEN

Continue east to visit the world famous Meissen Porcelain Factory for a guided tour and viewing of production techniques by master craftsmen. Lunch is included at the Café & Restaurant HAUS MEISSEN, of course served on Meissen Porcelain! There will be ample time for shopping. Arrive in Dresden and check in to the 5* Gewandhaus Hotel, then join your Tour Manager for a walking tour or head out on your own to find local specialities for dinner. This evening tickets are included at Semperoper, pending concert schedules being released. (B,L)

Day 9 DRESDEN

This morning's tour adds an extra element as you visit both famous sites such as Semperoper, Zwinger Palace and Frauenkirche, as well as some hidden gems with an expert photographer who will share ideas for composition, how to maximize natural light and tips for beautiful photography whether you have a Leica or a cell phone. Later in the afternoon visit the truly unique Green Vault, Europe's largest collection of priceless jewelry, gemstones and statuettes. This evening attend the local Oktoberfest including traditional food and beer. (B,D)

Day 10 DRESDEN

Take time this morning to explore more of Dresden's many highlights, cultural and culinary. Later this afternoon hear the world famous Kreuzchor sing during service at Kreuzkirche before heading into the countryside for our farewell dinner, held in one of the private rooms of the grand Schloss Wackerbarth. (B,D)

Day 11 DEPARTURE

Transfer to Prague airport for the return flight to the United States. Alternatively you may opt for one of two extensions to Berlin or Prague, including three nights in luxurious city center hotels, all necessary transportation and guided sightseeing. (B)

on flight

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