Harmonized History

After arriving in Germany’s storied capital, meet your Encore Tour Manager and get settled in. While Berlin was divided, Eastern and Western sections maintained separate opera houses and other institutions. Now the united city offers two of everything and is known as a hub of European culture. We’ll begin our introduction to Berlin with a visit to the dome and rooftop terrace of the Reichstag Building, home to the German Parliament! (D)

Today you will explore the sites of Imperial Berlin with an expert local guide. Discover the Baroque facades of the imperial quarter, to the sculpture of the beautiful Egyptian Queen Nefertiti at the Egyptian Museum and ending with the opulent Charlottenburg Palace. You’ll also learn about the history of the Berlin Wall and visit Checkpoint Charlie. This afternoon, rehearse for your debut concert performance! (B,D)

This morning, check out of your hotel in Berlin and transfer to Potsdam to visit the beautiful Sanssouci Palace and Park. This Palace was once the summer home of Frederick the Great, former King of Prussia. Later, transfer to the historic city of Dresden and check into your hotel. (B,D)

Discover Dresden this morning as your local guide teaches you the Saxon history and how this magnificent city was rebuilt after its destruction during WWII. You will visit the famous Frauenkirche (Church of our Lady), which was reduced to rubble during World War II then rebuilt via donations from people all across Germany, as well as have a guided tour of the Semper Oper. Tonight, see a performance at this iconic opera house! (B,D)

Check out of your hotel this morning and transfer to the lovely city of Wroclaw. Of all the cities in Poland, Wroclaw possesses perhaps the most convoluted and turbulent history of them all. Known under dozens of different names as it was passed repeatedly between four countries (and the numerous kingdoms that preceded them), Wroclaw was one of the most culturally and architecturally diverse cities in Central Europe. (B,D)

This morning, a local guide takes you on a sightseeing tour of Wroclaw. You will see the Old Town Hall, Market Square with its colorful buildings and the Cathedral amongst many other highlights! Rehearse this afternoon for your next concert performance of the tour that will take place this evening. (B,D)

Today take an excursion to the Wieliczka Salt Mines. Now an official Polish Historic Monument, this mine’s attractions include the shafts and labyrinthine passageways, displays of historic salt-mining technology, an underground lake, four chapels and numerous statues carved by miners out of the rock salt. Continue to Krakow, Poland’s second largest city. Check into your next hotel before heading out on foot with your Tour Manager to visit the historic Kazimierz Jewish Quarter.

Sightseeing with a local guide introduces you to the oldest city in Poland, where historic architecture hosts modern culture. View the façade of the spectacular Wawel Castle, one of the country’s most important historic and cultural sites and visit inside its Cathedral. Be sure to brave the climb up the narrow Bell Tower. You’ll have time later in the day to explore more of Krakow’s medieval center, including the former Jewish Quarter or verdant Planty Park. Come together this afternoon to rehearse for tonight’s final concert performance!

Depart for the USA.