Musica Orbis: Extension to Budapest

Arrive in the beautiful city of Prague and meet your Encore Tour Manager at the airport. Transfer to your well-located hotel and settle in. Enjoy dinner this evening together before getting a good night’s sleep! (B,D)

This morning after breakfast, which is provided each morning of the tour, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Prague to acquaint yourself with this gorgeous city, nicknamed the “City of a Hundred Spires”. Visit the famous Prague Castle and the magnificent St. Vitus’s Cathedral before walking over the unique Charles Bridge to the Old Town Square to see the Astronomical Clock. This afternoon, you will participate in a workshop with a Czech conductor where you will gain insights into the rich Czech musical tradition with a professional clinician. Afterwards, attend the festival concerts taking place this afternoon! (B,D)

This morning, attend the official welcome at the Prague Old Town Hall, a gorgeous building dating back to the 14th century and one of the most significant buildings in all of Prague, where you will be greeted by a representative of the City of Prague. This afternoon, the opening concert will take place at the Czech Museum of Music. Give your first short performance in front of local audiences in the unique concert hall inside this beautiful museum. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at the art nouveau-style Municipal House Café. (B,D)

This morning, you will take part in a very special Mass participation in St. Vitus Cathedral, the greatest Czech cathedral in the largest Castle in the world! This afternoon, take part in the festival concerts. Charm the local audiences with your performance in a joint concert with another participating ensemble at a beautiful venue in downtown Prague where you can support your newly-made international friends and fellow musicians. Tonight celebrate the end of the festival during a farewell dinner cruise. Join the other ensembles and celebrate your successful festival performance with a cruise on the Vltava river! (B,D)

Check out of your hotel and travel to Budapest, stopping in the beautiful town of Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia along the way for exploration and lunch! Then you will continue to Budapest, check into your hotel and enjoy dinner together. (B,D)

Meet your local guide for a sightseeing tour of Budapest, that teaches you about the amazing 1,000-year history of this city, which is split in half by the Danube River–the Buda district on one side and the Pest district on the other (hence the city’s name!). See Heroes’ Square, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the spectacular Hungarian Parliament building, then cross the famous Chain Bridge to take in wonderful views from the neo-Roman Fisherman’s Bastion, and enjoy entrance to Matthias Church. The afternoon you will prepare for the final concert of your tour. Possible venues include St. Anna’s Church, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, or Matthias Church! (B,D)

This morning, take a tour of the incredible Parliament Building in Budapest, the largest building in all of Hungary! Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore this fascinating city. This evening, have a festive farewell folklore dinner in a local restaurant, complete with live gypsy music and dancing! (B,D)

Return to the U.S.