Symphony of Elegance with the WVSO

Austria / Czech Republic / Hungary

Join us for Symphony of Elegance, an exclusive cultural journey curated for patrons of the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Explore the enchanting cities of Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava, and Prague. This extraordinary tour promises world-class musical performances, luxurious accommodations, and unforgettable experiences.

Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Central Europe with highlights including VIP seats at the National Opera House in Budapest, a private performance by the Vienna Boys’ Choir, and an exclusive guided tour of Prague Castle. Enjoy gourmet dining, private concerts, and the elegance of five-star hotels such as The Aria in Budapest and the Sacher Hotel in Vienna.

This unparalleled adventure is designed for discerning travelers seeking an exquisite blend of culture, music, and luxury. Join us for Symphony of Elegance, and create memories that will resonate for years to come.

Experience Austria

With Music Director Maurice Cohn

Dates

June 14-24, 2025

Price

From Airport: $12,149
Book Your Own Airfare: $10,680

Register Now
View Itinerary

What's Included

  • Travel Concierge
  • Exquisite, Well-Located Hotels
  • Motorcoach transportation
  • VIP Seats at the National Opera House in Budapest
  • Private Performance by the Vienna Boys’ Choir
  • Exclusive Organ Performance at St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Budapest
  • Private String Trio Performance at Gödöllo Palace
  • Rossini’s “Il Barbiere di Siviglia” at the Vienna State Opera
  • WVSO’s Debut Concert in Budapest
  • WVSO Concert in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia
  • Private Visit to the Theatre of the Estates in Prague
  • Farewell Concert in Prague
  • Guided Sightseeing Tour of Budapest
  • Guided Tour of the Parliament Building in Budapest
  • Visit to the Royal Palace at Gödöllo
  • Private Equestrian Show and Carriage Ride at Lazar Equestrian Park
  • Private Guided Tour of The Upper Belvedere or The Museum of Fine Arts in Vienna
  • Guided City Tour of Bratislava
  • Guided Tour of Prague Castle and Private Apartments
  • Exclusive Guided Tour of Strahov Monastery
  • Guided Tour of the Jewish Quarter in Prague
  • Welcome Wine Reception in Budapest
  • Elegant Dinner with Traditional Hungarian Folk Music and Dance in Budapest
  • Welcome Cocktail atop St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna
  • Welcome Cocktail at the Sacher Hotel in Vienna
  • Four-Course Dinner and Sacher Torte at the Sacher Hotel in Vienna
  • Gourmet Dinner in the Carlo IV Hotel in Prague
  • Farewell Dinner at a Local Restaurant in Prague
Spotlight

Hotel Sacher Wien

This prestigious 5-star luxury hotel, located in the heart of Vienna directly opposite the Vienna State Opera, has been a symbol of Austrian elegance since 1876. It offers guests a unique blend of traditional charm and modern comfort, with each room individually decorated with original artwork and luxurious fabrics for a personalized experience that reflects Viennese grandeur. Guests can indulge in world-class dining at the renowned restaurants, including the opportunity to savor the Original Sacher-Torte. With its prime location and opulent amenities, including a serene spa, this hotel is the perfect choice for those seeking an authentic and luxurious Viennese experience.

Itinerary

11 Days

Day 1 Overnight Flight

Depart from the Washington Dulles Airport on your overnight flight to Budapest.

Day 2 Budapest

Arrive in Budapest this morning and meet your Encore Tour Manager! Transfer to the city center and the St. Stephen's area where your 5-star accommodations at the fashionable hotel, The Aria awaits you. Check in is facilitated by your Tour Manager and Hotel Porters will bring your baggage up to your awaiting musically-themed rooms. After free time to explore your new surroundings, and freshen up for your National Opera House production, enjoy a welcome wine reception before transfering to the National Opera for this evening's production from your premium VIP seats. (B)

Day 3 Budapest

This morning after breakfast, discover the city on a morning guided sightseeing tour by bus and on foot, taking in Heroes Square, the Castle Hill District, Fishermen's Bastion and Matthias Church. Marvel at the cobbled streets of Old Buda and bridges over the Danube, all of which illustrate Budapest's intriguing past and present. Also included is your guided tour of the Parliment Building. Enjoy lunch on your own before your private organ performance at the historic St. Stephen's Cathedral. Enjoy an elegant dinner this evening including traditional Hungarian Folk Music and Dance. (B,D)

Day 4 Budapest

After breakfast at your hotel, travel outside Budapest to the charming Royal Palace at Gödöllo. This exclusive guided tour allows you to see the beauty of this countryside retreat that the lovely Queen Elizabeth or "Sissy" frequented and cherished. Not only is the Palace all yours during the tour without other visitors, but this visit will end with a private string trio performance in the Baroque theatre of the palace. Next, travel to the Lazar Equestrian Park For a special private equestrian show and carriage ride after your warm arrival to a treat of local brandy. Enjoy a special lunch following the performance featuring traditional Hungarian Folk Music and Dance. Return to Budapest for free time before the WVYS' debut concert. The evening is free after the concert to enjoy dinner under own arrangement. (B,L)

Day 5 Vienna

After breakfast at your hotel, depart Budapest for the glittering Austrian Capital City of Vienna. After arriving in Vienna and checking in at the historic Sacher Hotel located in the heart of the Ringstrasse, enjoy a welcome cocktail from atop St. Stephen's Cathedral and a bird's eye view of Vienna followed by a private performance of the world famous Vienna Boy's Choir. This early evening before an elegant dinner experience, enjoy a private guided tour of either The Upper Belvedere or The Museum of Fine Arts. Your exclusive after hours tours will be without other visitors offering you a unique opportunity to the incredible art collections housed in either of these two world famous galleries. This evening, dine in the elegant dining room of the Sacher Hotel toasting with champagne before your four-course dinner and, of course, the Hotel's famous Sacher Torte. (B,D)

Day 6 Vienna

Awake in the heart of Vienna in your stately deluxe rooms of the Sacher Hotel. The day is free to enjoy the hotel's amenities or stroll through the city center. This evening's highlight is your attendance at the Vienna State Opera to enjoy Rossini's "Il Barbiere di Siviglia" from your premium orchestra seats. You will have an elegant private room to sip champagne and enjoy delicious past canapes during the opera's intermission. After the opera, enjoy dinner on your own in one of the city's elegant spots. (B, R)

Day 7 Banska Bystrica

After breakfast at the Sacher Hotel, depart for central Slovakia for check in at the Hotel ERB in Banska Stiavnica. The afternoon is free before the second concert presented by the WVYS! Dinner is under own arrangement. (B)

Day 8 Prague

Depart Slovakia this morning after breakfast at your hotel. On your way to Prague, stop on Bratislava for time for lunch on your own and a guided city tour. Arrive later this afternoon in the elegant city of Prague for check in at the fabulous Carlo IV located in the heart of Prague. Enjoy a welcome cocktail in the elegant foyer of the hotel and a delicious dinner in the hotel's famous restaurant. (B,D)

Day 9 Prague

After breakfast at your hotel, your local guide will introduce you to the city left virtually untouched by World War II bombing, Prague is one of Europe's most beautiful cities. See the graceful Charles Bridge, built during the 14th century, wander the checkerboard cobblestone streets of the medieval Old Town and see the Old Town Square, home of the fascinating Astronomical Clock. Your tour also includes a guided tour of the Castle and private apartments. This afternoon your exclusive guided tour of Strahov Monastery will offer a rarely seen glimpse of this historical site. This evening, attend the WVYS's farewell concert in Prague followed by a lovely dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 10 Prague

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a guided tour of Jewish Quarter on foot with licensed city guide. There is time for lunch on your own before a private visit to the Theatre of the Estate including a short concert with glass of champagne. Dinner is on your own this evening before you attend a performance at the Prague Opera. (B)

Day 11 Departure

After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to the airport for return flight to the United States. (B)

Plane

Dear Friends,

I am personally delighted to extend an invitation for an extraordinary journey through the cultural heart of Central Europe: Symphony of Elegance! This exclusive tour, from June 14 to June 24, 2025, promises an unforgettable blend of musical excellence, luxurious accommodations, and unparalleled cultural experiences. I can’t wait to experience this amazing tour with you!

From the moment we arrive in Budapest, we’ll be embraced with VIP treatment, ensuring a seamless transition into a world of elegance and refinement. Our meticulously curated itinerary showcases the best of Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava, and Prague. Highlights include premier seats at the National Opera House in Budapest, a private performance by the renowned Vienna Boys’ Choir, and an exclusive guided tour of the majestic Prague Castle.

As advocates for the arts and seasoned travelers, we eagerly anticipate sharing the hidden gems and cultural treasures of these enchanting cities. With a limited number of spots available, we have ensured an intimate and personalized experience, allowing for full immersion in the rich heritage, breathtaking architecture, and musical splendor of Central Europe.

Please feel free to extend this invitation to your loved ones who share a passion for music, culture, and luxury. Together, let’s embark on a journey of discovery, indulgence, and unforgettable memories.

Warmest regards,
Maurice Cohn, WVSO Music Director

Budapest Vienna Prague

Ready to Go?

Dates

June 14-24, 2025

Price

From Airport: $12,149
Book Your Own Airfare: $10,680

Register Now

Protection Plans

We understand the importance of feeling secure while you travel. That’s why we include a basic protection plan in the cost of your program, ensuring you can focus on making the most of your journey. For those seeking even greater peace of mind, our upgraded coverage offers enhanced benefits, including the flexibility to cancel up to 4 days before departure and receive a full cash refund. Travel with confidence and enjoy every moment of your Encore Experience.

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