Symphony of Elegance with the WVSO

Austria / Czech Republic / Hungary / Slovakia
Contact Us

Discover a world where music and culture intertwine on Symphony of Elegance, an exclusive journey curated for patrons of the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra. This unforgettable experience takes you through the historic cities of Budapest, Vienna, Banská Bystrica, and Prague, immersing you in the rich artistic traditions and architectural grandeur of Central Europe.

Enjoy privileged access to some of the world’s most renowned musical institutions. Experience VIP seating at the Hungarian State Opera, a private performance by the Vienna Boys’ Choir, and an exclusive after-hours tour of The Upper Belvedere or The Museum of Fine Arts. Explore Prague Castle and the storied Jewish Quarter with expert guides, and indulge in elegant dining, private concerts, and exclusive cultural encounters.

Throughout the journey, relax in five-star accommodations, from the musically inspired Aria Hotel in Budapest to the legendary Sacher Hotel in Vienna and the distinguished Hotel Imperial in Prague. With seamless travel and unparalleled experiences, Symphony of Elegance is designed for those who appreciate the finest in music, culture, and luxury.

Join us for this extraordinary journey and create memories that will resonate long after the final encore.

Experience Austria

With Music Director Maurice Cohn

Dates

June 15-24, 2025

Price

From Airport: $10,639
Book Your Own Airfare: $9,169

Register Now
View Itinerary

Featured Experiences

Hungarian Harmony

Musical
Hungary

Step into the opulent Hungarian State Opera House for a guided tour that unveils the history and architecture of this neo-Renaissance gem. Following the tour, enjoy a private opera recital in one of the elegant salons. Conclude the evening with a gourmet dinner in the opera’s historic café, savoring traditional Hungarian dishes while discussing the evening’s performance with a local musicologist.

The Pride of Austria

Musical
Austria

As guests of Gerald Wirth, President and Artistic Director of the Vienna Boys Choir, enjoy a warm welcome at historic Augarten Palais, the home of the choir. Visit with a choral director, learn about daily life and hear the boys in rehearsal. During your visit to Vienna, be sure to take in Mass at the Imperial Chapel, to hear the choir sing in a formal setting.

A Nation’s Showcase

Musical
Czech Republic

Following a private tour of Prague’s National Theatre, you will have the opportunity to meet a soloist, conductor, or director from tonight’s performance. In the evening, return for a performance of The Bartered Bride and enjoy Smetana’s comic work in the leading opera house of his home country.

What's Included

  • Travel Concierge
  • Exquisite, Well-Located Hotels
    • Hotel Aria (Budapest)
    • Hotel Sacher (Vienna)
    • Hotel ERB (Banska Bystrica)
    • Hotel Imperial (Prague)
  • Motorcoach transportation
  • VIP seats at the Hungarian State Opera in Budapest
  • Private organ recital at St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest
  • Private performance by the Vienna Boys’ Choir at Palais in Vienna
  • WVYS debut concert in Budapest
  • WVYS concert in Banská Bystrica, Slovakia
  • Private visit to the Estates Theatre in Prague, featuring a short concert with champagne
  • Farewell concert in Prague featuring the WVYS

  • Performance at the Prague Opera

  • Guided sightseeing tour of Budapest, including Heroes’ Square, Castle Hill District, Fishermen’s Bastion, and Matthias Church
  • Guided tour of the Parliament Building in Budapest
  • Welcome rooftop reception at St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna, offering panoramic views of the city
  • Guided exploration of Prague Castle and its private apartments
  • Guided walking tour of Prague’s historic Jewish Quarter
  • 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 with champagne and Sacher Torte at the Sacher Hotel in Vienna
  • Welcome cocktail at Hotel Imperial 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

10 Days

Day 1 Overnight Flight

Depart from Charleston Airport on your overnight flight to Budapest.

Day 2 Budapest

Upon arrival, meet your Tour Manager and transfer to your 5-star accommodations at The Aria, a refined retreat in the heart of the St. Stephen’s district. Your Tour Manager will assist with check-in while porters deliver luggage to your musically themed rooms. Take time to explore your surroundings and settle in before this evening’s experience. Enjoy a welcome wine reception before transferring to the Hungarian State Opera House for a premier performance, viewed from your VIP seats. (B)

Day 3 Budapest

This morning, after breakfast, embark on a guided exploration of Budapest, weaving through Heroes’ Square, the Castle Hill District, Fishermen’s Bastion, and Matthias Church. Wander the cobbled streets of Old Buda and admire the bridges spanning the Danube, a waterway that has long been the lifeblood of the city’s storied past. After lunch at leisure, enjoy a private organ performance at St. Stephen’s Basilica, followed by an exclusive guided tour of the grand Parliament Building. This evening, attend WVYO’s debut performance before an elegant dinner, complemented by traditional Hungarian folk music and dance. (B)

Day 4 Vienna

After breakfast, depart Budapest for the resplendent Austrian capital. Upon arrival in Vienna, check in at the historic Sacher Hotel, ideally situated along the Ringstrasse. Toast your arrival with a welcome cocktail atop St. Stephen’s Cathedral, taking in a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the city. Later, experience an intimate private performance by the world-renowned Vienna Boys’ Choir at Palais, a rare opportunity to witness these young virtuosos in an exclusive setting. The evening culminates with an exquisite four-course dinner at the Sacher Hotel, complete with a champagne toast and a taste of the hotel’s legendary Sacher Torte. (B, D)

St Stephens

Day 5 Banská Bystrica

After breakfast at the Sacher Hotel, depart for central Slovakia, with a stop for an independent lunch en route. Upon arrival in Banská Štiavnica, check in at the elegant Hotel ERB before embarking on a guided tour of this historic city. The evening is yours to explore at leisure, with dinner under your own arrangement. (B)

Day 6 Banská Bystrica

Following breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a morning of leisure to explore the city at your own pace. Spend the afternoon preparing for WVYO’s second concert performance. The evening is open for dining at your choice of local restaurants. (B)

Day 7 Prague

Depart Slovakia after breakfast and journey toward Prague, stopping in Bratislava for a guided city tour and time for lunch at your own leisure. Arrive later in the afternoon in the enchanting city of Prague, where you’ll check in at the distinguished Carlo IV Hotel. Raise a glass with a welcome cocktail in the stately foyer before indulging in a refined dining experience in the hotel’s celebrated restaurant. (B)

Day 8 Prague

After breakfast, set out on a guided tour of Prague, one of Europe’s most beautifully preserved cities. Walk across the graceful Charles Bridge, built in the 14th century, and explore the checkerboard cobblestone streets of the medieval Old Town. Visit the historic Old Town Square, home to the captivating Astronomical Clock, before a private tour of Prague Castle and its resplendent private apartments. Later, an exclusive guided visit to Strahov Monastery offers a rare glimpse into this storied institution. This evening, attend WVYO’s farewell concert, followed by a celebratory dinner at a local restaurant. (B)

Day 9 Prague

Begin the day with a guided walking tour of Prague’s historic Jewish Quarter, where a licensed guide will offer insight into this fascinating district. After lunch at leisure, enjoy a private visit to the Estates Theatre, where a short concert will be accompanied by a glass of champagne. The evening is yours to explore the city, with dinner at leisure before attending a performance at the Prague Opera. (B)

Day 10 Departure

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

Plane
Vienna Crop

Dear Friends,

I am delighted to invite you on an extraordinary musical journey: Symphony of Elegance, an exclusive exploration of the cultural heart of Central Europe. From June 15 to June 24, 2025, we will travel through Budapest, Vienna, Banská Bystrica, and Prague, immersing ourselves in the rich artistic heritage that has inspired the masterpieces we cherish. I can’t wait to share this unforgettable experience with you!

Our carefully curated itinerary showcases the finest musical and cultural offerings of these storied cities. Enjoy VIP seats at the Hungarian State Opera, a private organ recital at St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest, and an exclusive performance by the world-renowned Vienna Boys’ Choir at Palais in Vienna. Take in breathtaking views of Vienna during a rooftop reception atop St. Stephen’s Cathedral before dining at the legendary Sacher Hotel. Explore the grandeur of Prague Castle and its private apartments, and walk through the historic Jewish Quarter, gaining deeper insight into the region’s layered history. Along the way, we will also hear the West Virginia Youth Symphony perform in spectacular settings as part of their European tour.

As passionate advocates for the arts, this journey offers us a rare opportunity to step beyond the concert hall and into the places where history and music intertwine. From five-star accommodations to exclusive cultural encounters, every detail has been designed to ensure an intimate and immersive experience.

I encourage you to extend this invitation to those who share our love of music, culture, and refined travel. Just as we have shared so many unforgettable moments together in the concert hall, let us embark on this extraordinary journey of discovery, inspiration, and celebration.

Warmest regards,
Maurice Cohn
Music Director, West Virginia Symphony Orchestra

Budapest Vienna Banská Bystrica Prague

Ready to Go?

Dates

June 15-24, 2025

Price

From Airport: $10,639
Book Your Own Airfare: $9,169

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.

Learn More