Symphony of Elegance with the WVSO

Austria / Czech Republic / Hungary / Slovakia

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 complete with expert guides, fine dining experiences, private concerts, exclusive cultural encounters and so much more. 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

Featured Experiences

Sissy’s Royal Retreat

Cultural Musical

Hungary

Embark on an exclusive journey to Queen Elizabeth’s beloved Godollo Palace, nestled in the picturesque Hungarian countryside. This private tour offers a captivating glimpse into the elegant retreats of “Queen Sissy,” complete with a personalized guided tour of the palace’s opulent rooms and gardens. The experience culminates in an intimate string quartet recital in the Palace’s Baroque Theatre, providing a unique and enchanting musical interlude that transports you back to the grandeur of a bygone era.

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.

Arias at the Estates

Musical

Czech Republic

Enjoy an exclusive private visit to the Theatre of the Estate, where you’ll be treated to an intimate concert accompanied by a glass of champagne. This elegant experience sets the tone for a day of cultural immersion. As evening falls, prepare for a captivating performance at the prestigious Prague Opera, offering a perfect blend of historical charm and musical excellence.

What's Included

Travel Concierge
Exquisite, Well-Located Hotels
- Budapest: Hotel Aria
- Vienna: Hotel Sacher and Grand Hotel Vienna
- Banska Bystrica: Hotel ERB
- Prague: Hotel Imperial
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

Day 1 Overnight Flight

Depart from the Charleston Airport on your overnight flight to Budapest.

Day 2

Budapest

Day 2 Budapest

Arrive in Budapest this morning and meet your Encore Tour Manager! After meeting your Bus Driver and boarding your private motorcoach, enjoy a ride into the Hungarian countyside for a guided tour of Queen Elizabeth's, "Sissy's" beloved Godolo Palace. This elegant and charming palace tour will whisk you away to the days of "Queen Sissy's" blissful country retreats in her cherished Hungary. Your tour of the palace concludes with a short string quartet recital in the Palace's Baroque Theatre. 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, enjoy a welcome wine reception at the Aria before transferring to the historic Mathias Church for a concert of The Danube Symphony Orchestra. This ensemble was founded in Budapest in 1961. Since then, it has performed at many prestigious concerts in Hungary and abroad. After this evening's orchestral concert, enjoy a festive Hungarian Folk Dinner before returning to the Aria Hotel for the overnight. (D)

Day 3

Budapest

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. Enjoy lunch on your own before your private guided tour of the elegant Hungarian National Opera. There will be a short, private concert (Still pending final booking approval). After some time to return to the hotel to freshen up, attend WVYO's debut performance before enjoying an elegant dinner this evening at the famous Cae New York! (B, D)

Day 4

Vienna

Day 4 Vienna

After breakfast at your hotel, depart Budapest for the glittering Austrian Capitol City of Vienna. Arrive in Vienna and check in at the historic Sacher Hotel located in the heart of the Ringstrasse. After a short walking tour, transfer to the Augarten Palais, where you'll have a private concert of the Vienna Boys Choir. Following the concert, head to the city center and enjoy a welcome cocktail from atop St. Stephen's Cathedral and a bird's eye view of Vienna. 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 5

Vienna

Day 5 Vienna

After breakfast at the Sacher Hotel, check out and depart for the Museum of Fine Arts where you'll have an exclusive guided tour of the art gallery. This afternoon, your Tour Manager will take you on a walking tour of the city center. Check in at the Grand Hotel Vienna and freshen up before heading to the world famous Vienna State Opera where you'll see Il Barbiere Di Siviglia by Gioachino Rossini. Dinner will be on your own this evening. (B)

Day 6

Banská Bystrica

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

Day 7 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 beautiful Imperial Hotel 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 8

Prague

Day 8 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 Momastery will offer a rarely seen glimpse of this historical site. This evening, attend the WVYS's farwell concert in Prague followed by a lovely dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 9

Prague

Day 9 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 10

Departure

Day 10 Departure

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

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 a private tour of the Hungarian State Opera, a special organ recital at St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest, and an exclusive performance by the world-renowned Vienna Boys’ Choir. 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.

Budapest Vienna Banská Bystrica Prague

Ready to Go?

Dates

June 15-24, 2025

Price

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

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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