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

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.

A Golden Opportunity

Musical

Austria

Truly one of the world’s most stunning concert venues for its aesthetic and acoustic, enjoy privileged access behind the scenes and with a member of the Vienna Philharmonic who will share their experience of playing in the majestic hall.

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
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
WVYS’s Debut Concert in Budapest
WVYS 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

Day 1 Overnight Flight

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

Day 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 11 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 adventure: Symphony of Elegance, a journey through the cultural heartland of Central Europe. From June 14 to June 24, 2025, we will explore the rich musical heritage of Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava, and Prague, experiencing the places that inspired so many of the masterpieces the West Virginia Symphony performs each year. I can’t wait to share this unforgettable journey with you!

Walking along the same cobblestone streets as Beethoven, Dvorak, and so many more, our carefully curated itinerary showcases the best of these musical capitals. 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. Along the way, we will also be able to hear the West Virginia Youth Symphony, themselves on a much-anticipated European tour, performing in some of these same hallowed halls.

As advocates for the arts and seasoned travelers, we eagerly anticipate sharing the hidden gems and cultural treasures of these enchanting cities. With VIP treatment throughout, from luxurious accommodations to exclusive access at cultural landmarks, we have ensured an intimate and personalized experience showcasing 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 refined travel experiences. Just as we have shared so many memorable moments in the concert hall, let’s embark together on this journey of music, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Warmest regards,
Maurice Cohn, WVSO Music Director

Budapest Vienna Prague

Ready to Go?

Dates

June 14-24, 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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