Austro-Hungarian Adventure

Your Tour Manager will meet you upon arrival in Europe this morning and transfer you to the musical city of Salzburg, Austria. Located in the Salzach River Valley, Salzburg is one of the most picturesque of all European cities – indeed, it is all of Europe in concentrated form with a castle, cathedral, squares, gardens, spires, and rivers. The city’s reputation is based on a living musical tradition being the city of Mozart. Its beauty and vibrant musical life have made it one of Europe’s foremost cultural cities. Enjoy a traditional Heurigen dinner together this evening to begin your European adventure!

Discover the enchanting sights of the musical city of Salzburg on a guided sightseeing tour. Journey through the historical town to see the Mozartplatz, the cathedral, Pegasus Fountain, and Mirabell Gardens. Next, visit Mozart’s Birthplace Museum on the crowded shopping street, the Getreidegasse before taking the funicular up to the fortress that dominates the city. This evening, rehearse and perform your debut concert performance!

Check out of the hotel and journey east to the Austrian capital of Vienna, the historical center of the musical world and a must-visit for any musician. En route, stop in the town of Melk to visit the Abbey, of the grandest religious structures this side of the Vatican. An informal performance opportunity may be possible. Continue your journey through the scenic Wachau Valley to Vienna. Upon arrival begin to explore the Baroque façades and lively squares of this musical city in which Beethoven, Strauss, and Mozart once composed.

Vienna is the historical center of the musical world as well as being a UNESCO heritage city. Discover the rich architectural wonders from the great Stephansdom and Baroque castles to the 19th century Ringstrasse lined with grand buildings, monuments, and parks. Your morning panoramic guided tour will include the highlights of the city including the Stephansdom, Vienna Opera, and Hofburg Palace. Enjoy lunch on your own and then take a guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace. Spend time this afternoon in rehearsal for tonight’s concert performance!

This morning, check out of your hotel and depart for Bratislava. En route, visit Eisenstadt, home of Joseph Haydn. Enjoy a guided tour through the Esterházy Palace including the 17th century “Haydnsaal” with its wonderful acoustics. An informal performance may be possible for your ensemble today. Entrance is also included to the Haydn Mausoleum and Kalvarienberg. Continue to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia and the cultural, political and economic center of the country.

Dive into the history of the former Habsburg empire, as Bratislava had been the capital of Hungary for centuries and here is where the Hungarian kings were crowned. Enjoy some free time to explore this lovely pedestrian-friendly old town nestled along the river, before continuing through the countryside to Budapest, Hungary.

Discover the city on a morning guided sightseeing tour, taking in Castle Hill, Mathias Church, Fisherman’s Bastion, and much more! The afternoon is free for you to explore the parks, museums, cobbled streets of old Buda and bridges over the Danube, all of which illustrate Budapest’s intriguing past and present. Tonight, come together for rehearsal before tonight’s final concert in one Budapest’s historic venues!

Return home.