Performing Arts: Salzburg, Vienna & Prague

Austria is a largely mountainous and breathtakingly beautiful country with a rich musical past, where the likes of Schubert, Beethoven, Schoenberg, Haydn, and Mozart lived and worked, among countless others. Trace their footsteps, along with those of Dvořák and Mahler, as you experience the wonders of the Austro-Hungarian empire. This part of the world is rich in cultural history, and features a beautiful terrain with medieval castles tucked along flowing rivers, along with a warm and fun-loving citizenry.
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Day 1 Overnight Flight to Germany (Munich)
Day 2 Guten Tag Salzburg
Meet your tour director and travel to Salzburg
Salzburg city walk
Old Town SquareResidenz CastleGlockenspeil
Details: Salzburg city walk
Enjoy a tour director-led walking tour through the Old City, a maze of meandering lanes, curious steeples, cobbled streets and spacious squares. Here we will view Mozart's Birthplace, the Old Square, the Cathedral, and the Residenz Palace. A highlight of our walk will be the Glockenspiel, an early 18th-century carillon with 35 bells. We can hear the bells from any one of the cafes lining the edges of the Mozartplatz, while sipping our favorite coffee or drink.
Details: Glockenspeil
The Glockenspiel is an early 18th-century carillon with 35 bells that can be heard around the city.
Details: Mozart’s birthplace visit
Feel the rhythm of Salzburg’s Old Town Square as you enter the unassuming yellow domicile at Getreidegasse 9. This is the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. View an impressive collection of the young composer’s first instruments and immerse yourself in the captivating saga of this prodigy’s early life.
Day 3 Salzburg
Details: Hohensalzburg Fortress visit
Take the funicular up to the Hohensalzburg Fortress, the former stronghold of the ruling prince-archbishops. We will visit the elegant State Apartments; the Burgmuseum, with a magnificent collection of medieval art and many Gothic artifacts; the Rainermuseum, which exhibits arms and armor; and the beautiful late Gothic St. George's Chapel, with intricate marble reliefs of the Apostles. From the Watchtower view the panoramic sweep of the Alps and from the Kuenberg Bastion, views of the domes and towers of Salzburg.
Details: Nonnberg Abbey visit
Explore a few rooms within Nonnberg Abbey, the old and active Abbey where Maria von Trapp lived. Take in the incredible views of Salzburg outside the abbey.
Details: Salzburg Cathedral visit
Explore Salzburger Dom (Salzburg Cathedral), Which is world renowned for its 4,000-pipe organ. The cathedral has been hailed by some critics as the 'most perfect' Renaissance building in the Germanic countries. It features a marble facade and symmetrical twin towers.
Details: Salzburg choir performance
Potential venues include (but not limited to): Mozarthaus, the Silent Night Chapel where the song "Silent Night" was written (for small choirs), Kollegienkirche, an informal lunchtime performance at Salzburg Cathedral or an exchange with a local school, university or community group. Additional options such as the Mozarteum or Orchestrahaus can be arranged for additional cost
Day 4 Salzburg--Vienna
Vienna city walk
Hoher MarktAltes RathausSt. Peter's Church
Details: Travel to Vienna via Melk
Today we will travel from Salzburg to Vienna. En route we will stop at Melk Abbey. The Wachau is considered one of the most enchanting stretches of river valley in Europe.
Details: Melk Monastery guided visit
Visit Melk Abbey, a fine example of baroque architecture. Our tour of the Abbey will include the Marble Hall with its pilasters coated in red marble and an allegorical painting on the ceiling, the Library with over 80,000 original volumes, and the Kaisergang (Emperor's Gallery) decorated with portraits of Austrian rulers. The musical archive features historic instruments and over 10,000 items of notated music, including early manuscripts of works by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and Schumann.
Details: Vienna city walk
Stroll through Old Vienna on a walking tour that will include the Hoher Markt with the Virgin Mary's Wedding Fountain and an Art Nouveau clock, the Altes Rathaus, the old Chancellery of Bohemia, the Clock Museum, and St. Peter's Church.
Day 5 Vienna landmarks
Details: Haus der Musik visit
Visit the Haus der Musik (House of Music), an interactive discovery museum where visitors can conduct the Vienna Philharmonic from a virtual conductor's podium. The musicians will even rate you! Journey back in time to see the great classical composers. Compose a waltz and have it played. a total of 5,000 square meters have been set aside exclusively for areas dedicated to a wide array of approaches to music.
Details: Vienna guided sightseeing tour
Join a professional licensed tour guide on a sightseeing adventure around Vienna, the city of brilliant musicians, Baroque art and architecture, and velvet-clad coffeehouses. Along your journey, you’ll sense the power and decadence of the city’s early ruling family, the almighty Habsburgs. Wander down the infamous Ringstraße, the series of boulevards circling the city, commissioned by Emperor Franz Josef in 1857. Visit to Schönbrunn Palace, where the Habsburg’s ruled until 1918 and six-year-old Mozart serenaded Marie Antoinette.
Details: Schönbrunn Palace visit
Stop just outside the city center for a visit to the 1,441-room Schönbrunn Palace, which was designed for the Habsburgs before becoming the imperial summer palace during the 40-year reign of Maria Theresa. It was the scene of great aristocratic events during the Congress of Vienna, including a performance by a 6-year-old Mozart.
Details: Stadtpark visit
Explore Stadt Park, a lovely park that lies on the slope where the Danube used to overflow into the inner city before the construction of the Danube Canal. Many memorial statues of the the great composers of the past stand in the park; the best known depicts Johann Strauss Jr., who composed Die Fledermaus and "The Beautiful Blue Danube."
Details: Vienna choir performance
Venue options for choral and instrumental groups includes the historic St. Stephens Cathedral. Consecrated in 1147, this vast cathedral was the Imperial Church of the Habsburg Empire. The grand setting for Royal weddings and funerals, the Cathedral was also closely associated with the musical life of Vienna. The funeral of the Italian composer Vivaldi took place here in 1741, and in 1782 Mozart married Constanze Weber here. Nine years later Mozart's funeral took place in the Cathedral's Chapel of the Holy Cross. Suitably qualified organists are also permitted to give a recital as part of their groups performance. Choral and instrumental groups also perform at the baroque Peterskirche. This church has hosted numerous performances for us and all music directors have praised the excellent acoustic of this church, arguably the most beautiful baroque church in Vienna. For those groups seeking an alternative to a sacred venue perform at the Haus der Musik, Vienna's famous Museum of Music. The performing space is also noted for its excellent acoustics.
Day 6 Vienna--Prague
Prague city walk
Charles BridgeMala StranaOld Town SquareJewish Quarter
Details: Travel to Prague via Telc
Telc lies at the midpoint of the old King's route from Vienna to Prague. Telc is the best preserved Renaissance town north of the Alps, and was added to the UNESCO list of international heritage sights in 1993.
Details: Prague city walk
Feel the inspiration for Franz Kafka’s novels as you stroll the medieval streets of the Mala Strana (Little Quarter). Cross the Charles Bridge (lined with 30 lifelike baroque statues) to 13th-century Old Town to see the 15th-century astronomical clock in Market Square. Stop in Josefov (Jewish Quarter), to view Europe’s oldest synagogue, dating from 1270.
Details: Charles Bridge
Stroll across the stunning Charles Bridge which spans 16 arches and is lined with 30 Baroque statues of religious figures.
Day 7 Prague landmarks
Details: Prague guided sightseeing tour
Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic, built on seven hills astride the Vltava River. The beauty of Prague is legendary; Goethe described the city as “the most precious stone in the crown of this world.” While its most well-known composer remains Dvořák, the current Czech Republic also produced Mahler, Smetana, Martinů, and Janáček, among other greats!
Details: Charles Bridge
Stroll across the stunning Charles Bridge which spans 16 arches and is lined with 30 Baroque statues of religious figures.
Details: Golden Lane
Stroll along the Golden Lane which is an ancient street within the Prague Castle complex. Dating back to the fifteenth century it has beautiful and quaint architecture that make up eleven historic houses that were home to artisans.
Details: Visit Hradčany (Prague Castle)
Explore the immense castle that was named by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest ancient castle in the world. Prague Castle represents virtually all of the architectural designs of the last millennium and contains several churches, a monastery, gardens as well as multiple museums.
Details: Prague choir performance
Potential venues include (but not limited to): Church of St. Simon and Jude, St. Salvator Church, Church of St. Wenceslas, Hall of The Cultural Center Novodvorska, English International School, Hlahol Concert Hall, Evangelic Chapel Korunni, St. Martin in the Wall, The Hall of the House of Culture Krakov, or a lunchtime performance at St. Vitus
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Day 8 Flight home from Prague

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    Day 8 Prague--Budapest
    Travel to Budapest via Bratislava
    Day 9 Budapest
    Budapest guided sightseeing tour
    Royal PalaceBudapest Castle Hill funicular rideMatthias Church visitHungarian ParliamentFisherman’s Bastion
    Details: Budapest guided sightseeing tour
    Travel with a professional licensed tour guide through the meandering streets of Budapest. Wave to the 90 statues of Hungarian historical heroes that line the outside of the Neo-Gothic Hungarian Parliament. Continue through Castle Hill, the historic center of Buda, on your way to Fisherman's Bastion, a lookout tower behind the Matthias Church where residents once gazed upon the thriving fishing settlement. Head to the Royal Palace on Castle Hill, the original site of the castle built in the 13th century. Visit Matthias Church, as riotously painted as an Easter egg. Bet your traveling companions to find an unpainted inch of the church’s interior (a sure win for you). Originally named the Church of the Blessed Virgin in Buda and converted into a mosque when Ottoman armies seized Buda in 1541, the church, with its multi-colored tin roof, is one of the most photographed sights in Budapest. Descend the stairway to the right of the altar for a quick journey into the crypt and treasury.
    Details: Budapest Castle Hill funicular ride
    Take a funicular ride up Castle Hill!
    Details: Matthias Church visit
    Tour Matthias Church. Officially named The Church of Our Lady, it is the symbol of Buda's Castle District. The last two Habsburgs Kings were crowned in the church. The church interior is decorated with works of two outstanding 19th Century Hungarian painters: Károly Lotz and Bertalan Székely.
    Details: Budapest choir performance
    Venue options for choirs and orchestras include the imposing St Stephen's Basilica, which has played a central role in the musical life of the area since its consecration in 1905. The Monday organ recitals are a must for anyone with a musical interest. Equally impressive is the Church of Our Lady, commonly known as Matthias Church. The inspiring interior and fine acoustic is the ideal setting for a memorable choral or instrumental performance. Founded in the 11th century it was the coronation church of the Kings of Hungary. Following the invasion of the Ottoman Turks in 1529 it was converted into a Mosque. In 1686 it reverted to its former role as a church and was largely rebuilt by the Hapsburgs. Other options include the Stefania Palota, an elegant former 19th century palace, and Nador Hall.
    Day 10 End tour
    Tour Includes:
    • Round-trip airfare and other transportation described in the itinerary
    • Accommodation in three- or four-star hotels in twin (or occasional triple) rooms with private facilities guaranteed throughout
    • Plentiful daily breakfast to start the day energized and ready to go
    • Appetizing, culturally representative, three-course dinner daily
    • Full time, multilingual, WorldStrides tour director who is LEAP-trained in experiential education
    • Local guide at sites and on city tours as described in the itinerary
    • All of the venue arrangement fees and promotional costs for included concert performances
    • LEAP! Learning through Exploration and Active Participation; trademarked immersive approach of learning by doing
    • Entrances and transportation to sites and activities described in your itinerary
    • Local guide and local bus driver tips; see note regarding other important tips
    • Basic Medical, Dental, Emergency Evacuation Insurance during trip
    • 24/7 On Tour Emergency Support
    • Up to three college credits upon course completion (grades 9-12) or high school credit (grades 6-12)
    • Note: On arrival day only dinner is provided; on departure day, only breakfast is provided
    • Note: Tour cost does not include airline-imposed baggage fees, costs for rental, transport of instruments or music stands, any passport or visa fees, or tips for the Tour Director or multi-day bus drivers. Optional excursions, optional pre-paid tips, or other customizations will be listed as separate line items in the total trip cost, if included.

    We are better able to assist you with a quote for your selected departure date and city over the phone. Please call 1.888.378.8845 to price this tour with your requested options.

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    4146.00 total fee
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