DAY 1:  Overnight Flight

Depart the United States on your 9-day Performance Tour of France!

DAY 2: Paris (D)

Bienvenue!  Arrival in Paris, the City of Light.  Your tour manager escort will greet you at the airport and transfer to your comfortable, centrally-located hotel.  After settling in, your escort will provide an important arrival briefing to discuss the tour logistics.  This evening, discover Paris’ historic subway system and discover the city’s most famous monument, the Eiffel Tower.  Admission to the top is included, allowing for unbelievable views—particularly at dusk, as the lights are turned on in each arrondissement!  Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, and after a full day enjoy a good night’s sleep to overcome your jetlag!

DAY 3:  Paris (B/D)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, provided each morning of your trip.  A local guide provides a full introduction to the city with a panoramic motor coach tour today.  See Napoleon’s Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysées, Louis XIV’s gilded church dome of Les Invalides, as well as the Place de la Concorde.  Your tour ends at the historic heart of the city with a visit to the Ile de la Cité.  Begin with Louis IX’s Sainte Chapelle, where you can climb to the upper chapel whose stained glass windows are truly inspirational.  Next visit the celebrated Cathedral of Notre Dame.  This working cathedral still holds daily services and remains at the spiritual heart of Paris.  Included are entrances to the towers to see the historic gargoyles.  There is free time provided for lunch.  You may wish to cross the bridge to the charming Ile St. Louis, for an ice cream, or chocolate chaud!  Spend the afternoon visiting the Musee de la Musique’s collection of instruments, dating to the 17th century.  Included are audio devices allowing visitors to hear excerpts of music played on the instruments.  A highlight of your tour is this evening’s concert debut; perform for the Parisians!  A pre-concert rehearsal is included at your venue. Dinner is served at a local bistro this evening.

DAY 4:  Paris (B/D)

Begin the day with a guided tour of Paris’ original Opera House, the Palais Garnier.  The gilded roof of Garnier’s masterpiece shines as brightly as it did for Napoleon III, and your local guide will share the history and secrets of this famous venue.  After free time for lunch, spend the afternoon at the famed Louvre with its incredible collection, including the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory.  Alternatively, you may wish to tour the impressionist paintings at the Orangerie, home to eight of Claude Monet’s Water Lilies murals, or the Musee d’Orsay, focusing on French works of art from the late 19th century including Renoir, Cezanne, and Gauguin.  Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local creperie, and then board your boat for a ride along the Seine River!  Sit back and take in the illuminated monuments as you float down the river.

DAY 5:  Provence (B/D)

Take a morning journey to Avignon on Europe’s fastest train, the TGV!  Upon arrival, view the imposing Papal Palace and enjoy free time for lunch.  Continue on to the nearby Pont du Gard, the largest aqueduct constructed by the Roman Empire—there’s even the opportunity to swim in the river below!  Along the way, stop at a Provencal olive farm for a tasting of oils.  Dinner.

DAY 6:  Provence (B/D)

Visit the fabled ghost town of Les Baux this morning, abandoned completely in the 15th century.  The village has been restored, and entrance to the castle ruins is included.  Continue on to Arles, famous for inspiring Vincent van Gogh, as well as its near-perfect Roman amphitheater.  This afternoon, present a concert for the locals in a typically Provencal town.  Optionally, you may wish to meet up with a local ensemble, for an exchange and joint concert.  Dinner.

DAY 7:  Cote d’Azur (B/D)

Journey across the heart of Provence before reaching the southern coastline of France—known as the chic playground of the Côte d’Azur!  Afternoon sightseeing with your escort in Nice includes a visit to Cimiez, high above the city for stunning views.  Entrance to the nearby Musée Matisse is included.  Afterwards, stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, said to be Europe’s most handsome boulevard, and get your feet wet in the beautiful Mediterranean.  Enjoy dinner together at a seaside restaurant tonight.

DAY 8:  Cote d’Azur (B/D)

A full day excursion brings you first to Cannes, a beautiful beachside resort, situated in its own magnificent bay and surrounded by an amphitheater of hills.  Most famous among its festivals, is the annual world-renowned Cannes Film Festival; see the Palais des Festivals, the center for this event.  Continue to the town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, boasting nearly intact medieval ramparts and famous resident artists, such as Modigliani, Bonnard, and Chagall.  Perform your concert finale for the locals!  Share new memories and celebrate the end of your successful performance tour this evening, with a special farewell dinner.

DAY 9:  Departure (B)

After a final pain au chocolate at your hotel, it’s time for checkout, a last farewell to your escort, and return flight to the United States.

DAY 1:  Overnight Flight

Begin your European tour of the Baltic Capitals, with your overnight flight.

DAY 2: Vilnius (D)

Arrive in the capital city of Lithuania.  Your tour manager escort will greet you in the airport’s arrival hall, and you can begin your exploration right away with a visit to one of the oldest quarters of the city, bohemian Užupis.  The current center of the arts, this ‘republic’ boasts its own constitution and national anthem.  Enjoy a walking tour with your escort and free time for lunch, before continuing on to your hotel for check-in.  This evening there is a welcome briefing, and then enjoy Lithuanian specialties at a local restaurant.

DAY 3:  Vilnius (B/D)

Breakfast is served at the hotel this morning, and each day of your tour.  A local guide joins you today for a sightseeing tour of Vilnius’ major sites, along with a walking tour through Old Town.  You’ll see Town Hall Square, Vilnius University, St. Peter and Paul’s Church, St. Stanislaw Cathedral’s bell tower and square, the Gates of Dawn; enjoy the views from Gediminas Castle Tower, along with their museum.  You will also visit the Soviet Bunker, for an enlightening introduction to life during Soviet rule.  This afternoon there is time for further exploration on your own, or with your escort.  This evening, present your first concert for the locals!  A rehearsal is scheduled at your venue, prior to your performance.  Afterward, enjoy dinner.

DAY 4:  Vilnius (B/D)

Today’s excursion brings you to Trakai, the former capital of the Grand Duchy and a monument to old Lithuania.  Visit the 14^th century castle that dominates a small island within the Galve Lake.  There is free time for lunch, and you might try a traditional meat filled Karaites pastry, a favorite the Turkic people introduced centuries ago.  Here in this small town, there is the opportunity to perform an afternoon concert for the locals, perhaps in the Castle!  Return to Vilnius later today, and enjoy dinner together.  Dependent upon your travel dates, discover Lithuania’s musical roots by attending a musical festival.

DAY 5:  Riga (B/D)

Depart by coach this morning for Riga, the capital of Latvia.  Along the way, you’ll stop at the Hill of Crosses, a unique place featuring thousands of crosses; Continue to Rundale, for a visit of the 18^th century Baroque palace.  Arrive in Riga, Latvia’s capital and the largest city in the Baltic States and join a local guide for a walking tour of the ancient Hanseatic Old Town founded in 1201.  See the Gold Dome Cathedral, Swedish Gate, Parliament House, Old Riga Castle, and the market halls of Riga.  Dinner is served at a local restaurant in the neighborhood. 

DAY 6:  Riga (B/D)

Join a local guide for further exploration of the city this morning.  The sites include the Riga’s boulevards, the Daugava River, Bastion Hill, the Latvian National Theatre, Freedom Monument, and the National Opera House.  You will also visit the Kaiserwald concentration camp memorial.  Admission to the top of St. Peter’s church is included, for views of the city skyline’s Art Nouveau and Soviet-era buildings; you’ll also visit Mentzendorff’s House, a fascinating historical museum featuring the medieval furnishings and atmosphere of this original merchant house.  This evening join a local ensemble for a joint concert in the city!  Afterward, celebrate your performance over dinner with your new friends.

DAY 7:  Tallinn (B/D)

Your journey continues today as you travel north for a visit to Pärnu, Estonia’s “Summer Capital”.  Located on an inlet of the Gulf of Riga, this little town has been known as a summer health resort since the first spa opened here in the 1830s.  Perhaps you’d like to schedule a mud bath?  Continue on to Tallinn, and meet with a local guide for sightseeing.  Your tour familiarizes you with the Old Town, with some of Europe’s best preserved medieval fortifications and more than 2kilometers of original city walls remaining.  Highlights include Toompea Castle, the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Alexander Nevsky, Freedom Square, and St. Catherine’s Passage, a collection of craft workshops where artisans use traditional methods in their creations.  Dinner.

DAY 8:  Tallinn (B/D)

Visit Kadriorg this morning; a special place for all Estonians is the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds.  It was here that the Singing Revolution took place in 1988; a massive demonstration against Soviet Rule that helped set Estonia on the road to independence!  The grounds host concerts and festivals throughout the year.  You’ll also visit the Kadriorg Art Museum, housed in the Baroque palace built by Peter the Great for his wife Catherine I in 1718, and an example of Tsarist extravagance.  This evening, prepare for your concert finale in the area with a pre-performance warm-up rehearsal at your venue.  Celebrate your successful performance tour over dinner at a local restaurant and share memories of your time, during your last night in the Baltics.

DAY 9:  Departure (B)

After a last breakfast, your escort will assist with transfer to the airport and check-in for your return flights to the United States.

DAY 1:  Overnight Flight

Your 9-day performance tour of Scandinavia begins with an overnight flight to Europe.

DAY 2: Copenhagen (D)

Arrival in Denmark, where your tour manager escort will greet you at Copenhagen’s airport and transfer you to your centrally located hotel.  Settle in, and refresh yourself from the night’s travels.  There will be an arrival briefing later today.  This evening, enjoy a warm welcome with admission to Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world.  There is time for exploration with your escort, and dinner will be served within the park.

DAY 3:  Copenhagen (B/D)

Breakfast is provided at the hotel today, and each morning of your stay.  A guided tour familiarizes you with the important landmarks of Copenhagen, including the famous Little Mermaid statue, Amaliensborg, and Christiansborg Palace.  Entrance is included to Rosenborg Castle, to see the Royal Collections and Crown Jewels.  Your guide will also lead a walking tour of Old Town, including Town Hall Square and the bronze statue of Hans Christian Anderson.  Present your debut concert in Copenhagen tonight, for the locals!  A warm-up rehearsal is scheduled at your venue, prior to your performance.  Afterward, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

DAY 4:  Stockholm (B/D)

This morning visit the typical Danish village of Dragør, on the southeastern coast of Amager island.  Charming for its harbor front, picturesque cobblestoned streets, and well preserved buildings, you can also enjoy a visit to the Dragør Museum and its maritime exhibitions.  Alternatively, you may wish to visit fortress of Kronborg, and its Renaissance castle; Kronborg is well known as “Elsinore” the setting for Shakespeare’s tragedy, Hamlet.  Your journey continues as you board your north bound train; travel time is approximately six hours.  One of the world’s most beautiful cities, Stockholm is more than 700 years old and is spread across 14 islands facing the Baltic Seas.  From ABBA to Pippi Longstocking, the culture has long fascinated the world.  Sweden also has a prominent tradition of choral music, partly derived from the cultural importance of folk songs.  Check-in to your hotel, and share dinner at a local restaurant.

DAY 5:  Stockholm (B/D)

A guided walking tour of the city brings you to Gamla Stan (Old Town), and the Royal Palace.  Subject to scheduling, you can view the Changing of the Guards in the outer courtyard.  This afternoon tour the untouched nature of the archipelago aboard a classic ship, to capture the feeling of this area consisting of approximately 30,000 islands. This evening present your second formal concert!  Meet with a local ensemble for a cultural exchange and joint performance!  Dinner is served at a local restaurant.

DAY 6:  Overnight Ferry Service (B/D)

There is free time for continued exploration with your escort this morning.  You will also visit the Vasa Museum to see the world’s only surviving 17th century ship.  Perfectly preserved, it was recovered in 1961 after sinking during its maiden voyage in 1628.  Take to the sea this evening, for your overnight ferry across the Baltic Sea.  Dinner is served on the ship.

DAY 7:  Helsinki (B/D)

Arrive this morning in port, where you will join a local guide for sightseeing.  See the Senate Square, and continue on to the Sibelius Monument; dedicated to Finland’s most famous and beloved composer, it consists of hundreds of steel pipes that sing with his works.  Make your way down the historic center and Mannerheim Street, lined with Finlandia Hall, the National Museum, Parliament, and the new Opera House.   You will also visit the Temppeliaukio Church, a modern masterpiece built into a hill of stone, known to the locals as the “Rock Church”.  Check-in to your hotel, and enjoy free time with your escort.  Tonight, dinner is served at a local restaurant.

DAY 8:  Helsinki (B/D)

Do as the Finns do!!!! Go by bike…..and discover the town on cycling paths.  Your route begins directly from the harbor and goes around the city, passing the most important sights and places in the heart of Helsinki. You will bike through green areas and parks, pass museums, admire the sea, and feel the spirit of the downtown area.  You will make several stops during your route, and your guide will explain the local history and culture.  During the itinerary you will view, among others, the Masa Yard ship building area (where several of the world cruise liners have been built), the Kaivopuisto Park area, the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, the world famous Finlandia Hall by Alvar Aalto, and the Railway Station designed by the known Eliel Saarinen.  Water will be served during the tour as well, and almost the entire route goes along cycling paths; a support vehicle will accompany the group at all times.  This evening present your concert finale!  Later tonight, reflect upon your visit of Scandinavia’s capitals and share newfound memories with your friends and colleagues during a special farewell dinner.

DAY 9:  Departure (B)

After a final breakfast, transfer with your escort to the airport for your return flight home.

DAY 1:  Overnight Flight

Begin your Performance Tour, as you depart the United States on your trans-Atlantic overnight flight!

DAY 2: Budapest (D)

Your full-time tour manager escort will greet you upon your arrival in the capital city of Budapest, straddling both sides of the Danube River.  Hungarian classical music is well known throughout the world, with composers such as Béla Bartók and Franz Liszt, and Budapest has well preserved its cultural and folk traditions.  Transfer to your centrally located hotel, where your escort will provide a familiarization briefing and walking tour of your neighborhood.  Tonight, celebrate with dinner, music, and dancing at a local Gypsy restaurant serving traditional Hungarian fare.

DAY 3:  Budapest (B/D)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, provided each morning of your trip.  Your exploration starts right away, with a half-day sightseeing tour with local guide of the architectural gem of Budapest, often considered the “Little Paris of Central Europe” and the “Pearl of the Danube”.  Buda and Pest, along with Óbuda, were united into a single city in 1873.  Your guide will educate you of Hungary’s thousand year history as you visit Castle Hill, and the 13th century Matthias Church; you will also see Parliament, the Royal Palace and the Chain Bridge.  Visit the Basilica of St. Stephen, the city’s largest church which houses Szent Jobb (the mummified Holy Right Hand of St. Stephen).  Enjoy some free time with your escort to wander the cobble-stoned streets of old Buda and enjoy lunch on your own.  This afternoon, share a guided tour of the 19th century Budapest State Opera House.  Present your concert debut in Budapest!  A warm-up rehearsal is scheduled at your venue, prior to your performance.  Afterward, dinner is served at a local restaurant.

DAY 4:  Budapest (B/D)

This morning visit the prestigious Liszt Ferenc Music Academy, rich with history and prestigious alumni.  The Art Nouveau building is home to manuscripts donated by Franz Liszt, among other treasures, and has its own performance venue.  Alternatively, you might visit the Bela Bartok Conservatory.  Join a local school or community ensemble this afternoon, for a joint concert and exchange.  The evening is free for further exploration on your own, and you may wish to catch one of the musical offerings at Vigadó Concert Hall or the Hungarian State Opera, subject to availability and schedule.  There is also the opportunity to visit one of the city’s Turkish-era thermal spas; your escort can assist with suggestions and arrangements.  Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

DAY 5:  Bratislava (B/D)

Depart Hungary today for the nearby Slovakian capital, the ancient city of Bratislava.  There is time for a stop in beautiful Szentendre for a walk with your escort.  This baroque small town is famous for its Hungarian artists and features many galleries, museums and monuments.  Along the way, you will also pass by the charming towns of Visegrad and Esztergom!  Upon arrival in Bratislave, meet with a local guide for an afternoon sightseeing tour of the easily walkable historic city centre, with its cobblestones, plazas, and “men at work” sculptures.  Visit the Old Square, and also see Parliament, Sant’ Martin Cathedral, Michael’s Gate, and climb up to Bratislava Castle to experience the contrasting vista of 18th century Rococo buildings with communist-era constructions!  There is time to wander through old town; be sure to sit back at one of the many cafes for traditional pancakes, gelato, and the area’s thick hot chocolate!  Dinner is served at a local restaurant this evening.

DAY 6:  Bratislava (B/D)

This morning visit the Johann Nepomuk Hummel Museum, featuring the life and works the composer, his musical instruments, and samples of his work.  The remainder of the day is free to spend exploring on your own, or with your escort.  This evening perform a joint concert in Bratislava, with a local ensemble!  Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

DAY 7:  Vienna (B/D)

This morning travel by coach from Bratislava to the historical music center of Vienna!  There is free time for lunch, allowing for the opportunity to savor one of Vienna’s famed desserts, sachertorte!  Afterward, meet with a local guide, for a panoramic tour to see the magnificent buildings of the Ringstrasse, the Opera House, the Hofburg, and the Karlskirche, with entrance to St. Stephan’s Cathedral; be sure to take in the famous lacy spires!   You will also stop at the Zentralfriedhof, one of the largest cemeteries in the world, to visit the final resting place of composers such as Beethoven, Brahms, Schubert, and Strauss.  A highlight is your visit to Schloss Schönbrunn, summer home to the Habsburg family, birthplace of Marie-Antoinette, and where Mozart often performed.  Dinner.

DAY 8:  Vienna (B/D)

This morning visit Mozart’s House for a guided tour; it is here where he wrote “The Marriage of Figaro”.  Enjoy free time for further exploration of the city with your escort.  This afternoon present your concert finale, in Vienna!  There is time for a warm-up rehearsal at your venue.  Celebrate your last night in Europe with a “Heurigen” traditional family style dinner in the village of Gumpoldskirchen, with local music!  Share new memories of your time abroad, and toast your successful performance tour!

DAY 9:  Departure (B)

After a final breakfast at the hotel, your escort will transfer you to the airport and assist with check-in for your return flights to the United States!

DAY 1:  Overnight Flight

Depart the United States today, as you embark upon your 9-day European Performance Tour!

DAY 2: Fussen (D)

Arrival in the Bavarian city of Munich, Germany!  Your tour manager escort will greet you at the airport and transfer you into the city center by private motor-coach.  Begin exploration right away, with a walking tour of the historic city center of Munich with a local guide.  There is free time for lunch, perhaps at the famous Hofbrauhaus.  Continue on to the nearby city of Fussen to check-in to your hotel, and rest after your trans-Atlantic journey.  There is an arrival briefing presented by your escort, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.

DAY 3:  Fussen (B/D)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, served each morning throughout your tour.  Today’s excursion brings you to King Ludwig II’s Schloss Neuschwanstein for a guided tour.  In creating the castle, Ludwig was inspired by the operas of his friend, composer Richard Wagner; much later, Disney found inspiration for his own Sleeping Beauty castle.  Return to the musical town of Fussen, known for the creation of Europe’s first lute-makers gild in 1562, as well as its organ building traditions.  A tour with local guide includes entrance to the Heritage Museum and it’s collection of historic stringed instruments, as well as the medieval town center to see and hear some of the preserved baroque organs.  This evening present your debut European concert debut!  There is time scheduled for a warm-up rehearsal at your venue.  Afterward, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

DAY 4:  Salzburg (B/D)

Depart the region of Hohenschwangau this morning, and head for the Austrian border.  Along the way, visit Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest.  Built as a teahouse for the Third Reich, the building survived the bombing and battles of World War II and become a recreation center for the U.S. military until the area was returned to Germany in the 1990’s.  Your stop includes the original brass elevator that runs through the heart of the mountain, and takes you into the Eagle’s Nest building at the top of the mountain.  You will see some of the most spectacular views of the German and Austrian Alps today!  Continue on to the city of Salzburg, and check into your hotel.  Enjoy a special folklore dinner tonight!

DAY 5:  Salzburg (B/D)

A local guide leads you on a half-day sightseeing tour, to familiarize you with Salzburg where “The hills are alive with the sound of music.”  Entrances are provided to Mozart’s Birthplace, Hellbrunn Palace’s trick fountains, Mirabell Gardens, and the Salzburger Dom.  Your tour ends at Hohensalzburg, where you will reach the fortress by funicular for great views of the city.  Enjoy free time to further explore with your escort this afternoon.  A concert in Salzburg is scheduled for this evening!  Dinner is included at a local restaurant this evening.

DAY 6:  Prague (B/D)

Your adventure continues, as you depart Austria and head north.  Along the way, visit Cesky Krumlov; a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  A guided walking tour allows for exploration of the castle complex and entrance to the tower, with expansive views of the Old Town.  Your escort will make suggestions for lunch, and shopping for mementos.  Your day ends in Prague, the capital city of the historic region of Bohemia and the Czech Republic.  Dinner is provided to the group at a local restaurant.

DAY 7:  Prague (B/D)

Visit a local school or community ensemble this morning, for a cultural exchange and joint performance!  Later this afternoon, share a sobering visit to one of World War II’s most recognizable concentration camps.  Just outside of Prague, Terezin was used as a model for Red Cross inspections.  However, like other Nazi camps, its prisoners met with slave labor and death.  Return to Prague, where this evening your buffet dinner cruise along the Vltava River provides a well-lit and enjoyable view of this magical city.

DAY 8:  Prague (B/D)

Today’s guided sightseeing tour of Prague shows you the important sites of the city, including Prague Castle with St. Vitus Cathedral, the Charles Bridge, Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock, the Lesser Town Square and St. Nicolas Church.  Afterward follow in the steps of one of Prague’s famous composers, with a visit to the Museum of Antonin Dvorak.  This evening, prepare for your concert finale!  A warm-up rehearsal is provided.  Afterward, enjoy a final dinner and celebrate your successful performance tour, with shared stories of your time abroad.

DAY 9:  Departure (B)

After breakfast, your escort will assist with hotel check-out and transfer to the airport.  Say a final goodbye, and depart on your return flights home.