SBCS-Sweden and The Batlics

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Saturday July 10: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Sunday July 11: Stockholm

Welcome to Sweden! Upon arrival in Stockholm, meet your Encore Tour Manager and transfer to your downtown hotel. Enjoy a brief orientation tour with your Tour Manager to get acquainted with the city. This evening, enjoy a champagne reception before gathering for a festive welcome dinner to celebrate the start of your tour. (D)

Day 3, Monday July 12: Stockholm

This morning, enjoy a guided city tour of Stockholm. Explore the atmospheric Old Town (Gamla Stan) with its charming narrow streets, pass the Royal Palace and the historic Great Church (Storkyrkan), and discover Old Town Market Square. You will also see the house that was once home to two members of ABBA, offering a glimpse into Sweden’s modern musical legacy. This afternoon, rehearse and present your debut concert of the tour at a local venue, such as Hedvig Eleonora Church or a similar performance space. This evening, gather for dinner together to celebrate the beginning of your musical journey

Day 4, Tuesday July 13: Gothenburg

This morning, enjoy free time to explore Stockholm at your own pace, with opportunities to shop for souvenirs and gifts. This afternoon, transfer to the port to board your overnight ferry to Tallinn. Dinner is served on board as you begin your scenic journey across the Baltic Sea, where you will spend the night in comfortable cabins. An option to fly to Tallinn is available at an additional cost. (B, D)

Day 5, Wednesday July 14: Gothenburg

This morning, enjoy breakfast on board before arriving in the charming city of Tallinn. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of the Old Town, exploring highlights such as Toompea Fortress and Parliament, the Orthodox and Lutheran cathedrals, Town Hall Square, and the historic Merchant Guild Houses. After the tour, check in to your hotel and spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure to explore independently. This evening, gather for dinner together. A possible rehearsal and choral performance may be added this evening at a local venue for an additional supplement of $150 per person. (B, D)

Day 6, Thursday July 15: Malmo

Day 7, Friday July 16: Malmo

This morning, travel into the Latvian countryside to visit Gauja National Park, the country’s largest and oldest national park, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Latvia.” Known for its scenic river valleys, dense forests, and dramatic sandstone cliffs, the park offers a beautiful blend of natural beauty and cultural history that appeals especially to adult travelers. During your visit, enjoy guided exploration of the park, learning about its rich biodiversity and the role the Gauja River has played in shaping the landscape over thousands of years. You’ll also hear stories of medieval life in the region, with opportunities to view historic landmarks such as Turaida Castle or similar sites, which provide insight into Latvia’s past and offer sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.There will be time to enjoy gentle walking paths and scenic overlooks, allowing you to experience the tranquility of the park at a relaxed pace. This afternoon, return to your hotel with free time to relax or explore on your own. This evening, enjoy dinner together as a group, reflecting on the day’s discoveries. (B, D)

Day 8, Saturday July 17: Copenhagen

This morning, discover the beauty and history of Riga on a guided sightseeing tour. Begin in the charming Old Town, encircled by a picturesque water channel, and explore the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Dome Cathedral, St. John’s and St. Peter’s Churches, the Freedom Monument, National Opera, Parliament, and Riga Castle. Stroll through the city’s spacious squares and be sure to admire the Art Nouveau district, celebrated for its exquisite architecture and intricate façades—a highlight for adult travelers with an appreciation for culture and design. Lunch is on your own, allowing time to explore local cafés, bakeries, or boutiques. In the afternoon, return for a rehearsal and concert at a local venue, such as St. Peter’s Church or a similar historic site, giving your group the opportunity to perform in one of Riga’s beautiful cultural spaces. Conclude your day with a group dinner, sharing stories and reflections from the day’s sightseeing and performance.( B,D)

Day 9, Sunday July 18: Copenhagen

After breakfast, depart Riga for Vilnius, traveling through the scenic Baltic countryside. En route, stop at Rundale Palace, a Baroque masterpiece designed by Italian architect F.B. Rastrelli, famed for his work on St. Petersburg’s Hermitage Palace. Explore the palace and its beautifully landscaped gardens, then enjoy a group lunch on site. Continue your journey to the Hill of Crosses, a remarkable and deeply moving site featuring over 50,000 crosses crafted from wood, metal, and stone. The Hill of Crosses symbolizes faith, national identity, resilience, and hope. For centuries, Lithuanians placed crosses here as acts of devotion and remembrance, and during periods of foreign occupation, the site became a peaceful symbol of resistance. Today, pilgrims and visitors continue the tradition, making it a profound cultural and spiritual experience for travelers. Arrive in Vilnius, Lithuania’s historic capital, and check in to your hotel. Dinner is on your own this evening, giving you the opportunity to explore local dining at your leisure.

Day 10, Monday July 19: Departure

Transfer to the airport for return flight to the United States.