Huntsville Community Chorus - Austria/Hungary

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, Tuesday April 7: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Wednesday April 8: Salzburg

Arrive at Munich airport and meet your Encore Tour Manager! With your bags collected, board the motor coach and transfer into the Bavarian capital of Munich for an introductory walking tour with your tour manager followed by some time at leisure for lunch on your own. This afternoon, reboard the coach and head east into Austria and the idyllic, historical city of Salzburg. On arrival, check in to your hotel and this evening, enjoy a welcome dinner together. (D)

Day 3, Thursday April 9: Salzburg

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. Your tour includes a visit to Mozart's Birthplace Museum on the busy shopping street, the Getreidegasse. This afternoon give your first performance, a short recital in Salzburg's imposing Cathedral! (B,D)

Day 4, Friday April 10: Salzburg

After breakfast take a day trip to the enchanting lake district of the Salzkammergut. Explore the charming tourist hotspot of Hallstatt and take an optional boat trip on the stunning lake. Later this evening give a concert in the Mondsee Basilica, made famous by the wedding scene in The Sound of Music! (B,D)

Day 5, Saturday April 11: Vienna

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. (B,D)

Day 6, Sunday April 12: Vienna

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. Today, you will give your final Austrian concert performance in a church such as St Peters in Vienna. (B,D)

Day 7, Monday April 13: Vienna

This morning, continue toexperience this beautiful city: take an optional visit to the interactive music and sound museum, the Haus der Musik, where you have the chance to conduct your own virtual Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra! Have time to explore Vienna with your Tour Manager this afternoon before enjoying a traditional Viennese Heuriger dinner evening with local folk music. (B,D)

Day 8, Tuesday April 14: Budapest

After breakfast, depart Vienna for Budapest, Hungary! On the way, stop at Haydn's Birth House for a guided visit of this important museum and learn about the beginning of Haydn's life; your visit continues with the nearby Eszterhazy Palace. Continue to Budapest and check into your hotel for the next three nights. (B,D)

Day 9, Wednesday April 15: Budapest

After breakfast pay a visit to the Budapest Parliament building, modeled on the famous British Houses of Parliament. This afternoon, rehearse for your final performance at St.Anna's church or a similar local venue. Enjoy your final dinner together to celebrate your successful performance tour! (B,D)

Day 10, Thursday April 16: Budapest

Today's excursion takes you to the beautiful, small town of Szentendre. This baroque town is famous for its Hungarian artists and features many galleries, museums and monuments. You will present your next concert performance today. (B,D)

Day 11, Friday April 17: Departure

Transfer to the airport for return flight to the United States. (B)