MSYO to Scandinavia and the Baltic States

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, Friday June 23: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Saturday June 24: Stockholm

Welcome to Sweden! Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your Tour Managers at the airport and transferred by private luxury coach, along with a dedicated instrument rental van, to your hotel. After time to settle in and refresh, enjoy a welcome dinner with your group this evening—the perfect opportunity to relax and begin your journey together. (D)

Day 3, Sunday June 25: Stockholm

Enjoy a guided morning city tour of Stockholm. Explore the charming narrow streets of Gamla Stan (Old Town), passing landmarks such as the Royal Palace and the historic Storkyrkan. Discover the lively Old Town Market Square and view the residence once home to members of ABBA, among many other highlights. Continue to the renowned Vasa Museum, home to the remarkably preserved 17th-century warship Vasa—considered a unique artistic and historical treasure. Following your sightseeing, participate in a private masterclass led by a professional musician affiliated with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, offering expert coaching and insight for your ensemble. Enjoy free time for an independent lunch before visiting the Royal Swedish Opera for a behind-the-scenes backstage tour. Conclude your day with a group dinner this evening.

Day 4, Monday June 26: Overnight Ferry

After breakfast, enjoy some free time in Stockholm for your own activities. Students can take a short walk (5–10 minutes) to Kastellholmen, a small island with a historic fortress and harbor views, or Skeppsholmen, a nearby island known for its museums and waterfront paths, or stop at a local café for a traditional Swedish fika. In the afternoon, transfer to the port of Stockholm to board your overnight ferry to Helsinki, where your instruments and luggage will also be transported on the ferry. Dinner will be served on board, and overnight accommodations will be on the ferry. (B,D)

Day 5, Tuesday June 27: Helsinki

After breakfast on board, arrive in Helsinki, where your luggage and instrument truck will be transferred to the hotel while you embark on a city tour. Visit the city’s most splendid sites, including the Lutheran Cathedral at Senate Square, the Uspensky Cathedral, the Government Palace, the University of Helsinki, and the famous Rock Church. Enjoy an independent lunch before an afternoon rehearsal and concert at the Helsinki Music Centre. Conclude the day with a group dinner. Overnight in Helsinki. (B,D)

Day 6, Wednesday June 28: Tallinn Estonia

After breakfast, take a morning tour to Suomenlinna Fortress, a 250-year-old sea fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site, exploring its historic walls, fortifications, and museums. In the afternoon, board the ferry to Tallinn. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in, followed by a group dinner.

Day 7, Thursday June 29: Tallinn Estonia

Tallinn blends medieval tranquility and modern urban life with its many shops, galleries, souvenir markets, outdoor cafés and restaurants. Explore with your local guide as you pass through the historical Upper Town, featuring the 13th-century Cathedral of Saint Mary the Virgin, the oldest church in mainland Estonia. You’ll also visit the ornate, onion-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, built in 1900 under Russian rule. Panorama platforms offer scenic views of the sea and the town, and a tour of Lower Town shows off its medieval merchants’ and guild buildings and Tallinn’s Gothic Town Hall. During your stay the famous Estonian Song and Dance Celebration often regarded as "the most famous song festival" of the Baltics for youths will be performing during this weekend! Here you will also have your second performance of the tour at the Estonian Music and Theater Academy Concert Hall or similar! (B,D)

Day 8, Friday June 30: Riga

After breakfast, depart in the morning for Riga. Enjoy an independent lunch upon arrival. In the afternoon, participate in a scavenger hunt through Riga’s Old Town, exploring its historic streets, landmarks, and hidden gems in a fun, interactive way. Conclude the day with a group dinner. Overnight in Riga. (B,D)

Day 9, Saturday July 1: Riga

Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Riga by bus and on foot, discovering excellent examples of Art Nouveau as well as the medieval architecture of cloisters, churches, warehouses, and lodgings. Highlights of the tour include the UNESCO World Heritage Center, a panoramic view of the President’s Palace, the unique Art Nouveau district, the Freedom Monument, and Boulevard Circle with the National Opera and Latvian University. Today, enjoy a food tasting of Riga’s local specialties at the city’s food market. In the evening, participate in a rehearsal and perform your next concert of the tour at the Riga Great Guild Concert Hall or a similar venue. Dinner is included. (B,D)

Day 10, Sunday July 2: Vilnius

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer in the morning from Riga to Vilnius, a journey of approximately 350 km. Enjoy an independent lunch upon arrival. In the afternoon, embark on a biking tour of Vilnius Old Town, exploring its historic streets, landmarks, and hidden gems in an active and engaging way. Conclude the day with a group dinner. Overnight in Vilnius. (B,D)

Day 11, Monday July 3: Vilnius

After breakfast, take a morning excursion to Trakai, the former capital of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, set among three lakes and known for its historic Karaite community. Visit the 15th-century island castle before continuing to a “Kibinai” cooking class, where you will prepare and enjoy your own traditional lunch. In the afternoon, participate in a rehearsal and concert in Vilnius. Conclude the tour with a farewell dinner. Overnight in Vilnius. (B,D)

Day 12, Tuesday July 4: Departure

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