Houston Choral Society-Salzburg/Vienna/Prague

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 June 20: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Wednesday June 21: 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 in a local restaurant before having a good night's sleep. (D)

Day 3, Thursday June 22: Salzburg

This morning, start your day off with breakfast at the hotel before having a brief walking tour of the historical district including entrance to the birthplace of Austria's most famous son, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The tour finishes at the Cathedral, where (subject to scheduling) you'll enjoy a workshop with the charismatic Cathedral Music Director, before performing your first concert in the Cathedral itself! Dinner tonight is in a traditional Salzburg restaurant (B,D)

Day 4, Friday June 23: Vienna

Check out of the hotel and board the bus for Vienna. Your first stop today is the lakeside town of Mondsee: enjoy a coffee in the square before visiting the cathedral made famous in the wedding scene from the Sound of Music! Continue to the huge monastery complex at Melk Abbey, where you'll have the chance to sing in the Abbey's chapel and marvel at the acoustic. Continue to Vienna and check in to your hotel, before dinner together in a restaurant. (B,D)

Day 5, Saturday June 24: Vienna

Today begin your exploration of this incredible city with a short guided tour of the central downtown area. On arrival at the impressive St Stephen's Cathedral, you're invited to an exclusive reception in the amazing rooftop space of the cathedral, which offers unparalleled views over the city and a unique behind-the-scenes look at this wondeful building. You'll then experience the wonderful acoustic with a recital in the cathedral itself. The aftenroon is free to continue exploring the city's many stunning buildings, galleries, upscale stores and traditional Viennese coffee houses. Dinner tonight is in a local restaurant (B,D)

Day 6, Sunday June 25: Vienna

Vienna is rich in architectural wonders from the great Stephansdom and Baroque castles to the 19th century Ringstrasse lined with grand buildings, monuments and parks. This morning you'll take in one of these as you take a guided tour of the Staatsoper Opera House. Today also sees you perform your final concert at a local venue such as St Peters Church or the Capuchin Church. Later come together for dinner together in a traditional Viennese restaurant. (B,D)

Day 7, Monday June 26: Prague

This morning, check out of the hotel and board your coach for Prague in the Czech Republic. En route, you will stop in the picturesque and historic medieval town of Telc for a brief introduction with your tour manager and to explore on your own. Continue to the Czech capital of Prague and check into your hotel. Start exploring with your tour manager and have dinner together in a restaurant tonight. (B,D)

Day 8, Tuesday June 27: Prague

After breakfast, take a guided sightseeing tour of historic Prague on foot beginning with the Castle district. Here you'll break the tour to visit the wonderful Lobkowicz Palace, home of one of the most influential arts patrons of the 18th Century and supporters of the work of Mozart, Beethoven and Brueghel, and where you can see original manuscripts and stunning artworks created by all three. The tour continues through the Little Quarter, where you'll cross the famous Charles Bridge to the Old Town. After an independent lunch transfer to a Central Bohemian town such as Nymburk or Mnisek for your next concert in a beautiful local church. (B,D)

Day 9, Wednesday June 28: Prague

This morning we continue the Lobkowicz theme by visiting the birthplace of the composer Dvorak at Nelahozeves, a village dominated by the castle still in the Lobkowicz family today. Return to Prauge for a tour of the Estates Theater, which is one of the most beautiful historic theaters in Europe, and where Mozart himself conducted the world premiere of Don Giovanni in 1787. Today sees your final concert in the city in a venue such as the Church of the Holy Saviour, followed by a traditional Czech folklore dinner with entertainment (B,D)

Day 10, Thursday June 29: Departure

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