SBCS-Sweden and The Baltics including Pre-Tour!

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, Monday July 5: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Tuesday July 6: 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 festive welcome dinner to celebrate the start of your tour. (D)

Day 3, Wednesday July 7: Stockholm

After breakfast, enjoy a boat trip to Drottningholm Palace, the best-preserved castle from the 17th century. Over the centuries, the palace’s décor has been influenced by several Swedish kings and queens. The Royal Family moved in 1981, and today the Royal Couple uses it as their permanent residence. The Drottningholm Palace area, designed after French models in the 17th and 18th centuries, was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.Lunch is on your own, providing time to explore local cafés or enjoy a meal at your leisure. In the afternoon, embark on an excursion to the Vasa Ship Museum, home to the only preserved 17th-century ship in the world, regarded as a unique art treasure. Afterwards, continue to Skansen Open-Air Museum, which showcases authentic houses, farms, manors, and churches dating from the 14th to 19th centuries, giving a vivid picture of Swedish history and culture. Dinner will be on your own this evening. (B)

Day 4, Thursday July 8: Stockholm

After breakfast on board, depart for a day trip to Uppsala, one of Sweden’s most historic and culturally rich cities. Begin your visit at the magnificent Uppsala Cathedral, whose construction began around 1260 and was consecrated in 1435 after 175 years of careful work. As the largest cathedral in Scandinavia, it boasts awe-inspiring Gothic architecture, intricate details, and an extensive collection of artistic treasures spanning eight centuries, offering a fascinating glimpse into Sweden’s religious and cultural history. Your tour also includes entrance to the Carolina Rediviva Library, one of Sweden’s oldest and most prestigious libraries, housing priceless manuscripts and historical collections. Learn about its significance in Swedish education and scholarship—a perfect highlight for adult travelers interested in history, literature, and architecture.Enjoy independent lunch and free time to explore Uppsala at your own pace, whether strolling through charming streets, visiting local shops, or simply taking in the city’s serene atmosphere. Return to Stockholm in the afternoon, completing a day of cultural discovery and historical exploration. (B)

Day 5, Friday July 9: Stockholm

Enjoy a leisurely morning to relax or explore the area at your own pace. In the afternoon, join the Santa Barbara Choral Society at the hotel for a brief orientation with your Tour Manager. This evening, gather together for an elegant champagne reception, followed by a festive welcome dinner as you celebrate the beginning of your exciting musical journey. (B,D)

Day 6, Saturday July 10: 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 7, Sunday July 11: Overnight Ferry

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.

Day 8, Monday July 12: Tallinn

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

Day 9, Tuesday July 13: Riga

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.

Day 10, Wednesday July 14: Riga

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 11, Thursday July 15: Vilnius

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 12, Friday July 16: Vilnius

After breakfast, enjoy a guided city tour of Vilnius, exploring the city’s rich history and stunning architecture. Visit Cathedral Square, Presidential Palace Square, and Vilnius University, then wander through the Gothic Quarter to see the beautiful Churches of St. Anne and St. Bernardine. Learn about the city’s history at the historic Jewish Ghetto, stroll Town Hall Square, and admire the iconic Gates of Dawn, a spiritual and cultural landmark. Lunch is on your own, allowing time to sample local cuisine or explore the city further. In the afternoon, participate in a rehearsal and concert at a local venue, such as St. John’s Church or a similar historic site, showcasing the talents of your group. Conclude your Baltic tour with a farewell dinner together, celebrating your successful performances and memorable experiences throughout the region!

Day 13, Saturday July 17: Departure

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