Lake Belton High School Orchesttra 2027

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 4: Overnight Flight

Depart from Austin on your overnight flight to Venice.

Day 2, Saturday June 5: Venice

Arrive in Venice, meet your Encore Tours Tour Manager and transfer by private motorcoach to your hotel on the Venice Mainland. Then start exploring this magnificent city of canals and palaces with your 48-hour vaporetto pass, which allows you to come and go throughout the city as you please. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant on your first night in Venice. (D)

Day 3, Sunday June 6: Venice

Consisting of an archipelago carved by nearly 150 canals into 118 different islands, the incomparable city of Venice contains a wealth of sights. Arrive in St. Mark's Square where you can see the Basilica of St. Mark and the Bridge of Sighs, which connected the old prisons of Venice to the interrogation rooms of the neighboring Doge's Palace. You'll then learn more about one of the most famous Venetian Musical composers, Antonio Vivaldiwhich includes entrance to the Santa Maria della Pieta where he wrote so prolifically. Following this tour in Vivaldi's footsteps, visit the elegant and historic La Fenice Opera House for a tour with plenty of chances for photo ops in this guilded performance venue. La Feniuce is a real jewel in the crown of "The Queen of The Adriatic". Enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant this evening. (B,D)

Day 4, Monday June 7: Salzburg

Enjoy a spectacular morning drive through pristine Alpine settings today. Stop in Villach to see the 14th century St. Jakob's Church and Renaissance town hall. Continue to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and setting of the movie Sound of Music. You may want to gain a bird’s eye perspective of the Old Town by climbing Kapuzinerberg Hill for its panoramic views. (B,D)

Day 5, Tuesday June 8: Salzburg

Your sightseeing tour with a local guide will highlight many of the city’s “Sound of Music” sites including the lovely, manicured gardens in front of the Mirabell Palace, the Sound of Music Churchyard and the stunning Baroque Dom Cathedral. Next, visit Mozart’s Birthplace Museum on the crowded shopping street, the Getreidegasse. This afternoon, you may want to visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress that looms over the city. Tonight’s dinner is truly something special: Stiftskeller St. Peter’s is central Europe’s oldest restaurant and is tucked inside one of the courtyards of the old abbey. (B,D)

Day 6, Wednesday June 9: Vienna

Journey east to picturesque St. Gilgen, known for some of the finest chocolate making in the world. You'll learn to make your own Mozartkugel (a type of chocolate ball filled with marzipan) and receive a diploma for your confectionery achievements. Continue to Vienna, located along the enchanting Wachau stretch of the Danube. Upon arrival begin to explore the Baroque façades and lively squares of this musical city in which Beethoven, Strauss and Mozart once composed. After your arrival in Vienna enjoy a fun and interactive introduction into Viennese culture with a group Waltz lesson to the music of Strauss. Enjoy dinner this evening at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 7, Thursday June 10: Vienna

This morning tour the grounds and interior of Schönbrunn Palace, the massive Habsburg summer retreat, including the Imperial state rooms and private quarters of the Austrian Emperors. Included audio guides enhance your visit. Then embark on a sightseeing tour of Vienna where an expert local guide shows you the glory of the former Imperial capital including the Ringstrasse, Hofburg Palace complex, Opera House and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Later enjoy a taste of the city's famed coffee house culture—visit one of Vienna's many glittering cafés to savor some mélange coffee or hot chocolate and Sachertorte. (B,D)

Day 8, Friday June 11: Prague

Drive across Bohemian-Moravian farmlands, passing streams and thick evergreen forests on your way from Austria to the Czech Republic. Stop in the fairytale town of Telč to admire the colorful buildings on its historic town square, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, and have time for lunch. Continue to Prague and visit a glass workshop where you learn about the city's glass heritage and decorate your own masterpiece, Czech-style. (B,D)

Day 9, Saturday June 12: Prague

Prague is one of Europe's most beautiful cities as you'll see during a guided sightseeing tour. A local expert will show us the quaint Malá Strana (Czech for “Lesser Quarter,” named for its location at the foot of Prague's ancient castle) and the graceful Charles Bridge, built during the 14th century. We'll also visit the fortress-like Hradčany Castle complex, perched high above the city. Discover more of Prague at your own pace this afternoon, perhaps by exploring the Prague Ghetto which contains Europe's oldest Jewish cemetery. Enjoy your final evening of this exceptional week when you attand a symphonic or operatic performance in one of Prague's stunning, historic confert venues. Enjoy a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant. B,D)

Day 10, Sunday June 13: Departure

After breakfast at your hotel and hotel check out, transfer to the Prague airport for your return flight to the US. (B)