U of Tampa Chamber Singers - Central Europe

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, Saturday March 20: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Sunday March 21: Budapest

Your Tour Manager will meet you upon arrival in Budapest, and transfer to your hotel. In the evening enjoy a brief orientation tour with your tour manager, and take your first dinner together. (D)

Day 3, Monday March 22: Budapest

Discover the city of Budapest on a morning guided sightseeing tour, taking in Castle Hill, Mathias Church, the Fisherman’s Bastion outlook point and much more! This afternoon is free to explore this amazing city independently, before coming together for an early dinner and tonight’s concert in one of Budapest’s historic churches! (B,D)

Day 4, Tuesday March 23: Budapest

This morning, depart for Kecskemet on the Great Hungarian Plain, or 'Puszta'. Experience the renowned horsemanship of the Hungarians in a specatcular equestrian show with traditional Hungarian lunch. Later explore the hometown of Zoltan Kodaly who lived and taught here, and visit the Leskowsky Musical Instrument Collection, Hungary's largest collection of musical instruments, featuring folk, classical, experimental, and completely unique instruments, all in working order and available for musicians to play! Kodaly’s internationally acknowledged concept of music education is the basis for general music teaching in Hungary and also plays an important role in the training of professional musicians, and you will have the opportunity to take part in a workshop with a renowned Kodaly expert. Dinner tonight is in a local restaurant before a late return to Budapest (B,D)

Day 5, Wednesday March 24: Vienna

This morning, check out of your hotel and depart for the journey west towards Vienna, En route, visit Eisenstadt, home of Joseph Haydn. Enjoy a guided tour through the Esterházy Palace including the 17th century "Haydnsaal" with its wonderful acoustics, where many of Haydn's symphonies were premiered. Visit the Bergkirche nearby where Haydn is buried, and you'll have the opporutnity to sing informally in the church itself. Continue to Vienna and check into your hotel in time for dinner. Later after dinner enjoy a nighttime visit to the Haus der Musik interactive museum, and try your hand at conducting the virtual Vienna Philharmonic! (B,D)

Day 6, Thursday March 25: Vienna

Vienna is the historical center of the musical world as well as being a UNESCO heritage city. Your morning panoramic guided tour will include the highlights of the city including the Stephansdom cathedral, Vienna Opera and Hofburg Palace. Tonight perform a concert in a beautiful local church such as the Capuchin church before dinner in a local restaurant. You could also explore the historic Prater amuseument park after dinner, including the historic Giant Wheel (B,D)

Day 7, Friday March 26: Prague

This morning after breakfast depart for the journey northwest to Prague, the 'Golden City' and capital of the Czech Republic. This afternoon take a guided sightseeing tour of historic Prague on foot beginning with the Castle district. Continue past the Old Royal Palace and St. Vitus Cathedral as you make your way to the Old Town, where you'll cross the famous Charles Bridge. Enjoy dinner together in a local restaurant (B,D)

Day 8, Saturday March 27: Prague

This morning travel north of the city, first to the tiny town of Nelahozeves, where you'll visit the birthplace of Antonin Dvorak and visit the Lobkowicz Castle, owned by a notable musical patron family. Later continue to the sobering site of Terezin, one of the infamous concentration and transit camps from World War II. Return to Prague for dinner together in a local restaurant (B,D)

Day 9, Sunday March 28: Prague

Today (Easter Sunday), enjoy a tour of the Estates Theater, which is one of the most beautiful historic theaters in Europe. It is here where Mozart himself conducted the world premiere of Don Giovanni in 1787. Enjoy some time in the Wenceslas Square area for last minute sightseeing and shopping, before performing your final concert in a city venue such as the Korunni Chapel. Round off your tour with a buffet dinner cruise on the River Vltava as the sun sets over the Castle, and on your successful tour!(B,D)

Day 10, Monday March 29: Departure

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