JMU Symphony Orchestra- Berlin/Leipzig/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, Monday May 17: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States. (B)

Day 2, Tuesday May 18: Berlin

Arrival in Berlin and transfer to the city center to check in your hotel. Your tour manager will lead you on a brief orientation tour of the Alexanderplatz area around your hotel, before a welcome dinner tonight in a nearby restaurant (D)

Day 3, Wednesday May 19: Berlin

This morning, dive straight into the fascinating history of this once-divided city during your guided sightseeing tour. See the site of the Berlin Wall, the somber Holocaust Memorial, and Checkpoint Charlie, the famous crossing between East and West Berlin and an enduring symbol of the Cold War. Later perform your first concert of the tour, which could be as part of a concert series in the Holy Spirit Church or the Christ Church in the western half of the city (B,D)

Day 4, Thursday May 20: Leipzig

This morning spend time in the Western half of the city around the famous Ku'damm, Berlin's answer to New York's Fifth Avenue. Visit the striking ruins of the Kaiser William Church, and shop at the KaDeWe department store! Later depart from Berlin for your journey south to Leipzig, arriving in time for dinner (B,D)

Day 5, Friday May 21: Leipzig

After breakfast in your hotel you will enjoy a guided tour of historic Leipzig, including the Grassi Music Museum, and a visit to the Mendelssohn House, the family apartment perfectly preserved as it was when Felix lived there! Today's concert is in the nearby spa town of Bad Schmiedeberg, in the town's purpose built 19th Century concert hall. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 6, Saturday May 22: Prague

This morning depart to the southeast towards the Czech Republic. En route, visit the historic city of Dresden, the 'Florence on the Elbe', and explore this city on a guided tour. Almost completely destroyed by Allied bombers in World War 2, the center and its iconic Frauenkirche church have been completely restored through public donation, and siince German reunification in 1990, Dresden has emerged as a cultural, political, and economic center in the eastern part of Germany. Continue to Prague and check into your hotel in time for dinner (B,D)

Day 7, Sunday May 23: Prague

After breakfast take a guided sightseeing tour of historic Prague on foot (the only way to experience this wonderful ancient city!) 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. This afternoon depart for one of the nearby towns to perform your next concert in a venue such as the Atrium Hall in Podebrady, before taking dinner together at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 8, Monday May 24: Prague

Today, enjoy a tour of the Estates Theater, which is one of the most beautiful historic theaters in Europe, where Mozart himself conducted the world premiere of Don Giovanni in 1787. Tonight perform your final concert of the tour, which could be a collaborative concert with a local ensemble at a venue such as Hlahol Hall or the Ladvi House of Culture in Prague. Celebrate your successful tour with a farewell dinner cruise on the river Vltava, as the sun sets behind the spectacular castle! (B,D)

Day 9, Tuesday May 25: Departure

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