SJYS 2027 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, Thursday June 24: Overnight Flight

Depart from the San Francisco airport for your 2027 European Concert Tour.

Day 2, Friday June 25: Sofia

Arrive in Sofia and meet your Encore Tour Managers in the arrivals hall. Transfer via deluxe motor coaches to the Ramada Hotel Sofia. Enjoy a welcome dinner together this evening on your first night overseas. (D)

Day 3, Saturday June 26: Sofia

After breakfast at your hotel, meet your local guides for a tour of Sofia that includes the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world. The cathedral was built to honor Russian soldiers who died during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877, after which Bulgaria was liberated from Ottoman rule, and was named after Saint Alexander Nevsky, a Russian prince in the early 13th century. The foundations were laid down in 1882 but the structure was not completed until 1912. The main features are the cathedral’s central dome, which is 150 ft high and the bell down, which reaches 175 ft. The design and construction are representative of the trade boom of the time as the marble parts and lighting fixtures were created in Munich, the metal elements in Berlin, while the gates and mosaics were shipped from Venice. After free time for lunch on your own, gather in a reserved private room at your hotel for an extended tour rehearsal to prepare for your upcoming four performances. Enjoy dinner together this evening at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 4, Sunday June 27: Sofia

After breakfast at your hotel, the day is free and reserved to focus on your premier performance of your 2027 tour. Transfer to your concert venue for sound check and final preparation. Take the stage this evening at Bulgaria Hall to present your first concert. Following your performance, celebrate your success with dinner together at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 5, Monday June 28: Bucharest

After breakfast at your hotel, depart Bulgaria for Romania. Stop en route in Veliko Tarnovo (driving time 3.5 hours) for free time and lunch on your own. Often referred to as the "City of the Tsars", Veliko Tarnovo is located on the Yantra River and is famously known as the historical capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, attracting many tourists with its unique architecture. The old part of the town is situated on three hills, Tsarevets, Trapezitsa, and Sveta Gora, rising amidst the meanders of the Yantra. Trapezitsa is known for its many churches and as the former main residence of the nobility. Continue to Bucharest (driving time 4 hours), check-in at your hotel, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 6, Tuesday June 29: Bucharest

After breakfast at your hotel, meet your local guides for a city tour of Bucharest with entrances to the Parliament House. This "People's House" as it was referred to when built during the Communist era, is the heaviest building in the world, weighing over 9 billion pounds. There is free time this afternoon for lunch on your own before meeting again for rehearsal for this evening's concert. Your second tour performance is at Bucharest Radio Hall. Celebrate another wonderful concert with dinner at a local restaurant following your performance. (B,D)

Day 7, Wednesday June 30: Timisoara

Depart Bucharest this morning after breakfast and travel to Timisoara with a stop en route in Sibiu (driving time 5 hours). Nicknamed The Town with Eyes for the eyebrow dormers on many old buildings, the town is a popular tourist destination. It is known for its culture, history, cuisine, and architecture. After free time for lunch on your own, continue to Timisoara (driving time 3.5 hours) for check-in at your hotel, and dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 8, Thursday July 1: Timisoara

After breakfast at your hotel, the day is reserved for exploring Timisoara. Your Tour Managers will lead you on a short orientation walking tour to familiarize the group with this beautiful city. After time for lunch on your own and to rest and focus on your concert this evening, transfer to rehearsal for this evening's concert at Filarmonica Banatul. Celebrate a trilogy of fantastic concerts while you dine together at a local restaurant following the final applause of your appreciative audience! (B,D)

Day 9, Friday July 2: Budapest

After Breakfast at your hotel, depart Romania for the Hungarian capital, Budapest. Traveling via Puszta (near Kecskemét, driving time 3 hours). Stop for a truly unique experience, the Puszta horse show, an impressive display equestrian choreography and traditions. Complete your visit with an included lunch together, dining on taditional Puszta cuisine. Continue to Budapest (driving time 2 hours) arriving in this glittering city on the Danube for check-in at your hotel, before dinner at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)

Day 10, Saturday July 3: Budapest

After breakfast at your hotel, meet your local guides for a tour of this majestic city including the House of Parliament, Castle Hill, The Fisherman's Bastion, and St. Stephen's Basilica. After time for lunch on your own, take a scenic boat cruise on the Danube to complete the perfect day of sightseeing. Enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant this evening. (B,D)

Day 11, Sunday July 4: Budapest

After breakfast at your hotel, the day is free to further explore Budapest at your leisure. This afternoon, transfer to Vigadó Concert Hall for a short rehearsal before presenting your final concert. The perfect day and amazing performance tour is made complete with a wonderful farewell dinner to celebrate your success! (B,D)

Day 12, Monday July 5: Departure

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