NEC Pianist Performance Tour- Vienna and Budapest

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 25: Overnight Flight

Your musical adventure begins today as you depart Boston for Vienna, Austria. Settle in and get excited for an unforgettable journey through some of Europe's most celebrated musical capitals!

Day 2, Saturday June 26: Vienna

Welcome to Vienna, the City of Music! Upon arrival, meet your tour manager and embark on a scenic bus tour along the magnificent Ringstrase, taking in the grandeur of one of Europe's most beautiful boulevards. After checking in and freshening up, this evening attend a performance at the Vienna State Opera, one of the world's premier opera houses — the perfect way to immerse yourself in Vienna's extraordinary musical tradition from the very first night! (D)

Day 3, Sunday June 27: Vienna

Masterclass & Musical Landmarks: This morning, young pianists take to the keys during a dedicated piano practice session, setting the tone for an inspiring day ahead. In the early afternoon, participate in your first masterclass at the magnificent Bösendorfer Salon, one of the most storied performance spaces in the world, located within the legendary Musikverein concert hall. Following the masterclass, enjoy a guided tour of the Musikverein itself, exploring its breathtaking architecture and rich history. Have dinner together this evening as a dinner cruise down the Danube River. (B.D)

Day 4, Monday June 28: Vienna

Palaces, Performance & Bowling: Begin the morning with a visit to the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, the stunning imperial residence of the Habsburg dynasty, exploring its opulent rooms and beautiful gardens with audio guides. Continue to the Pasqualati Haus, where Ludwig van Beethoven once lived and composed some of his most celebrated works. Have lunch on your own and then this afternoon, the spotlight turns to you as our young pianists take the stage for their Student Recital at the Mozarthaus — a truly unforgettable performance in one of Vienna's most historically significant venues. After enjoy a tour of the Mozarthaus Vienna, where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart lived and composed during some of his most productive years. Cap off this exciting day with a fun-filled bowling night and pizza dinner at Prater Park! (B,D)

Day 5, Tuesday June 29: Vienna

Composers, History & Music: This morning, visit the Doblinger Music & Publishing, depending on schedule openings, one of the world's oldest and most celebrated music publishers, a true treasure trove for any young musician and music lovers. After lunch, explore the intimate Schubert House if renovations are complete, gaining a personal glimpse into the lives and daily surroundings of these beloved composers through fascinating audio-guided visits. In the afternoon, reconvene for your second masterclass, to build on the progress and inspiration of the week. Dinner will be together this evening. (B,D)

Day 6, Wednesday June 30: Budapest

Vienna, Eisenstadt & Budapest Before bidding farewell to Vienna, make a special stop at the Central Cemetery, home to the graves of Beethoven, Brahms, Schubert, and many other musical legends — a deeply moving and inspiring experience for any young musician. Depart Vienna this morning for Eisenstadt, where you will explore the musical legacy of Joseph Haydn with visits to the Bergkirche and Haydn Mausoleum and the magnificent Esterházy Palace, home to the renowned Haydnsaal concert hall where Haydn himself conducted for decades. Continue to Budapest, one of Europe's most vibrant cultural capitals. Upon arrival, dive straight into the music with a masterclass led by a local clinician, to be held at the Béla Bartók Memorial House (pending venue confirmation). As evening falls, enjoy a spectacular dinner cruise on the Danube River, taking in breathtaking views of the city's illuminated landmarks, including the iconic Parliament Building and Chain Bridge.

Day 7, Thursday July 1: Budapest

Rehearsal & Performance: After breakfast, begin the day with a rehearsal session at a local venue, allowing ample time to refine your performance in preparation for tonight's concert. Following independent lunch arrangements,embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Budapest led by a licensed English-speaking guide, with special emphasis on the city's rich musical heritage and the composers and performers who shaped Hungary's cultural identity. The day concludes with a final performance at the Museum of Music History or a similarly distinguished venue (timing pending confirmation with the performance venue) — a proud moment for every student on the tour. After the concert, celebrate the day's accomplishments with a celebrative dinner. (B,D)

Day 8, Friday July 2: Budapest

Final Masterclass,Museums, & Farewell Following breakfast, participate in your final masterclass of the tour at the Bartok Memorial House, followed by a tour depending on availability. Have lunch and then, this afternoon, visit to the Liszt Ferenc Memorial Museum, Liszt's former apartment at the Old Academy of Music. This evening, gather for a festive farewell dinner featuring traditional Hungarian cuisine, live folklore entertainment, and the sounds of local music — a perfect finale to an extraordinary musical adventure! (B,D)

Day 9, Saturday July 3: Departure

Breakfast at your hotel. Then transfer to the airport for return flight to the United States. (B)