WVYS Tour to 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, Sunday June 15: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Monday June 16: Budapest

Arrive in Budapest this morning and meet your Encore Tour Manager! Begin your exploration right away with a walking orientation, led by the Tour Manager, of this charming Eastern European gem. Highlights include the castle district of Buda and the St. Stephen's area. Check in to your comfortable hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner together this evening. (B)

Day 3, Tuesday June 17: Budapest

This morning after breakfast, discover the city on a morning guided sightseeing tour by bus and on foot, taking in Heroes Square, the Castle Hill District, Fishermen's Bastion and Matthias Church. Marvel at the cobbled streets of Old Buda and bridges over the Danube, all of which illustrate Budapest's intriguing past and present. Enjoy lunch on your own and time at leisure this afternoon. Perhaps, visit the Szechenyi Baths with its thermal, healing waters! Entrance cost around 30 Euros. In the evening, attend a performance by the Rajko Orchestra and Hungarian Folk Ensemble at the Danube Palace. (B)

Day 4, Wednesday June 18: Budapest

This morning enjoy a visit to the exciting new Hungarian House of Music that presents the history and importance of Hungarian music within its European context, highlighting many of Hungary's famous composers such as Liszt, Bartok and Kodaly. Have time for lunch on your own before transferring this afternoon to your concert venue to set up and rehearse. Tonight, WVYS will perform a debut concert in Budapest. Enjoy dinner together in a restaurant this evening. (B)

Day 5, Thursday June 19: Banska Bystrica, Slovakia

Transfer from Budapest, stop en route at the village of Spania Dolina for lunch on your own at Koliba u sv. Kristofa, and continue to Banska Bystrica where you will begin the homestay under your own arrangements. Hotel accommodations are available for the adults at a supplement cost. (B)

Day 6, Friday June 20: Banska Bystrica, Slovakia

Continue the portion of your tour under your own homestay arrangements, including your concert tonight at Banska Bystrica Town Hall. Hotel accommodations are available for the adults at a supplement cost. (B)

Day 7, Saturday June 21: Prague

After breakfast, depart for the jewel of central Europe, Prague! Visit the historical town of Trebic along the way where you will have time for lunch on your own. Continue to the Czech capital and check into your hotel. Start exploring with your tour managers and enjoy a Czech dinner together this evening. (B)

Day 8, Sunday June 22: Prague

Left virtually untouched by World War II bombing, Prague is one of Europe's most beautiful cities as you'll see during a guided walking tour. See the graceful Charles Bridge, built during the 14th century, wander the checkerboard cobblestone streets of the medieval Old Town and see the Old Town Square, home of the fascinating Astronomical Clock. This afternoon, transfer to your final venue to set up and rehearse. Your final concert will be tonight in Prague! Dinner will be together in a local restaurant. (B)

Day 9, Monday June 23: Prague

Depart on an excursion today to Kutna Hora, including entrances to Sedlec Ossuary the Church of Bones and the Church of St. Barbara. later, return to Prague to further explore the Old Town further at your own pace. On your final evening, attend a concert at the Klementinum, subject to schedule, followed by a celebration farewell dinner cruise along the Vltava/Moldau River to see Prague illuminated at night! (B)

Day 10, Tuesday June 24: Departure

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