Radcliffe Choral Society to Austria and Germany

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 May 28: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Friday May 29: Vienna

Welcome! to the capital of Austria! Check into your hotel and have time to explore. This evening, you will have a reception in the cavernous rooftop space of the iconic St. Stephen Cathedral, followed by dinner in a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 3, Saturday May 30: Vienna

Vienna has an incomparable musical history and tradition as no other city can boast such an illustrious list of composers: Haydn, Mozart, Schubert, Beethoven, Mahler, Bruckner and many more who lived and worked here. Today, orientate yourself on a guided sightseeing tour of the Ringstrasse street encircling the city's heart with its majestic and Imperial buildings. Continue by foot from the Hofburg Palace to the Stephansplatz and have entrance to the Mozarthaus. Your first concert will be at the Imperial Capuchin Church or similar venue.This evening have a dinner together. (B,D)

Day 4, Sunday May 31: Vienna

Today journey to Eisenstadt, home of Joseph Haydn. Enjoy a guided tour through the Esterházy Palace including the 17th century “Haydnsaal” with its wonderful acoustics. An informal performance may be possible. Entrance is also included to the Haydn Mausoleum. Return to Vienna for some last-minute exploring. Tonight have a special, traditional Heurigen dinner this evening! (B,D)

Day 5, Monday June 1: Salzburg

Discover the enchanting sights of the musical city of Salzburg on a guided sightseeing tour. Journey through the historical town to see the Mozartplatz, the cathedral, Pegasus Fountain, and Mirabell Gardens. Next, visit Mozart’s Birthplace Museum on the crowded shopping street, the Getreidegasse before taking the funicular up to the fortress that dominates the city. This evening, rehearse and perform your next concert performance! (B,D)

Day 6, Tuesday June 2: Munich

Today’s full day excursion will take you through the Bavarian Alps! First, visit Neuschwanstein Castle, one of King Ludwig’s lavish palaces built upon an imposing facade. Continue through the mountains to Oberammergau. This small Bavarian gem is most famous for its Passion Play, performed by the villagers every ten years for the past four centuries. Return to Munich this evening for your overnight (B,D)

Day 7, Wednesday June 3: Munich

The word Gemutlichkleit means coziness, hospitality, warmth, and welcome. Dive right into this Bavarian way of thinking on a guided city sightseeing tour of Munich. Discover the Rococo style Nymphenburg Palace, the famous Glockenspiel in Marienplatz, and stroll through the Viktualienmarkt. food-and-flower market. This afternoon, rehearse for tonight’s third concert performance! (B,D)

Day 8, Thursday June 4: Dresden

Depart for Dresden from Munich and enjoy a scenic journey to this stunning city. Upon arrival, lunch will be on your own, allowing you to explore local dining options at your leisure. Afterward, check in to your accommodation at the luxurious Hilton Hotel (or similar), where you can unwind and refresh. In the evening, indulge in a delicious dinner at a charming local restaurant, offering a taste of the region's finest cuisine.

Day 9, Friday June 5: Dresden

Start the day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a morning sightseeing tour of Dresden. Led by a licensed English-speaking guide, explore the city's rich history and stunning architecture, both by bus and on foot. Enjoy some free time for lunch independently. In the afternoon, participate in a rehearsal session before joining one of the Dresden Philharmonic Choirs for a memorable joint concert at a local church, such as Lukaskirche or Versöhnungskirche. Conclude the day with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, reflecting on the day's experiences

Day 10, Saturday June 6: Berlin

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out and departing for Berlin. En route, make a stop in Leipzig for a visit (approximately 2 hours from Dresden), where you will have some free time for lunch independently. Afterward, embark on a sightseeing tour of Leipzig with a licensed English-speaking guide, tailored to a small group of no more than 30 people. The tour includes an entrance to the historic Thomaskirche. Continue your journey to Berlin, where you will check into the NH Potsdamerplatz Hotel**** (or a similar accommodation). End the day with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 11, Sunday June 7: Berlin

This morning’s sightseeing tour with an expert local guide shows you some of Berlin’s most important historical touchstones, including a portion of the Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate, the Holocaust Memorial, Potsdamer Platz and the infamous Checkpoint Charlie. Then engage with modern German culture as you try something completely different: a street-art workshop where you’ll learn about this edgy modern-art movement! This afternoon, rehearse for your final concert performance! (B,D)

Day 12, Monday June 8: Departure

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