Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra

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 July 5: Overnight Flight

Depart today from the San Francisco airport destination Amsterdam!

Day 2, Monday July 6: Utrecht

Arrive at the Amsterdam Airport (Schiphol). Upon arrival, meet your Encore Tour Managers who will remain with you throughout the tour. Your Tour Managers will escort you to youtr private deluxe motor coaches for your transfer to Utrecht. Visit of Zaanse Schans upon arrival. This open-air museum is a delightful old Amsteron the banks of the river Zaan with characteristic green wooden houses, charming gardens, small hump-backed bridges, tradesmen's workshops, historic windmills and engaging little shops. See how wooden shoes are made and enjoy a tasting of Dutch cheese. Continue on to your hotel for check in and an orientation walking tour with your Tour Managers. Enjoy a special welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Encore will also reserve a large room at your hotel for an arrival day rehearsal. (D)

Day 3, Tuesday July 7: Utrecht

This morning after breakfast at your hotel, transfer to Amsterdam and enjoy an Amsterdam Canal Cruise followed by visit and lecture at the Anne Frank House ( please note group will be divided and visit if subject to confirmation due to high demand and limited timeslots) There is some free time for lunch on your own in Amsterdam before of Rijksmuseum is the most visited museum in the Netherlands. The museum has 8,000 objects of art on display some of which include masterpieces by Rembrandt, Frans Hals, and Johannes Vermeer. Enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant this evening. (B,D)

Day 4, Wednesday July 8: Utrecht

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel some free time in Utrecht. This afternoon there are two hours reserved for rehearsal for this evening's concert. Venue options include Muziekgebouw Eindhoven and the Parkzaal of Musis Arnhem. If the group prefers to have dinner after the concert, then we will provide an afternoon snack post rehearsal. (B,D) (B,D)

Day 5, Thursday July 9: Brussels

After breakfast your hotel and check out, transfer to Brussels (120 miles, 3 hrs). Upon arrival in Brussells Enjoy time for lunch on your own in Brusells and an afternoon guided tour including highlights such as the Grand Place and the Atomium. Also inluded is a visit of the MIM (Musical Instruments Museum). Later this afternoon, check into your hotel with time to freshen up before dinner togeher at a local restaurant. (B,D) (B,D)

Day 6, Friday July 10: Brussels

This morning after breakfast at your hotel, transfer to Bruges for a guided walking tour of this medieval town. See sights such as the Beguinage, The Market Square, and the Church of Our Lady which houses Michelangelo’s Virgin and Child. After free time for lunch on your own, transfer to the venue for this evening's concert performance for rehearsal forllowed by dinner at a local restaurant. Venue options include CCU Uccle, Bosuil, and Sacred heart. (B,D)

Day 7, Saturday July 11: Blois

After breakfast at your hotel and check out, continue on to the country that abounds ;with culture, history, and the arts...France! Arrive in France's lush region of chateaux and stunning countryside, The Loire Valley, Your home for the next pair of nights is the charming city of Blois. Enjoy a stroll and orientation tour with your Tour manager after hotel check in. There is a bit of free time before dinner together at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 8, Sunday July 12: Blois

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a panoramic tour of Vallée de la Loire. Discover the Loire Valley's stunning chateaux, each a masterpiece of architecture and history. Explore the lush landscape that surrounds them, from rolling hills and forests to the winding Loire River. Immerse yourself in the region's rich cultural heritage as you marvel at these magnificent landmarks. Capture unforgettable photos of the idyllic countryside, where every vista is a work of art. Let the Loire Valley's chateaux and landscape take your breath away.One of your visits is the Château Clos Lucé - Château Clos Lucé is a French castle in Amboise, known as Leonardo da Vinci's former residence, where he spent his final years. It is a museum showcasing Davinci's life and works. After free time for lunch on your own, Visit an historic working vineyard...Plou & Fils is one of the oldest family-owned wineries in the Loire Valley, dating back to 1508. Located in the heart of the Touraine region, the estate is known for producing high-quality wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and Cabernet Franc. Visitors to the vineyard can enjoy guided tours, tastings, and a deep dive into the winemaking traditions passed down through generations. Return to Blois next flor rehearsal for a late afternoon concert of the Oakland Symphony Orchestra in Halle au Grains or teh stunning Cathedrale de Blois. Enjoy a delicious dinner together this evening after the concert. (B,D) Fleur de Loire · Hôtel Blois or similar - Return to hotel Overnight: Fleur de Loire · Hôtel Blois or similar (B,D)

Day 9, Monday July 13: Paris

After breakfast at your hotel, depart the Loire Valley and travel to Paris - Paris, the City of Light, is a global icon celebrated for its romantic ambiance, iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, and a vibrant cultural scene. Charming streets adorned with stylish boutiques and inviting cafes add to its allure. En route to France's Capitol, enjoy a guided visit of Chateau de Chambord - Chateau de Chambord is a renowned Renaissance castle located in the Loire Valley, France. Its distinctive French Renaissance architecture, with elaborate spires and towers, makes it a masterpiece of the period. Built in the 16th century, it is surrounded by a vast hunting park, adding to its grandeur and historical significance. Your next stop is in Chatres for a visit of Cathedrale Notre Dame de Chartres - The Cathedrale is a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture. It is renowned for its stunning stained glass windows, including the famous Blue Virgin Window and medieval maze. After free time in Chatres fore lunch on your own, you will end today's journey at your final destination of Paris. Right away you are introduced to Paris' beauty with a guided panoramic tour of the city making multiple stops for photo ops of the major landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, and the Champs Elysées. Enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant thid evening, (B,D)

Day 10, Tuesday July 14: Paris

After breakfast at your hotel, Enjoy a festivre Bastille Day military Parade on the Champs-Élysées - The military parade of July 14th in Paris, held on Bastille Day, is a grand annual event showcasing France's armed forces. It takes place along the iconic Champs-Élysées, featuring soldiers, tanks, aircraft, and military bands. The parade symbolizes national pride and unity, attended by the French President and other international dignitaries. After free time for lunch in Parisree time with the assistance of your Tour Manager followed by ruise on the Seine: A Perfect Parisian Send-Off* Embark on a memorable evening in Paris on July 14th aboard the Bateaux-Mouches. Enjoy a delicious dinner infused with the spirit of National Day, while admiring fireworks and the panorama from the upper deck. An authentically French experience awaits you. Fireworks - Enjoy the fireworks on the river cruise Pullman Paris Eiffel Tower or similar - Return to hotel Overnight: Pullman Paris Eiffel Tower or similar (B,L,D)

Day 11, Wednesday July 15: Paris

After breakfast at your hotel, visit the Cathedrale Notre Dame de Paris - Notre Dame de Paris is a famous Gothic cathedral located in Paris, France, renowned for its stunning architecture, including flying buttresses, intricate stained glass, and towering spires. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, it has been a central site for religious and cultural events in France's history. Access to Le Musée du Louvre - Musée du Louvre which is the world’s most visited museum and which exhibits some of the best-known art Buffet pieces like the Mona Lisa from Da Vinci or the Venus de Milo. The Louvre's grandeur, housed within a former royal palace, attracts millions of visitors annually, making it a cultural cornerstone in the heart of France. After free time for lunch on your own, gather and transfer to the site of the farewell Concert of the Oakland Symphony Orchestra at Auditorium Issy les Moullineaux or La Madeleine or Amphithéâtre de La Sorbonne. Enjoy a festive farewell dinner together at a local restaurant to celebrate your wonderful concert. (B,D)

Day 12, Thursday July 16: Departure

After breakfast at your hotel and check out, tansfer to Charles de Gaulles Airport for your return flight to the US. (B)