Huntsville Community Chorus - 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, Tuesday April 7: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Wednesday April 8: Prague

Welcome to the beautiful and historic city of Prague in the Czech Republic! Meet your Encore Tour Manager and transfer to your centrally located hotel by coach. After check in, have an arrival briefing with your Tour Manager, a welcome dinner, and then a good night's sleep! (D)

Day 3, Thursday April 9: Prague

After breakfast, provided each morning of your tour, you will take a guided sightseeing tour of historic Prague on foot beginning with the Castle district. Continue past the Old Royal Palace and St. Vitus Cathedral as you make your way to the Old Town, where you'll cross the famous Charles Bridge. Later this afternoon head to one of Prague's neighboring towns such as Lysa nad Labem or Nymburk to perform your first concert in a local church. (B)

Day 4, Friday April 10: Prague

Today, enjoy a tour of the Estates Theater, which is one of the most beautiful historic theaters in Europe. It is here where Mozart himself conducted the world premiere of Don Giovanni in 1787. The rest of the day will be for time at leisure for shopping and sightseeing on your own, before performing your second concert in a church in the city. (B)

Day 5, Saturday April 11: Vienna

Depart Prague this morning and enjoy a picturesque drive through the countryside on the way to Vienna. Stop in the beautiful town of Cesky Krumlov, a Unesco World Heritage Site. Continue to Vienna where you will check-in to your hotel and become acquainted with the city at your leisure. (B,D)

Day 6, Sunday April 12: Vienna

This morning, transfer to Eisenstadt, home of Joseph Haydn, to enjoy a guided tour through the Esterházy Palace including the 17th century 'Haydnsaal' with its wonderful acoustics. You may have the opportunity to perform an informal concert here, availability pending. Entrance is also included to the Haydn Mausoleum at the Haydnkirche. Return to Vienna and have time to explore the Praterpark. The Prater is a large public park in Vienna's 2nd district. The Wurstelprater amusement park, often simply called "Prater", lies in one corner of the Wiener Prater and includes the Wiener Riesenrad Ferris wheel. Enjoy your free time and have dinner together. (B,D)

Day 7, Monday April 13: Vienna

Vienna is the historical center of the musical world and as a UNESCO heritage city, Vienna is rich in architectural wonders from the great Stephansdom and Baroque castles to the 19th century Ringstrasse lined with grand buildings, monuments and parks. Your morning panoramic guided tour will include the highlights of the city including the Stephansdom, Vienna Opera and Hofburg Palace. Enjoy lunch on your own followed by some free time. In the afternoon, get ready for your rehearsal and perform your next concert at a local venue such as the Imperial Church. End your day with a dinner together at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 8, Tuesday April 14: Budapest

After breakfast, depart Vienna for Budapest, Hungary! On the way, stop at Haydn's Birth House for a guided visit of this important museum and learn about the beginning of Haydn's life. Continue to Budapest and arrive at your hotel for check in. Enjoy a late afternoon cruise on the Danube, before an independent dinner. (B)

Day 9, Wednesday April 15: Budapest

After breakfast, discover the city on a morning guided sightseeing tour, taking in Castle Hill, Matthias Church, and the famous Fisherman's Bastion with spectacular views over the city. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city taking in such sights as Hero's Square, the Grand Market, and the Danube promenade (B,D)

Day 10, Thursday April 16: Budapest

After breakfast pay a visit to the Budapest Parliament building, modeled on the famous British Houses of Parliament. This afternoon, rehearse for your final performance at St.Anna's church or a similar local venue. Enjoy your final dinner together to celebrate your successful performance tour! (B,D)

Day 11, Friday April 17: Departure

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