Milton Academy Jazz Combos Tour of 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, Friday March 17: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Saturday March 18: Berlin

Welcome to Europe! Arrive at Frankfurt airport, meet your tour manager and transfer to the capital of Germany. On arrival in Berlin, check in to your first tour hotel and have dinner together in a local restaurant followed by a good night's sleep. (D)

Day 3, Sunday March 19: Berlin

This morning after breakfast, take a guided sightseeing tour of Berlin's famous sites. Highlights include the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, and Checkpoint Charlie. Afterwards, enjoy free time for lunch on your own and to explore further with your tour manager — a great opportunity to walk along the East Side Gallery, the longest surviving stretch of the Berlin Wall, now covered in iconic murals from artists around the world. This afternoon, transfer to the Jazz Institute Berlin at the Universität der Künste (UdK) for a rehearsal and workshop session with local jazz students depending on availability . This evening, come together for dinner before a shared performance with UdK student musicians — a memorable night of music exchange in one of Europe's great jazz capitals. (B,D)

Day 4, Monday March 20: Dresden

Today, check out of the hotel and journey to the city of Dresden. En route, you will make a stop to visit Sachsenhausen, one of the German concentration camps used by the Nazis during WWII. Following the sombering experience in history, continue to Dresden and check in to your next hotel. Have time to explore the city tonight with your Tour Manager. Enjoy a buffet dinner together afterwards at the hotel restaurant this evening. (B,D)

Day 5, Tuesday March 21: Dresden

This morning, a local guide walk you through the streets and history of Dresden, including the famous Semper Opera House and the rebuilt Frauenkirche that was heavily bombed during WWII. Dresden was once the seat of the Saxon Kings and you will see an incredible tiled wall that depicts this history. Enjoy some free time this afternoon enjoying the city and a rehearsal. Following dinner, you will present your next concert which will be a shared performance with Dresden Big Band or similar at the FriedrichStatt Theater or Herkuleskeule Kulturpalast. Dinner at a local restaurant (B,D)

Day 6, Wednesday March 22: Wroclaw/Breslau

Following breakfast, check out of your hotel and head to Wroclaw. On arrival, check into your next hotel followed by a sightseeing tour of the central, historical city. During free time, keep an eye out for Wroclaw's famous bronze dwarf statues — over 300 tiny sculptures hidden throughout the city, making for a fun, scavenger hunt around the Rynek (Market Square) and surrounding streets. Dinner will be buffet-style together in the hotel this evening. (B,D)

Day 7, Thursday March 23: Wroclaw/Breslau

This morning, join your Tour Manager for a guided sightseeing tour of Dresden, one of Germany's most beautiful cultural cities. Highlights include the magnificent Frauenkirche, the historic Zwinger Palace, the Semper Opera House, and a stroll along Brühl's Terrace overlooking the Elbe River. You'll also explore the charming Old Town, where centuries of history and stunning Baroque architecture come to life.After free time and lunch on your own, depart for a local music school, where you'll participate in a collaborative jam session with local student musicians, sharing music and cultural experiences (subject to availability).This evening, enjoy and early dinner at the Vertigo Jazz Club before sound check and taking the stage for a performance at the club (subject to availability). Following your performance, return to your hotel. (B,D)

Day 8, Friday March 24: Prague

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and cross into the Czech Republic, arriving in Prague this afternoon. Check into your hotel on arrival, then set out with your tour manager to start exploring this fairy-tale city. Get oriented in Old Town Square, surrounded by centuries of Gothic and Baroque architecture, and time your visit to catch the famous Astronomical Clock's hourly Walk of the Apostles show. From there, stroll across the storied Charles Bridge, lined with baroque statues and street performers, into the charming, cobblestoned lanes of Lesser Town below Prague Castle. Round out the afternoon with a walk through Wenceslas Square before gathering for a memorable dinner aboard a Vltava River cruise, taking in illuminated views of Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and the Old Town skyline from the water. (B,D)

Day 9, Saturday March 25: Prague

This morning, visit the Prague Jewish Quarter with a licensed guide for a walking tour together, learning about the rich Jewish history of Prague and the Czech Republic at the Jewish Museum, including stops at the Old Jewish Cemetery and the Pinkas and Spanish Synagogues. With some free time before returning to your final performance, consider catching a Black Light Theatre performance — a uniquely Czech art form blending mime, dance, and illusion under UV light, and a visually striking, only-in-Prague experience for the group. This afternoon, rehearse and prepare for your final concert of the tour, at either Ladvi Culture House or Novodvorska Culture Centre. Afterwards, celebrate a great performance together over dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 10, Sunday March 26: Departure

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