Houston Choral Society - Leipzig/Prague/Vienna

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 June 20: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Wednesday June 21: Leipzig

Arrive in Prague and meet your tour manager, before transferring North over the German border to the city of Leipzig, arriving in time for a welcome dinner (D)

Day 3, Thursday June 22: Leipzig

After breakfast explore this wonderful musical city, first taking in the Mendelssohn House, an apartment preserved as perfectly as when the composer lived there. Then pay homage to the city's most famous musical resident, J S Bach, who rests in St Thomas Church in the heart of Leipzig. Later rehearse and perform your first concert of the tour in a beautiful local church, before dinner together (B,D)

Day 4, Friday June 23: Prague

After breakfast check out and depart southwards back towards the Czech Republic. The first stop today is the city of Dresden: almost completely destroyed in WWII, the city has been completely rebuilt in its original style, including the iconic Frauenkirche cathedral, rebuilt in the early 2000s with crowdfunding! You'll have a guided tour of the famous Semper Opera House and some time for an independent lunch on the attractive main square, before continuing to the Golden City, Prague, in time for dinner together (B,D)

Day 5, Saturday June 24: Prague

After breakfast, take a guided sightseeing tour of historic Prague on foot beginning with the Castle district. Here you'll break the tour to visit the wonderful Lobkowicz Palace, home of one of the most influential arts patrons of the 18th Century and supporters of the work of Mozart, Beethoven and Brueghel, and where you can see original manuscripts and stunning artworks created by all three. The tour continues through the Little Quarter, where you'll cross the famous Charles Bridge to the Old Town. After an independent lunch transfer to a Central Bohemian town such as Nymburk or Mnisek for your next concert in a beautiful local church. (B,D)

Day 6, Sunday June 25: Prague

This morning we continue the Lobkowicz theme by visiting the birthplace of the composer Dvorak at Nelahozeves, a village dominated by the castle still in the Lobkowicz family today. Return to Prauge for a tour of the Estates Theater, which is one of the most beautiful historic theaters in Europe, and where Mozart himself conducted the world premiere of Don Giovanni in 1787. Today sees your final concert in the city in a venue such as the Church of the Holy Saviour, followed by a traditional Czech folklore dinner with entertainment (B,D)

Day 7, Monday June 26: Vienna

Depart Prague this morning and enjoy a picturesque drive through the countryside on the way to Vienna. Stop in the beautiful Southern Bohemia town of Telc, for an independent lunch in pretty surroundings. Continue to Vienna where you will check-in to your hotel and become acquainted with the city at your leisure. (B,D)

Day 8, Tuesday June 27: Vienna

Today begin your exploration of this incredible city with a short guided tour of the central downtown area. On arrival at the impressive St Stephen's Cathedral, you're invited to an exclusive reception in the amazing rooftop space of the cathedral, which offers unparalleled views over the city and a unique behind-the-scenes look at this wondeful building. You'll then experience the wonderful acoustic with a recital in the cathedral itself. The aftenroon is free to continue exploring the city's many stunning buildings, galleries, upscale stores and traditional Viennese coffee houses. Dinner tonight is in a local restaurant (B,D)

Day 9, Wednesday June 28: Vienna

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. This morning you'll take in one of these as you take a guided tour of the Staatsoper Opera House. Today also sees you perform your final concert at a local venue such as St Peters Church or the Capuchin Church. Later come together for a farewell dinner in a traditional Viennese restaurant. (B,D)

Day 10, Thursday June 29: Departure

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