| Central Europe Performing Itinerary
Walk in the footsteps of some great composers! International travel expands the capability of all musical groups. This tour touches on three countries which helped create the foundation to traditional Western Music. Be amazed at the Munich Opera House, Twirl through the hills of Salzburg, walk through the home of Mozart, listen to a century old organ, and become part of the musically rich culture by performing all along the way!
Day 1 - Departure
Our adventure begins today with our flight to Munich, Germany In flight meals
Day 2 – Munich
We land in Munich, Bavaria’s fun loving capital and city where music has always been a significant part of its culture. Mozart, Mahler, Strauss and Orff all premiered here. A local guide will take us on a tour of the city ending with some free time in Marianplatz with its famed Glockenspiel. Tonight we enjoy a welcome dinner. B/D
Day 3 – Oberammergau
This morning we take a backstage tour of the State Opera House before departing for Oberammergau, with its mural-covered buildings, is also famous as one of Bavaria's most picturesque villages. En route we stop to see King Ludwig II’s spectacular Linderhof Castle and the famous grotto where he liked to listen to Wagner. We will also see the nearby Wieskirche, or "Church in the Meadow" is considered to be perhaps the finest example of rococo architecture in Europe. Tonight we have an opportunity to perform for the first time perhaps on the stage of the Passion Play Theater or an indoor theater in Oberammergau. B/D
Day 4 - Salzburg
Today we cross over into Austria stopping to visit a salt mine where we will put on miner’s clothes for a fascinating and exciting tour of the mine. Then the hills come alive with the Von Trapp family story as we enter Salzburg the birthplace of Mozart and the film site of the “Sound of Music.” Can you hear the music of the children, “Do Re Mi” or the prolific musical genius of Mozart? Tonight we will attend a dinner concert featuring either the music of Mozart or songs from the Sound of Music. B/D
Day 5 - Salzburg
This morning a local guide takes us on a walking tour of Salzburg, including the impressive Cathedral, the catacombs, the Getreidegasse, (the narrow, bustling shopping street) and the Mirabel Gardens. We visit Mozart’s Birthplace and see Mozart’s Wohnhaus. This afternoon we perform again possibly in the Mirabel Gardens where crowds often gather to listen to music. B/D
Day 6 - Kremsmünster
Today we visit St. Florian Monastery. Anton Bruckner, the famous composer, was an organist and choir director here. At his request, his casket was placed in a vault, directly beneath his beloved organ. We tour the monastery, which includes a walk through the imperial apartments used exclusively by the Hapsburgs. Our afternoon includes a short concert played on Bruckner’s organ. We continue on to Kremsmünster where we have a little free time, before we prepare for our evening performance.
Day 7 - Vienna
We continue east after breakfast to Vienna, the capital of Austria and the classical music capital of the world. Here, many of the great composers including Beethoven, Mozart, and Liszt lived and worked on the masterpieces we cherish today. We enjoy a panoramic tour which includes a visit to the Zentralfriedhof, the city’s main cemetery. Here we pay our respects at the graves of Beethoven, Mozart, Schubert, Brahms, Strauss, and others. We will also visit Schönbrunn Palace the summer home of the Hapsburgs. B/D
Day 8 - Vienna
This morning a local guide will join us for a walking tour of the inner ring will acquaint us with two of Vienna’s historic landmarks. We begin at majestic St. Stephen’s Cathedral and then go to the Hofburg Palace, winter residence of the Austrian Imperial family, the Hapsburgs. We will stop for a piece of the famous Sachertorte and a beverage before some free time to explore attractions of our own interest or pick up a souvenir before our Vienna concert performance. After our concert we enjoy a dinner in a Vienna restaurant. B/D
Day 9 - Prague
We cross the border into the Czech Republic on our way to Prague. En route we stop at Antonin Dvorak’s Memorial in Vysoka Village located in the scenic wooded countryside. A local guide shares with us the stories of the life of the famous Czech Composer. There is a good chance our guide could be a descendant of Dvorak. Tonight we enjoy a Czech Folklore show. B/D
Day 10 - Prague
After breakfast this morning, we spend the day exploring Prague. We visit Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, walk the Golden Lane, cross the Charles Bridge, and see the Astronomical Clock. After a short break for lunch and some free time we perform our final concert in one of the many wonderful venues Prague has to offer. B/D
Day 11 - Return
Sadly, this morning we drive to the Prague airport, for our return flights. We return, however, with a taste of different cultures, memories of composers, magical castles, breath-taking landscapes, and most importantly, new found friends and shared music. Welcome home. In flight meals
BRT will plan World Class performance opportunities for you!
This tour offers performance groups the opportunity to experience a variety of performing opportunities and venues. From Munich to Salzburg to Prague and Vienna – all destinations follow in the footsteps of many of the great composers such as Mozart, Mahler, Orff, Wagner, Beethoven, Schubert, Hayden, Brahms, Dvorak, Bruckner and Strauss are a few of the names your students may encounter.
The itinerary also provides a variety of wonderful venues to perform such as some of the great Cathedrals of Europe, parks and band shells or beautiful gardens such as Mirabel Gardens in Salzburg and the Schönbrunn Palace Gardens in Vienna. There are music schools with which a joint conference may be arranged and small villages sure to provide a cultural experience and captive audience.
This itinerary covers a lot of ground and you may want to slow it down or you may want your students to have a taste of the many things and cultural experience it offers. This should at least stir your imagination to the possibilities.
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