Performance tours

Italian Masterpiece

16 Days / 15 Nights

Day 1

Arrival in the Venice Area. Diner and overnught Stay.

Day 2

At leisure in Venice. Venice, a city of unparalleled beauty, is a feast of wonderful sites. Visit historical center, Basilica, St. Marks square, Doges Palace. In the afternoon the island of the lagon, Murano, Burano, Torcello.

Day3

Venice, The Academy The most important art museum in Venice is situated in the ancient site of the Scuola of Charity. Here the masterpieces of Venetian painting (and not just Venetian) produced from the origins till the end of the Republic of Venice, are preserved and protected. In the afternoon time at leisure. Concert Performance.

Day 4

Venice area – San Marino – Adriatic Riviera Drive by the Po Delta to the tiny Republic of San Marino, one of the world’s most ancient states, perched on Monte Titano – see the Basilica, and Government House.

Day 5: Riviera Adriatica – Urbino – Gubbio – afternoon in Assisi

First to Urbino, the epitome of Renaissance with its magnificent Ducal Palace mastering the town. Drive to medieval Gubbio, where a wonderful view over the city can be had from the Consul’s Palace. The afternoon is spent in Assisi surrounded by ramparts and little changed since the Middle-Age. This is the town of the deeply mystical and poetic St. Francis – see the Church of St. Clara, the founder of the Order of Poor Clares, and the medieval castle and cathedral.

Day 6: Sorrento

First to Orvieto to visit its splendid Gothic Cathedral, and then south on the easy motorway to lovely Sorrento, clinging to a cliff high above the waters of the Bay of Naples. Take a walk along its winding streets and admire the local handcraft, or sit with a glass of wine absorbing the easy-going life of this charming city.

Day 7-8: Sorrento – trip to Capri

During your stay in Sorrento take optional trips to the Vesuvius, or along the scenic drive to Amalfi. An included trip on day 6 takes you across the sea to Capri. This legendary island is surrounded by a rocky coastline where the violence of the sea has formed deep caves. This city with its little Piazza and its maze of streets is a mecca for the jet-set.

Day 9: Sorrento – Pompei – Roma

The life of Pompeii stopped in 79 A.D. with the terrible eruption of Vesuvius. You can see the remains of the temples and of the luxurious villas, the theatre and the Forum, and even human and animal body solidified in lava. On to Rome.

Day 10 to 12: Rome

The optional tours include visits to the Vatican, the Sistin Chapel, and the catacombs. It is worth visiting the Roman Hills and the city of Tivoli, with its spectacular fountains and the lovely gardens of Villa d’Este. A night sight of this magnificent city rounds off a busy day of shopping and sightseeing.Concert Performance.

Day 13: Rome – Porto Santo Stefano – Pisa

North to Tuscany, taking occasional glimpses of the coast. Stop in beautiful Porto Santo Stefano on the coast at only 5 1/2 miles from Orbetello. To Pisa for overnight.

Day 14: Pisa – San Giminiano – Siena – Florence area

Admire the “Square of Miracles” with its Leaning Tower before leaving for San Giminiano bristling with its medieval fortress towers, status symbols of nobility. From here to the red-clay hills surrounding Siena, an almost perfect medieval town. Overnight in Florence area.

Day 15: Florence

This Renaissance city of the Medicis will keep you busy for the whole day. All traffic is banned from the historic centre so visitors can wander at leisure and admire this city’s timeless beauty in relative peace and quiet. The short drive to Piazzale Michelangelo allows you to enjoy the best view over Florence stretching across the River Arno. Overnight in Florence area.Concert Performance.

Day 16

Breakfast and departure.

The Beautiful Italy

14 Days / 13 Nights

Day 1: Rome

Arrival in the Rome Area. Diner and overnught Stay.

Day 2: Rome

In the morning sightseeing begins along the old Appian Way to the fascinating Catacombs. Continue driving to the Palatine Hills, home of Marc Antony, Cicero, Nero and Augustus. The view from these hills is of the remains of ancient Rome, including the Forum, once the civil, commercial and religious center of Roman life; the Arch of Constantine, built to commemorate Constantine’s victory over Maxentius in A.D. 312; and the Colosseum. In the afternoon sightseeing begins with the Pantheon.

Day 3: Rome

In the morning visit the Vatican City to view the glorious St. Peter’s Basilica, the incomparable Vatican Museum, and the Sistine Chapel. In the afternoon time at leisures for shopping. Concert Performance

Day 4: Pompei – Sorrento

In the morning departure to Neaple. In the afternoon, guided visit of the ancient city of Pompeii, buried beneath the ashes of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. See firsthand how the ancient citizens lived as you visit the Forum, the commercial district, the interior houses, and even a Pompeiian bakery.

Day 5: Capri

In the morning departure with hydrofoil for a short ride to the Isle of Capri. Capri is where Augustus lived and where Tiberius entertained lavishly in his twelve villas. Explore the island’s fantastic grottoes, promenade in the village streets as you enjoy the resort atmosphere and exquisite shops. Legend has it that the Isle of Capri was once the home of sirens whose melodious songs would lure sailors to their captivity.

Day 6: Positano and Amalfi

In the morning Tour by motorcoach along the beautiful Amalfi Coast road; the sea on one side and mountains on the other. A short distance from Sorrento is Positano; a dream of a fishing village with its white houses and terraced gardens clinging to gentle slopes rolling into the sea. Amalfi with your beautiful Duomo and the historical center. Return to Sorrento. Concert Performance.

Day 7: Florence

In the morning drive to Florence, a city of cultural treasures located on the banks of the Arno. Exciting sightseeing includes the Romanesque Baptistry, the oldest building in the city famous for its bronze doors considered to be the greatest work of Ghiberti. Also, see the Duomo Cathedral and visit the Medici Palace.

Day 8: Florence

On a special visit to the Uffizi Museum and Gallery, see what has been acclaimed as the best collection of paintings in the world spanning the 13th to 17th centuries. The afternoon is at leisure in this elegant city. Concert Performance

Day 9: Siena and Pisa

Siena, with its famous Piazza del Campo at the heart of the city. In Siena, one of Italy’s best-preserved medieval towns, visit the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, housing the famous Maesta; and the Duomo, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Leave Siena after lunch and drive north through the hills of Tuscany stopping at the enchanting 14th-century town of San Gimignano. Stroll the narrow streets and view the old palaces and medieval towers. Continue your drive to Pisa; the ancient and splendid capital of the Pisa Republic. Fabled for its leaning tower, bustling metropolis, treasures of Duomo Cathedral, and Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece.

Day 10: Padua and Venice

In the morning leave Florence on your drive to Venice, stopping in Padua. Visit the 13th-century Basilica del Santo housing the relics of St. Anthony and the Cappella degli Scrovegni. After your visit drive to Venice.

Day 11: Venice

Sightseeing St. Mark’s Square. You will see St. Mark’s Basilica, The cathedral is incomparable, with its marble, mosaics, gold, and priceless works of art. Palazzo Ducale, which served as the residence of the doges and the seat of government for nearly one thousand years. Afternoon time at leisure. Concert Performance

Day 12: Lake Como

Leave Venice to Cernobbio on Lake Como. Stopping to Verona, visit the Arena, the house of Romeo and Giulietta, the Basilica.

Day 13: Lake Como

Explore the exquisite environs of Cernobbio, Bellagio, Como. Concert Performance

Day 14

Breakfast and departure.

The Heart of Italy

11 Days / 10 Nights

Day 1: Florence

Arrival in Florence Area. Diner and overnight Stay.

Day 2

Florence was the cradle of the Renaissance, a fountainhead of genius and still one of the art world’s most prestigious cities. The next two days are carefully designed to provide an introduction to the principal themes of the Renaissance period, with a local expert to show us the masterpieces, as well as lesser-known works of equal importance.

Day 3: Florence

Today we continue our explorations in Florence, as our local expert helps us discover new treasures in its palaces, public squares, churches and museums. The remainder of the day is at leisure with an optional tour of the Uffizi Gallery. Concert Performance

Day 4: Florence – Medici Villa – Pisa – Lucca – Florence

This morning we drive out to the Villa di Poggio a Caiano, the region’s most important Medici villa. Continuing to Pisa, we visit its famous “Square of Miracles,” ringed by four major works of medieval architecture: the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, the Baptistery and Cemetery. After lunch we drive to Lucca, a graceful and beautifully preserved town of lovely streets and old houses, before returning to Florence.

Day 5: Florence – Galluzo – San Gimignano – Siena

Today we visit the 14th-century charterhouse of Galluzo, where our tour of this monastic community is led by one of the Cistercian monks who still occupy the complex. We then drive into the rolling countryside of the Chianti wine region for lunch in a Renaissance castle before continuing to San Gimignano. Our visit to this much-loved medieval fortress town includes a stop at the cathedral to admire its fine frescoes. Siena is our final stop today.

Day 6: Siena – Monte Oliveto Maggiore – Pienza – Siena

This morning we drive to the great Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, then into the heart of the lovely Tuscan countryside, before continuing to the small town of Pienza. Back at our hotel. Concert Performance

Day 7: Siena

In themorning visit the famous Piazza del Campo to see the magnificent frescoes of the Palazzo Pubblico; touring the great Cathedral, and visiting the beautiful Piccolomini Library and Duccio’s masterpiece The Virgin Mary in Majesty. This afternoon is free to wander vibrant city streets.

Day 8: Siena – Assisi – Torgiano

This morning’s drive takes us through beautiful Tuscany to Assisi, on the slopes of Mount Subasio. We visit the Basilica of St. Francis, where a monk describes the beautiful frescoes (by Giotto, Simone Martine and others) illustrating the saint’s life. We have time to appreciate Assisi’s Medieval charms before adjourning to nearby Torgiano.

Day 9: Torgiano – Cortona – Perugia – Torgiano

Neighboring Cortona is another hillside town that has preserved its medieval atmosphere. We see Fra Angelico’s Annunciation, perhaps the master’s finest work, then make our way to Perugia, capital of Umbria, with its fine buildings and works of art. Back in to the Hotel.

Day 10: Torgiano – Orvieto – Rome

Take a morning drive to Orvieto, famous for white wines and ceramics, spectacularly perched at the top of a pedestal of volcanic rock. In the Piazza, the great cathedral houses Luca Signorelli’s masterpiece fresco, “Cycle of the Apocalypse.” After lunch and time to explore, we continue to Rome.

Day 11: Rome

Breakfast and departure.

The Three Italian Pearls

8 Days / 7 Nights

Day 1

Arrival in Venice Area. Diner and overnight Stay.

Day 2: Venice

In the morning walking tour to view the Basilica of St. Mark, the Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. Also featured is a visit to see traditional Venetian glass blowers at work. Afternoon time et leisure.

Day 3: The Venetian Lagoon

We begin this morning by cruising through the placid Venetian Lagoon to the Island of Torcello, known as the “cradle” of Venetian civilization, where we visit the Byzantine Cathedral that harbors the unique mosaic “The Universal Judgement”. Later, we visit the typical fisherman’s Island of Burano, famous for its lace linens and colorful houses. In the afternoon visit Padua, The St Antony’s Basilica, Palazzo della Ragione, Piazza delle Erbe. Concert Performance

Day 4: Venice – Pisa – Florence

Departure to Pisa this morning to view the famous Leaning Tower before driving through the vineyards of Tuscany to the home of the Renaissance, Florence.

Day 5: Florence – Rome

Signoria Square, Santa Croce Basilica, the Cathedral, Piazzale Michelangelo and the Academy of Fine Arts’ Statue of David are all included visits on your morning sightseeing tour of this historic city. In the afternoon departure to the “Eternal City”, Rome.

Day 6: Rome

Enjoy an included sightseeing tour to view the Roman Forum, Circus Maximus with inside visits to St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the famous Colosseum. Concert Performance

Day 7: Rome

Enjoy an included sightseeing tour to view Piazza del Popolo, Via del babbuino, Via Margutta, Piazza di Spagna, Fountain of Trevi. Afternoon time at leisure.

Day 8: Rome

Breakfast and departure.

Sicily and Rome

8 Days / 7 Nights

Day 1: Rome – Palermo

Arrival at Rome Airport in the morning and connection Flight to Palermo.
Arrival at Palermo airport. Meet with our Tour escort and trft to the reserved Hotel.
During the afternoon short visit of Palermo, capital of Sicily, you can find all the traces of the Sicilian history from Phoenicians through the Spanish domination to the Liberty style. The visit includes: the Norman Palace (Palatine Chapel), the Cathedral, St. John of the Hermits and then on to visit Monreale with its Cathedral and the Benedectine Cloister. Dinner and Overnight.

Day 2: Palermo – Segesta – Erice – Marsala – Mazara del Vallo – Agrigento

Breakfast to the Hotel and departure for the day exc. After about 45 minutes, arrival in Segesta and visit of the Doric Temple of the Vth century B.C.
Departure to Erice. Enjoy a little walk, self visit of some churches located into the city centre, the Venere Castle. Continue to Marsala, through the Salt Road (stop at Salt Pans and Windmils). Indipendent Lunch. After lunch a short stop in a winery for tasting sicilian wine and viit to the cellars. Continue to Mazara del Vallo. Visit of the “Dancing Satyr” inside the Museum placed into the ancient church of Sant’Egidio. Departure to Agrigento. Accomodation.
Performance in a Agrigento Church
Dinner and Overnight.

Day 3: Agrigento – Piazza Armerina – Caltagirone – Ragusa

Breakfast at Hotel. Meet with local guide for visit of Temples Valley. After the visit departure to Piazza Armerina. Arrive and self visit of Piazza Armerina and it’s magnificient Roman Villa of Casale. Continue to agriturism (farm-house). Lunch in agriturism (menù: typical sicilian dish). Departure to Caltagirone. Arrive and enjoy a walk in the famous steps decorated with sicilian ceramic. Free time at leisure for the shopping.
Departure to Ragusa. Arrive and transfer at Hotel.
Performance in a Ragusa Church.
Dinner. At the end of the dinner, ending in Ragusa and enjoy Ragusa Ibla panoramic view by night. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 4: Ragusa – Modica – Noto – Taormina area

Breakfast at Hotel. Departure to Modica. Arrive and self visit of San Pietro Cathedral. At the end of the visit, tasting chocolate in the oldest shop “Bonajuto shop (or similar subject to availability)”. A walk to arrive in San Giorgio Cathedral for the self visit. Departure to Noto. Arrive in Noto and visit of the old city centre, famouse for the sicilian boroque. Indipendent Lunch. Departure to Taormina area. Arrival at the reserved Hotel. Check-in, free time at leisure. Dinner and overnight

Day 5: Taormina – Etna – Rome

Breakfast at Hotel. Departure to the beautiful town of Taormina where we have free time to enjoy the unique panoramic views overlooking Giardini Naxos, a former Greek colony, now an international yachting centre. This peaceful panoramic town, 2006m above sea level was colonized by the Greeks. The main street, the elegant Corso Umberto, with its cafes, restaurants and boutiques is a bustle of nationalities.
Late morning departure to Mount Etna. The drive up the mountain slopes takes us through picturesque villages and an ever changing landscape. The lower slopes of the volcano are extremely fertile with groves of oranges, lemons and other Mediterranean flora and of course vines which produce Sicily’s best wines. We go through forests of chestnut trees which gradually give way to oak, beech, birch and pine. During our tour of Mount Etna we visit the Sylvester Craters. Our stop here gives you the time to have Indipendent lunch at one of the mountain restaurants and some souvenir shopping.
Late afternoon departure to Catania Airport. Flight to Rome.
Arrival at Rome Airport. Trft to the reserved Hotel.
Dinner and Overnight.

Day 6: Rome ( Vatican )

Following breakfast at the hotel, meet our local guide for a half-day tour of Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, with its breathtaking frescos by Michelangelo, and the Raphael Rooms, which works established Raphael’s reputation in Rome. See St. Peter’s Square, the largest part of Vatican City, the world’s smallest state and the only European State. Discover the beauty of St. Peter’s Basilica, Catholicism’s most sacred shrine. View the “Pieta” by Michelangelo and the breathtaking interior work by Bernini. Walk to St. Peter’s Square where the choir will perform in the Basilica for the afternoon Mass.
Afternoon at disposal.
Performance in a Rome Church.
Pizza Dinner and Overnight.

Day 7: Rome

Following breakfast at the hotel, meet our local guide for a half-day tour of ancient Rome.
We begin our tour of Rome at the Campidoglio (Capitoline Hill), seat of the Roman Senate since the 12th century and the original citadel of the ancient city. This beautiful square was redesigned by Michelangelo in the 16th century. Next we take a guided tour of the Roman Forum and we will see the Curia, the Rostra, the Temple of Vesta, the Basilica of Constantine, and the Arch of Titus. After our guided tour of the Forum we proceed to the Colosseum, the symbol of Rome. Built to seat 55,000 spectators, this arena staged Romeís most brutal gladiatorial combats. We will see the ìcagesî where the wild animals were held before the fights.
Afternoon at disposal for the last shopping.
Farewell Dinner. Overnight.

Day 8: Rome – DEPARTURE

Coach trft to Rome airport.

Tour Italy and Slovenia

11 Days / 10 Nights

Day 1: Arrive in Rome

Transfer to the reserved hotel. Check-in
In the afternoon first City Tour in Rome with our private Guide.
We begin our tour of Rome at the Campidoglio (Capitoline Hill), seat of the Roman Senate since the 12th century and the original citadel of the ancient city. This beautiful square was redesigned by Michelangelo in the 16th century. Next we take a guided tour of the Roman Forum and we will see the Curia, the Rostra, the Temple of Vesta, the Basilica of Constantine, and the Arch of Titus. The tour end with the beautiful Colisseum.
Dinner in restaurant. Overnight.

Day 2: Rome – Performance

This morning we visit St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican City which took over 150 years to complete. Michelangelo took over the St Peter’s project in 1547 and was responsible for the design of the dome. The cavernous interior, which can hold up to 60,000 people, contains many treasures including Michelangelo’s Pieta. The Vatican is a sovereign state with its own post office, broadcasting service and newspaper. We visit the elegantly symmetrical Piazza San Pietro.
In the afternoon free time at disposal. Rehearsal in Hotel. Dinner in restaurant. Concert in a Church in Rome
Overnight in Rome.

Day 3: Rome – Assisi – Florence

This morning we drive from Rome to Assisi.
Our first stop will be Assisi. Despite the millions of tourists and pilgrims it attracts every year, the home town of St Francisí remains a beautiful and tranquil refuge. Free Time to see the beautiful Town. Free Lunch. In the afternoon departure for Florence. Arrival and Check-in to the reserved Hotel.
Dinner in restaurant. Overnight.

Day 4: Florence

After breakfast to the hotel, we will departure to the Florence Guided Tour. We start with the city’s eternal masterpiece: Michelangelo’s David in the Academy of Fine Arts. The gold Paradise doors of the Baptistry, Giotto’s belltower, the cathedral and its famous dome by Brunelleschi.
This historic quarter recalls its ancient past with its unique charm. The scenic Signoria square and the famous Old Bridge.
This exciting visit ends in Santa Croce church, containing the tombs of illustrious Florentine citizens such as Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei and Macchiavelli, and incredible works by Giotto and Donatello.
Free Lunch. Afternoon at disposal for individual visit.
Dinner in restaurant
Concert in a Church in Florence
Overnight in Hotel

Day 5: Florence – Padova – Venice

This morning we drive to Padua. ( 2,30 hour from Florence ).
We begin our walking tour of Padua with a visit to the towering Basilica of Saint Anthony. We continue on to the small Scrovegni Chapel, situated near the town centre. Here we view exquisite frescoes by Giotto. After a short walk we come to the Piazza Bo, the scene of one of the liveliest daily markets in Italy.
Free time for lunch
In the afternoon departure to Venice. Arrival in Venice and trasnfert with private boat to the reserved Hotel.
Dinner in restaurant. Overnight in Venice.

Day 6: Venice – Mass service

After breakfast we will visit: St Mark’s square, the basilica and the doge’s palace
St. Mark’s square was the political and religious center of the Republic of Venice; since ancient times it has been a place extraordinarily rich in historical and artistic value: we shall visit the basilica with its precious mosaics and the ducal palace with its well-known Bridge of Sighs, the Procuratie palaces and the Napoleonic Wing, the Clock Tower, the Campanile and the Marciana National Library.
Indipendent Lunch
Afternoon at disposal for individual visit.
Mass Choir service in San Marco Basilica
Dinner in restaurant. Overnight in Venice.

Day 7: Venice – Triest – Piran ( Slovenia ) – Portorose ( Slovenia )

After breakfast departure to Triest ( 1,50 hour )
Arrival in Triest, meet with our guide for the city tour.
From the Central railway station to the neo-Gothic evangelic church in Largo Panfili; a walk round Ponterosso Market and in the Serbian Orthodox Temple; a short walk to Piazza della Borsa (the neo-Classical palazzo of the old Stock Exchange and the Tergesteo) and Piazza Unità d’Italia; the Roman Amphitheatre and then a climb up Via Rota to the Capitoline Hill and the Castle and Cathedral of San Giusto.
Indipendent Lunch
In the afternoon departure to Piran ( 40 min. from Triest ), the most beautiful city on the Slovenian coast and the birthplace of Giuseppe Tartini, a famous composer and violinist. You will stroll through the narrow streets with fascinating Venetian architecture and along the quay packed with boats. From this lovely town, you can see the entire Slovenian coast as well as the shores of Italy and Croatia. Guided sightseeing of Piran. After the visit, departure to Portorose ( 6 Km from Piran ), arrival check in to the reserved Hotel.
Concert in a Portorose venues
Dinner and Overnight

Day 8: Portorose – Istria Tour

Journey begins with sightseeing of one of the most beautiful cities on the west coast – Rovinj, where you can see and meet many cultural monuments, among others the Church of Sv.Eufemija. She opens her gate and invites you to revel her secret and reasarch her past. We continue with sibhtseeing of the most interesting Istrian ancient cities, such as Pula with roman amphitheater. Continue to Opatija once Austro-Hungarian winter resort, today fashionable summer resort whose beauty inspired many of the rich and famous.
Dinner and Overnight.

Day 9: Opatija – Ljubjana

Early morning. Departure to Ljubjana ( 120 Km ). Guided visit of LJUBLJANA, the capital city of Slovenia, known already from the Roman era as the meeting point of Roman, Germanic and Slavic nations. A walk through the old part of the town, which lies between the castle hill and the Ljubljanica river, where we can admire the Baroque and Secessionist period buildings, as well as the works of the great Slovene architect Joze Plecnik. Indipendent Lunch.
Rehearsal before the evening concert.
06.00pm Dinner in restaurant
Concert in a Church in Ljubljana.
Overnight in Ljubljana.

Day 10: Ljubjana – Bled – Ljubjana

After breakfast departure to Bled. Our drive today is through rolling hills filled with small farms, crystal clear mountain streams, and some of this new nation’s oldest inhabited towns. We will visit three of these towns today, all of which teach us something about Slovenia’s past. Our first stop is Skofja Loka. Nestled up on the side of a forested hill this town is not only delightful to walk through but also houses one of the best ethnographic museums in the country. We will visit this museum housed in the town’s castle.
Our drive continues on to Bled with its emerald-green lake, picture-postcard church on an islet, medieval castle clinging to a rocky cliff and some of the highest peaks of the Julian Alps and the Karavanke as backdrops. Boat trip on the lake with the stop at the little island with it’s little Church.
Indipendent Lunch. Late afternoon return to Ljubljana. Farewell Dinner in a typical restaurant.
Overnight in Ljubljana.

Day 11 – Departure

Departure from Ljubjana airport.

Performing tour Czech Republic & Hungary

8 Days / 7 Nights

Day 1: Prague

Arrival in Prague. Prague escaped serious wartime damage and is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe today. Mozart claimed that no one understood him better than the citizens of Prague, and he was only one of several great masters who lived or lingered here. Welcome dinner with folk music and dance. Overnight in Prague.

Day 2: Prague

After breakfast, a morning guided tour of Prague includes the Charles Bridge, St. Nicholas Church, Old Town Square, Municipal House, St. Agnes Convent, St. Vitus Cathedral. Afternoon/evening concert in Prague venues. Dinner and overnight in Prague.

Day 3: Prague

After breakfast backstage tour of the Conservatoire.
The “golden age” of the Prague Conservatoire began when the school acquired new premises in the then freshly finished Rudolphinum, with the famous violin teacher, Anton Benewitz, becoming its director. Full curriculum, including composition and conducting, was offered. In 1891, Antonín Dvorák joined the faculty to head of the composition department, later becoming the school’s director (1901-1904).
Informal concert to be arranged at the Conservatoire. Dinner and overnight in Prague.

Day 4: Bratislava

Travel towards Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Stops en route. Arrival during the afternoon in Bratislava. Evening concert in Bratislava venues. Dinner and overnight in Bratislava.

Day 5: Budapest

Drive to Budapest, the capital of Hungary. The city is built on both banks of the Danube River. Buda is on the right bank and is surrounded by an amphitheatre of wooded hills. Pest, on the left bank, sits on flat land that extends into the Great Hungarian Plains. Between these two shores is the Margaret Island, with its ancient trees and 12th-century ruins.
Upon arrival orientation tour of Pest, see the House of Parliament, Heroes Square, and the Museum of Fine Arts. Dinner and overnight in Budapest.

Day 6: Budapest

After breakfast sightseeing tour of Buda including, Matthias Church, Buda Castle, Fishermen’s Bastion and the Bridge of Chains. During the sightseeing tour you will visit the State Opera House. Performance and promotion in a Budapest Venues. Dinner and overnight in Budapest.

Day 7: Budapest

In the morning lecture about Hungarian music. Hungarian music has absorbed influences as diverse as German religious and classical music and Turkish fife and drum. An important Hungarian pianist and composer was Franz Liszt. He was fascinated by the music of the Gypsies. One of his master pieces are the Hungarian Rapsodies. In the afternoon enjoy a Danube River cruise followed by some time for individual sightseeing. Tonight you will enjoy a folklore farewell dinner together. Overnight Budapest.

Day 8: Budapest – DEPARTURE

Czech Republic & Poland: Chopin, Folklore & Black Madonna

8 Days / 7 Nights

Day 1: Prague

Arrival in Prague. Prague escaped serious wartime damage and is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe today. Mozart claimed that no one understood him better than the citizens of Prague, and he was only one of several great masters who lived or lingered here. Welcome dinner with folkmusic and dance. Overnight in Prague.

Day 2: Prague

After breakfast, a morning guided tour of Prague includes the Charles Bridge, St. Nicholas Church, Old Town Square, Municipal House, St. Agnes Convent, St. Vitus Cathedral. Afternoon/evening concert in Prague. Dinner and overnight in Prague.

Day 3: Wroclaw

A drive this morning to Wroclaw on the River Odra, the capital of Lower Silesia. The city’s network of canals and 100 bridges impart great charm. It also boasts Poland’s youngest population; half of its inhabitants are under 30! This afternoon learn more about this city on the included sightseeing tour. Performance and promotion in one of Wroclaw’s churches or civic sites. Dinner and overnight in Wroclaw.

Day 4: Jasna Gora, Krakow

First to Jasna Gora near Czestochowa, the monastery that withstood
the repeated onslaughts of overwhelming Swedish forces during the religious wars of the 17th century. Since then its Black Madonna has been venerated as the “Queen of Poland” and has become the country’s national symbol. Your next encounter with history today will be a visit to what is left of the Auschwitz concentration camp, a chilling reminder of the holocaust. Dinner and overnight in Krakow.

Day 5: Krakow

This is, they say, Poland’s most beautiful city. It was for almost 500 years the country’s capital. Today it is without a doubt it’s cultural capital. Included sightseeing in ancient Krakow, for centuries the residence of Polish kings. See the Market Square, the 14th-century Jagiellonian University, St. Mary’s Church, and Wawel Royal Castle.
Performance and promotion in a Krakow Church. Dinner and overnight in Krakow.

Day 6: Warsaw

Before you continue your trip to Warsaw you will first visit the Sanctuary of Sister Faustina, she is canonized by Pope John Paul II. After the visit drive to Warsaw, the capital of Poland. Performance and promotion in a Warshaw Church or Cathedral. Dinner and overnight in Warsaw.

Day7: Warsaw

The included sightseeing tour with a local guide is an excellent introduction to Warsaw, magnificently reconstructed after wartime destruction. Today its wide avenues are in striking contrast with the narrow lanes of the old section. This afternoon we include an excursion to visit Zelazowa Wola, a manor house where Chopin was born. Farewell folklore dinner will round out your stay in this city. Dinner and overnight in Warsaw.

Day 8: Departure

Return flight from Warsaw arrives home the same day.

5 Countries

9 Days / 8 Nights

Day 1: Frankfurt

Arrive at Frankfurt airport. On arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel.
Later orientation tour of Frankfurt’s city center and medieval Roemerplatz.
Dinner and overnight in Frankfurt area.

Day 2: Frankfurt (Offenbach)- Rotheburg – Munich – Innsbruck ( 520 km )

The highlight today is undoubtedly the “Romantic Road” which runs north to south as far as the Alps. See picturesque Rotheburg with its ramparts and towers, cobbled streets and 16 th century houses.In Munich, an orientation tour will show you the Olympic Stadium, Hofbrauehaus and Marienplatz. In the afternoon travel throught the farmlands of Bavaria accross the Danube and Austrian border into the Tyrol.
Performance and promotion in a Innsbruck venues
Dinner and overnight

Day 3: Innsbruck – Venice ( 380 km )

The morning sightseeing will show Arcades and Arches of this 800 years old university town. See the City Tower and its landmark Golden Dachl, an ancient mansion noted for its gilded copper roof. Finally from Mariatheresienstrasse enjoy an unforgettable view of the Alps.
In the afternoon journey south into Italy by way of the Europa Bridge and the Brenner pass to the Venice area. Dinner and overnight in the Venice area.

Day 4: Venice

In the morning explore this ancient and elegant city on the included sightseeing tour. Enjoy a canal boat ride followed by a visit to St. Mark’s Basilica and to a typical Venetian glass blowing factory. The rest of the day is free to discover other attractions of this floating city.
Performance and promotion in a Venice venues
Dinner and overnight in Venice area.

Day 5: Venice – Verona – Lake Lucern area ( 510 km )

This morning enjoy a stop in Verona to see the legendary balcony of Juliet of the Shakespeare’s classic Romeo-Juliet. Continue your journey through vineyards and farmlands towards the swiss border, the St.Gotthard route and descend to the breathtaking beauty of Lake Lucern. Dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Lucern

Your morning orientation tour highlights this medieval town and include a visit to the Lion Monument and a stroll across the Chapel Bridge. In the afternoon excursion to a nearby mountain peak famed for it’s splendid views of the Alps. Free time for shopping (not to forget the delicious swiss chocolates).
Performance and promotion in a Lucern venues.
Dinner and overnight.

Day 7: Lucern – Paris ( 670 km )

This morning you travel over the french border past Belfort and the remains of the Maginot Line. Next you continue into wine-producing Burgundy, to view the Savigny-les-Beaune vineyards before arriving in Paris. Dinner and overnight in Paris.

Day 8: Paris

Your morning sightseeing tour of Paris includes the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe planned by Napoleon, the famous Champs-Elysees arriving at Place de la Concorde where Louis XVI and Marie Antionette were guillotined. Next you enjoy a scenic cruise viewing Notredame Cathedral.
The rest of the day is at leasure. Perhaps you visit the Louvre (where there is the famous painting Mona Lisa of Leonardo da Vinci) or spend some time at Montmartre, the artistic quarter.
Performance and promotion in a Paris venues.
Dinner and overnight.

Day 9: Paris

Transfer to Charles de Gaulle airport, for departure.