Custom Concert Tour Sample Destinations

New York City
Croatia
Spain
United Kingdom Germany/Austria
Italy
Czech Republic

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"...I want to thank you and your staff for a truly wonderful tour. Your company did an outstanding job putting together this custom tour package for us."

Lindy Rust, Choir Director
Crescent City, CA

DAY 1: DEPART THE USA

Depart from the United States to Prague, Czech Republic. Dinner, snacks and breakfast will be served on the flight.

DAY 2: PRAGUE

Upon arrival in Prague, pass through passport control, collect your luggage, and meet your Music Contact International tour escort in the arrivals hall. Transfer by motor coach to your hotel, check in and take some time to relax and refresh. Having been spared the bombs of World War II, Prague is reminiscent of a fairy tale city. The town was built on seven hills, and boasts a combination of different styles of architecture from many centuries with fine parks and gardens interspersed throughout. The Vlatva River, which is spanned by 16 bridges, winds through the city. There are four breathtaking districts of Prague: the Castle Area, the crowning glory of the city's skyline perched above the river; Mala Strana (Lesser town), which links the castle area with the Vlatva and Charles Bridge; the Old Town across the river, and the New Town- aptly named, as it was founded only in the 14th century! This afternoon, join your local English-speaking guide for a tour of the Jewish Town (Josefov) and learn more about Prague's rich Jewish history. The earliest mention of a Jewish settlement in Prague dates from the early 10th century, and the Jewish population subsequently grew to 54,500 people by 1940. Since the Middle Ages, Prague has been an important center of Jewish learning and art. Visit the Jewish Museums, which include the Pinkas, Maisel and Klaus Synagogues, as well as the Jewish cemetery. Continue on to the Old Town of Prague with your local guide. See the Town Hall, which was built during the 14th century. The Old Town Hall is an assemblage of several buildings. The Astronomical Clock was installed in its west façade in 1410. See The Church of Our Lady before Tyn, the most prominent building in the Old Town. See the extraordinary Monument to Jan Hus.

A rehearsal is planned for the choir and the musicians (pending confirmation). In the evening, a welcome dinner is planned for the choir at the hotel.

DAY 3: PRAGUE

After breakfast at the hotel, join your local English-speaking guide for a visit to the Prague Castle, or Prazsky Hrad. The castle complex is an outstanding collection of buildings from the 10th to 20th centuries, linked by courtyards. See the Matthias Gate, built in 1614, which once stood alone in front of the moats and bridges that surrounded the castle—if the timing is right, you may get the chance to see the small changing of the guards ceremony that takes place here. The second courtyard offers wonderful views of the St. Vitus Cathedral spires. Inside the Chapel of the Holy Cross, view the religious artifacts that once belonged to patron saints. The third courtyard leads to the entrance of the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral. Marvel at the graceful towers, soaring overhead and the beauty of the Gothic interior, with brilliant stained glass windows and magnificent facades. Further on are the Royal Palaces and the Bohemian Chancellery, which are still at the center of political life today. After the tour, perhaps continue on to the lesser town and walk across the Charles Bridge, the oldest bridge in Prague.

An afternoon concert will be arranged for your choir at St. Nicholas Church on the Old Town Square, including the choir and musicians (pending confirmation). Dinner is on your own this evening.

DAY 4: PRAGUE - VY_EHRAD

JULY 20 PRAGUE/ VY_EHRAD After breakfast at the hotel, meet your local English-speaking guide and depart on an excursion to Vy_ehrad, which means "Castle on the Heights". Located a short distance from the center of the old city, this area is said to be the first seat of Czech royalty, and it is here that the Czech National Cemetery is located. Two famous Czech composers are buried in this cemetery, Antonin Dvorak and Bed_ich Smetana, as well as other famous writers, actors, artists, and musicians. Many of the graves and tombs are ornately decorated with statues, flowers, and other symbols. The area of Vy_ehrad is peaceful and its parks offer beautiful flowers in bloom, and magnificent views of the city and the Vltava River from steep overlooks. While here, also visit the Church of Saints Peter and Paul. Originally built in 1070 - 1080 for King Vratislav II, this triple-nave basilica has undergone multiple architectural changes throughout the years—from Romanesque, to Early-Gothic, to Renaissance, to Baroque and currently, Neo-Gothic design (1885-1903). Some specific features include the western façade with its statues of Saints Peter and Paul and Christ and the angels; the main portal with a spectacular relief of the Last Judgment and frescoes from the lives of Saints Peter and Paul in the Presbytery. Dinner is on your own this evening.

DAY 5: PRAGUE • CONCERT

After breakfast at the hotel, the day is free for you to explore Prague on your own or with your tour escort. Optionally visit Villa Bertramka, W. A. Mozart's home during his time in Prague. A former vineyard manor house from the turn of the 17th century, the property was bought by the singer Josefina Duskova and the pianist/composer Frantisek Xaver Dusek in 1784. Here, in the idyllic environment of Bertramka, Mozart finished the score of Don Giovanni shortly before its memorable first night on October 29, 1787. Mozart called his stays at Bertramka the most beautiful moments of his short and eventful life. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the museum and visit the gift shop, which offers books and music about the famous composer.

In the afternoon, return to the hotel to prepare for this evening's performance. Perform a concert in one of Prague's concert halls, such as the Hlahol Concert Hall including the choir and musicians (pending confirmation). Dinner is on your own this evening.

DAY 6: BRNO/PERNSTEJN CASTLE

Following breakfast, check out of the hotel, meet your local English-speaking guide and board your motor coach for Brno, with a stop at Pernstejn Castle on the way. Embark on a guided tour of this magnificent castle, where the lords of Pernstejn sat in the 13th century. This group was very influential in Czech Republic affairs for a number of centuries. In the 17th century, the castle was given many Baroque alterations and in the 18th century more alterations were done, including the addition of sculptures in the gardens. The castle has remained well preserved since it was never conquered or damaged by combat. Following a break for lunch on your own, continue via motor coach to Brno. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel with some time to rest and refresh before dinner.

Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in Brno serving local cuisine.

DAY 7: BRNO • CONCERT

After breakfast in the hotel, depart for a local church in Brno where the choir will have the opportunity to perform in this morning's service (pending confirmation). Following the church service, enjoy a break for lunch on your own. In the afternoon, embark on a guided tour of Brno with a local English-speaking guide. Brno has been the capital of Moravia since 1641, and developed into a major industrial center after the Brno-Vienna railway was completed in 1839. Visitors enjoy Brno's rich cultural life and the town's compact center, which is largely pedestrianized. See the Spilberk Castle, whose imposing silhouette can be seen atop a hill. This castle was founded in the 13th century and converted into a citadel and prison during the 17th century. Also see the Peter and Paul Cathedral, which occupies the site where the city's original castle stood. The Bishop's Palace, built in Renaissance style, adjoins the cathedral. Legend has it that in 1645, the Swedish general Torstensson, in the midst of besieging Brno, declared that if his troops had not captured the city by noon, he would leave. At 11 a.m., as the Swedes were about to scale the walls the bell keeper rang noon—as he promised, the Swedish general stopped the attack and left the town, and since that day the cathedral bells have rung noon at 11 a.m. After your tour, enjoy some free time on your own to explore Brno. Perhaps visit the City Art Gallery or the Ethnographic Museum, which displays Moravian folk costumes and implements. Or, choose to see the Reduta Theater, where Mozart performed in 1767. The Capuchin tombs are quite interesting, if a bit gruesome, providing the visitor with a collection of mummified monks and other wealthy citizens of Brno. Until the 18th century, the wealthy of the town gave large sums of money to be buried in the monk's simple common grave, hoping to be ensured a place in heaven. Dinner is on your own this evening.

DAY 8: CESKE BUDEJOVICE

Following breakfast at the hotel, check out and depart for the town of Ceske Budejovice. Upon arrival, check into your hotel with time to relax and refresh before joining your local English-speaking guide for a guided tour of the town. Begin your tour at namesti Premysla Otakara II, one of the largest squares in all of Europe. This square occupies the geographical center of Budweis' Old Town and serves as the city's cultural focal-point. Surrounded by elegant burghers' houses dating from more than three centuries, the square provides testament to the material wealth of the city. Particularly interesting is the Black Tower, which stands at the east side of the square. This 236-foot high tower was constructed by wealthy German merchants more than 4 centuries ago, and leans slightly today. Next to the tower stands the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, one of the city's most important landmarks. Also of note is Samson's Fountain. Standing at the center of the square, this fountain was once the only source of drinking water for the city's residents.

After lunch on your own, the group will travel to Hluboka Castle for a guided tour of this inspiring castle. This neo-Gothic Tudor Palace was re-built in the style of Windsor Castle between 1841 and 1871, though it was originally built in the 13th century. The extensive park as well as the renovations were done by the Schwarzenberg family. Up until World War II the rooms of the palace were actually inhabited. The origins of the castle are somewhat of a mystery, as no one is quite sure who built it or exactly when the building began.

In the late afternoon, return to Ceske Budejovice for dinner on your own.

DAY 9: CESKE BUDEJOVICE/CESKY KRUMLOV • CONCERT

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for the nearby town of Cesky Krumlov, one of the region's most exquisite towns. Upon arrival, meet your local English-speaking guide for a tour of Krumlov Castle, built in the 13th century. The town itself was built on an S-shaped bend of the Vltava River, and the castle sits high on a ridge overlooking the town. The first courtyards belong to the older, lower castle, but it is the courtyards of the upper castle, added in the 15th century, which contain the treasures. The highlight of the castle is undoubtedly the ornate, 18th century Rococo Theater, situated across the covered Plastovy most, a smaller version of the Bridge of Sighs. This is one of the few 18th century theaters in the world to retain so much of its original scenery and wardrobe. Thanks to an advanced system of flies and pulleys, the theater was capable of showcasing comic operas with up to forty scene changes, all without interrupting the action. Another covered walkway leads to the expansive, formal terraced gardens high above the city. Following your tour, enjoy the afternoon in this picturesque town. Perform an afternoon concert on the grounds of Krumlov Castle for the visiting guests (pending confirmation).

Dinner is on your own this evening.

DAY 10: PRAGUE

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and depart for Prague. En route, stop in Karlstejn, for a guided tour of Karlstejn Castle, erected in the mid 14th century by Charles IV. See the Church of Our Lady and the medieval frescos there. Visit the Chapel of the Holy Rood in the Big Tower where the coronation jewels were once kept. The many panels of Master Theodoric make this chapel a gallery of 14th century art. In the afternoon, continue on to Prague for your last evening. After checking in to your hotel, enjoy some free time in Prague for some last minute souvenir shopping.

In the evening, a final farewell dinner will be served for the group in a brewery serving local specialties!

DAY 11: DEPARTURE

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to the airport for your flight home!

This tour was designed as a concert tour for a church choir and ran in 2006. Please let us know if you would like us to research current prices for this tour or would like to discuss an alternative itinerary.