AUSTRIA & HUNGARY MUSIC TOUR
Get ready for the journey of a lifetime, full of music, culture, and unforgettable experiences!
Day 1 - Adventure Begins!
It's time to leave Denver and jet off to the enchanting Austria!
Day 2 - Welcome to the Sound of Music Land!
We'll touch down at either Vienna or Munich Airport, and from there, it's off to the charming city of Salzburg (3-4 hours journey). Once we check in at our hotel, it's time for a group dinner to kick off our Austrian adventure!
Day 3 - Mozart, Castles, and Cog Rail Rides!
After a hearty breakfast buffet, we'll meet our local English-speaking guide for a 3-hour city tour of Salzburg. We'll wander through the Mirabell gardens, explore the narrow Getreidegasse with its charming shops, visit the birthplace of Mozart, and marvel at the magnificent Dom (Cathedral). Hold onto your hats, as we'll also be taking a short cog rail ride up to Hohensalzburg Fortress!
Lunch is up to your own whims. In the afternoon, we'll pay a visit to the intriguing Hellbrunn Castle.
Day 4 - Salt Mines and Strudel Fun!
After a sumptuous breakfast buffet, we'll embark on an exciting journey to Bad Dürrnberg to visit the Salt mine in Hallein. Get ready to change into some traditional coveralls and experience the mine via a wooden slope! Then, we're off to Ried im Innkreis for some strudel making. In the evening, our talented students will put on a fantastic concert, followed by a group dinner and a cozy return to our Salzburg hotel.
Day 5 - The Sound of Music Trail to Vienna!
Breakfast at the hotel fuels our spirits for the day. We'll depart for Vienna, making a stop at the picturesque resort town of Mondsee, home to the famous "Wedding Church" from "The Sound of Music." Lunch is your own adventure today.
In the late afternoon, we'll continue our journey, making a stop at the massive Benedictine "Melk Abbey" en route to Vienna. Our day concludes with a group dinner featuring local delights, and it's time to check into our Vienna hotel.
Day 6 - Vienna Delights!
Hotel breakfast buffet to start our day! Then, it's time to explore Vienna with a city tour by Local Guide. We'll marvel at the old city center, the Royal Castle, Parliament, the Belvedere Palace, the modern Hundertwasser House, and the UNO district.
Guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace awaits us, with its grand gardens and opulent 250+ rooms! After lunch on your own, you'll have some free time to explore, perhaps visiting the Technical Museum or enjoying Vienna's vibrant atmosphere. Dinner is your choice tonight, and we'll rest up at our Vienna hotel.
Day 7 - Musical Legends and Interactive Museums!
Start your day with a scrumptious hotel buffet breakfast. We'll board the coach and head to Vienna's Central Cemetery, where the monuments of famous composers rest side by side, including Beethoven, Brahms, the Strausses, Schubert, and Schumann.
Our next stop is the captivating interactive museum, "Haus der Musik," with displays about music and great composers. Lunch is a solo mission today. In the afternoon, we'll visit Vienna Opera for a guided tour in English. Tonight's group dinner will be a real Austrian treat with live music and mouthwatering dishes. We'll end the day at our Vienna hotel.
Day 8 - Orchestra Performance and Budapest Beckons!
Hotel breakfast buffet starts our day on the right note! We'll depart for our orchestra performance at a local high school. Lunch will be an independent adventure.
Afterward, we're off to Budapest! Upon arrival, we'll meet our local guides for a city tour, including the medieval Buda Castle area, Matthias Church, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Heroes Square. Dinner is a group affair, and we'll check into our Budapest hotel.
Day 9 - Puszta Adventure and Final Concert!
After a hearty breakfast, we'll embark on a half-day excursion to Tanyacsarda, located on the "Puszta" or plain south of Budapest. Get ready for a thrilling horse show and indulge in a delicious lunch, accompanied by live Gypsy music and Hungarian folklore!
We'll return to Budapest for a rehearsal and our final concert.
Day 10 - Buda, Pest, and Free Time to Explore!
Breakfast at the hotel will fuel your day ahead. Enjoy a guided tour of Buda and Pest, and then the afternoon is yours to explore Budapest as you wish! In the evening, we'll gather for our final group dinner.
Day 11 - Departure Day
It's time to bid farewell to Austria and Hungary. For those on the group airline reservation, transportation to the airport is included. Others can join if their plans align. If not, you'll have to make your own way to the airport as we head back home.
F.A.Q. About Hungary and Austria
Men and women in traditional Svab dress
Langos, Fried Dough
Túrós Táska (Cottage cheese bundles)
Do I need a visa to travel to Hungary?
Most visitors from North America, Australia, and New Zealand don't need a visa for stays up to 90 days, as Hungary is part of the Schengen Agreement. However, it's always best to check with your nearest Hungarian embassy or consulate for the latest information.
What documents do I need to bring?
Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay and has at least one blank page for the entry stamp. You may also need proof of onward travel and sufficient funds for your trip.
What about COVID-19 restrictions?
As of January 31, 2024, there are no specific COVID-19 entry requirements for Hungary. However, it's always a good idea to check the latest guidelines before you travel, as they can change at short notice.
What is Hungarian food like?
Hungarian cuisine is hearty and flavorful, with dishes like goulash, langos (fried dough), and túrós táska (sweet cheese pockets). Paprika is a key ingredient in many Hungarian dishes, and don't forget to try the local wines, especially Tokaji Aszú, a sweet dessert wine.
What are some Hungarian customs and traditions?
Hungarians are proud of their heritage and traditions. Some interesting customs include the Busójárás festival in Mohács, where masked figures parade through the streets, and the Táncház, a traditional folk dance.
What's the currency in Hungary?
The Hungarian forint (HUF) is the official currency. You can exchange your currency at banks and exchange bureaus, or withdraw cash from ATMs.
How much money do I need?
This will depend on your travel style and budget, but as a general guideline, Hungary is a relatively affordable country. You can expect to spend around €50-€100 per day on food, accommodation, and activities.
Is Hungary safe?
Hungary is a generally safe country for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it's always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft.
Do I need travel insurance?
It's always a good idea to get travel insurance before you travel, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.
Starting at:
Included:
Luxury Motor coach through out the duration of the tour.
Hotel Lodging
9 Full Breakfasts
6 Dinners
Local Guides
All entrances listed on the itinerary
24/7 English Speaking Tour Directors
Instruments: 4 Bases, 8 Cellos, and one Piano
Travel Insurance
Hungary boasts a rich musical heritage, having produced renowned composers, performers, and bands across various genres.
Here are some:
Franz Liszt (1811-1886): A virtuoso pianist and composer, considered one of the greatest of all time. His innovative compositions and flamboyant performances inspired generations of musicians.
Béla Bartók (1881-1945): A composer and ethnomusicologist who incorporated Hungarian folk music into his orchestral works and chamber music. His compositions are known for their complex harmonies and rhythms.