Itinerary
Day 0: May 16
You will need to depart the USA no later than today.
Day 1: May 17 - Arrival Day Prauge
Considered by many to be the most beautiful city in Europe, Prague is the city of Kafka and
the place Mozart loved best. It was also once home to two legendary Czech composers, Bedřich Smetana and Antonín Dvořák.
The city is also home to three historic opera houses, the Czech Philharmonic, and several chamber orchestras, as well as the historic Estates Theatre. The Estates Theatre is deeply linked with the name of W. A. Mozart. Besides other of his works, it was the venue of world
premieres of two Mozart operas: Don Giovanni (on 29 October 1787 – conducted by the
composer himself) and La clemenza di Tito (in 1791, to mark the coronation of Leopold II). Enjoy a welcome orientation and dinner before settling in for the night at your hotel. Sleep at the Marriott, Prague Old Town (D)
Day 2: May 18 - Discover Prague
Our historic walking tour of Prague begins! We will stroll to Prague’s most famous
landmarks. En route to the Old Town Square, we’ll tour the illustrious Estates Opera House. Our journey continues to Prague’s stirring, perfectly preserved medieval Jewish
quarter. Consisting of five synagogues, a Ceremonial Hall, and a cemetery, Prague’s Jewish Museum was created in 1906 to protect precious buildings and treasures for the local Jewish community.
After enjoying a traditional Czech lunch, the afternoon is yours to further explore Prague. This evening, join your Performance Today host, Fred Child, and attend the Prague Spring Music Festival! Sleep at the Marriott, Prague Old Town (B, L)
Day 3: May 19 - Prague Castle
After breakfast, we will make our way past Charles University to Charles Bridge. We’ll cross the very river that lends its name to Smetana’s symphonic Czech masterpiece, the Vltava. Then we’ll ascend the hill to one of Europe’s most impressive castles:
Prague Castle. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the castle consists of a large-scale composition of palaces and ecclesiastical buildings of various architectural styles, from Romanstyle
buildings from the 10th century to Gothic modifications in the 14th century. Enjoy
another fabulous classical concert is included this evening. Sleep at the Marriott, Prague Old Town (B, L)
Day 4: May 20 - Art & Culture
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning; the day is yours to explore and stroll.
Suggestions include the Mucha Museum, Kafka Museum, Decorative Arts Museum and the National Museum, which is the largest museum in the Czech Republic.
Alternatively, dive deeper into the life of Dvorak with a visit to the Antonín Dvořák Museum, established in 1932. Inside, guests can see dozens of letters and household objects Dvořák
once used during his lifetime. Perhaps the two most famous objects in this museum’s collection are Dvořák’s piano and viola.
This evening, join your Performance Today host, Fred Child, and attend the Prague Spring Music Festival! Sleep at the Marriott, Prague Old Town (B)
Day 5: May 21 - South to Passau, Bavaria!
After a leisurely morning in Prague, we depart the city for the Bavarian countryside. Driving south, we will visit a small Bohemian town. Český Krumlov
has been writing its story for over 700 years, and each century is uniquely imprinted on its
face. A picturesque town boasting a magical atmosphere and inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List has developed since then. Enjoy an afternoon in the charming village
of Český Krumlov before boarding your 4-star, privately chartered ship, the MS Douce!
The ship casts off in the late afternoon and takes us through the series of scenic bends
along the Danube known as the Schloegener Schlinge. Join Fred for a welcome cocktail party, meet the PT musicians on-board and enjoy a welcome dinner aboard. Sleep aboard the MS Douce (B, D)
Day 6: May 22 - Melk - Durnstein - Vienna
Experience the grandeur of Melk Abbey, an architectural masterpiece nestled in the heart of Austria's stunning landscapes. As morning breaks, we'll return to the ship and set sail towards Dürnstein, a charming village awaiting your discovery.
Stroll through the cobblestone streets and immerse yourself
in the timeless beauty of Dürnstein, home to the iconic Baroque-style church, renowned throughout the Wachau
region. Delve into its rich history, steeped in the legend of King Richard the Lionheart,
before rejoining us onboard in the afternoon.
As we continue our journey to Vienna, Austria's captivating capital, prepare for an evening of enchantment with a tour of Vienna by night. Witness the city's iconic landmarks bathed in the warm glow of twilight, a magical experience that promises to leave you spellbound. Sleep aboard the MS Douce (B, L, D)
Day 7: May 23 - Classical Vienna
We'll devote a morning to the great composer Ludvig Beethoven. Though born in Bonn, Beethoven called Vienna home. We’ll visit some of his favorite haunts and inspiring sights. Also, enjoy a private tour of the Vienna Fine Arts Museum and Wiener Musikverein (home to the Vienna Philharmonic).
Sleep aboard the MS Douce (B, L, D)
Day 8: May 24 - Esztergom to Budapest
Enjoy some time on your own exploring Esztergom, the former capital of
Hungary. We'll then spend the afternoon cruising to Budapest. The Hungarian
capital lies along the banks of the Danube and is one of the most attractive cities in
Europe. Enjoy some free time sightseeing in the city before returning to the ship. After
dinner, join us to explore Budapest by night. Sleep aboard the MS Douce (B, L, D)
Day 9: May 25 - Classical Budapest - The City of Franz Liszt
The City of Franz Liszt
Enjoy a full day exploring Budapest! Experience an exclusive private piano recital at the Franz Liszt Memorial Museum and tour the historic State Opera House.
Also included is an excursion to Buda Hill, where you’ll have time to soak in the stunning
views. In the late afternoon, you may wish to visit one of the famous bathhouses. Sleep aboard the MS Douce (B, L, D)
Day 10: May 26 - Arrive home with a lifetime of happy memories!
Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. (B)