Germany and Austria: A Tailor-Made Music Journey

Fly into Munich, where you’ll be met by a private driver for the transfer to your hotel. Take the afternoon to settle in and explore this appealing capital of Bavarian culture on your own.

This morning, meet your private guide and set out to discover the sites of Munich’s Alstadt, or Old Town, on a private tour. Stroll through the Marienplatz, the city’s main square, flanked by the unadorned Old City Hall as well as the ornate Gothic Revival spires of the New City Hall, or Neues Rathaus. See its famous Glockenspiel, where, several times a day, painted figures act out scenes from history as dozens of bells chime. If you wish, climb the belltower of St. Peter’s Church for a sweeping city view. During time at leisure this afternoon, consider heading to one of the Munich’s excellent museums to discover why the city is considered a capital of art. Or explore its role as the home of Oktoberfest. Brewery tours are available and the city brims with inviting biergartens that showcase Bavarian cuisine and local brews. Your guide will have recommendations.

In the evening, head to Munich National Theater for a concert, then peek behind the curtain on a private backstage tour. Learn the history of the theater, home to the renowned Bavarian State Opera and the site of numerous premieres of Richard Wagner’s operas—some of them against his will. (B)

Join a local baker to learn how to make one of Munich’s most famous specialties: soft pretzels! Bavarians have been twisting this Oktoberfest favorite since the Middle Ages, and have adapted the design to represent guilds, family coats of arms, and marriage. Enjoy another afternoon at leisure to explore Munich on your own. (B)

This morning, board a train for a short journey to Salzburg, the beautiful baroque city where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart spent his childhood. Your private driver will meet you at the station and escort you to your family-owned boutique hotel in the heart of the city. You'll have the afternoon to get to know the neighborhood on your own. (B)

Meet your private guide this morning for a Mozart-themed walking tour through Salzburg’s historic center. Step into Mozart’s childhood home to see a collection of items that belonged to the famous musician, and visit other sites that figured in his life.  During an afternoon at leisure, you might channel the von Trapp family at the gardens of Mirabell Palace, where scenes from the Sound of Music were filmed, or take a stroll down the lively Linzergasse stopping to browse artisan shops or have a melange at an outdoor café. Tonight, dine on Austrian cuisine during a dinner concert, listening to singers perform arias and duets from some of the Mozart’s best-known operas. (B,D)

Try your hand at making apfelstrudel and a classic Austrian mid-day meal at a cooking class. Take in views of the Salzach River as you concoct your delicacies, then enjoy them over lunch. After free time this afternoon, ascend to Hohensalzburg, the 900-year-old fortress perched on a cliff high above the city. Here, enjoy a classical concert within one of the castle’s ornate halls. (B,L)

Take a private transfer to the train station and travel to Vienna, a capital of classical music since the 1700s. Check in to your hotel, then set off in a horse-drawn carriage to explore the city’s culinary traditions. As you make your way through the streets of Vienna, getting an overview of this imperial city, stop in various eateries across the city to sample local specialties. (B,L)

This morning, your private guide will meet you at your hotel for a half-day walking tour of Vienna. Gain insights into the history of the Hapsburgs as you explore sites like the Belvedere Palace, once home to Archduke Franz Ferdinand, and Hofburg Palace. End your tour with a guided visit to the Imperial Treasury, admiring the sparkling jewels and royal regalia of one of the most important treasuries in the world.  Later today, test out your footwork during an introduction to the Viennese waltz with a private instructor. (B)

Start the morning with a special visit to the Hofburg Chapel, where you will attend a mass featuring the world-renowned Vienna Boys Choir. Immerse yourself in the pure tones of this historic choir of young altos and sopranos, which dates back six centuries. Enjoy a final day to discover the sites of Vienna on your own. Cap off your classical music journey with a concert at the Vienna Opera House. (B)

This morning, bid auf Wiedersehen to Austria. Transfer to Vienna International Airport for your flight home.