ITINERARY
- Tuesday, Oct. 5:
Berlin
Arrive at the hotel. In the evening, meet your travel companions at a Reception at the hotel.
- Wednesday, Oct. 6:
Berlin
Visit Berlin's most important sights on a half day excursion. Your local tour guide will give you background information on everything you see. (B,D) (B, D)
- Thursday, Oct. 7:
Berlin
Depart in the morning for a half day excursion of Potsdam - for 400 years the location of the royal residence of Prussian kings and German emperors. You will see the UNESCO World Heritage-listed parks and take a guided tour of the celebrated rococo palace of Sanssouci - the summer residence of Frederick the Great. In the evening we attend our first concert with the Berlin Philharmonic - consistently ranked as one of the greatest orchestras in the world.(B)
- Friday, Oct. 8 :
Leipzig
After breakfast, we depart for historic Leipzig, home
of Bach, Goethe, Mendelssohn and Schumann. This afternoon an easy walking
tour takes us to Leipzig's main attractions. Leipzig is a city with
a rich musical heritage and none more so than the world renowned Gewandhaus
Orchestra, which we hear in concert this evening. (B,D)
- Saturday, Oct. 9:
Leipzig
Leipzig is in the heart of Saxony - an area of Germany that offers much in
the way of scenic landscapes and is the perfect springboard to visit
the regions medieval castles. Our excursion takes us to the Gothic
castles of Kriebstein and Gnandstein, invoking the spirit of long-gone ages. An optional concert at the Gewandhaus theater featuring contest winners from the Queen Elizabeth Piano Competition of Belgium is available this evening. (B)
- Sunday, Oct. 10:
Dresden
Today we travel to Dresden for a guided sightseeing
tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site, also called the "Florence
on the Elbe". We view the recently restored Frauenkirche,
the Semper Opera House, the Green Vault and the famous Baroque Zwinger.
Step back into the 18th century and enjoy authentic, hearty Saxon fare when we have dinner at the historic Sophienkeller.
Overnight in Dresden. (B,D)
- Monday, Oct. 11:
Dresden
Free day to explore Dresden. Perhaps do a day cruise on the Elbe, visit the castle and porcelain factory of Meissen or seek out the primeval forests of Spreewald – a UNESCO biosphere reserve. (B)
- Tuesday, Oct. 12:
Prague
We continue to historic Prague where, after lunch, we join a local guide for a walking tour of the old city including Charles Bridges and Old Town
Square. (B, D)
- Wednesday, Oct. 13:
Prague
Our morning guided tour takes us to Prague Castle, St. Vitus
Cathedral and Bertramka. Afternoon at leisure. Guests may
attend an optional concert at the Estates Theater where Mozart himself conducted.
(B)
- Thursday, October 14:
Prague
Depart in the morning for an excursion to Karlstejn Castle -
founded in 1384 - including a guided tour of the Chapel of the Holy Rood.
In the evening we attend a concert with the Czech Philharmonic -
listed by Gramophone Magazine as one of the top 20 orchestras in the world.
(B)
- Friday, October 15:
Munich
Depart for charming Munich - capital of Bavaria. The afternoon is free and in the evening we attend a concert with the internationally acclaimed Bayerischer
Rundfunk Orchestra- rated #6 in Gramophone Magazines list. (B,D)
- Saturday, October 16: Munich
After breakfast we join our local guide for a city tour that takes us to the principal landmarks of Munich with stops at the city’s oldest church,
St. Peter’s, and the delightful Glockenspiel on Marienplatz. Remainder of
the day free to explore on your own. (B)
- Sunday, Oct. 17: Munich
The Bavarian Alps is a region of castles, mountains and lakes set among the magnificent panorama of snow tipped mountains. Today we tour this area stopping to view
Oberammergau, and Neuschwanstein castle. In the evening we attend a concert
with the Munich Philharmonic, always a favourite with our
groups. (B,D)
- Monday, Oct. 18: London
Transfer to the airport for our flight to London. The remaining day is free to rest and/or explore this exciting cultural capital. (B)
- Tuesday, Oct. 19: London
Board our comfortable air-conditioned coach for a full day tour of London - rightfully called a ‘world in one city’. Local guides will lead us through the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey. In
the evening we attend a concert TBA. (B)
- Wednesday, Oct. 20: London
Our excursion this morning takes us to Windsor Castle -
the home of the Royal Family for 900 years, and the world’s largest & oldest occupied castle. Our visit includes the lavishly decorated State Apartments and St. George's Chapel. Afternoon is free. In the evening we attend a performance with The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.
The OAE is the world's foremost period ensemble, playing on original instruments
to bring out the very best of classical music as it was intended to be
heard. (B)
- Thursday, Oct. 21: London
Day of leisure to shop, visit your favourite museums or just explore London. This evening at dinner, bid farewell to your new friends.
Optional concert with the London Philharmonia. (B,D)
- Friday, Oct. 22, London
Check-out of hotel and depart for flight home or onward.
Guests have the option of extending their stay in London and attend the 80th
Birthday Concert of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, tonight at the Barbican.
For anyone wanting to hear the amazing London Symphony Orchestra, their next
concert takes place on Sunday, Oct. 24 and Great Expeditions would be happy
to arrange tickets for you. Contact us about the cost for the London extension.
B = Breakfast
L = Lunch
D = Dinner
* The itinerary is subject to change |
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