Fred Child

Includes tickets to the Chicago Symphony at the Prague International Spring Music Festival

Classical Danube Cruise

FEW CABINS REMAIN! For over 75 years, The Prague Spring Festival has brought together some of world’s finest ensembles, and from its outset – when Leonard Bernstein was invited to make his European debut – it has proved a
staging ground for new generations of virtuoso musicians, conductors and composers. On this tailor-made classical PERFORMANCE TODAY journey, you will enjoy no less than eight fabulous classical concerts and the music of celebrated German, Austrian and Czech composers including tickets to see the Chicago Symphony in Prague! Add in a privately chartered, 1st class cruise on the Blue Danube, Mozart’s Vienna, Beethoven, world class museums, outings to wineries and on-board live classical performances and you have a recipe for a feast for the senses.

Join PERFORMANCE TODAY host Fred Child for a classical music lover's dream trip! Space is limited.

Trip Host

Fred Child

Fred Child is the host of American Public Media’s Performance Today, the most-listened-to classical music radio show in America. Fred is also the commentator and
announcer for Live from Lincoln Center, the only live performing arts series on television. In recent years, Fred has hosted a series of unique live national concert broadcasts. He has given concert talks for Lincoln Center, the Aspen Festival, and Summerfest La Jolla. His CD reviews have appeared on NPR’s All Things Considered, and his music reports have appeared on NPR’s
Morning Edition and Weekend Edition. He’s been a contributor to Billboard magazine and a commentator for BBC Radio 3. This will be Fred’s ninth hosted
adventure with Performance Today guests.

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)

Highlights in Your Journey - It's Included!

  • Hosted by Performance Today's Fred Child
  • Fully guided by an expert Earthbound Expeditions guide
  • Five nights first-class cruising on the Blue Danube
  • Four pre-cruise nights in Romantic Prague
  • Tickets to the Prague Spring International Music Festival- including the Chicago Symphony
  • Classical concerts in Vienna and Budapest
  • Backstage tours of the hsitoric Estate Opera House (Prague) and Musikverein (Vienna)
  • Visit to the the extraordinary Melk Abbey on the Danube
  • Airport transfers for those arriving/departing with the group
  • 23 delicious meals
  • Transport by private air-conditioned motor coach

Pricing and Terms

Double Cabin CategoryPer Person Before DiscountsEarly Sign-Up Discount by Sept. 19, 2024MPR or EBE Travel Alumni DiscountPrice After Discounts Each
Mozart Deck Suite$7,295.00-$200-$100$6,995.00
Mozart Deck Stateroom$6,995.00-$200-$100$6,695.00
Dvorak Deck Stateroom$6,495.00-$200-$100$6,195.00

Need more information?

Call us: (1) 800-723-8454 Earthbound Expeditions is open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. Contact us! Complete our contact form and one of our travel consultants will contact you to answer your questions and help you complete your reservation.