Itinerary
Day 0, May 12, 2026; Depart for Germany
Make sure to depart the USA no later than today.
Day 1, Wednesday, May 12; Guten Morgen! Arrive in Berlin
Once devastated by way and divided for two generations, Berlin
has been rebuilding for a mere two decades. The results are stunning and have catapulted the city
back to the first rank. Top-notch orchestras and opera companies thrive, several world-class museums
have recently reopened over the last few years, and the boulevard of Unter den Linden has been re-laid. Recent visitors have been overwhelmed by the kaleidoscope of things to see, hear and do
in what has become Europe’s cultural mecca. Enjoy a welcome feast and orientation with your host, Val Kahler and your Earthbound Expeditions guide. Sleep in Berlin (D)
Day 2, Thursday, May 13; Highlights of Berlin
This morning discover the remarkable story of Berlin as we visit a preserved section of the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie, the powerful reminders of the city's divided past. Continue through the histor center of Bebeplatz, where the infamous Nazi book burnings took place on May 10, 1933. OUr journey through Germany's turbulent 20th century history concludes at hte moving Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, adjacent to the German Parliament. We then enjoy a special visit to the historic Reichstag, followed by lunch inside the German Parliament. This afternoon, pass by the striking home of the Berlin Philharmonic, one of the world's greatest concert halls. A tour of the Berlin Philharmonic is pending per the performance schedule. Sleep in Berlin (B, L)
Day 3, Friday, May 14; Handel's birthplace and Bach's Leipzig
Today we explore the rich musical heritage of two of Germany's most
celebrated cultural cities—Halle, the birthplace of George Frideric Handel, and
Leipzig, where Johann Sebastian Bach lived and worked for 27 years. Our day begins with a scenic drive to Halle to visit the Handel-Haus, home to an outstanding collection of historic musical instruments, followed by a leisurely
traditional German lunch. We then continue to Leipzig, one of Europe's great musical capitals.
For centuries, Leipzig has been a center of music, learning, and culture. It was home to
Bach, Mendelssohn, Clara and Robert Schumann, Wagner, Grieg and Mahler, and
today is still renowned for the Gewandhaus Orchestra and the nearly 800-year-old St.
Thomas Boys Choir.
After checking into our hotel in Leipzig's charming Old Town, attend an evening
concert at St. Thomas Church, featuring works by Bach. Overnight in Leipzig (B, L)
Day 4, Saturday May 15; Lang Lang in Leipzig
Enjoy a guided morning walk through Leipzig's beautifully
preserved old town before attending a once-in-a-lifetime
piano recital by world-renowned pianist Lang Lang at the city's legendary Gewandhaus Concert Hall, featuring works by Beethoven as part of the prestigious Beethoven Festival.
Following the concert, enjoy lunch together before a free
afternoon to explore Leipzig at your own pace. As an added
treat, the Bach Museum and St. Thomas Church will likely be hosting afternoon and evening concerts, offering even
more opportunities to experience this remarkable musical
city. Overnight in Leipzig (B, L)
Day 5, Sunday, May 16; A Day with Mendelssohn and Robert & Clara Schumann
This morning we visit the beautifully preserved home of Felix Mendelssohn
Bartholdy, one of the great figures of 19th-century music. As conductor of the
Gewandhaus Orchestra, Mendelssohn helped establish Leipzig as one of Europe's leading musical capitals, revived interest in the music of J.S. Bach,
and founded Germany's oldest conservatory, which still bears his name. Enjoy a late-morning chamber concert in this intimate setting before lunch at a nearby local
restaurant.
This afternoon, we continue to the former home of Robert and Clara Schumann, where their extraordinary partnership of love, creativity and music comes vividly to life.
Explore the home where they composed some of their greatest works before enjoying a special private piano recital—an unforgettable musical highlight. Overnight in Leipzig (B, L)
Day 6, Monday, May 17; Meissen, Saxon Wine Country and Dresden
This morning, we journey to the magnificent city of Dresden, the "Florence of the North." Along the way, we'll stop in Meissen, home to Europe's first porcelain
manufactory, founded in 1710, for a guided tour and a delightful lunch. We then visit
Saxony, Germany's smallest wine region, where we'll meet a local winemaker and enjoy a tasting before continuing to Dresden, our home for the next two nights. Once the
splendid capital of Saxony, Dresden attracted musical giants including Handel, Bach and Wagner, and today hosts the internationally acclaimed Dresden Music Festival. Settle into our centrally located four-star hotel before enjoying the evening at leisure.
Overnight in Dresden (B, L)
Day 7, Tuesday, May 18; A Day of Culture and Art in Dresden: Dresden Music Fest
Today we discover the artistic treasures of magnificent Dresden. Our morning is
devoted to the spectacular Zwinger Palace, a Baroque masterpiece commissioned by
Augustus the Strong in 1719. Beautifully restored after World War II, it is now home to one of Europe's finest museum collections.
We visit the renowned Old Masters Picture Gallery, where you'll encounter Raphael's
Sistine Madonna, Giorgione's Sleeping Venus, Titian's Tribute Money and masterpieces by
Vermeer, Rembrandt, Rubens, Dürer, Tintoretto and Veronese.
Enjoy a free afternoon and evening to stroll, dine, or attend a performance during the Dresden Music Festival. Overnight in Dresden (B)
Day 8, Wednesday, May 19; Prague and the Prague Spring Festival
After breakfast, we journey south to the enchanting city of Prague, the beloved home of Mozart, Smetana and Dvořák. En route, we visit the beautiful Vyšehrad Cemetery, the final resting place of many of the Czech Republic's greatest composers, artists, writers, scientists and statesmen, including Smetana, Dvořák, and Alfons Mucha.
After settling into our hotel, enjoy a traditional Bohemian dinner before attending an evening performance at the world-renowned Prague Spring International Music
Festival—our third and final festival of the journey. Overnight in Prague (B, D)
Day 9, Thursday, May 20; Exploring Prague
Prague is one of Europe's most enchanting capitals. Under King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, it blossomed into a city of soaring cathedrals, grand palaces and timeless squares. Our guided walking tour begins in the magnificent Old
Town Square and continues to the Estates Theatre, where Mozart conducted The
Marriage of Figaro in 1787. We then explore Prague's historic Jewish Quarter, including the Old-New Synagogue, which has welcomed worshippers for more than 700 years. Overnight in Prague (B, L)
Day 10, Friday, May 21; Exploring Prague: Spring Music Fest
This morning, stroll across Prague's iconic Charles Bridge before exploring the magnificent Prague Castle District, home to centuries of Czech kings, emperors and
presidents. Following a festive farewell lunch, enjoy a free afternoon to wander Prague's
charming streets, browse its cafés and shops, or simply soak up the city's magical
atmosphere. This evening, we conclude our journey with a memorable classical
performance at the world-renowned Prague Spring International Music Festival—a fitting
finale to our celebration of Europe's rich musical heritage. Overnight in Prague (B, L)
Day 11, Saturday, May 22; Prague’s Castle District: Spring Music Fest
After breakfast, your unforgettable classical journey comes to an end. You may also
extend your stay to enjoy additional performances at the Prague Spring International
Music Festival before returning home with a lifetime of wonderful memories. (B)