Overview
Step into the musical heritage of Central Europe as your choir, band, or orchestra performs across Munich, Salzburg, and Vienna. Discover Munich’s Bavarian culture before traveling past Neuschwanstein Castle to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart. Continue to Vienna to explore the palaces, landmarks, and musical traditions of Austria’s elegant capital.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to Germany (Munich)
Day 2
Arrive in Munich
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Day 3
Munich guided sightseeing tour
Join a licensed guide for a whirlwind look at Munich, from its medieval heart to modern landmarks. Stroll through Marienplatz to see the Neues Rathaus and its famous Glockenspiel, framed by the twin towers of the Frauenkirche. Visit the Residenz, then explore Olympiapark, built for the 1972 Games, and step into BMW Welt to experience innovation and sleek design.
Traditional Bavarian dance class
Discover the links between traditional dance and Bavarian history. Listen and learn Bavarian music while participating in ancient folklore storytelling. You'll also learn (and demonstrate) a variety of traditional dance steps taught by local experts.
Day 4
Munich Residenz visit
Explore the former royal residence of Bavaria’s Wittelsbach rulers, where ornate state rooms, grand halls, and centuries of history reveal the cultural and artistic legacy of Munich’s royal court.
Viktualienmarkt visit
Munich band performance
Take the stage and perform for local audiences in a venue that captures the spirit of the city.
Day 5
Hohenschwangau excursion
Visit the Bavarian village of Hohenschwangau and learn about Hohenschwangau Castle, the childhood home of King Ludwig II, with views of Lake Alpsee and the surrounding Alps. Then enjoy a scenic hike toward Neuschwanstein Castle and pause at Queen Mary’s Bridge for an unforgettable photo stop of the fairytale fortress and mountain landscape.
Travel to Salzburg
With its elegant squares and quaint streets, Salzburg is a delightful introduction to the sophisticated world of the classical genius, Mozart.
Day 6
Salzburg city walk
Explore Salzburg’s Old Town, a maze of winding lanes, historic steeples, cobblestone streets, and open squares. Take in the grandeur of Residenz Square and admire the striking façade of Salzburg Cathedral before continuing to Mozart Square, where a statue honors the city’s most famous son. As you explore, listen for the Glockenspiel, an early 18th-century carillon whose 35 bells ring out over the cafés lining the square.
Mozart’s birthplace visit
Feel the rhythm of Salzburg’s Old Town Square as you enter the unassuming yellow home at Getreidegasse 9, the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Inside, view an impressive collection of the young composer’s first instruments and immerse yourself in the captivating story of his early life.
Mirabell Gardens visit
Day 7
Travel to Vienna
Melk Monastery guided visit
Visit Melk Abbey, a masterpiece of baroque architecture. Your tour includes the Marble Hall with its red marble pilasters and allegorical ceiling, the Library holding more than 80,000 volumes, and the Kaisergang lined with portraits of Austrian rulers. You’ll also see the Abbey’s musical archive, home to historic instruments and more than 10,000 works, including early manuscripts by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and Schumann.
Haus der Musik visit
This interactive museum is located in the former home of Otto Nicolai, founder of the Vienna Philharmonic. Explore the lives of classical composers, compose your own waltz, and discover the science behind sound and hearing. Step onto a virtual conductor’s podium to lead the Vienna Philharmonic, and receive feedback from the musicians themselves.
Day 8
Vienna guided sightseeing tour
Explore Vienna’s imperial past with a guided visit to the Hofburg, the historic seat of the Habsburgs. Continue to the elegant Belvedere Palace before viewing the famed Vienna Opera House. Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral in the heart of the city, then end your tour at Schönbrunn Palace, where young Mozart once performed for Marie Antoinette.
Apple strudel demonstration and tasting
Discover the art of making traditional Viennese apple strudel during a live baking demonstration. Learn the techniques behind this iconic dessert before enjoying a tasting of the finished strudel.
Mythos Mozart museum visit
Step into Mozart's world at the historic site where he spent the final year of his life. Through a blend of music, art, light, and interactive technology, Mythos Mozart offers an immersive experience that brings the composer's story, creativity, and lasting influence to life.
Day 9
Vienna Masterclass
Experience an immersive music workshop with Wiener Musikseminar, tailored to your ensemble's goals and repertoire. Work with experienced conductors, professors, or professional musicians on a pre-selected piece, participate in a focused skills session, and take part in a Q&A exploring performance techniques, musical interpretation, and life as a musician.
Musikverein guided visit
Visit Vienna's Musikverein, home to the world-famous Golden Hall, celebrated for its exceptional acoustics and as the home of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Discover one of the world's most renowned concert venues, including its impressive organ, rebuilt in 2011.
Day 10
Return home
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theater tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Choose the most accessible departure airport for your group
- Opt for 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels that are centrally located or a convenient ride to major itinerary attractions
Dine Your Way
- Opt for pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2-3 course, culturally representative meals or opt for 3-course, authentic dinners at local restaurants
Already Included
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Transportation to and from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Adjudicated group performances and an optional solo/duo competition
Daily meals, with options varying by program. Ask your Account Manager for details
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers (excluding multi-day bus drivers)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
High school credit for students in grades 6-12, or college credit for students in grades 9-12, upon completion of the travel program and required WorldStrides online coursework
Scenes from Munich, Salzburg, and Vienna
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.