Program Dates
Overview
Bring your students to Vienna for the Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival, an international celebration of music, performance, and cultural exchange. Students will perform, participate in workshops at the University of Music, and connect with young musicians from around the world. Beyond the festival, explore Vienna’s musical heritage and iconic landmarks, including Schönbrunn Palace, the Strauss Museum, and Haus der Musik. The experience culminates with the festival’s Gala Winner’s Concert, Award Ceremony, and Farewell Reception.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to Austria (Vienna)
This tour must depart North America on July 5, 2028.
Day 2
Arrive in Vienna
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
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.
SCL Festival Welcome Ceremony
Attend the Summa Cum Laude Festival Welcome Ceremony and meet fellow youth music groups from around the world.
Day 4
SCL Festival Competition & Celebration
Your group will take part in the exciting festivities of the Summa Cum Laude Festival, which may include cultural exchanges with local ensembles, professional workshops, rehearsals, and performances. The official schedule is TBD.
Boxed lunch
Concert performance
Day 5
SCL Festival Competition & Celebration
Your group will take part in the exciting festivities of the Summa Cum Laude Festival, which may include cultural exchanges with local ensembles, professional workshops, rehearsals, and performances. The official schedule is TBD.
Strauss Museum visit
Boxed lunch
Workshops at the University of Music in Vienna
Concert performance
Day 6
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.
Boxed lunch
Workshops at the University of Music in Vienna
Day 7
SCL Gala Winner's Concert
Tonight, the winners of the competition will take the stage at the grand Wiener Konzerthaus, while the rest of the performers enjoy watching their new friends shine.
Award Ceremony and Farewell Reception
Following the Gala Winners Concert, the official standings will be announced and awards will be presented.
Day 8
Return home
Optional Extension
Add 2 Days in Prague
Discover the history, architecture, and musical heritage of Prague. Explore Malá Strana and the Jewish Quarter on a city walk, then see landmarks including the Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge, Golden Lane, and Prague Castle. Visit Tyn Church and the Antonín Dvořák Museum before experiencing the city’s musical traditions with a concert performance.
Already Included
Hotel accommodations
Elite concert, group clinic, and festival performances
Transportation to and from your destination
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Accident & medical insurance coverage under WorldStrides' industry-leading policy
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 Prague and Vienna
Health & Safety
WorldStrides has been tackling the unprecedented for the last 55 years. Our experienced team is leading the way, constantly evolving to meet the ever-changing landscape for student travel. In addition, we have an extensive network in place to ensure the health and safety of all our participants.
WorldAssist
WorldStrides staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help.
Doctors on Call
An exclusive relationship with the George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates that grants our travelers 24/7 access to medical care through telehealth consultations.
AXA Mental Health Services
For added peace-of-mind, all travelers have confidential access to a behavioral health care specialist while on tour should the need arise.
24-Hour Tour Director
This 24-hour Tour Director be with your students at all times, leading them through the incredible destinations included in your program.
Accident & Medical Insurance
For added protection, all travelers are automatically covered under WorldStrides' industry best accident, illness, and accident-related dental insurance.
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
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.