Program Dates
Festival 2027
Program Dates
Overview
Give your students the opportunity to explore Austria’s rich musical heritage. Begin the journey in Salzburg with a guided city walk and a visit to Mozart’s birthplace, immersing in the roots of classical music. Then travel to Vienna for the Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival, where students will attend performances and participate in cultural activities. Enhance the experience with visits to iconic musical landmarks that showcase Austria’s deep musical traditions. This festival takes place annually every July.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to Germany (Munich)
Day 2
Arrive in Salzburg
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
Salzburg city walk
Old Town Square, Residenz Castle, Glockenspeil
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.
Group performance
Day 4
Travel to Vienna
SCL Festival Welcome Ceremony
Attend the Summa Cum Laude Festival Welcome Ceremony and meet fellow youth music groups from around the world.
Conductor's Kick-Off Meeting
All conductors and directors will meet this evening.
Day 5
Vienna guided sightseeing tour
Join a professional, licensed tour guide on a sightseeing adventure through Vienna—the city of brilliant musicians, Baroque art and architecture, and velvet-clad coffeehouses. Along the way, you’ll sense the power and decadence of the city’s early ruling family, the mighty Habsburgs. Stroll down the famous Ringstraße, a grand boulevard commissioned by Emperor Franz Josef in 1857. Visit Schönbrunn Palace, where the Habsburgs ruled until 1918 and a six-year-old Mozart once serenaded Marie Antoinette.
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
Group performance
Day 6
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.
Workshops at the University of Music in Vienna
Boxed lunch
Group performance
Day 7
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 8
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 9
Return home OR 2-day Prague extension
Board your flight home or choose to extend your trip with a two-day visit to Prague. Travel through the UNESCO-listed Renaissance town of Telč before arriving in Prague, often called the “most precious stone in the crown of this world.” Stroll the medieval streets of the Mala Strana (Little Quarter), and stop in Josefov (Jewish Quarter) to view Europe’s oldest synagogue, dating back to 1270. Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour featuring Prague’s iconic landmarks, including the Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge, Golden Lane, Týn Church, and Hradčany (Prague Castle). Visit the Antonín Dvořák Museum to learn more about the famed Czech composer. Cap off your visit with a memorable ensemble performance at one of Prague’s prestigious venues.
Already Included
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Accident & medical insurance coverage under WorldStrides' industry-leading policy
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Elite concert, group clinic, and festival performances
Scenes from Prague & 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.
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.
Name Badges
WorldStrides-branded lanyards provide clear identification and easy access to our WorldAssist phone number, should your student need help.
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.
WorldAssist
WorldStrides staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help.
Accident & Medical Insurance
For added protection, all travelers are automatically covered under WorldStrides' industry best accident, illness, and accident-related dental insurance.
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.
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.