Advent in Salzburg, Austria
December 16, 2010 to December 23, 2010
Hosted by Maestro Alan Heatherington
Join Alan Heatherington for a glorious music lovers' week in Salzburg – Mozart’s birthplace. Where the Advent markets are among the finest in Europe!
Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace, is a delight from the first sight of the outline of the Hohensalzburg Fortress, the symbol of the power of the prince-archbishops. The city’s picturesque streets with their wrought-iron signs, its spacious squares with sculptured fountains and the noble architecture of its buildings inspired by bishops with a passion for construction, leave memories which linger for years. The Advent markets are among the finest in Europe, and each day brings a fresh touch of winter’s delights in this remarkable town, nestled between the Bavarian Alps and the Salzkammergut. Soak up the atmosphere in which the music of Mozart has reigned for nearly 250 years, and feel the gentle pace of old-world culture in a spacious pedestrian zone interrupted only by the clattering of horse-drawn carriages.
Your trip will include:
- Round trip airfare from Chicago to Salzburg
- Musical commentary by Maestro Heatherington
- Bach’s Christmas Oratorio presented by the Salzburger Bachgesellschaft.
- Advent Serenade
- Excursion to Berchtesgaden with a boat ride on the Koenigsee
- Dinner/concert with music of Mozart in the elegant Baroque Hall of the Sankt Peters Stiftskeller.
- Music of Mozart and Beethoven by the renowned Mozarteum Orchestra Salzburg.
- Candlelight dinner at the Salzburger Festung (Fortress) followed by a concert of Advent music overlooking Salzburg by night.
- Guided tour of Salzburg and entrance to Mozart’s birth house.
- Daily breakfasts and three group dinners
- Accommodations at the deluxe 5-star Goldener Hirsch
- Motor coach transportation to and from the airport
Daily itinerary
Thursday December 16, 2010
- Depart from Chicago O’Hare International Airport for our destination,Salzburg, Austria. (airfare included in tour price.)
Friday December 17, 2010
- Arrive in Salzburg. Transfer via scheduled motorcoach to our hotel, the luxurious old-world Goldener Hirsch in the very heart of Salzburg.
- Use your free time to begin exploring the winding streets lined with shops, museums, restaurants, coffee houses, Advent markets and countless examples of beautiful baroque architecture. You might enjoy a free outdoor choral concert in front of the Dom (Cathedral) at 5:00.
- 7:00 Welcome Dinner at the Goldener Hirsch
Saturday December 18, 2010
- 9:00 Alan Heatherington will discuss the music of Bach and his unique Christmas Oratorio, portions of which we will hear in this evening’s performance.
- 10:00 Meet our local guide for a tour of Salzburg, including Mozart’s birth house.
- Enjoy a free afternoon for additional sightseeing, shopping, museum visits or other planned activities. There will be free outdoor choral concerts in front of the Dom at 3:00 and 5:00. These concerts vary in quality according to the performing choir, and your enjoyment of them may vary according to the weather.
- 7:30 Hear Bach’s Christmas Oratorio (Parts I – III) presented by the Salzburger Bachgesellschaft in an authoritative performance with period instruments.
Sunday December 19, 2010
- Consider attending a sung mass at any of Salzburg’s many churches or an optional Mirabell Matinee chamber music concert (11:00). Again there will be free outdoor choral concerts in front of the Dom at 3:00 and 5:00 (see Saturday above).
- 4:00 Enjoy a Salzburg Advent Serenade with a choice of an optional prix-fixe dinner at the Goldener Hirsch either before or after the concert.
Monday December 20, 2010
- 9:00 Maestro Heatherington will discuss the music of Mozart in preparation for this evening’s magical dinner concert.
- 10:00 An excursion to the tranquil and enchanting Königsee, with lunch (on own) on the lake; in the afternoon we will also visit Berchtesgaden, with some free time for shopping and strolling in this famed Bavarian resort town.
- 8:00 Share a delightful, delicious and entertaining dinner/concert with music of Mozart in the elegant Baroque Hall of the Sankt Peters Stiftskeller.
Tuesday December 21, 2010
- 9:00 Maestro Heatherington will discuss the works of Mozart and Beethoven to be heard on this evening’s performance by the orchestra of the world-renowned Mozarteum.
- The remainder of the day is at leisure for additional sightseeing, shopping, museum visits or other planned activities. Once again there will be a free outdoor choral concert in front of the Dom 5:00 (see Saturday above).
- 7:30 Concert of music by Mozart and Beethoven performed by the Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra
Wednesday December 22, 2010
- Day at leisure for final sightseeing, shopping, museum visits or other planned activities.
- 5:30 Farewell Dinner: an unforgettably romantic candlelight dinner at the Salzburger Festung (Fortress), followed by an intimate concert of Advent music with incomparable views overlooking Salzburg at night.This experience will provide lasting memories of all you have shared in our week together.
Thursday December 23, 2010
- Transfer to Salzburg’s International Airport for your return flight. Arrive home in the evening of the same day.
The trip of a lifetime!
$3,795 per person*
Includes round trip airfare from Chicago O’Hare International Airport to Salzburg.
Includes hotel, breakfasts, three group dinners, tours, all concert tickets.
Accommodations at the 5-star deluxe
Goldener Hirsch.
Commentary on musical events by
Alan Heatherington
* price based on double occupancy.
