STARS & STRIPES TOUR - 2025
Day 1-3 – COLLEGE
Check-in at a central located University for pre-tour orientation sessions. Three days of intensive rehearsals culminate with a Farewell Concert for family and friends on the 3rd evening.
Day 4 – LOCAL AIRPORT – FRANCE
Afternoon transfer to the departing airport for your transatlantic flight to Europe. Dinner and overnight onboard your flight.
Day 5 – CAEN
Arrival in France. Board coaches and travel through the rolling hills and pastoral landscape into the Normandy region. Final destination: the western shore and lovely port city of Caen, capital of Lower Normandy. Dinner and overnight in Caen.
Day 6 – NORMANDY
Today’s excursion to the Normandy area will bring alive the places and events of D-Day, June 6, 1944 – almost exactly 80 years ago to the date. Visit the World War II Memorial and Museum which employs interactive and audiovisual techniques, including archival film, to depict the war’s origins and events. Afternoon excursion to Omaha Beach and the nearby American Cemetery. Special performance on the steps overlooking the cemetery. Return to Caen overnight.
Day 7 – HONFLEUR – BRUGGE
Morning visit to the harbor town of Honfleur. The town was a major defense port in the 15th century and became known as an artistic center in the 19th century. Painters such as Boudin, Pissaro, Renoir and Cézanne all visited or lived here at one time. Afternoon travel into Belgium to the city of Brugge, known as “Venice of the North.” Dinner and overnight in a hotel in Brugge.
Day 8 – BRUGGE
Learn about the history and making of Belgian chocolate on your visit to a chocolate factory. Late morning cruise through the canals will introduce you to this wonderful city. View the white-washed houses of the Begijnhof Monastery, the market square and the world famous Belgian “Lace Center.” The remainder of your day is free for further exploring. An evening concert is planned. Dinner and overnight in Brugge.
Day 9 – GENT – SOUTHERN HOLLAND
This morning, travel to nearby Gent for independent lunch and to tour the beautiful 12th century Castle of the Counts. Continue to Fort Breendonk for a sobering visit to the World War II Concentration Camp. Afternoon travel into southern Holland. Dinner and overnight in the Rotterdam area.
Day 10 – DELFT – KINDERDIJK
Today’s tour takes you throughout southern Holland. Visit the medieval town of Delft for independent lunch and a tour of a Delft pottery factory. Afternoon visit to windmills that have been in use since 1750. Perform an evening concert. Dinner and overnight in the Rotterdam area.
Day 11 – LUXEMBOURG
Cross the border into Luxembourg, one of Europe’s smallest but wealthiest nations. Perform a late afternoon concert. Dinner and overnight in Luxembourg.
Day 12 – LUXEMBOURG – TRIER – KOBLENZ
Morning visit to the museum dedicated to General Patton and the “Battle of the Bulge.” Time to view the lovely basilica and the Porta Nigra, part of the Roman fortifications. Continue onto the city of Koblenz, built at the juncture of the Rhine and Mosel Rivers. Dinner and overnight stay in Koblenz.
Day 13 – RHINE CRUISE – KOBLENZ
Cruise along the Rhine River past ancient fortifications, landscaped vineyards and quaint villages. Lunch is in a colorful German town. Perform an evening concert in the Koblenz area. Dinner and overnight stay in Koblenz.
Day 14 – HEIDELBERG – MUNICH AREA
Morning travel to the
medieval university city of Heidelberg, Germany. Time to visit the fortress ruins overlooking the town or to stroll along the narrow streets. Perhaps cross the River Neckar for a wonderful view of the old town. Afternoon travel into Germany’s Bavarian region, known for woodcarving and lederhosen. Dinner and overnight in the Munich area.
Day 15 – MUNICH – WESTENDORF
Your morning rehearsal is followed by a combined concert with a local secondary school ensemble. Free time for lunch in the historical Marienplatz area of Munich. Afternoon travel into Austria’s Tyrol Region. Final destina- tion: Westendorf, a small village tucked away in the Austrian Alps. Tonight, attend a spirited Tyrolean Folk Fest filled with song and dance indigenous to the area. Dinner and overnight in Westendorf.
Day 16 – WESTENDORF
Today is free for exploring Westendorf – perhaps some swimming, biking or hiking. A ski lift ride provides a fantastic view of the valley. This evening, perform a concert in the town hall. Dinner and overnight in Westendorf.
Day 17 – SALZBURG Excursion to Salzburg, city of The Sound of Music and Mozart’s hometown. Your guided tour will introduce you to the rich history and numerous sights of this wonder- ful city. Free time to visit the birthplace of the musical genius and the imposing for- tress which dominates the Salzburg land- scape. Dinner in Salzburg before returning to Westendorf for overnight.
Day 18 – RATTENBERG – GLACIER
Morning visit to the charming town of Rattenberg, noted for its handicrafts and crystal. Next, be prepared for excitement and thrills as you ride a cable car high into the Alps to a glacier for an overwhelming view of ice-capped mountains, fertile valleys and spectacular surrounding landscapes. Travel to a nearby village for dinner and an evening concert. Return to Westendorf for overnight stay.
Day 19 – INNSBRUCK – MUNICH AREA
Travel to Innsbruck, known for its towering mountains and as the capital of the Tyrol Region. Free time for lunch and to stroll down Maria Theresa Stras- se and view the famed Golden Roof. This afternoon, travel to a hotel in the Munich Airport area for dinner and overnight.
Day 20 – MUNICH – UNITED STATES
Transfer to departing airport for return to the United States via a scheduled flight. Welcome Home!
Itinerary is subject to change if deemed necessary.
