BUDAPEST TO THE BALTIC

Day 1 | Thursday 1 October
Arrive Budapest
Often called the ‘City of Music’, Budapest has been home to some of Hungary’s most celebrated composers and musicians, including Franz Liszt, whose virtuosic piano works and pioneering festivals helped put the city on the international musical map. In the evening we gather for introductions in the hotel bar, followed by a welcome dinner in a nearby restaurant. Overnight Budapest (D) 

Day 2 | Friday 2 October
Budapest | Hungarian State Opera
Budapest’s reputation as the ‘Jewel of the Danube’ is well earned – the city extends elegantly from the riverbanks along its Belle Époque boulevards. Here the Danube divides the two cities of Buda and Pest, connected by a bridge in 1873. There’s a clear geographical difference between the two, with Buda’s hills and Pest’s flat terrain defining each part of the twin city. Following a talk in our hotel, our morning is spent discovering the city of Pest on a walking tour that includes St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hungarian Parliament Building and Heroes’ Square. Lunch is then enjoyed at Gundel, a haven of Hungarian hospitality for almost 150 years, before the afternoon is spent exploring the Hungarian National Museum and its many treasures. The day culminates at the magnificent Hungarian State Opera, one of Europe’s finest 19th-century opera houses, where we begin our performance program. Reopened in 2022 following an extensive restoration, the richly decorated auditorium provides a fitting setting for Le Corsaire, the swashbuckling ballet inspired by Lord Byron’s poem of the same name. Staged by Anna-Marie Holmes and Tamás Solymosi, this colourful work remains a favourite of the classical ballet repertoire, set against a backdrop of pirates, shipwrecks and exotic adventure. Overnight Budapest (B, L)

Day 3 | Saturday 3 October
Budapest Panoramas | Liszt Academy
Unlike the bustling, cosmopolitan energy of Pest, Buda is characterised by leafy hills, elegant villas and centuries-old monuments that speak to Hungary’s royal and medieval past. After a talk in our hotel this morning, we board our coach and cross the Danube to the Buda side of the city. Our first stop is Gellért Hill, named after the 11th-century bishop martyred on this site, which offers one of the best vantage points in the city. From here we can clearly see the dramatic chain of bridges linking the two halves of Budapest. We then ascend to the Castle District to reach Fisherman’s Bastion – a fairytale-like neo-Romanesque terrace with the Parliament building framed perfectly across the river. Before returning to our hotel, we make our way to Béla Bartók Memorial House, both a serene villa and a living time capsule of one of Hungary’s greatest composers. From 1932 to 1940, Bartók lived and worked here, surrounded by folk art, his cherished Bösendorfer piano and original phonograph equipment he used during his ethnomusicological fieldwork. Tonight sees us attend our second performance at the Liszt Academy – one of the city’s architectural treasures, celebrated for its striking Art Nouveau interiors. In a solo recital, acclaimed Hungarian pianist József Balog performs works by Rameau, Chopin and Ravel before concluding with Péter Wolf’s Sonata – a contemporary Hungarian work written especially for him. Overnight Budapest (B)

Day 4 | Sunday 4 October
Imperial Hungary | Müpa Budapest
Originally constructed in the 1730s as a lavish summer retreat for the influential Grassalkovich family, the Royal Palace of Gödöllő entered a new chapter in the 19th century when it was gifted to Emperor Franz Joseph I as a coronation present following the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867. Located northeast of Budapest, it soon became the favoured Hungarian residence of his wife, Empress Elisabeth, affectionately known as ‘Sisi’. The Empress developed a deep attachment to Gödöllő, drawn by its quiet seclusion and its association with the Hungarian people. Today, the palace stands beautifully restored and our tour here takes in the exquisite interiors and surrounding gardens. We then return to our hotel in time for a lunch break before making our way to Müpa Budapest, home to the renowned Budapest Festival Orchestra. An afternoon concert brings together the orchestra and the legendary British conductor Sir John Eliot Gardiner in his first appearance with the ensemble. Best known for his pioneering work in historically informed performance, Gardiner turns here to Haydn and Sibelius, conducting Haydn’s dramatic “Drumroll” Symphony and Sibelius’s expansive Second Symphony. Overnight Budapest (B)

Day 5 | Monday 5 October
Tatra Mountains
Often referred to as the ‘Tatras’, the Tatra Mountains form a natural border between northern Slovakia and southern Poland. Though relatively compact in size, the Tatras are celebrated for their dramatic alpine scenery, rugged peaks, glacial lakes and rich biodiversity, earning them the nickname “the smallest high mountains in the world”. As we journey north from Budapest to the High Tatras today, we stop in the historic town of Banská Bystrica. Nestled in the heart of central Slovakia, this former mining hub offers a scenic setting for a midday break. We then continue to our hotel in Tatranská Lomnica, a picturesque mountain resort town, with time to settle in before we gather for dinner. Overnight Tatra Mountains (B, D)

Day 6 | Tuesday 6 October
Zakopane
Situated at the foot of the Tatra Mountains in southern Poland, Zakopane grew in the 19th century from a quiet shepherds’ village into a fashionable alpine resort. Artists, writers and intellectuals were drawn to its dramatic landscapes and helped shape its distinct architectural style – wooden chalets richly carved with local motifs, blending folk traditions with Art Nouveau flair. Today, en route to Kraków, we pause in this celebrated mountain town. Our walking tour begins along Krupówki Street, Zakopane’s lively main thoroughfare, where traditional wooden houses and highlander culture still define the streetscape. We continue to the Church of Our Lady of Czestochowa, a modest 19th-century timber church set quietly among the trees, before visiting the Old Cemetery at Pęksowy Brzyzek, where intricately carved crosses and gravestones honour many of the town’s most influential figures. We conclude with lunch at a typical Highlander restaurant before descending to the plains and continuing the jouney north towards Kraków, one of Europe’s most beautifully-preserved medieval cities. The evening is at leisure upon our arrival. Overnight Kraków (B, L)

Day 7 | Wednesday 7 October
Kraków
Poland’s former royal capital, Kraków has long been a centre for sacred music, particularly during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, when composers such as Mikołaj Gomółka and Bartłomiej Pękiel were active at the royal court and in the city’s churches. Spared the destruction of World War II, its beautifully preserved Old Town centres on the vast Rynek Główny, Europe’s largest medieval square, ringed with Gothic churches, Renaissance townhouses and lively cafés. Above it all rises the Wawel Hill, crowned by the Royal Castle and Cathedral, long the seat of Polish kings. This morning we set out on a guided walking tour of the city, visiting the main square with its medieval church of St Mary’s containing the magnificent Veit Stoss altar, the largest Gothic altarpiece in the world. We also visit the elegant Cloth Hall, focal point of Kraków’s thriving commercial life in the Middle Ages, and the Copernicus University, one of the oldest universities in the world. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure for you to further explore this fascinating city. Overnight Kraków (B)

Day 8 | Thursday 8 October
Castle & Cathedral  | Klezmer-Hois
Perched atop Wawel Hill overlooking the Vistula River, Wawel Royal Castle served for centuries as the residence of Polish kings. Its architecture blends Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles, reflecting successive periods of expansion and renewal. Following a talk in our hotel this morning, we make our way up to Wawel Hill where a tour through the castle offers insight into the ceremonial and political life of Poland’s royal court. Highlights include the remarkable collection of 16th-century Flemish tapestries commissioned by King Sigismund II Augustus and the Crown Treasury and Armoury, home to royal regalia and weaponry. Before returning to our hotel for an afternoon at leisure, we also visit the Gothic Wawel Cathedral. For more than 900 years it was the coronation church of Polish monarchs and its magnificent Sigismund Chapel is considered one of the finest Renaissance monuments north of the Alps. Reconvening again in the evening, we turn our attention to another facet of Kraków’s cultural heritage as we make our way to Klezmer-Hois – a restaurant and performance venue in the historic Kazimierz district. Once a separate town and for centuries home to one of Europe’s most significant Jewish communities, Kazimierz remains an important centre for preserving Jewish culture. Over dinner, we enjoy a performance of klezmer music, renowned for its distinctive melodies. Overnight Kraków (B, D)

Day 9 | Friday 9 October
Warsaw
Poland’s vibrant capital, Warsaw is a city of striking contrasts. Rising from the ashes of near-total destruction during World War II, it has transformed into a dynamic metropolis where history and modernity coexist. Departing Kraków today, we journey north through the heart of the Polish countryside toward the nation’s capital. The scenic drive offers a chance to take in the varied landscapes of southern and central Poland, from rolling fields to dense forests and traditional villages. We arrive in Warsaw by mid-afternoon, with time to relax and freshen up before reconvening in the evening for dinner together in a local restuarant. Overnight Warsaw (B, D)

Day 10 | Saturday 10 October
Royal Warsaw | Warsaw Philharmonic Hall
Warsaw’s meticulously reconstructed Old Town stands as a powerful testament to the city’s resilience. Levelled during World War II, it was painstakingly rebuilt using photographs, paintings and architectural plans. After a morning talk in our hotel, we set out on a guided walking tour of this evocative quarter, culminating in a visit to the Royal Castle. Originally the seat of the Dukes of Mazovia, the castle later became the political heart of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. Particularly noteworthy is the Canaletto Room, which displays 20 remarkably detailed cityscapes by Bernardo Bellotto that later served as an important reference for the post-war reconstruction. After a coffee break, we continue to Łazienki Park, the former summer residence of Poland’s last king and one of Warsaw’s most elegant green spaces, before returning to the hotel. Later this evening we attend a concert at the Warsaw Philharmonic, whose musical tradition dates back to 1901. Here, the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra is joined by conductor Krzysztof Urbański and pianist Tianyao Lyu in a program spanning late Romanticism and modernity, including Karłowicz’s symphonic poem Stanisław i Anna Oświecimowie, Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 and Strauss’s monumental tone poem Also sprach Zarathustra. A light supper awaits on our return to our hotel. Overnight Warsaw (B, Supper)

Day 11 | Sunday 11 October
Chopin’s Birthplace | Warsaw Philharmonic Hall
Frédéric Chopin remains Poland’s most revered composer. Born in Żelazowa Wola in 1810, he spent his formative years in Warsaw before embarking on the career that would make him one of the defining musical figures of the 19th century. Following a morning talk in the hotel, we travel west of Warsaw to visit the composer’s birthplace. Preserved as a museum and surrounded by tranquil gardens on the banks of the Utrata River, the modest manor house offers insight into Chopin’s early life and background. After our visit, we enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant before making our way back to our hotel. The evening then sees us return to the Warsaw Philharmonic for a concert by the renowned BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Sakari Oramo. The program pairs Dvořák’s Piano Concerto, performed by pianist Francesco Piemontesi, with Elgar’s Symphony No. 1 – a work that established the composer’s international reputation and remains one of the great achievements of the British symphonic tradition. Overnight Warsaw (B, L)

Day 12 | Monday 12 October
Wilanów Palace
Located on the outskirts of Warsaw, Wilanów Palace is often hailed as the ‘Polish Versailles’ – a splendid example of Baroque architecture infused with both Polish and European influences. Commissioned in the late 17th century by King Jan III Sobieski, the palace miraculously escaped wartime destruction, allowing its original facades, richly decorated interiors and beautifully landscaped gardens to be preserved. This morning, our tour takes us through its most captivating rooms, including the White Hall, King’s Library, Grand Vestibule and the Kings and Queens Bedrooms. We also explore the palace’s impressive portrait gallery, which traces the lineage of Polish monarchs across the centuries. The afternoon is then at leisure, and you may wish to continue your exploration of Chopin’s legacy with a visit to the Chopin Museum – a modern, interactive museum housed in a historic palace, offering deeper insight into the composer’s life, works and enduring influence. Overnight Warsaw (B)

Day 13 | Tuesday 13 October
Riga
The vibrant capital of Latvia and the cultural heart of the Baltic region, Riga is a city where centuries of history and striking architecture converge on the banks of the Daugava River. This morning we depart Warsaw, and transfer by coach to the airport for our flight to Riga. Upon arrival, we make our way to our hotel in the city centre, with the afternoon set aside to relax or begin exploring the cobbled streets of Riga’s Old Town at your own pace. We reconvene in the evening for dinner in a nearby restaurant, featuring a menu of regional cuisine. Overnight Riga (B, D)

Day 14 | Wednesday 14 October
Art Nouveau Splendour | Latvian Academy of Music
Founded in 1201, Riga has long been a cultural crossroads, shaped by German, Swedish and Russian influences. Its medieval Old Town, now a UNESCO World-Heritage site, is a treasure trove of cobbled lanes, Gothic spires and richly decorated guild halls. Beyond the Old Town, the city also boasts one of Europe’s finest collections of Art Nouveau architecture, with elaborate facades lining its elegant boulevards. After a talk in the hotel this morning, we embark on a walking tour of this historic heart, beginning in the Town Hall Square. Highlights include the 800-year-old St Peter’s Church, with its striking Gothic architecture, and the House of the Blackheads, originally built as a meeting place for unmarried foreign merchants. Our exploration continues into the celebrated Art Nouveau district, where a visit to the Art Nouveau Museum reveals the influence of the German Jugendstil School on Riga’s distinctive architectural style. Following time to freshen up after our walking tour, we are  then welcomed into the Latvian Academy of Music for a private concert arranged through our Tour Leader’s professional connections. The performance features flautist Dr. Ilze Urbāne, a leading figure in Latvia’s musical life whose studies took her from Riga to the United States and New York’s Juilliard School before returning to her homeland. Joined by pianist Dr. Diāna Zandberga, she presents a program showcasing the artistry and musical traditions of Latvia in this intimate setting. Overnight Riga (B)

Day 15 | Thursday 15 October
Rundāle Palace
Often regarded as the finest example of Baroque and Rococo architecture in the Baltics, Rundāle Palace is a masterpiece of 18th-century court culture. Designed by Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli – the architect behind St Petersburg’s Winter Palace – it was built as the summer residence for the Duke of Courland, Ernst Johann Biron. Today’s journey into southern Latvia brings us to this architectural jewel, where we explore the palace’s opulent state rooms, including the Golden Hall, White Hall and the Duke’s private suite, all richly embellished with intricate stucco, ceiling frescoes and elegant period furnishings. Surrounding the palace are meticulously restored French-style gardens. There is time to stroll at leisure through these elegant grounds, which perfectly complement the palace’s Baroque splendour, and enjoy a break for lunch in the on-site bistro. On our return to Riga, we make a brief stop at Jelgava Palace for a photo opportunity. Once the largest Baroque palace in the Baltics, Jelgava now serves as the Latvian University of Agriculture yet still commands attention with its imposing scale. We arrive at our hotel in the late afternoon, with the evening at leisure. Overnight Riga (B)

Day 16 | Friday 16 October
Jūrmala | Latvian National Opera
Just a short drive from Riga, the seaside resort town of Jūrmala has long been a favoured summer retreat. Today, it is equally celebrated for its remarkable collection of historic wooden villas, built between the late 19th and early 20th centuries in an eclectic mix of Art Nouveau, National Romantic and Classicist styles. On our guided tour today, we explore the town’s tree-lined streets and picturesque boulevards, pausing to admire the intricate woodwork, decorative carvings and pastel colours that define Jūrmala’s unique architectural character. These villas, once summer homes for the Baltic elite, offer a glimpse into a bygone era of leisure and refinement by the sea. We then gather for a farewell lunch at a beachside restaurant, enjoying the coastal setting and reflecting on the journey we’ve shared. Returning to Riga in the afternoon, our tour culminates with a performance at the Latvian National Opera. Dating from 1863 and long at the centre of Latvia’s musical life, this grand neoclassical building provides the setting for Offenbach’s The Tales of Hoffmann, his final and most celebrated opera. Drawing on fantastical stories by the German writer E.T.A. Hoffmann, the work follows a poet’s search for love through a series of imaginative and often tragic encounters, brought to life through some of the most memorable music in the French operatic repertoire. Overnight Riga (B, L)

Day 17 | Saturday 17 October
Depart Riga
The tour ends this morning after breakfast, followed by a group transfer to Riga International Airport. (B)