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 9
Return home
Optional Extension
Add 2 Days in Prague
Travel via Dresden and visit the Zwinger Museum, a Baroque palace complex renowned for its art collections, including works by Raphael, Rembrandt, and Vermeer, as well as porcelain and scientific instruments. Continue to Prague, where a guided sightseeing tour features Old Town Square, the Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge, the John Lennon Peace Wall, and Prague Castle. Conclude with a city walk through Mala Strana and the historic Jewish Quarter.
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
With TourFlex, available for tours departing October 2027 or later, you get the flexibility to shape an itinerary that's as unique as your group. Dial your trip up or down for more choice, more control, and more unforgettable hands-on moments, all while getting the right experience at the right value. Available options vary by program and destination.
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theatre tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Choose the most accessible departure airport for your group
- Opt for 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels that are centrally located or a convenient ride to major itinerary attractions
Dine Your Way
- Opt for pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2-3 course, culturally representative meals or opt for 3-course, authentic dinners at local restaurants
Already Included
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Transportation to and from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Daily meals, with options varying by program (ask your Program Consultant for details)
Tips for local guides and drivers (excluding full-day bus drivers and Tour Director)
Scenes from Prague and Vienna
Health & Safety
The well-being of our travellers is our top priority. WorldStrides Canada is a Certified Student Travel Organization (CSTO) by the Center for Student Travel Safety. We adhere to the highest safety standards and include a comprehensive safety network that includes 24/7 support on your trip, global risk management, dedicated medical support and comprehensive liability coverage.
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.
Travel Protection Plan Plus
Every program includes comprehensive travel protection with medical and cancellation coverage. Add our optional Cancel for Any Reason waiver for complete peace of mind.
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
Through the WorldStrides Canada Financial Assistance Program (FAP), we provide travel grants to elementary and secondary school facing financial hardship. These grants, which can be up to $250 for coach tours and up to $1,000 for flight tours, are designed to make our programs more accessible to students from all backgrounds. Interested families are encouraged to speak with their school to learn more about our confidential application process.
Payment Plans
Monthly Automated Plan
Enroll with a deposit of $99 plus the cost of your travel protection plan (if included). We’ll automatically debit the rest of your tour fee from your chequing account in equal monthly payments, with the final payment due 35 days before you travel.
Please note: If two consecutive payments are declined, your account will be moved to the 4-Step Manual Plan.
4-Step Manual Plan
Manage your payments manually with a $249 initial payment plus your travel protection plan costs (if included). You’ll then make three more payments at key milestones as your departure date approaches. The final balance is due 65 days before your trip.
Please note: Payments on this plan are not automatically deducted and must be made manually.
Fundraising Tools
We are committed to helping you make your educational travel dreams a reality. We offer a comprehensive Fundraising Guide packed with creative ideas, tips, and resources to help you and your students reach your fundraising goals. From setting a timeline to brainstorming innovative campaigns, our guide provides a structured approach to make fundraising a fun and engaging experience for everyone involved.