COMMUNITY INDEPENDENCE TOUR – July 24 – August 3, 2026 – Amsterdam, Brugge, Normandy & Paris
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Friday, July 24, 2026
Depart on your overnight transatlantic flight to Amsterdam. Relax and enjoy onboard meals and entertainment as you begin your exciting European performance tour.
Day 2 – Saturday, July 25, 2026 | Amsterdam – Utrecht (D)
Upon arrival in Amsterdam, meet your European tour manager and transfer into the city for a scenic canal cruise offering a unique perspective of the city’s historic architecture and waterways. Afterwards, explore the world-famous Rijksmuseum, home to masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer. In the afternoon, continue on to Utrecht for hotel check-in. Enjoy a welcome group dinner and overnight in Utrecht or the surrounding area.
Day 3 – Sunday, July 26, 2026 | Utrecht – Amsterdam (B)
After breakfast at your hotel, head to your designated rehearsal venue for morning sessions from 8:45 AM to 12:00 Noon, with each ensemble having its own space. In the afternoon, return to Amsterdam for free time to explore the city at your own pace. Consider visiting the Anne Frank House (advance tickets required) or strolling through the historic Jordaan district. Dinner is on your own this evening, followed by return transfer to your hotel.
Day 4 – Monday, July 27, 2026 | Performance #1 – Utrecht (B)
Start the day with breakfast before transferring to the rehearsal venue for a final morning practice session. After lunch on your own, enjoy a guided walking tour of Utrecht followed by some personal sightseeing time. In the late afternoon, prepare for your first formal performance at one of Utrecht’s beautiful concert venues, such as Jacobi Church, Utrecht Theater, Nicholas Church, or the converted St. Jans Church. Return to your hotel for overnight.
Day 5 – Tuesday, July 28, 2026 | Utrecht to Bruges (B)
After breakfast, depart Utrecht and travel to the charming medieval town of Bruges, Belgium. Upon arrival, enjoy a relaxing walking tour through the cobblestone streets, viewing highlights such as the Markt, Belfry Tower, and picturesque canals. Settle into your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure. Dinner is on your own.
Day 6 – Wednesday, July 29, 2026 | Bruges – Performance #2 (B)
Start the day with breakfast at your hotel before enjoying guided sightseeing in Bruges, including visits to the Basilica of the Holy Blood, Begijnhof, and a traditional chocolate or lace shop. In the afternoon, prepare for your second performance in a historic square or church within the city. Following your concert, enjoy time for a celebratory group photo and a relaxed evening. Dinner is on your own and overnight in Bruges.
Day 7 – Thursday, July 30, 2026 | Bruges to Normandy (B)
Enjoy breakfast and then depart Bruges for the scenic journey into Normandy, France. Along the way, your group may stop in Rouen or Bayeux to visit historical landmarks and enjoy lunch. Upon arrival in Normandy, check into your hotel and explore the coastline or town center during free time. Dinner is on your own this evening.
Day 8 – Friday, July 31, 2026 | Normandy – Performance #3 (B)
After breakfast, spend the morning touring the D-Day beaches and American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, as well as Pointe du Hoc or Arromanches. In the afternoon, your group will perform at the Normandy WWII Memorial, a powerful and emotional location to honor history through music. The evening offers time for reflection, a group photo, and an optional group meal. Overnight in Normandy.
Day 9 – Saturday, August 1, 2026 | Normandy – Versailles – Paris (D)
Depart Normandy and make your way to Paris, stopping along the route at the Palace of Versailles. Explore the stunning palace grounds and learn about the history of the French monarchy. Arrive in Paris for hotel check-in, then enjoy a guided visit to Montmartre to see Sacré-Cœur and the artist-filled Place du Tertre. End the evening with a group dinner and overnight in Paris.
Day 10 – Sunday, August 2, 2026 | Paris – Eiffel Tower Visit – Performance #4 (B)
Enjoy free time in Paris during the morning to explore local sights or relax at a café. In the afternoon, perform outdoors at a beautiful Parisian park venue such as Jardin du Luxembourg or Jardin d’Acclimatation. Afterwards, transfer to the Eiffel Tower for individual sightseeing or optional ascent. Dinner is on your own before returning to the hotel for the night.
Day 11 – Monday, August 3, 2026 | Louvre – Performance #5 (B, D)
Begin your day with a visit to the Louvre Museum to explore one of the world’s greatest art collections, including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. After lunch and free time, your ensemble may have the opportunity to perform as part of the 4:00 PM concert series at the Madeleine Church (TBC). Enjoy a final group dinner this evening, reflecting on a memorable tour. Overnight in Paris.
Day 12 – Tuesday, August 4, 2026 | Departure (B)
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Depart Europe with lifelong memories of powerful performances and cultural exploration.
Itinerary is subject to change if deemed necessary
