ITINERARY

DAY 1 | TUESDAY 10 JUNE 2025

1ST OF 5 NIGHTS AT HOTEL ELEPHANT WEIMAR, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION

OPTIONAL TRANSFER FROM FRANKFURT CENTRAL STATION TO WEIMAR, ARRIVE WEIMAR (D):

There is an optional coach transfer from Frankfurt Central Station at 11:00am to Weimar, or guests can arrive independently in Weimar.

We arrive and check in at the stylish and luxurious 5-star Hotel Elephant Weimar, Autograph Collection conveniently located in the centre of Weimar. Hotel check-in is at 3:00pm and we recommend arriving at this time if guests are not using the optional coach transfer from Frankfurt.  

In the early evening we meet our Tour Leader, Bach expert Jack Stephens, who will introduce the tour. Together we enjoy a gourmet dinner.

DAY 2 | WEDNESDAY 11 JUNE 2025

2ND OF 5 NIGHTS AT HOTEL ELEPHANT WEIMAR, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION

DAY TRIP TO ERFURT (B, L):

In the morning we travel by private coach to Erfurt, the city where J.S. Bach’s ancestors and relatives dominated musical life throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. There are more than 60 records in Erfurt’s churches related to the Bach family of musicians. Most famous among those was Ambrosius Bach, father of Johann Sebastian Bach. Bach’s parents were married in Erfurt’s Prediger Church and J.S. Bach was here once that is recorded, in 1716, to test the organ in the Augustiner Church. During our journey to Erfurt our Tour Leader and Bach expert, Jack Stephens will give an introduction to Bach’s family background.

On arrival we have a private guided walking tour in this charming, picturesque city, which is over 1000 years old and has one of the best-preserved medieval city centres in Germany. Included in our walk is the pedestrian Krämerbrücke, (Merchants' bridge), a medieval arch bridge dating from 1325, with half-timbered shops and houses on both sides of a cobblestone street. It has been continuously inhabited for over 500 years, and is one of the oldest secular structures in Erfurt. We will see other examples of the beautiful, historic architecture of Erfurt on our way to the Prediger Church, built in several stages by the Dominican Order between 1270 and 1400, and one of the foremost examples of mendicant order architecture in the German-language area. This is where Bach’s parents were married and our walking tour will end here with an organ recital.

Following the recital, we enjoy lunch together. There will then be free time for some personal exploration before returning to Weimar. On our return to Weimar the evening is free.

DAY 3 | THURSDAY 12 JUNE 2025

3RD OF 5 NIGHTS AT HOTEL ELEPHANT WEIMAR, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION

DAY TRIP TO EISENACH AND MÜLHAUSEN (B):

This morning we travel to Eisenach, where Bach was born. We visit Bachhaus Eisenach, one of the largest music museums in Germany, which has an impressive exhibition on Bach’s life and music. Five baroque instruments from the extensive collection are demonstrated every hour during a short live concert, including a Silbermann spinet and the oldest extant Thuringian home organ, dating from 1650. We enjoy a private tour of the museum and some free time to browse.

Following our visit, we have a guided walking tour of Eisenach. The tour will include: the market square with the Rathaus, from the tower of which Bachʼs father and his town pipers played twice a day; the medieval Georgenkirche, with Bachʼs baptismal font, the organ and the choir stalls where Bach sat, as did Martin Luther 200 years before him; the Old Cemetery, with the graves of Bachʼs parents and other members of the Bach family; the Latin School in the Dominican Monastery, where Bach had his first music lessons; and the first house where Bach’s father lived.

After our visit to Eisenach, we travel to the town of Mühlhausen where, in later years, 1707-1708, Bach was organist in the gothic Blasiuskirche. He was consulted in relation to rebuilding the organ, and although that organ has not survived, the instrument existing in the Blasiuskirche now was built according to Bach’s specifications. Time is allowed to explore the beautiful Old Town before we visit Blasiuskirche and have the pleasure of hearing an organ recital in the church.

In the late afternoon we return to Weimar. Our evening is free.

DAY 4 | FRIDAY 13 JUNE 2025

4TH OF 5 NIGHTS AT HOTEL ELEPHANT WEIMAR, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION

DAY TRIP TO ARNSTADT AND DORNHEIM (B):

Today we travel by private coach to two historic towns which have associations with Bach’s childhood and youth.

Our first visit is to Arnstadt, where J.S. Bach lived and worked in his first organist post from 1703-1707. The church was then known as the Neue Kirche, but was renamed the Johann Sebastian Church on the occasion of Bach’s 250th birthday in 1935. It is now known as Bachkirche. We will visit Bachkirche and enjoy a short walking tour. Arnstadt is one of the oldest towns in Thuringia and has a well preserved and attractive historic centre where we spend some free time to have lunch.

Our next stop is to the church in nearby Dornheim, where Bach married his second cousin, Maria Barbara Bach. The church is known as the Traukirche, and with its adjoining courtyard, it offers a picturesque, peaceful visit.

Following our return to Weimar, the evening is free.

DAY 5 | SATURDAY 14 JUNE 2025

5TH OF 5 NIGHTS AT HOTEL ELEPHANT WEIMAR, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION

WEIMAR (B, D):

We spend today in Weimar. J.S. Bach lived in the Ducal-Saxe residence in the city of Weimar at two different times during his life. In 1703 he was appointed by the Duke of Saxony-Weimar as a violinist and lackey in the duke’s private orchestra, and in 1708 he returned with his wife and her sister to a house at Markt 16, where his first six children were born. He taught, composed and worked at the court where he became chamber musician and concert master.

We start with a private guided walking tour of Weimar which takes in some of the city’s rich cultural history including seeing the outside of Wittumspalais (the city residence of Duchess Anna Amalia, a great lover of music and a composer). The tour ends at the beautiful gothic Stadtkirche of St. Peter and Paul, also known as the Herderkirche. The church has a large winged altar by Lucas Cranach the Younger, built in 1555, and the grave slab of Lucas Cranach the Elder, who died in 1553. It has been suggested that Bach cantatas using a festive orchestra were first performed here, including his first cantata for Christmas. Bach frequently played the organ here, and two of his sons were baptized here.

After the tour the afternoon is free. You may like to continue your exploration of this fascinating city with a visit to either the Goethe National Museum or the Schiller Museum. The city has a rich association with writing, and both Goethe and Schiller were the seminal figures of a literary movement known as Weimar Classicism.

In the evening we come together for dinner to enjoy some delicious local food and to mark our final evening in Weimar.

DAY 6 | SUNDAY 15 JUNE 2025

1ST OF 8 NIGHTS AT STEIGENBERGER GRANDHOTEL HANDELSHOF, LEIPZIG

TRAVEL WEIMAR TO LEIPZIG & BACHFEST LEIPZIG (B, L):

After a relaxed morning we depart Weimar and travel by private coach to Leipzig. Johann Sebastian Bach spent 27 wonderfully inspired and productive years in Leipzig as cantor at the Thomaskirche. While in Leipzig he composed hundreds of cantatas, choral works, oratorios and passions.

On arrival we enjoy a lunch together and then, following lunch, we check into our luxurious and centrally located hotel, Steigenbger Grandhotel Handelshof.

In the late afternoon Jack Stephens will give a talk about the performance we will hear this evening. We then attend our first concert in the prestigious Bachfest Leipzig 2025. The city first hosted a festival to honour Johann Sebastian Bach in 1904 and in 1908 it became an annual festival, celebrated in June.

BACHFEST LEIPZIG - CONCERT 1, 8:00pm
Nikolaikirche

J.S. Bach St John Passion, BWV 245.2

Jakob Pilgram tenor
Christian Wagner bass
Miriam Feuersinger soprano
Sara Mingardo alto
Mirko Ludwig tenor
La Cetra Vokalensemble Basel
La Cetra Barockorchester Basel
Andrea Marcon conductor

DAY 7 | MONDAY 16 JUNE 2025

2ND OF 8 NIGHTS AT STEIGENBERGER GRANDHOTEL HANDELSHOF, LEIPZIG

BACHFEST LEIPZIG (B, L):

We start today with a talk by Jack Stephens about the music we will hear in this evening’s concert.

To familiarise us with Leipzig we then go on a private guided walking tour of the historical Old Centre. We see many of the city’s iconic buildings and local places of interest, including the Thomaskirche, Nikolaikirche, the Neues Rathaus and the Altes Rathaus, Auerbachs Keller, Barthels Hof, and more. We hear about Leipzig's history as a centre of music, trade, publishing and culture.

Following our walking tour of Leipzig, we gather at a wonderful restaurant, frequented by Leipzig locals, for a delicious lunch.

The late afternoon is free to rest or for further exploration of the city. Leipzig has unsurpassed associations with many famous composers and the Leipzig Notenspur (Musical Trail) is a guided, five-kilometre cultural heritage walk, where all stops are within easy walking distance of each other. At every stop, audio examples and information offer exciting insights. You can begin and end your tour at any of the stops.

If you simply wish to become better acquainted with the town, you could have a ramble to places of interest close to the hotel. You could visit the Mädlerpassage, a charming shopping arcade that tunnels through buildings in the heart of the city, and leads to two other passages, Königshofpassage and Messehofpassage. You might enjoy strolling through the arcades to window shop, or to find a place to sit and enjoy a coffee, and soak up the ambience. If you are a coffee aficionado, a 3-minute walk from our hotel will take you to Coffe Baum, one of the oldest coffee shops in Europe to survive in its original form. In 1717, Johann Lehmann purchased the premises in Fleischergasse, which he converted into a coffee house. In 1720, a year after his death, his widow opened it as Zum Arabischen Coffe Baum. The third floor, a coffee museum with one of the most important collections in the world, has 15 rooms with over 500 specially selected exhibits dating from Saxony's 300-year history of coffee and culture. The sandstone sculptural design above the doorway is a famous feature of the building, depicting an Ottoman Turk with a large pot of coffee.

This evening we attend our second concert in Bachfest Leipzig.

BACHFEST LEIPZIG - CONCERT 2, 8:00pm
Gewandhaus, Mendelssohn-Saal

J.S. Bach Sonate G major, BWV 1021
J.S. Bach Ich bin in mir vergnügt, BWV 204
J.S. Bach Jesus bleibet meine Freude, BWV 147
Shostakovich Piano Trio No. 1 in C minor, Op. 8
Shostakovich Seven Romances on Poems by Alexander Blok, Op. 127

Dorothee Mields soprano
G.A.P. Ensemble

DAY 8 | TUESDAY 17 JUNE 2025

3RD OF 8 NIGHTS AT STEIGENBERGER GRANDHOTEL HANDELSHOF, LEIPZIG

BACHFEST LEIPZIG (B):

This morning we have the wonderful opportunity of a private guided tour of the Bach Museum. The museum is located in Bosehaus, considered one of Leipzig's most important Renaissance buildings. In Bach's day it was the residence of the Bose family, affluent merchants and close friends of the Bach family who lived just across the street in the old Thomasschule, which was demolished in 1902. The Bosehaus, 16th-century in origin, was updated by Bose to the baroque style. In the 1980s it was decided that the Bosehaus would be appropriate to house the Leipzig Bach Archive, widely recognized as the world’s pre-eminent centre of Bach scholarship, with its research on Johann Sebastian Bach’s life and works and on the extended Bach family of musicians. It includes a research institute, a library, a museum, including several original Bach manuscripts, and an events department.

The early afternoon is free. You might feel like resting before today’s concerts, or visiting another stop on the Notenspur, or you might enjoy visiting the Museum of Fine Arts, only 5-minutes’ walk from our hotel. Founded in 1837, but located in one of Leipzig's newest architectural wonders, it contains more than 3,500 paintings from the Middle Ages to the present, including works by Dutch, German, and Italian Masters. It has a unique collection of 18 works by the two Lucas Cranachs. The building itself is a marvel, a glass cube, 36 metres high, with displays of large three-dimensional works on courtyards and terraces.

In the late afternoon we have another informative talk by Jack about the music in this evening’s concerts. We then attend two concerts in Bachfest Leipzig.

BACHFEST LEIPZIG - CONCERT 3, 5:00pm
Gewandhaus, Mendelssohn-Saal

J.S. Bach Goldberg Variations, BWV 988

Anna Besson traversflöte
Louis Creac’h violin
Robin Pharo viola da gamba
Jean Rondeau cembalo, truhenorgel

BACHFEST LEIPZIG - CONCERT 4, 8:00pm
Thomaskirche

J.S. Bach Cello Suite in G major, BWV 1007
J.S. Bach Cello Suite in D minor, BWV 1008
J.S. Bach Cello Suite C major, BWV 1009
J.S. Bach Cello Suite E-flat major, BWV 1010
J.S. Bach Cello Suite C minor, BWV 1011
J.S. Bach Cello Suite D major, BWV 1012

Jean-Guihen Queyras cello

DAY 9 | WEDNESDAY 18 JUNE 2025

4TH OF 8 NIGHTS AT STEIGENBERGER GRANDHOTEL HANDELSHOF, LEIPZIG

EXCURSION TO KÖTHEN & BACHFEST LEIPZIG (B):

This morning we travel by private coach to the town of Köthen, where Bach worked for Prince Leopold of Anhalt-Köthen from 1717-1723. Bach was kapellmeister, he managed the orchestra and, as the court’s valued musician, he often travelled with the prince. Bach's first wife Maria Barbara died in Köthen in 1720. His second wife Ana Magdalena was employed at the court as a singer at the time of their marriage in 1721. In this period, he composed mainly secular music including such famous works such as the six Brandenburg Concertos.

On arrival we have a private guided walking tour following Bach’s footsteps, including Schloss Köthen, which displays such items as pictures of those connected to Prince Leopold and J.S. Bach, and documents on the Köthen Bach family, and on the town of Köthen at that time. We visit the chapel in the castle, the Bach Church of St. Agnus, the composer's former home and the Bach monument.

Following our guided tour, we have some free time for individual exploration of Köthen. We then return by private coach to Leipzig.

In the early evening Jack will give a talk about this evening’s concert. We then attend our fifth concert in the festival.

BACHFEST LEIPZIG - CONCERT 5, 8:00pm
Nikolaikirche

J.S. Bach Passionsoratorium, BWV2a Anh. III 169

Daniel Johannsen tenor
Miriam Feuersinger soprano
William Shelton countertenor
Jonathan Sells bass
Il Gardellino
Alexander Grychtolik conductor and cembalo

DAY 10 | THURSDAY 19 JUNE 2025

5TH OF 8 NIGHTS AT STEIGENBERGER GRANDHOTEL HANDELSHOF, LEIPZIG

BACHFEST LEIPZIG (B):

The morning starts with a talk by Jack Stephens about the music we will hear in this evening’s concert.

The late morning and early afternoon are then free. You may choose to rest, or to follow the Notenspur (Musical Trail) to a few more stops. Or, you might consider visiting the remarkable Battle of the Nations Monument, the largest war memorial in Europe, completed in 1913 to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Napoleon's defeat at the Battle of the Nations near Leipzig in 1813. There is a viewing platform on the monument which offers a spectacular view across the city. The monument is a 15-minute tram ride from the city centre.

In the evening we attend our sixth concert in the festival.

BACHFEST LEIPZIG - CONCERT 6, 7:30pm
Gewandhaus, Großer Saal

J.S. Bach Concerto in D minor, BWV 1063
Honegger Symphony No. 2
Brahms Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98

Three prizewinners of the Bach Competition Leipzig 2025 keyboard
Jonathan Müller trumpet
Gewandhausorchester Leipzig
Jakub Hrůša conductor

DAY 11 | FRIDAY 20 JUNE 2025

6TH OF 8 NIGHTS AT STEIGENBERGER GRANDHOTEL HANDELSHOF, LEIPZIG

EXCURSION TO HALLE & BACHFEST LEIPZIG (B):

We have a morning excursion to Halle today to enjoy the historic city centre on a guided walking tour. Our trip through the winding, historic streets will conclude at the renowned Marktkirche, where we will be given an introduction to this impressive building followed by some free time to explore it. There were two churches on the market square until the 16th-century when they were torn down except for the four towers, which were connected into one church in 1529 by a nave in the late gothic style. The resulting Marktkirche Unser Lieben Frauen ("Market Church of Our Dear Lady") is considered one of the most important late Gothic buildings in central Germany. The two original churches were catholic, but from the first service on Good Friday in 1541 the new church was a protestant church. Martin Luther gave three sermons here.

In 1685 George Frederic Handel was baptized in the Marktkirche. The small organ above the altar, built between 1663 and 1664, is one of the oldest in Central Germany and it is where the young Handel received his first organ lessons. In 1713, Bach was offered a post when he visited to advise on the renovation of the church’s great organ in the western gallery. Bach did not accept the post as he preferred to stay in Weimar; however, in 1716 he visited to do the final testing of the instrument and to play at its inauguration. Wilhelm Friedemann Bach (1710-1784), a son of J.S. Bach, worked as organist here from 1746 to 1764.

Following our guided tour, we have free time to enjoy Halle’s perfectly preserved historic city centre. You may like to explore the area around the Marktkirche, or find a cafe or restaurant where you can sit and relax and enjoy the ambience of this bustling city.

After our free time we return by private coach to Leipzig. On our return, Jack will give a talk about the music we will hear in the concert we attend in Bachfest this evening.

BACHFEST LEIPZIG - CONCERT 7, 8:00pm
Nikolaikirche

J.S. Bach Jesus nahm zu sich die Zwölfe, BWV 22
J.S. Bach Du wahrer Gott und Davids Sohn, BWV 23
J.S. Bach Herr Jesu Christ, wahr’ Mensch und Gott, BWV 127
J.S. Bach Sehet, wir gehn hinauf gen Jerusalem, BWV 159

I Barocchisti
Diego Fasolis conductor

DAY 12 | SATURDAY 21 JUNE 2025

7TH OF 8 NIGHTS AT STEIGENBERGER GRANDHOTEL HANDELSHOF, LEIPZIG

BACHFEST LEIPZIG (B, D):

Today begins with a talk by Jack about the concerts we will attend this evening.

The late morning and early afternoon are then free, and again you might like to follow the Notenspur (Musical Trail) to a few more stops. One very interesting stop is Felix Mendelssohn’s House, built in 1844 and restored according to the original plans. It was occupied by the composer and his family from 1845. Personal belongings, sheet music, and watercolour paintings by Mendelssohn are on display, as well as objects and documents that relate to other aspects of his life and work.

We then attend two concerts in the festival. Between the concerts we will enjoy dinner together.

BACHFEST LEIPZIG - CONCERT 8, 5:00pm
Das Paulinum – Aula und Universitätskirche St Pauli

J.S. Bach Sinfonia in G minor, BWV 18/1
J.S. Bach Gleichwie der Regen und Schnee vom Himmel fällt, BWV 18/2
J.S. Bach Wenn die Frühlingslüfte streichen, BWV 202/5
J.S. Bach Vergnügte Ruh, beliebte Seelenlust, BWV 170/1
J.S. Bach Ich hatte viel Bekümmernis, BWV 21/2
J.S. Bach Gleichwie die wilden Meereswellen, BWV 178/3
J.S. Bach Du Herr, du krönst allein das Jahr, BWV 187/3

Opera Fuoco Orchestra
David Stern conductor

BACHFEST LEIPZIG - CONCERT 9, 8:00pm
Gewandhaus, Großer Saal

J.S. Bach The Well-Tempered Clavier Book II, BWV 870–893

Sir András Schiff piano

DAY 13 | SUNDAY 22 JUNE 2025

8TH OF 8 NIGHTS AT STEIGENBERGER GRANDHOTEL HANDELSHOF, LEIPZIG

BACHFEST LEIPZIG (B, L):

This morning Jack delivers our final talk of the tour about the concerts we will hear this morning and this evening.

After our talk we attend a late morning concert.

BACHFEST LEIPZIG - CONCERT 10, 11:00am
Gewandhaus, Großer Saal

J.S. Bach The Art of Fuge, BWV 1080.2
J.S. Bach Vor deinen Thron tret ich hiermit, BWV 668.1

Hans Fagius organ

We then enjoy a farewell lunch together. In the evening we attend our final concert in Bachfest Leipzig 2025.

BACHFEST LEIPZIG - CONCERT 11, 6:00pm
Thomaskirche

J.S. Bach B-minor Mass, BWV 232

Hana Blažíková soprano
Maarten Engeltjes countertenor
Tilman Lichdi tenor
Klaus Mertens bass
Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra & Choir
Ton Koopman conductor

DAY 14 | MONDAY 23 JUNE 2025

TOUR ENDS (B):

Following our final breakfast at the hotel, the tour concludes.

INCLUSIONS

10–23 JUNE 2025 (14 DAYS)

AUD$11,950 PER PERSON TWIN SHARE

Single supplement: AUD$2,170
Deposit payment 1: Deposit AUD$1,500 per person (due at time of booking)
Deposit payment 2: Deposit AUD$1,500 per person (due on 10 February 2025)
Final payment due: 7 April 2025

INCLUSIONS:

• Performances: Premium tickets to 11 performances in the prestigious Bachfest Leipzig 2025 and attendance at two organ recitals.

• Tour Leader and Talks: Tour Leadership and exclusive background talks by Bach expert, Jack Stephens.

• Tour Manager: An experienced Tour Manager to accompany the group throughout the tour.

• Hotel: 13 nights' accommodation in 5-star hotels including:

  • Five nights at the elegant and centrally located Hotel Elephant Weimar, Autograph Collection in a Deluxe Room;

  • Eight nights at the luxurious and centrally located Steigenberger Grandhotel Handelshof, Leipzig in a Superior Room;

  • Porterage of one piece of luggage at each hotel.

• Travel: Land travel by private air-conditioned coach. There will be an optional coach transfer from Frankfurt Central Station to Weimar at the start of the tour.

• Meals/Drinks: Breakfast each morning at the hotel. Seven lunches/dinners with wine, water and tea/coffee.

• Entry Fees and Guided Tours: Entrance fees for museums, art galleries etc. as stated in your itinerary. Expert local guides at some sites.

• Tips: Tips for drivers, local guides and meals included in your itinerary.

• Information Pack: Comprehensive pre-tour information pack.

EXCLUSIONS:

• International/Domestic Travel: Hayllar Music Tours can provide you with a quote. Phone 02 9669 9181 / +61 2 9669 9181 (Australia / International) or email contact@hayllarmusictours.com

• Airport Transfers: Transfers to/from airports and hotels at the beginning and end of tours. These can be arranged at an additional cost.

• Special Taxes: Special taxes and airport levies that can only be paid in cash at the destination. We will endeavour to advise you of these charges (if any) before you depart.

• Visas: Costs associated with obtaining visas for countries visited on your tour. From mid-2025, travellers entering European countries will be required to obtain an ETIAS travel authorisation. For further information on ETIAS applications visit https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en

• Travel Insurance: Please note that you are required to have comprehensive travel insurance to cover you for the duration of your tour. If you live in Australia, Hayllar Music Tours can organise your travel insurance for you. Please contact them at phone 02 9669 9181 / +61 2 9669 9181 (Australia / International) or email contact@hayllarmusictours.com

• Meals: Lunches and dinners not nominated in your itinerary.

• Personal Expenses: Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls and mini-bar.

• Activities in Free Time: Costs associated with any activities suggested for you in your free time.

SMALL GROUP SIZE

The tour will operate with 8 people. The maximum number on the tour will be 20 people.

FITNESS LEVEL REQUIRED - LEVEL 2

All members of the tour must have the ability to:

• undertake walking tours of two-three hours duration, including using stairs and walking on uneven ground;

• stand for long periods in museum, art galleries etc;

• climb staircases of 100 or more steps;

• embark / disembark coaches, trains and other methods of transportation without assistance.

BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS

Please note that booking terms and conditions apply. Click here for the booking terms and conditions.

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF BACH