ITINERARY

DAY 1 | THURSDAY 2 JULY 2026

1ST OF 5 NIGHTS AT HOTEL NASSAUER HOF, WIESBADEN

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

There is an optional coach transfer from Frankfurt Main Central Station at 2:00pm to Wiesbaden, or guests can arrive independently in Wiesbaden.

We arrive and check in at the stylish and luxurious 5-star Hotel Nassauer Hof, Wiesbaden, conveniently located opposite the historic Kurhaus and Hessisches Staatstheater. 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, Julian Johnson, who will introduce the tour. We then enjoy a delicious gourmet meal to welcome us to the start of our tour together.

DAY 2 | FRIDAY 3 JULY 2026

2ND OF 5 NIGHTS AT HOTEL NASSAUER HOF, WIESBADEN

DAY TRIP TO MAINZ & RHEINGAU MUSIK FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE (B):

This morning, we enjoy a talk on the music we will hear this evening, from our Tour Leader, Julian Johnson.

Following this morning’s talk, we set off for the nearby city of Mainz. For more than 1,000 years, the skyline of the city has been dominated by one building, Mainz Cathedral. Its foundation stone was laid in around 975 AD and it is one of the most important religious buildings in Germany. Our walking tour takes us along the historic Augustinestraße, including a visit to the breathtaking Augustinerkirche, then into the heart of the Old Town, where it culminates in a visit to the 10th-century Dom St Martin, or Mainz Cathedral. 

Following our guided tour, there is time to continue your exploration of this beautiful city and to get lunch. The new Gutenberg Museum is currently under construction, and not due to open for some years. However, the exhibition has been moved to a temporary space a few minutes’ walk from the Market Square, and is still worth a visit. Your Tour Manager can assist you with a visit during this free time if you would like.

This evening we attend our first performance as part of the Rheingau Musik Festival.

DAY 3 | SATURDAY 4 JULY 2026

3RD OF 5 NIGHTS AT HOTEL NASSAUER HOF, WIESBADEN

KLOSTER EBERBACH GUIDED TOUR & RHEINGAU MUSIK FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE (B, D):

This morning, following our talk on the music we will hear this evening, time is allowed for an independent visit to the bustling Wiesbaden Saturday Market, which takes place in the Dern'sches Gelände next to the New City Hall and the towering Marktkirche.

This afternoon, we take a scenic drive through the Rheingau wine region to Kloster Eberbach, or Eberbach Abbey. The abbey, founded in 1136 by Bernhard von Clairvaux, still exists today as a completely preserved ensemble of outstanding Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings. In 1986, the monastery became famous as the location for the film adaptation of Umberto Eco's bestseller The Name of the Rose, and today, it serves as one of the core venues of the Rheingau Musik Festival. The wine-growing tradition is preserved in cooperation with the Eberbach Monastery Winery.

On arrival, we enjoy an informative tour of the historic abbey, followed by a guided wine-tasting of some of the highlights of the award-winning vineyard.

Ahead of our evening concert, which today takes place at Kloster Eberbach, we enjoy a delicious group dinner served in one of the abbey’s historic rooms. We then enjoy the second of our Rheingau Musik Festival performances.

DAY 4 | SUNDAY 5 JULY 2026

4TH OF 5 NIGHTS AT HOTEL NASSAUER HOF, WIESBADEN

WIESBADEN WALKING TOUR & RHEINGAU MUSIK FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE (B):

This morning, we enjoy our morning talk on the music, from our Tour Leader, Julian Johnson.

We then set out on a private walking tour to find out more about Wiesbaden, one of Europe’s oldest spa towns, with its magnificent neo-classical buildings, many of which have been immaculately rebuilt after World War II. Our tour, which starts at our historic hotel, will take in the Kurhaus, the Kochbrunnen, the Marktplatz, with the impressive Marktkirche, the New Town Hall, and St Bonifatius Church, the city’s oldest church.

Following our guided tour, you might like to continue your exploration of the city with a visit to the impressive Museum Wiesbaden, or to stroll to the nearby Nerobergbahn, the historic funicular employing water propulsion to take visitors to the top of the Neroberg for impressive views of the city.

This evening, we attend our final performance at the Rheingau Musik Festival.

DAY 5 | MONDAY 6 JULY 2026

5TH OF 5 NIGHTS AT HOTEL NASSAUER HOF, WIESBADEN

DAY TRIP TO HEIDELBERG (B, L):

This morning, we depart for a day trip to Heidelberg, one of Germany’s most beautiful cities. Located on the banks of the Neckar River, with its much-photographed Old Bridge and impressive Castle, Heidelberg is one of Germany’s oldest and most well-known university towns. In the centre of the Old Town is the Marktplatz square, which boasts one of Heidelberg's many beautiful fountains, grand period houses, cafés and the famous Church of the Holy Spirit. From the Marktplatz, it is just a stone's throw to the Kornmarkt, which many see as the city's most beautiful square.

Our guided walking tour will take in many of the city’s fascinating and historic sites, and will introduce us to some of the city’s former visitors, including Goethe, Mark Twain, and the artist Joseph Mallord William Turner.

Following our walking tour, time is allowed for some independent exploration of this beautiful city, and for those who might like to, a trip up the Bergbahn for a visit to the 16th-century Schloss Heidelberg and to see the impressive views back over the city.

After our free time enjoying the sites of Heidelberg, we then make our way to one of the city’s historic hotel’s for a delicious late lunch, to mark the half way point of our tour, before returning to Wiesbaden for a free evening.

DAY 6 | TUESDAY 7 JULY 2026

1ST OF 5 NIGHTS AT GRAND HOTEL KAISERHOF VICTORIA, BAD KISSINGEN

WIESBADEN TO BAD KISSINGEN VIA ASCHAFFENBERG (B, D):

This morning, we depart Wiesbaden for Bad Kissingen, with a stop en route in Aschaffenburg, a town closely linked with the Archbishopric of Mainz. Here, we enjoy a private guided tour of the impressive Schloss Johannisburg, the magnificent Renaissance masterpiece built in 1614 that towers over the Old Town. This enormous four-wing complex, which replaced the medieval castle, is one of the most important palace buildings of the German Renaissance. Highlights of our guided tour include the parament chamber with vestments from the former Mainz Domschatz, the princely living quarters with their preserved classicist furnishings, and the palace church, with its Renaissance altar, pulpit and portal sculptures by Hans Juncker (early 17th-century). The castle also houses the world's largest collection of architectural models made of cork: 45 amazingly detailed replicas, created by the court confectioner Carl May and his son Georg from 1792 onwards, which reproduce the most famous ruins of Rome.

Following our tour, time is allowed for an independent lunch in Aschaffenburg. You might also like to take this opportunity to visit the impressive Stiftsbasilika St Peter und Alexander, the town’s oldest church, dating from the 10th-century. After our visit to Aschaffenburg, we continue on our way to Bad Kissingen.

On arrival, we check in to our wonderfully-located Grand Hotel Kaiserhof Victoria, where we will be based for the second half of our tour. This evening, we gather for a relaxed group dinner to mark our arrival into Bad Kissingen.

DAY 7 | WEDNESDAY 8 JULY 2026

2ND OF 5 NIGHTS AT GRAND HOTEL KAISERHOF VICTORIA, BAD KISSINGEN

WALKING TOUR OF BAD KISSINGEN & KISSINGER SOMMER FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE (B):

This morning, following our morning talk on the music, we set out on a gentle stroll around the beautiful spa town of Bad Kissingen. In July 2021, Bad Kissingen was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the ‘Great Spa Towns of Europe’. Our local guide will introduce us to the historic buildings dotted around this picturesque riverside town, including the Old and New Town Halls, the Regentenbau, the Rose Garden and the Luitpold. Our tour concludes at the Wandelhalle, located just outside the entrance to our hotel, where we will enjoy one of the wonders of this town: a healing water tasting from the famous Pandur Fountain. The traditional Fountain Women of the Wandelhalle will pour us samples of Bad Kissingen's seven healing waters, as we take in the impressive interior of Europe’s largest Fountain Hall.

This afternoon is free, to rest, or continue your exploration of Bad Kissingen.

This evening, we attend the first of our performances at the Kissinger Sommer Festival. Since its premiere in 1986, the Kissinger Sommer Festival has developed into an internationally respected music festival thanks to its high artistic level. Every year, it attracts the world’s very best orchestras, conductors and soloists, to perform in the beautiful array of historic venues in Bad Kissingen.

DAY 8 | THURSDAY 9 JULY 2026

3RD OF 5 NIGHTS AT GRAND HOTEL KAISERHOF VICTORIA, BAD KISSINGEN

DAY TRIP TO BAMBERG & KISSINGER SOMMER FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE (B, L):

This morning, we set out for a picturesque drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bamberg, sometimes referred to as ‘Little Venice’, and generally regarded as one of Germany’s most attractive towns. Our relaxed walking tour will take in many of the historic sites in the compact Old Town, including the stunning Altes Rathaus positioned on its very own island in the middle of the Regnitz River. According to legend, the bishop of Bamberg did not grant the citizens any land for the construction of a town hall. This prompted the townsfolk to ram stakes into the river to create an artificial island, on which they built the town hall they so badly wanted. On our guided tour, we will also pop in to the Schlenkerla, Bamberg’s historic brewery, and home to the original Bamberg smoked beer. We will enjoy a little taste of this delicious beer, before making our way to a delightful restaurant for our group lunch.

Following lunch, time is allowed for further exploration of Bamberg. You might like to make the short journey, up a slight hill, to the impressive Bamberg Cathedral and Neue Residenz, or to simply do some shopping in some of Bamberg’s many charming shops.

Following our visit to Bamberg, we return to Bad Kissingen. This evening, we enjoy a pre-concert talk on the music, before attending our second performance as part of the Kissinger Sommer Festival.

DAY 9 | FRIDAY 10 JULY 2026

4TH OF 5 NIGHTS AT GRAND HOTEL KAISERHOF VICTORIA, BAD KISSINGEN

DAY TRIP TO WÜRZBURG WITH WÜRZBURG RESIDENZ & KISSINGER SOMMER FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE (B):

Today, we set out for a day trip to the charming and relaxed city of Würzburg. Würzburg was all but completely destroyed in March 1945, but has since witnessed a revival like no other in West Germany. Today, the delightful Old Town buzzes with students and tourists, and the rebuilt towers of the Neumünster, Würzburger Dom and the Marienkapelle stand proudly once again. Our guided walking tour will take in each of these incredible churches, along with the Alte Mainbrücke (The Old Main Bridge) with its many statues of historic figures spanning its length, and the Vierröhrenbrunnen, the 18th-century four tubed fountain.

Following our walking tour, time is allowed for an independent lunch.

We then gather for an informative tour of the impressive Würzburg Residenz. This magnificent Baroque palace – one of the largest and most beautiful in Germany and surrounded by wonderful gardens – was created under the patronage of the prince-bishops Lothar Franz and Friedrich Carl von Schönborn. It was built and decorated in the 18th-century by an international team of architects, painters (including Giovanni Battista Tiepolo), sculptors and stucco-workers, led by Balthasar Neumann. It was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1981, and whilst it was largely destroyed in World War II, it has been painstakingly restored to its former glory. Time is allowed following our tour to continue your exploration, and to also take in the impressive grounds and gardens outside of the palace.

Following our visit to Würzburg, we then return to Bad Kissingen. In the early evening, we enjoy another talk on the music from Julian Johnson, before attending our third performance at the Kissinger Sommer Festival.

Following this evening’s concert, guests might like to join the informal Friday night celebrations in the Schmuckhof, the ornate courtyard in the centre of the Regentenbau. These wonderful post-concert Festival evenings include drinks, live music and dancing under the stars. And should the weather not cooperate, the festivities will be moved in to the adjacent salon.

DAY 10 | SATURDAY 11 JULY 2026

5TH OF 5 NIGHTS AT GRAND HOTEL KAISERHOF VICTORIA, BAD KISSINGEN

BAD KISSINGEN & KISSINGER SOMMER FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE (B, L):

This morning our expert musicologist Julian Johnston will give a talk, on the music we will hear tonight.

After the talk, we make our way to one of Bad Kissingen’s top dining destinations for our delicious farewell lunch.

We then enjoy two Festival performances to mark our final day in Bad Kissingen, a matinee performance in the ornate Rossini Hall, and an evening concert in the impressive Max-Littman-Saal.

Following the evening concert, we return to our hotel for an informal drinks reception to bid a fond farewell to our fellow guests.

DAY 11 | SUNDAY 12 JULY 2026

TOUR ENDS (B):

Following our final breakfast at the hotel, the tour concludes. There will be an optional coach transfer to Frankfurt International Airport, arriving at approximately 12:30pm, followed by Frankfurt Main Central Train Station, arriving at approximately 1:30pm.

Please note: There may be some changes to the itinerary depending on the final confirmation of performances.

INCLUSIONS

2–12 JULY 2026 (11 days)

AUD$13,450 PER PERSON TWIN SHARE

Single supplement: AUD$2,050
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 2 March 2026)
Final payment due: 29 April 2026

INCLUSIONS:

• Performances: Premium tickets for three performances at the Rheingau Musik Festival; premium tickets for five performances at the Kissinger Sommer Festival.
  Please note: The Rheingau Musik and Kissinger Sommer festivals will announce their 2026 seasons later in 2025. There may be some changes to the itinerary depending on final confirmation of performances.

• Tour Leaders and Talks: Tour leadership and seven exclusive private talks by Julian Johnson.

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

• Hotels: 10 nights' accommodation in 5-star and 4-star hotels including:

  • Five nights at the 5-star Hotel Nassauer Hof, Wiesbaden in a Deluxe Double Room;

  • Five nights at the 4-star Grand Hotel Kaiserhof Victoria, Bad Kissingen in a Deluxe Double Room;

  • Porterage of one piece of luggage at each hotel.

• Travel: Land travel by private air-conditioned coach throughout the tour. There will be an optional coach transfer from Frankfurt Main Central Station at the start of the tour, and an optional coach transfer to Frankfurt International Airport and Frankfurt Main Central Station at the end of the tour.

• Meals/Drinks: Breakfast each morning at the hotel. Six lunches/dinners with wine, water and tea/coffee, an entrance ticket which includes one drink for the post-concert reception on Friday 10 July 2026, and a farewell drinks reception at the Grand Hotel Kaiserhof Victoria.

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

• Tips: Tips for drivers, local guides and for 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

• 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.

• Entry into Europe: ETIAS will start operations in the last quarter of 2026, and become mandatory for travellers in early to mid 2027. No action is required from travellers at this point. The European Union will inform about the specific date for the start of ETIAS several months prior to its launch.

• 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.

GERMANY’S SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVALS

RHEINGAU MUSIk & KISSINGER SOMMER FESTIVALS