Arrive in Valletta on suggested flights and make your way to the hotel. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including travel insurance (a condition of travel), private hotel transfers, pre- or post-tour accommodation and a room category upgrade.

At 18:00, join your tour leader Andy Bromberger and fellow travellers for a welcome briefing at the hotel, followed by dinner.

(D)

Valletta Baroque Festival
Since its launch in 2013, the Valletta Baroque Festival has welcomed audiences to a uniquely immersive celebration of the Baroque era, featuring some of the world’s finest soloists and ensembles in magnificent heritage venues across Malta’s capital. Taking place over three weeks in January, the festival offers performances in sites including the historic Manoel Theatre, the Casino Maltese, the National Museum of Archaeology and others.

Begin the day with a talk by Andy on the coming days’ performances. Then, attend the first of five performances at the Valletta Baroque Festival. Hear the internationally acclaimed De Vallette Chamber Orchestra, led by distinguished violinist Carmine Lauri, perform Italian chamber music at the historic Casino Maltese.

After the concert, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

In the evening, hear the De Vallette Chamber Orchestra at the Teatru Manoel, a stunning Baroque-style theatre built in 1731 and considered one of the oldest working theatres in Europe.

(BL)

Today, travel to the charming city of Rabat. View the impressive picture gallery of the Wignacourt Museum, displaying works by renowned Baroque master Mattia Preti. See St Paul’s Grotto, one of the earliest places of Christian worship on the island, and visit the adjacent catacombs.

Later, continue to the walled city of Mdina, which served as the capital of Malta from antiquity to the Middle Ages. Walk through the winding streets of the ancient capital and visit the majestic cathedral of St Paul, a fine example of Baroque architecture and the spiritual heart of the island.

Return to Valletta in the late afternoon for an evening at leisure.

(BL)

After a talk by Andy, embark on a walking tour of the city of Valletta. Start by visiting the oratory of the St John’s Co-Cathedral to admire the structure as an epitome of Baroque design and the only remaining signed Caravaggio painting, The Beheading of St John the Baptist.

Continue to the Sacra Infermeria, a historic hospital built in the 16th century by the Order of St. John in Valletta. On a private, guided tour, learn about its history and how it served as a prominent hospital in Europe, known for its advanced medical practices and hygiene standards of the time.

After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy some time at leisure before attending an evening performance of The Valletta Baroque Ensemble featuring acclaimed guitarist Simon Schembri at the National Museum of Archaeology.

(BL)

This morning, travel to the west of Malta to attend a performance of Bach’s Goldberg Variations by harpsichordist Nathaniel Frederick Mander at the Verdala Palace in Buskett. Built in 1586 as a summer residence for Grand Master Hugues Loubeux de Verdalle, the palace is celebrated for its architectural beauty and superb acoustics. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel in the mid-afternoon.

In the evening, attend a concert by acclaimed early music ensemble La Grande Chapelle of the six-voice motet Vidi Speciosam Mass by Tomas Luis De Victoria.

(BL)

In the early morning, transfer to Malta International Airport for a flight to Munich (flight included in tour price). Upon arrival at Munich Airport, continue by coach to Salzburg, arriving in time for lunch at the hotel’s restaurant. Located amongst the lakes and mountains of the Salzkammergut, Salzburg is dominated by the fortress of Hohensalzburg. The city is renowned not only as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, but also for its splendid Renaissance architecture and Baroque courtyards.

The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure.

(BL)

Mozart Week
Salzburg’s renowned winter classical music festival was first held in 1956 and celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2026. It has become a highlight on the international concert calendar for Mozart lovers and classical music fans. Organised by the International Mozarteum Foundation each January around Mozart’s birthday (27 January), the Mozart Week features opera productions as well as orchestral, chamber music and soloist concerts. Under the artistic direction of Rolando Villazón, the 2026 festival will feature internationally acclaimed orchestras and ensembles such as the Vienna Philharmonic, conducted by Robin Ticciati, the Capella Andrea Barca under the baton of acclaimed conductor Sir András Schiff, and the prestigious Chamber Orchestra of Europe.

After a talk by Andy in the morning, join a private, guided walking tour of Salzburg’s old town. Discover the history of eminent buildings such as Holy Trinity Church, St. Peter’s Abbey and Mirabell Palace, a prime example of baroque architecture and opulence. Its Marble Hall features elaborate stucco work and frescoed ceilings and was a venue where Mozart himself performed.

After lunch in the old town, visit a family-run business that has been handcrafting high-quality umbrellas for over a century. Admire the traditional craftsmanship and learn about the production process both past and present.

Return to the hotel in the mid-afternoon and enjoy an evening at leisure.

(BL)

After breakfast, walk to the Mozarteum to hear the remarkable Portuguese pianist Maria João Pires.

PROGRAM:
Haydn – Overture to L’anima del filosofo, Hob. XXVIII:13
Mozart – Piano Concerto No. 27 in B flat Major, K. 595
Mozart – Minuets K. 599 No. 1, 2, 5 & 6
Haydn – Symphony No. 94 in G Major, Surprise Symphony

Return to the hotel in the early afternoon and enjoy some free time.

In the early evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before attending a performance of the acclaimed Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Karina Canellakis, joined by Spanish violinist Maria Dueñas, at the Grosses Festspielhaus.

PROGRAM:
Mendelssohn Bartholdy – Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Op. 21
Mozart – Masonic Funeral Music in C Minor, K. 477
Mendelssohn Bartholdy – Violin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 64
Mozart – Overture to Idomeneo, re di Creta, K. 366
Mozart – Four Minuets, K. 601
Beethoven – Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 36

(BD)

Today, attend Sir András Schiff’s final performance at the Mozart Week. Witness the distinguished Hungarian-born British conductor lead the Capella Andrea Barca at the Mozarteum.

PROGRAM:
Mozart – Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major, K. 488
Haydn – Symphony No. 45 in F sharp Minor, Farewell Symphony
Mozart – Overture to Don Giovanni, K. 527
Mozart – Piano Concerto No. 20 in D Minor, K. 466

The afternoon is at leisure to relax or explore Salzburg at your own pace.

In the evening, after dinner at a local restaurant, attend a performance of the Chamber Orchestra of Europe led by esteemed French violinist and conductor Renaud Capuçon and joined by renowned South Korean-German violinist Clara-Jumi Kang and Swiss violist Pascal Siffert.

PROGRAM:
Mozart – Overture to Le nozze di Figaro, K. 492
Mozart – Concertone in C Major for two violins and orchestra, K. 190
Mozart – Rondo in C Major for violin and orchestra, K. 373
Mozart – Violin Concerto, Sinfonia Concertante in E flat Major, K. 364

(BD)

Following a pre-performance talk by Andy, explore the DomQuartier museum complex, which epitomises Salzburg’s glorious Baroque centre including the cathedral arches, residences, Cathedral Square and the Long Gallery.

After lunch at a local restaurant, the afternoon is free until tonight’s performance by Le Concert des Nations, under the baton of acclaimed Spanish conductor Jordi Savall.

PROGRAM:
Mozart – Serenade in D Major, K. 239
Gluck – Semiramis Wq. Anh. C/1
Mozart – Overture to The Abduction from the Seraglio, K. 384
Gluck – Don Juan ou le Festin de Pierre, Wq. 52
Mozart – Overture to Don Giovanni, K. 527

(BL)

The morning is at leisure to relax or to further explore Salzburg at your own pace.

In the afternoon, enjoy a concert by the illustrious Salzburg-based Hagen Quartet at the Mozarteum.

PROGRAM:
Mozart – Prussian String Quartets, No. 1-3

After dinner at a nearby restaurant, attend a performance of Mozart’s The Magic Flute under emerging Spanish conductor Roberto González-Monjas and directed by acclaimed Mexican director Rolando Villazon at the House of Mozart.

(BL)

Begin the day with a talk by Andy. Then, gain exclusive insight into the Mozarteum University Salzburg, founded by Mozart’s widow Constanze Weber Mozart in 1841 and world-renowned for music and the arts. After a private, guided tour of the main building, attend a rehearsal of a music class. Then, explore the Residence where Mozart lived until 1780 and composed many of his masterpieces.

In the early evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and hear the prestigious Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Robin Ticciati, joined by mezzo-soprano Magdalena Kožená and clarinettist Daniel Ottensamer, at the Grosses Festspielhaus.

PROGRAM:
Gluck – Overture to Alceste, Wq. 44
Mozart – Clarinet Concerto in A Major, K. 622
Berlioz – Les Nuits d’été, Op. 7
Mozart – Symphony No. 39 in E flat Major, K. 543

(BD)

Today, visit Leopoldskron Palace, a prime example of Rococo architecture built in 1736 by Salzburg’s Archbishop Leopold Anton von Firmian. On a private, guided tour, explore the palace’s architecture and learn about its rich history. Then, enjoy a special farewell lunch at one of Europe’s oldest restaurants.

In the evening, conclude the tour with a performance at the Mozarteum by acclaimed early music group Ensemble L’Arpeggiata led by Christina Pluhar and Polish chamber choir Capella Cracoviensis.

PROGRAM:
Pergolesi – Stabat Mater in F Minor, P. 77
Mozart – Requiem in D Minor, K. 626

(BL)

Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast.

If you are returning home today, make your way to Salzburg Airport for suggested flights to Australia or New Zealand. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including a private airport transfer, additional nights’ accommodation either before or after the tour and travel insurance (a condition of travel).

(B)