Romantic... glorious... lovely... fascinating... unforgettable. Travelers are unanimous in their praise of Vienna, Salzburg and Prague. These enchanting cities have a way of charming their visitors and lingering in their fondest memories. We know. They call us back year after year.

We invite you to join us, along with other UD friends, as we travel again to Austria and the Czech Republic from May 19 to June 2, 2008. Encore Vienna 2008 is an exquisitely enriching travel experience that will allow you to immerse yourself in the music, art and history of the Habsburg Empire. Our 13-night excursion is a virtual culture feast and musical adventure that takes place during the world-famous Vienna music festivals in Vienna and Prague. Encore Vienna 2008 also includes two nights in Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and locations for the Sound of Music, and two nights in Prague.

Encore Vienna 2008 allows ample time for enjoying operas, recitals, concerts, fine restaurants, elegant pastry shops, charming old wine cellers, wonderful museums, expositions, shopping, parks and the great sites and treasures of the Habsburg Empire. Most destinations of interest are within walking distance of our comfortable accommodations in the heart of these great, unforgettable cities. On-site lectures provide insight into the lives and works of such famous residents of these cities as Haydn, Beethoven, Schubert, Strauss, Brahms, Mozart, Mahler and Smetana.

Encore Vienna 2008 is paced as the Viennese would have it: free of pressure and overflowing with Gemütlichkeit. We hope that you will be able to join us for this extraordinary cultural experience.

P.S. Opera and operetta lovers, please note! The following will performed during our visit in Vienna: L'elisir d'amore, Falstaff, Lohengrin, Salome, The Sound of Music.

Imagine yourself in Charming Vienna, Fascinating Prague, or Beautiful Salzburg... surrounded by the music, culture and art you love. Now your dream has come true. Our 13-night Austrian and Czech sojourn is your opportunity to...

Immerse yourself in the musical tradition of Vienna, Salzburg & Prague. This musical adventure occurs during the world famous Vienna festival, when the city is alive iwth concerts, opera, operettas, chamber music, solo recitals, street performances and special exhibitions.

Experience the cities that inspired so much of our musical heritage. Walk the streets once walked by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms, Wolf, Smetana, Mahler, and others. Visit the restaurants, cafes, and wine cellars they frequented and the sites where they lived, loved, and created their immortal masterpieces. Attend church services where the masses by Haydn and Mozart are performed with full chamber orchestra, chorus and soloists.

Explore the magnificent capital of the Habsburg Empire. There is a feeling of history at every turn. See the world-famous Lipizzaner stallions. Visit museums that house the art works of the masters... the home of Sigmund Freud... the winter and summer palaces of the Habsburgs, where child prodigy Mozart performed for a very young Marie Antoinette. For a change of pace, hike the Vienna Woods... or cruise the Danube.

Learn about the music and the masters. Dr. Linda Snyder and Edward Hatch are well-qualified to host your Czech and Austrian musical adventure. Dr. Snyder is a rich resource for insights into the local opera fare, concerts and other musical performances. Professor Hatch, Encore Vienna co-host since its inception in 1983, shares his knowledge of the region's cutlure with lively, informal commentary during walks and excursions.

Indulge your senses in the sights, sounds, smells and flavors of Vienna. Vienna in spring is ablaze with parks and gardens at their loveliest - full of flowers, fountains and the infectious lilt of a Strauss waltz. At day's end, relax with friends... sipping fine wines or rich coffees... enjoying the inviting atmosphere of a cool wine cellar, a cozy cafe or an elegant pastry shop.