AMSTERDAM MAHLERFEST

With all 10 Mahler Symphonies performed by the greatest orchestras, conductors and singers in the world. 5-Star Hotel De L'Europe, the best art touring anywhere, full breakfast daily plus 10 additional meals, top-category seats for all performances.

This is a unique opportunity to hear all of Mahler's symphonies interpreted by 5 world-class orchestras under the batons of 5 of the world’s finest conductors, all in the city (and venue) that embraced him early in his career and that spearheaded his international revival following the Second World War.

With its canals lined with red brick mansions, stately museums filled with masterpieces by the great Dutch Masters of the Golden Age, and historic hotels, cafés and restaurants, Amsterdam exudes everything that is good about the Old World. Not to mention one of the greatest concert halls on the planet--the Concertgebouw--that will be our stomping ground (or sitting and listening blissfully-ground) each night.

We will explore the city's abundant art and history in depth, with exclusive guided tours and day trip (Haarlem, The Hague), all while enjoying superb cuisine and staying in one of the finest and most historic hotels in the city.

Only 16 spaces available. Join us for the ultimate Mahler experience by registering here.

ITINERARY

Wednesday, May 7

Independent departures on overnight flights to Amsterdam.

Thursday, May 8

Upon arrival at AMS, transfer to the luxurious 5-star Hotel De L'Europe, where our stunning rooms overlook a scenic canal dead-centre in the heart of Old Amsterdam. De L’Europe is home to four restaurants: the two MICHELIN-star fine-dining restaurant Flore, the classic French Brasserie Marie, the authentic Italian Trattoria Graziella, and the iconic Freddy’s Bar. We could not have a finer home away from home.Once settled, rested and refreshed, we meet for a Welcome Dinner in the hotel.

Friday, May 9

After breakfast (included at the hotel each day), we enjoy a survey tour of Amsterdam, one of the world's most beautiful capital cities, decorated with abundant tranquil canals and 17th-century mansions. We end at the Royal Palace, with its superb collection of masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age. Early dinner is included before we make our way to the Concertgebouw for Mahler's Symphony No.1, featuring the Concertgebouw Orchestra under the baton of Klaus Mäkelä.

Saturday, May 10

Today we enjoy a private tour at the refurbished Rijksmuseum, with a stunning collection of Dutch masters. Lunch is included. Tonight we return to the Concertgebouw for the Budapest Festival Orchestra's performance of Symphony No.2 (Resurrection). With the Netherlands Radio Choir, Christiane Karg (soprano), Anna Lucia Richter (mezzo-soprano); Iván Fischer conducts.

Sunday, May 11

This morning we have a private visit at Rembrandt’s House and then the 17th-century Portuguese Synagogue. Early dinner is included prior to our concert: the NHK Symphony Orchestra, Women of the National Radio Choir and National Children’s Choir under the direction of Fabio Luisi performing Symphony No.3.

Monday, May 12

Enjoy the day at leisure. Early dinner is included before we return to the Concertgebouw for another concert with the NHK Symphony Orchestra and Fabio Luisi: Symphony No.4 and songs from Des Knaben Wunderhorn. Ying Fang (soprano), Matthias Goerne (baritone).

Tuesday, May 13

Today we visit the Van Gogh Museum, with the largest collection of his works anywhere, followed by an optional visit to the nearby Stedelijk Museum of modern and contemporary art. Lunch is included afterward. Tonight we hear Symphony No.5 and the Kindertotenlieder with the Budapest Festival Orchestra and Iván Fischer.

Wednesday, May 14

This morning we depart for a day trip to Haarlem for more exquisite painting and a memorable lunch. Tonight it's the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Jaap van Zweden performing Symphony No.6.

Thursday, May 15

Today we partake in an Anne Frank tour and canal cruise. After early dinner, we once again hear the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jaap van Zweden, this time performing Symphony No.7.

Friday, May 16

Enjoy the day at leisure. Tonight at the Concertgebouw we hear the house orchestra and National Radio Choir, Laurens Symfonisch, Le Chœur de l’Orchestre de Paris and the National Children’s Choir under the baton of Klaus Mäkelä performing Symphony No.8 (Symphony of a Thousand). Golda Schultz (soprano), Miriam Kutrowatz (soprano), Jennifer Johnston (alto), Okka von der Damerau (alto), Giorgio Berrugi (tenor), Michael Nagy (baritone), Tareq Nazmi (bass).

Saturday, May 17

Today we trek to The Hague for some guided historical and art touring and a superb lunch.

Tonight we meet for cocktails prior to the Berlin Philharmonic and Kirill Petrenko performing Symphony No.9.

Sunday, May 18

Enjoy the final day at leisure. Early Farewell Dinner is included prior to our final concert--the Berlin Philharmonic and maestro Daniel Barenboim (conductor) performing Das Lied von der Erde and the Adagio from Symphony No.10.

Monday, May 19

Departures to AMS included and advised on site.

TOUR INCLUDES

• Top Category seats for 10 concerts

• 11 nights Superior accommodation at the 5-star Sofitel Legend The Grand Hotel

• Full breakfast daily plus 10 additional meals 

• Private tours as listed

• Airport-hotel transfers 

• On-site Tour Direction

• Comprehensive Tour Guidebook

FLIGHTS

Flights are not included in tour pricing. Return flights should be booked to arrive in Amsterdam on May 8, 2025, with departure on May 19.

TRANSFERS

We provide airport/rail station—hotel transfers for arrivals and departures within within 3 days of the start/end of our tour. We also provide transfers for group meals and performances that are beyond a 10 minute walk.

MOBILITY

There is minimal walking with some stairs and cobblestones during the guided tours. As for all of our tours, we are happy to accommodate you regardless of your mobility level. Please make clear your mobility concerns at the time of registration. We provide transfers for group meals and performances that are beyond a 10 minute walk.

INSURANCE

We strongly recommend that all tour members purchase cancellation insurance upon registration. We can assist you with this, though you are welcome to purchase a policy at your own discretion. For more information about our travel insurance, click here.