My partner and I are planning to travel with Rick Steves' 21-day European tour in 2021. We are both musicians and music lovers. Has anyone taken this tour and gone out to live music clubs or festivals in the various cities along the way? Is there anything we need to cautious of in any particular city/country along the tour? We are genre agnostic so are interested in anything from punk to polka. Any particular recommendations for music venues or festivals you have experienced on this tour?
Posted by
Folsom, California
542 posts
I have no idea about this particular tour, but I find this website very helpful in finding music festivals all over the world. https://www.musicfestivalwizard.com/
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14837 posts
I’ve done this tour and it is such fun!
A number of us went to concerts in Venice while one couple managed to get tickets to the opera at La Fenice which was just 1/2 a block from the tour hotel. I went to see I Virtuosi Italiani in a deconsecrated church. We bought tickets the day of from the hotel. It was open seating so we got there early and had terrific seats. There are a number of concerts every night some with costumed musicians but we were told this group was excellent. I’m not a musician but I enjoyed it tremendously.
There are of course lots of live music venues in Paris.
I don’t remember anyone going to concerts in any of the other locations but that doesn’t mean there weren’t things available.
Since you are going in 2021 you’ve got time to plan so I’d recommend you arrive at least the day before the tour starts (2 nights is even better) and if you have the time, add a few days in Paris! This is a very busy tour so if you have a few days ahead to allow for any travel delays and to recover from jet lag you can hit the ground running with the tour.
I’d also mention during the first meet up that you are interested in music venues. The guide may have some things in mind as well.
Plan to have a wonderful time.
Posted by
Chicago
8182 posts
I go to Europe all the time and many festivals and clubs. It depends on where and when you are going in 2021.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14837 posts
For those that aren't aware, the tour itineraries are available under the "Our Tours" page of the website on the left side of the page (on a laptop). Here's the link for the 21 day Best of Europe.
https://www.ricksteves.com/tours/europe/europe-21-days
BTW, if you decide to book something ahead, I'd only do it on the nights where you have 2 nights in a location and I'd do it on the non-arrival night.
Posted by
CA
2156 posts
Neuschwanstein Castle Stop is where we had live, vibrant music at our hotel at dinner. One couple did an Adele concert and another did an opera in Florence.
I was too tired to stay up past 11 ish! It’s a very active tour.