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Massachusetts

Tanglewood: Meet the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Its Summer Home

Program No. 1553360MEADV-1116-60
Discover the historic summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, reveling in world-class music, fine art, local cuisine and pristine nature in the beautiful Berkshire Mountains.

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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.

DATES & PRICES

No shuttleRoundtrip airport transfer
Excludes round-trip airport shuttle transfers to and from the program location.
Includes round-trip airport shuttle transfers to and from the program location.
Jul 17 - Jul 21, 2025
No transfer 2,699
Roundtrip airport transfer 2,799
Itinerary Note

Specific concert details will be available in March of 2025.

Aug 7 - Aug 11, 2025
No transfer 2,699
Roundtrip airport transfer 2,799
Itinerary Note

Specific concert details will be available in March of 2025.

DATES & PRICES

No shuttleRoundtrip airport transfer
Excludes round-trip airport shuttle transfers to and from the program location.
Includes round-trip airport shuttle transfers to and from the program location.
Filling Fast!
Jul 17 - Jul 21, 2025
No transfer 3,099
Roundtrip airport transfer 3,199
Itinerary Note

Specific concert details will be available in March of 2025.

Aug 7 - Aug 11, 2025
No transfer 3,099
Roundtrip airport transfer 3,199
Itinerary Note

Specific concert details will be available in March of 2025.

This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
5 days
4 nights
11 meals
4B 3L 4D
2
Norman Rockwell, BSO Lectures, BSO Concert
Central Berkshires - Pittsfield
3
Morning Lecture, BSO Presentation, BSO Concert
Central Berkshires - Pittsfield
5
Program Concludes
Central Berkshires - Pittsfield
View Full Itinerary

At a Glance

Tanglewood has been the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra since 1936. Attend four concerts and discover the Tanglewood grounds on an expert-led exploration, with behind the-scenes access to performers and BSO staff. Hear instrument demonstrations with BSO musicians and attend lectures to heighten your enjoyment of the concerts.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking one hour or more, uneven terrain. Sitting during performances and lectures.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Attend live concerts at Tanglewood to take in the immense talent of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
  • Meet BSO instrumentalists to discuss what it is like to be in a world-class symphony orchestra, and learn from BSO staff about its inner workings.
  • Explore other unique parts of the Berkshires outside of the music scene, such as the Norman Rockwell Museum.

General Notes

Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available. Boston transfer at added cost. Additionally, due to the program lectures and concerts, we are limiting the enrollment to 70 people.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Jeremy Yudkin
Dr. Jeremy Yudkin is professor of music at Boston University, an associated faculty member of the Department of African American Studies, and visiting professor of music at Oxford University and Harvard University. Dr. Yudkin received his B.A. and M.A. from Cambridge University in classics and modern languages and his Ph.D. in historical musicology from Stanford University. He is the author of six books, and has written articles for journals including The Musical Quarterly, The Stanford Italian Review, The American Journal of Philology and others. Dr. Yudkin’s principal fields of research include medieval music, early Beethoven, popular music, and jazz.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Jeremy Yudkin
Jeremy Yudkin View biography
Dr. Jeremy Yudkin is professor of music at Boston University, an associated faculty member of the Department of African American Studies, and visiting professor of music at Oxford University and Harvard University. Dr. Yudkin received his B.A. and M.A. from Cambridge University in classics and modern languages and his Ph.D. in historical musicology from Stanford University. He is the author of six books, and has written articles for journals including The Musical Quarterly, The Stanford Italian Review, The American Journal of Philology and others. Dr. Yudkin’s principal fields of research include medieval music, early Beethoven, popular music, and jazz.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
5 days
Program Begins
Central Berkshires - Pittsfield
Program Concludes
Central Berkshires - Pittsfield
Meals
11 | 4B | 3L | 4D |
Activity Level
Tanglewood has been the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra since 1936. Attend four concerts and discover the Tanglewood grounds on an expert-led exploration, with behind the-scenes access to performers and BSO staff. Hear instrument demonstrations with BSO musicians and attend lectures to heighten your enjoyment of the concerts.)
Best of all, you'll...
  • Attend live concerts at Tanglewood to take in the immense talent of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
  • Meet BSO instrumentalists to discuss what it is like to be in a world-class symphony orchestra, and learn from BSO staff about its inner workings.
  • Explore other unique parts of the Berkshires outside of the music scene, such as the Norman Rockwell Museum.
General Notes
Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available. Boston transfer at added cost. Additionally, due to the program lectures and concerts, we are limiting the enrollment to 70 people.
Featured Expert
Profile Image
Jeremy Yudkin
Dr. Jeremy Yudkin is professor of music at Boston University, an associated faculty member of the Department of African American Studies, and visiting professor of music at Oxford University and Harvard University. Dr. Yudkin received his B.A. and M.A. from Cambridge University in classics and modern languages and his Ph.D. in historical musicology from Stanford University. He is the author of six books, and has written articles for journals including The Musical Quarterly, The Stanford Italian Review, The American Journal of Philology and others. Dr. Yudkin’s principal fields of research include medieval music, early Beethoven, popular music, and jazz.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking one hour or more, uneven terrain. Sitting during performances and lectures.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (4 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
Year
2025
  • 2025
Date
Aug 07 - Aug 11
  • Jul 17 - Jul 21
  • Aug 07 - Aug 11
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Aug 7 - Aug 11, 2025 Itinerary Differences: Specific concert details will be available in March of 2025.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
2025
  • 2025
Aug 07 - Aug 11
  • Jul 17 - Jul 21
  • Aug 07 - Aug 11
Aug 7 - Aug 11, 2025 Itinerary Differences: Specific concert details will be available in March of 2025.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
5 days
4 nights
What's Included
11 meals | 4B | 3L | 4D |
8 expert-led lectures
1 expert-led field trip
4 performances
An experienced Group Leader
4 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 3:00 p.m. After you have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any up-updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Your program materials will be sent to you a few days before the program, digitally, through your roadscholar.org account. This includes your program itinerary, any related handouts, and restaurant/free time suggestions. Please plan to print them out and bring along to the program, utilize the hotel's business center to access them, or view them on your own personal electronic device. Orientation: 5:15 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Knowledgeable group leaders, along with local experts, will provide educational content during your program. Program-related travel and transfers will be via private bus. Free time is reserved for your personal independent exploration. Please be aware that program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the full day ahead.
Activity Note
Getting in/out of a van. Walking up to 1 mile.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We'll take a ride by motor coach to the Norman Rockwell Museum. The museum is home to the world's largest collection of original Rockwell art. The American painter and illustrator is best known for the cover illustrations of everyday life he created for The Saturday Evening Post magazine for over nearly five decades. We will receive a docent-led studio tour and also have time for self-exploration. We then head to Tanglewood, one of the homes of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, which was built in the late 1930s. It is located in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts and hosts an annual music series showcasing major talents. We will examine its history in a presentation by a BSO administrator.
Lunch:
At the Formal Gardens tent on the Tanglewood campus, we’ll have boxed lunches.
Afternoon:
One of the highlights of this program is the opportunity to meet and hear from BSO musicians and administrators. This afternoon we will enjoy two presentations by some of the players and staff.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
We will have our first BSO performance of the program in the Shed. We suggest bringing warm clothing as it can get cold at night in the Berkshires. Performance: TBD
Activity Note
Walking up to 1 mile.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
At the hotel, we’ll be joined by Professor Jeremy Yudkin, chairperson of Boston University’s Musicology Department, for a presentation on topics related to our program
Lunch:
At the hotel.
Afternoon:
Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. We also will provide transportation for an elective field trip to Hancock Shaker Village. Participants will be responsible for this entrance fee. To expedite the entrance process, please bring $15 cash if you plan to attend. You may also pay with credit card there. The village contains twenty historic buildings and daily talks and demonstrations of music, woodworking, and more. We will regroup in the late afternoon at the hotel and depart to Tanglewood for a session with a BSO musician or administrator.
Dinner:
At Tanglewood.
Evening:
We will enjoy another BSO performance in the Shed. We suggest bringing warm clothing as it can get cold at night in the Berkshires. Performance: TBD.
Activity Note
Walking up to 1 mile.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will attend a Tanglewood Music Center (TMC) chamber music concert at Seiji Ozawa Hall performed by TMC Fellows. The Tanglewood Music Center Fellowship Program is the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s summer academy for advanced musical study. This program offers an intensive schedule of study and performance for emerging professional instrumentalists, singers, conductors, and composers who have completed most of their formal study.
Lunch:
At Tanglewood, we’ll have boxed lunches.
Afternoon:
We’ll hear a presentation by a BSO musician or administrator prior to attending our last concert of the program in the Shed. Performance: TBD.
Dinner:
Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This concludes our program. If you have elected to take the Road Scholar shuttle, it will leave promptly at 9:00 a.m. The drive will be 2.5-3 hours, depending on traffic. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
11 Meals
4 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
4 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Low Fat, Low Salt
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
Aug 07, 2025 - Aug 11, 2025
  • Aug 07, 2025 - Aug 11, 2025
  • Jul 17, 2025 - Jul 21, 2025
  • Aug 07, 2025 - Aug 11, 2025
4 nights
Location: Pittsfield
The Holiday Inn & Suites Pittsfield-Berkshires, formally known as the Berkshire Crowne Plaza Hotel, is in the heart of Pittsfield. The hotel is walking distance from some of the most popular museums and theaters in the area. The hotel has sweeping views of the Berkshire Hills from it's seasonal terrace and all the amenities one would need for an enjoyable stay.
4 nights
Location: Pittsfield
The Holiday Inn & Suites Pittsfield-Berkshires, formally known as the Berkshire Crowne Plaza Hotel, is in the heart of Pittsfield. The hotel is walking distance from some of the most popular museums and theaters in the area. The hotel has sweeping views of the Berkshire Hills from it's seasonal terrace and all the amenities one would need for an enjoyable stay.
Participant Reviews
5
Based on 13 Reviews
Sort By:
This participant did not give a star rating.
Penny – Class of 2024 | Albany, NY
The music was wonderful. The other participants were lovely, and the guide was very nice and caring. I enjoyed it very much. The accommodations were adequate. The food at the hotel was mediocre (we are plant-based) but it was very nice at Tanglewood, itself. I am anxious to return to Tanglewood at some point, since it's only an hour away from home and look forward to next summer.
— Review left September 15, 2024
Ellen – Class of 2005 | Mechanicsburg, PA
Thank you Road Scholar, Boston Symphony and Tanglewood for an amazing experience.
— Review left August 22, 2024
This participant did not give a star rating.
Darwin – Class of 1994 | Springfield, VA
The Tanglewood program is a wonderful experience. The facility is beautiful and well maintained. Music is the heart of the program and was lovely with the exception of a Sunday morning program of new composers. The members of the Boston Symphony staff who were the educational component were excellent.
— Review left August 19, 2024
John – Class of 2007 | Wakefield, MA
Great program -- great music and and an opportunity to learn from orchestra members
— Review left August 13, 2024
Karen – Class of 2017 | Caledonia, MI
This program is a "must" for anyone who enjoys classical music. The collaboration between Road Scholar and Tanglewood delivers a delightful experience filled with world class performances, learning opportunities, natural beauty and joy. Highly recommended.
— Review left July 27, 2024
Ann – Class of 2001 | Bowie, MD
The hotel was great with lots of room, very clean and serviced everyday. Lectures and Q & A with BSO musicians and Tanglewood staff were very informative, fun and a high lite of the program.
— Review left July 24, 2024
Larry – Class of 2015 | Framingham, MA
This is a not to be missed program. Berkshires and Tanglewood are beautiful, the concerts and speakers are all outstanding. It is extremely well run.
— Review left July 23, 2024
David – Class of 2024 | Henrico, VA
This is a program for people who enjoy listening to classical music, but not just a limited range of composers or style. The individual selections are selected by the BSO to market to their target audience, not to please all listeners with eve3ry selection. If you have an open mind, you might even stretch your comfort zone. Without a doubt, you will marvel at the quality of the performances!
— Review left August 14, 2023
John – Class of 2007 | Wakefield, MA
A great musical experience in a beautiful setting. The presentations and interactions with orchestra members greatly added to an outstanding experience.
— Review left August 14, 2023
Larry – Class of 2015 | Framingham, MA
The Road Scholar Trip to Tanglewood is excellent. The BSO concerts are outstanding and the lectures by members of the BSO are very educational. The location in the Berkshires is beautiful.
— Review left August 9, 2023
Irene – Class of 2022 | Fort Mill, SC
What an enjoyable way to learn !
— Review left August 3, 2023
Nora | Jenkintown, PA
If you enjoy classical music, this is the program for you!
— Review left July 25, 2023
Christine – Class of 2020 | Lees Summit, MO
I went in July 2023. It was a once in a lifetime experience. I recommend it for any music lover.
— Review left July 25, 2023





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