OPERA, BALLET CLASSICAL MUSIC HOLIDAYS · 2019-07-22 · TRAVELF OR THE ARTS +44 20 8799 8350 [email protected] AUTUMN, WINTER & SPRING 2019/20 OPERA, BALLET CLASSICAL MUSIC

TRAVEL FOR THE ARTS

www.travelforthearts.com +44 20 8799 8350 [email protected]

AUTUMN, WINTER & SPRING 2019/20

OPERA, BALLET CLASSICAL MUSIC

HOLIDAYS NEW TOURS FOR 2019/20

CHERRY BLOSSOM TIME IN JAPAN

NEW PARIS RING CYCLE

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pages 24 – 25

pages 12 - 17

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PRE-CHRISTMAS BALLET IN VILNIUS

OPERA AND SONG IN SEVILLE

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FIVE FESTIVE TOURS AT CHRISTMAS

AND NEW YEAR

welcome to the world of

OPERA, BALLET & CLASSICAL MUSIC HOLIDAYS

welcome

Tel: 020 8799 8350 | Email: [email protected] | www.travelforthearts.com

As ever, Travel for the Arts aims to offer the best of opera, ballet and classical music as part of a memorable holiday. Flights, world-class hotels, a wide range of sightseeing tours with knowledgeable guides and, of course, performances that include some of the world’s best classical artists - we take care of all the organisation so that you can relax and enjoy a wonderful few days in the company of others with similar cultural tastes.

Holidays are particularly special during the festive period. We have therefore put together a choice of three varied Christmas tours allowing you to celebrate in style, and two exceptional tours that will make New Year 2020 one to remember! In addition, we are offering a programme of Easter music in Budapest and our annual visit to Daniel Barenboim’s internationally-acclaimed Festtage in Berlin.

We know that our clients have come to expect the highest standard from Travel for the Arts and our small, professional and friendly team endeavour at all times to keep you more than satisfied.

CALENDAR OF TOURSDate Tour 24 – 27 Oct Music and More in Milan 628 Oct – 1 Nov A World Premiere at Wexford 728 Nov – 9 Dec Buenos Aires and Beyond 8 – 92 – 7 Dec Sensational singers in Spain 1019 – 23 Dec Pre-Christmas ballet in Vilnius 1121 – 26 Dec Christmas in Ljubljana and Zagreb 1324 – 28 Dec A Viennese Christmas 1424 – 29 Dec Christmas in Berlin 1528 Dec – 2 Jan New Year with Mozart in Prague 1630 Dec – 3 Jan A Celebratory New Year in Parma 1714 – 20 Jan Return to The Ring in Leipzig 1912 – 16 Feb Opera and Song in Seville 2213 – 16 Mar Renée Fleming in Baden-Baden 2322 – 30 Mar Cherry Blossom time in Japan 24 – 2525 – 30 Mar The Mariinsky Ballet in St Petersburg 269 – 13 Apr The 25th Berlin Festtage 279 – 14 Apr Easter celebrations in Budapest 2827 May – 1 Jun Ballet trio in Munich 2927 May – 1 Jun Don Carlo in Dresden 30 – 3129 Nov – 7 Dec New Paris Ring cycle 20 – 21

AUTUMN, WINTER & SPRING 2019/20We are delighted to present our choice of opera, ballet and classical music taking place throughout the 2019/20 season, with a focus on special festive programmes at Christmas, New Year and Easter.

CONTENTS Page

Tours with late availability 4Tours 6 – 31À la Carte information 32 – 33

All tours mentioned in this brochure (as well as additional tours) are available to view online at www.travelforthearts.comMany of our holidays are filled very quickly after the brochure launch. Sometimes they are fully booked after appearing on our website or as advance information in our Newsletter, so we would encourage you to book early if you are interested in one of our group tours.

MAKE AN ENQUIRYYou can make an enquiry about one of our tours in three ways:• Call us on 020 8799 8350 • Email [email protected] • Visit our website www.travelforthearts.com and make an

enquiry by going into the tour and completing the enquiry form.If space is available on the tour of your choice you will be given a 7-day option.

COMPLETE A BOOKING FORMOnce you have your option, we require a completed booking form. This can be downloaded from our website http://www.travelforthearts.com/how-to-book/ When you return your booking form we require your deposit or full payment (see Late Bookings below). You must read and agree to the Terms and Conditions.

LATE BOOKINGS If you book within 8 weeks of departure, you will need to provide a credit/debit card number or send us a cheque for the full amount of the holiday.

BOOKING REFERENCEWhen you make an enquiry you will be given a booking reference. Please quote your booking reference on all subsequent correspondence.

MOBILITYPlease note that most tours involve walking tours of approximately 3 hours. If you have difficulty with mobility you may be asked to sit out some of the activities on the itinerary.

PERFORMANCE TICKETSAll performance tickets are subject to confirmation. This is due to the differences in the way opera houses administer their ticket sales and the limited availability of certain performances. We will inform you at the point of booking when we expect to receive confirmation of the performance tickets; in most cases this will be 12 weeks prior to departure, although this can vary depending on the destination.

SEATING ARRANGEMENTSFor all included performances we obtain best available tickets (as specified by the venue). However many of the older theatres in Europe have non-staggered rows, little rake, cramped legroom and sometimes poor sightlines. Please be assured that we do our best to request the best available tickets for all performances but that, on occasion, allowances might need to be made for the age and layout of the venue.

OPENING HOURSOur office hours are Monday – Friday 9.30am to 5.30pm. We are closed on UK public holidays. There is an answerphone and we will return any out-of-hours telephone calls on the next working day if you leave your name and telephone number.

BOOKING DETAILS

All information is available on our website www.travelforthearts.com.

All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays in this brochure are financially protected by the ATOL scheme under ATOL no.2178. When you pay for a flight inclusive holiday you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to:www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate

LE CORSAIRE BY WIENER STAATSBALLETT © ASHLEY TAYLOR

COVER IMAGE: LA CENERENTOLA BY SNG OPERA IN BALET LJUBLJANA

© DARJA ŠTRAVS TISU

Travel For The Arts 3rd Floor, Craven House 40-44 Uxbridge Road, Ealing London W5 2BS Telephone: +44 20 8799 8350 E-mail: [email protected] www.travelforthearts.com

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welcome

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EXPERTS IN CULTURAL TRAVELAll our tours are planned and led by experts in travel and performing arts. Many of our tour managers are also professional musicians and music specialists. Below is a selection of the many people who work with us to ensure that you have the best experience possible.

Carol Savage is a professional concert and opera singer, with a degree in History of Art from London University.

Zita Stockwell has been leading our tours for over 25 years and is an expert on many destinations, particularly her native Budapest. She is a keen opera and concert attendee.

Amaryllis Logotheti was born in Greece and lived in Cyprus, Turkey, France and Germany, and has been working as a tour manager for over ten years.

Stephen Carpenter has planned and led several tours in association with us over the last three years and continues to offer tours to music festivals with his company, Carpenter Holidays.

Patrick Mylon will be familiar to many of our guests, having tour managed for over ten years. He is a true opera fan, particularly of Wagner, and has attended more than ten Ring Cycles.

Averil Harrison-Thuemmel has managed tours while based in Vancouver, Beijing, New York, Mumbai and Berlin. She is an avid choral singer and former military musician.

Eva Gordon-Smith is a consultant, lecturer and Blue Badge Guide. She has been managing concert tours in a number of European countries for 25 years.

Richard Savage C.E.O.

NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENTWe are delighted to be able to offer our single travellers the opportunity to book some of our tours with No Single Supplement. Please look out for this feature in the introduction box of the relevant tour.

Joel Rubenstein Head of Tour Operations

Pablo Basombrio Sales and

Reservations Manager

TRAVEL FOR THE ARTS TEAM

Mark Saunsbury à la Carte

Reservations Manager

Gisela Pereira Marketing Manager

Vanessa Kyriacou Product Manager


Helena Matheopoulos, Associate Editor of Opera Now magazine and author of eight books, is one of our knowledgeable speakers to give talks on a variety of operatic subjects.

Rita Grudzień is our Programme Researcher who takes exceptional care in programming the quality tours you see in our publications. For many years, she worked at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.

Tel: 020 8799 8350 | Email: [email protected] | www.travelforthearts.com 3

BROCHURE HIGHLIGHTS

DON CARLO IN DRESDEN27 May – 1 June Tour code: DRS1Price from £2150 ppThree great operatic works await you at the Semperoper in Dresden – a new production of Verdi’s Don Carlo with Anna Netrebko and Yusif Eyvazov, a classic Fidelio as part of Beethoven’s 250th anniversary celebrations, and an oriental view of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly.

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BALLET TRIO IN MUNICH27 May – 1 June Tour code: MUC1Price from £2125 ppGeorge Balanchine’s dazzling three-act ballet Jewels, Yuri Grigorovich’s powerful production of Spartacus and John Neumeier’s The Lady of the Camelias form a tempting trio of ballets on offer at Munich’s Staatsoper - a “must-see” tour for any lover of ballet.

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CARMEN BY SNG OPERA IN BALET LJUBLJANA © DARJA ŠTAVS TISU

SENSATIONAL SINGERS IN SPAIN2 – 7 December Tour code: SPA2Price from £2095 ppThis two-city tour to Spain boasts superb singers: tenor Javier Camarena and star soprano Sonya Yoncheva in Bellini’s seldom-staged opera Il Pirata in Madrid, plus Roberto Alagna and Aleksandra Kurzak in an award-winning production of Cavalleria rusticana / Pagliacci in Barcelona.

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RENÉE FLEMING IN BADEN-BADEN13 – 16 March Tour code: BAD1Price from £1820 ppWorld-renowned soprano Renée Fleming and the great Russian pianist Evgeny Kissin present a special recital as part of this spring visit to the beautiful spa town of Baden-Baden, with a talk entitled ‘The Art of Renée Fleming’ by author Helena Matheopoulos and a possible short Q&A with the distinguished singer herself.

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On these pages we offer a reminder of current tours on sale which still have some availability. Please see our website www.travelforthearts.com for more details, and telephone us on +44 20 8799 8350 or email [email protected] to reserve your place.

Remember we can book from local airports - please

contact us for a quote.

2019/2020 TOURS WITH LATE AVAILABILITY

THE ROSSINI OPERA FESTIVAL IN PESARO 13 – 17 August 2019 Tour Code: PES1

This annual Festival is entirely devoted to Pesaro’s most famous son, the composer (and gourmet) Gioachino Rossini. The 2019 Festival offers the opportunity to hear two early works – Demetrio e Polibio and L’equivoco stravagante – both written when Rossini was still a teenager, and the more mature Semiramide – a true gem of bel canto.

Tour highlights: • 4-star accommodation at Hotel Savoy, situated in the heart of Pesaro• First category tickets for three operas, including two new productions• Walking tour “in the footsteps of Rossini"

THE VERDI FESTIVAL IN PARMA2 – 6 October 2019 Tour Code: PMF1

The food capital of Italy, Parma is also a city of art and great music. Its annual Verdi Festival offers an insight into the life and works of its local and much-loved composer, Giuseppe Verdi. Hear the famous Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves in Nabucco, the triumphal March from Aida and the romantic drama of Luisa Miller in three stunning theatrical venues.

Tour highlights: • 4-star accommodation at the centrally-located Hotel Sina Maria Luigia• First category tickets for three Verdi operas (including two new productions

with one being optional) in three different theatres• Backstage tour of the Teatro Regio, one of the most beautiful theatres in Italy

FROM£1995

per person

THE SALZBURG FESTIVAL 28 August – 2 September 2019 Tour Code: SZG2

Many of the world’s greatest artists will gather in the city of Mozart to deliver a programme of musical depth and discovery with two new productions: Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra, conducted by Valery Gergiev, and Offenbach’s entertaining Orphée aux Enfers, plus a concert performance of Verdi’s Luisa Miller starring Plácido Domingo. Andris Nelsons conducts the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig and pianist Murray Perahia performs with the Vienna Philharmonic under the baton of the legendary Bernard Haitink.

Tour highlights: • Choice of 4 or 5-star accommodation in the centre of Salzburg• Three concerts and two productions• Legendary singers, conductors and musicians

NEW RING CYCLE IN CHICAGO 26 April – 5 May 2020 Tour Code: CHI1

An absolute must for Wagner lovers is the new Ring cycle at Lyric Opera of Chicago. Music director Sir Andrew Davis conducts a superlative cast of great Wagnerian singers in this new production by Sir David Pountney. We have carefully selected matinée performances for you and arranged a special talk by Roger Pines, a regular panelist on the Met’s Opera Quiz. Beyond Valhalla, the city of Chicago awaits discovery.

Tour highlights: • 4-star accommodation at Kimpton Gray Hotel, a short walk from the Lyric• Matinée performances and prime seats for all four operas• A bespoke introductory talk by the Lyric’s dramaturg Roger Pines• Discussion with Sir Andrew Davis and select members of the cast

FROM£3325

per person

4 Tel: 020 8799 8350 | Email: [email protected] | www.travelforthearts.com

FROM£2095

per person

FROM£4695

per person

DEMETRIO E POLIBIO © STUDIO AMATI BACCIARDI

WIENERPHILHARMONIKER © ANNEZEUNER / SALZBURG FESTIVAL

DIE WALKÜRE © CORY WEAVERGIUSEPPE VERDI STATUE IN PARMA

AUTUMN, WINTER AND SPRING TOURSSome of the world’s most sublime singers feature in the tours on offer during our Autumn, Winter and Spring season: Renée Fleming, Anna Netrebko, Yusif Eyvazov, Carlos Álvarez, Sonya Yoncheva, Javier Camarena, Roberto Alagna and Aleksandra Kurzak, to name just a few. We introduce Vilnius for a pre-Christmas treat and also travel to Japan to witness the stunning spectacle of Cherry Blossom time, whilst a sojourn to Seville will help keep the winter blues away!

5 Tel: 020 8799 8350 | Email: [email protected] | www.travelforthearts.comKIYOMIZU-DERA TEMPLE IN KYOTO

autumn, winter & spring tours

THU 24 OCT Arrive at noon at Milan Malpensa and transfer (approx. 1 hour) to the 4-star Hotel Cavour, situated in one of the most elegant parts of Milan and just a short walk to Teatro alla Scala. Spend the afternoon at leisure before dinner in a local restaurant.

FRI 25 OCT Today is a special tour dedicated to opera and Verdi. Start with a private visit to the Ricordi Archive and study the manuscript scores, libretti, designs, letters and photographs that form the historic legacy of this hugely-important publishing house. Continue to the Teatro alla Scala museum to discover numerous treasures of the world of Italian opera and theatre and finish the tour with a private visit to Casa Verdi, home to retired musicians and opera singers founded by Verdi himself, and the resting place of the great composer and his wife Giuseppina Strepponi. The rest of the day is at leisure before the evening’s opera performance.

SAT 26 OCT Travel the short distance to Monza for a guided tour of the 14th-century Cathedral with its black and white marble façade and adjacent campanile. Inside the Cathedral is the Zavattari chapel, dedicated to a family of local painters, which contains the legendary Iron Crown, supposedly cast from a nail taken from the Cross of Christ. Of particular note are the recently-renovated frescoes by the Zavattari brothers in the Theodelinda Chapel. Walk to Villa Reale where you will have lunch and time to relax in this stunningly beautiful Royal Palace. You will then transfer the short distance to Briosco and a private tour of the Villa of Lost Sounds which houses a collection of historic keyboard instruments.

Enjoy a concert before returning to Milan in time for the ballet performance that evening.

SUN 27 OCT Check-out and transfer to Cremona, the City of Violins, where you will have a guided tour of the Violin Museum with a demonstration on ancient instruments made by the famed craftsman Antonio Stradivarius. Lunch will be in a local restaurant before the early evening flight home.


opera & ballet

MUSIC AND MORE IN MILAN

Price from £1995 pp

24 – 27 October 2019 Tour code: MIL1

NEW PRODUCTION

Immerse yourself in the world of opera, ballet, theatre and musicality in this cultural city. At the famed Teatro alla Scala enjoy a night at the ballet Onegin and a new production of Handel’s Giulio Cesare performed on historical instruments, with Bejun Mehta and Philippe Jaroussky in leading roles. This tour also includes private visits to the Ricordi Archive (one of the world's most important private music collections), Casa Verdi, a concert at the Villa of Lost Sounds in Briosco and a demonstration of various Stradivarii instruments at the Violin Museum in Cremona.

MILAN CATHEDRAL

TEATRO ALLA SCALA

PROGRAMME AT TEATRO ALLA SCALA

25 Oct 19.30 GIULIO CESARE Handel Inc D: Robert Carsen C: Giovanni Antonini Cast includes: Philippe Jaroussky, Bejun Mehta, Sara Mingardo, Christian Senn, Renato Dolcini New production

26 Oct 20.00 ONEGIN Inc Choreography: John Cranko Music: Tchaikovsky

Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, one dinner, two lunches, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included performance, opera and ballet synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.

FLIGHTS

British Airways 24 Oct London Heathrow - Milan Malpensa dep: 09.20 arr: 12.20 27 Oct Milan Malpensa - London Heathrow dep: 18.45 arr: 19.50Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON)

Tour price £1995 Single room supplement £210 Club Europe flight upgrade from £350 Land-only tour price £1875 Deposit required £400

“Our first trip - and we could not have been happier with it.”Prof H, Scotland

7Tel: 020 8799 8350 | Email: [email protected] | www.travelforthearts.com

opera

A WORLD PREMIERE AT WEXFORD


28 October – 1 November 2019 Tour code: WEX1

WORLD PREMIERE | NEW PRODUCTIONS

It is always a pleasure to return to Wexford and its annual opera festival. With the focus on little-known operas, this year’s programme includes new productions of Massenet’s Don Quichotte and Vivaldi’s Dorilla in Tempe. A festival highlight is the World Premiere of La cucina, an opera by Irish composer Andrew Synnott with a libretto by Wexford’s Artistic Director-designate Rosetta Cucchi. This will be performed alongside Rossini’s one-act opera Adina in a delightful production first seen at the Rossini Opera Festival in 2018.

ADINA © STUDIO AMATI BACCIARDI

MON 28 OCT Mid-afternoon arrival at Dublin airport and transfer via coach to Wexford (approx. 2 hours). Check in at the 4-star Talbot Hotel, ideally located overlooking the River Slaney in the heart of the town. Welcome drinks and canapés at the hotel with the rest of the evening at leisure.

TUE 29 OCT Meet your guide this morning for a fascinating and informative walking tour of Wexford. Vikings, Normans, soldiers, sailors, pirates, prisoners, monks and martyrs have all contributed to the rich and often turbulent history of this now peaceful and prosperous town. At the end of the tour, there will be

a welcome lunch in a local restaurant. In the early evening there is the opportunity to attend a pre-performance talk before the opera.

WED 30 OCT A half-day excursion to the medieval city of Kilkenny, famous for its festivals, bustling crafts industry, cobbled lanes, secret passages and majestic 12th-century castle. After lunch in a local restaurant, return to Wexford to spend the afternoon as you wish before the optional pre-opera talk and evening performance.

THU 31 OCT Join your guide for a visit to the nearby town of New Ross to see the extraordinary Ros Tapestries - a modern-day Bayeux Tapestry depicting events around

the Anglo-Norman arrival in the South-East of Ireland - created by teams of local skilled embroiderers since 1998. This is followed by a visit to the Dunbrody Irish Emigrant Experience which tells the story of Irish emigration and the many people who chose to leave their country for a new life across the ocean. Return to Wexford for a free afternoon before the optional pre-performance talk and that evening’s World Premiere and companion piece.

FRI 1 NOV Transfer to Dublin airport for the homeward flight.

PROGRAMME AT THE NATIONAL OPERA HOUSE

Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, welcome drink and canapés, two lunches, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, best available ticket for each included performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.

FLIGHTS

British Airways 28 Oct London Heathrow - Dublin dep: 13.20 arr: 14.45 1 Nov Dublin - London Heathrow dep: 15.30 arr: 16.50Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON)


29 Oct 20.00 DON QUICHOTTE Massenet Inc D: Rodula Gaitanou C: Timothy Myers Cast includes: Aigul Akhmetshina, Goderdzi Janelidze, Olafur Sigurdarson, Gavan Ring New production

30 Oct 20.00 DORILLA IN TEMPE Vivaldi Inc D: Fabio Ceresa C: Andrea Marchiol Cast includes: Manuela Custer, Carlo Allemano, Veronique Valdés, Josè Maria Lo Monaco, Rosa Bove New production

31 Oct 20.00 LA CUCINA Synnott / ADINA Rossini Inc D: Rosetta Cucchi C: Michele Spotti Cast: Luca Nucera, Manuel Amati, Sheldon Baxter, Máire Flavin, Emmanuel Franco, Rachel Kelly, Lévy Sekgapane, Daniele Antonangeli, Manuel Amati, Emanuel Franco World Premiere

WEXFORD OPERA HOUSE

“This tour met the high standards I have come to expect from Travel for the Arts which is why

they are always my first choice.”Ms G, Devon

opera

BUENOS AIRES AND BEYOND


28 November – 9 December 2019 Tour code: BUE1

NEW DESTINATION | NEW PRODUCTION LATIN AMERICAN PREMIERE

A journey of a lifetime is to be had on this exciting new tour to South America. Start in Buenos Aires, a city that combines faded European grandeur with Latin passion, then travel to Tigre, the ‘Venice of Argentina’. Head to the pampas for a unique ‘gaucho’ experience and later cross the Rio de la Plata for a day in the small, yet beautiful historical town of Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. No visit to this vibrant part of the world would be complete without an evening of Tango and a visit to one of the most important opera houses in the world, the Teatro Colón, where so many singers of the ‘Golden Age’ of opera made their careers.


THU 28 NOV Overnight flight to Buenos Aires.

FRI 29 NOV Arrival and transfer (approx. 1 hour) for check-in at the 4-star Carles Hotel, situated in the elegant area of Recoleta with its stunning architecture, boutiques and art galleries. Rest and relax before a welcome dinner in a nearby restaurant.

SAT 30 NOV Join your guide this morning for a tour of Argentina’s capital city, the 'Paris of South America'. Brave the widest street in the world then explore the important Plaza de Mayo with its iconic pink government house. Soak up the historic atmosphere in the Italian barrios and continue to the modern area of Puerto Madero. Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure before the excitement of the evening’s entertainment at El Querandí where you will dine in real Argentinian style and be introduced to the history of Tango.

SUN 1 DEC Leave Buenos Aires and travel to the nearby town of Tigre, a popular weekend destination for those wishing to escape city life. Take a private boat to best experience this watery world of islands and small rivers, with stilt houses, old mansions and aristocratic rowing clubs. Stop at the Tigre Art Museum, housed in a stunning belle-époque building before lunch at the charming Villa Julia. Return to Buenos Aires and the evening at leisure.

MON 2 DEC Spend the morning as you wish before the afternoon tour of Recoleta and its famous cemetery, the burial place of many of the country's leaders and cultural figures, including Evita Perón. End the tour with tea at the traditional and popular café La Biela. The rest of the day is at leisure.

TUE 3 DEC Travel to one of the oldest estancias in Argentina and immerse yourself in the life of a gaucho. Stop en route at the town of San Antonio de Areco, renowned for its silversmiths, and witness one

of these skilled craftsmen at work. After welcome drinks and traditional empanadas at the ranch, enjoy a folk show and taste a true Argentinian asado (barbeque). There will be time to relax and have tea and cakes before the return to Buenos Aires.

WED 4 DEC Discover further aspects of Buenos Aires on this second city tour. Start at Palermo Woods - the lungs of the city - and continue to the majestic Barrio Parque. A highlight will be a backstage tour of the architecturally impressive Teatro Colón, where you will walk in the footsteps of Caruso and Callas, Nijinksy and Nureyev, Saint-Saëns and Strauss. The rest of the day is at leisure before the Latin American Premiere that evening.

THU 5 DEC This morning starts with a visit to the museum of modern Latin American art. Considered the country’s best museum, this bold contemporary construction houses some of the most avant-garde and revolutionary modern art in the world, including works by Frida Khalo and Diego Rivera. Move on to the Evita Museum for a fascinating insight into Argentina's most famous first lady. Lunch will be in a local restaurant with the rest of the day at leisure.

FRI 6 DEC Take a ferry across the Rio de la Plata to the historic town of Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay. Wander the winding cobbled streets of this quaint colonial town and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. Spend time at leisure before the return ferry to Buenos Aires.

SAT 7 DEC Today is free for you to explore the city further or do some last-minute shopping. Farewell lunch at El Federal, a restaurant which showcases dishes from many different parts of Argentina. Take time to rest and relax before the evening’s opera performance at the Teatro Colón.

SUN 8 DEC Check-out and transfer to the airport for the flight home.

MON 9 DEC Early morning arrival in London.

FLIGHTS

British Airways 28 Nov London Heathrow - Buenos Aires dep: 22.10 arr: 09.05 (+1) 8 Dec Buenos Aires - London Heathrow dep: 14.20 arr: 06.35 (+1)Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON)

Tour price £3395 Single room supplement £675 Premium Economy upgrade from £450 Land-only tour price £2600 Deposit required £600

PROGRAMME

4 Dec 20.00 MITRIDATE, RE DI PONTO Mozart Inc D: Julián Ignacio Garcés C: Ulises Maino Cast: Santiago Martínez, Constanza Díaz Falú, Florencia Burgardt, Martín Oro, María Goso Venue: Theatre 25 de Mayo Latin American Premiere

7 Dec 20.00 THE TALES OF HOFFMANN Offenbach Inc D: Eugenio Zanetti C: Enrique Arturo Diemecke Cast: Darío Schmunck, Fernando Radó, Oriana Favaro, Guadalupe Barrientos, Paula Almerares, Adriana Mastrángelo Venue: Teatro Colón New production

Please note that tickets will be confirmed in late summer.

Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, two dinners, five lunches, two teas, welcome drinks and empanadas, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.

TEATRO COLÓN

opera


PATAGONIABased in El Calafate, a small town on the edge of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, you will witness the wonders of this region’s extraordinary landscape with its many majestic glaciers.

DAY 1 Fly to El Calafate and check-in at the boutique Hotel Patagonia Queen, a short distance from Lake Argentino.

DAY 2 Join your guide for a full-day excursion to Los Glaciares National Park, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site owing to its breathtaking natural beauty. A highlight will be a boat trip to the front of the famous and spectacular Perito Moreno glacier.

DAY 3 Spend the day on Lake Argentino with a boat cruise from Puerto Bandera towards Upsala glacier, the largest in South America. Continue to Bahía Onelli, where you will disembark and walk through the impressive woodland till you reach Lake Onelli and the Agassiz, Onelli and Bolados glaciers. Back on board to the Spegazzini glacier before returning to the hotel.

DAY 4 Transfer to El Calafate airport.

IGUAZÚ FALLSThe sight and sound of Iguazú Falls is truly astonishing and awe-inspiring. Prepare to be impressed by the world’s largest waterfalls, one of the wonders of the natural world.

DAY 1 Fly to Iguazú and transfer to the 5-star Loi Suites Hotel, located on the banks of the river Iguazú.

DAY 2 Join your guide for a full day at Iguazú National Park. Enter the rainforest by the Yacaratiá trail and head to Puerto Macuco from where you will take a boat towards the waterfalls. At Tres Mosqueteros, you will see the falls of both the Argentine and Brazilian sides crowned by the view of the tallest waterfall, the Devil’s Throat. Another highlight is the incomparable San Martín waterfall. Return to Puerto Macuco for the drive back to the hotel.

DAY 3 Transfer to Iguazú airport.

MENDOZALocated near the Andes Mountains in western Argentina, Mendoza is renowned for its wine production, in particular the Malbec grape variety. An oenophile’s dream, several wine routes connect the area’s many bodegas.

DAY 1 Fly to Mendoza and check-in at the Posada Verde Oliva, surrounded by vineyards and olive trees.

DAY 2 A full day in the Valle de Uco, a prominent wine-growing region, with the opportunity to taste a variety of wines, in particular the locally-renowned Malbec. Travel along the ‘Wine Road’, past numerous vineyards and wineries towards the town of Tupungato with views of the snow-capped Tupungato Volcano and the Andes Mountains.

DAY 3 A half day visit to the Luján and Maipú wineries with wine-tasting at each.

DAY 4 Transfer to Mendoza airport.

For those wishing to further their exploration of Argentina, Travel for the Arts is delighted to offer the possibility of three additional tours on request:

PRE/POST TOURS

CAMINITO

SAN ANTONIO DE ARECO

MON 2 DEC Afternoon arrival in Madrid and transfer by coach to the 4-star Hotel Emperador. Centrally located on the Gran Vía in the heart of city, it is only a 5-minute walk to Teatro Real. Welcome drinks and canapés will be served in the hotel with the evening free for you to dine in one of the many excellent restaurants that Madrid has to offer.

TUE 3 DEC The day starts with a visit to the world-famous El Prado Museum which this year celebrates its bicentenary. Your guided tour will focus on many of the Spanish Masters on display, notably El Greco, Ribera, Velázquez and Goya. Lunch is in a local restaurant with the afternoon at leisure before the opera performance that evening at Teatro Real.

WED 4 DEC Today is a full-day excursion outside of the city to the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. The most important architectural monument of the Spanish Renaissance, this vast complex was conceived by Philip II who wanted a building that would serve as a palace, a monastery and as a burial place for his father, the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant before the return to Madrid and the evening at leisure.

THU 5 DEC Transfer by train to Barcelona (approx. 3 hours) and check in at the 4-star superior Hotel Barcelona Center, located in the heart of the Eixample district. There will be time to rest and relax before transferring to the Gran Teatre del Liceu for that evening’s double-bill, which will include interval drinks at the theatre.

FRI 6 DEC Join your guide this morning and discover the work of the unique Catalan architect, Antoni Gaudí. You will visit Casa Batlló - considered to be one of his masterpieces - and Casa Milà, the last building Gaudí designed before devoting himself completely to the construction of the Sagrada Familia. The tour ends with a farewell lunch in a local restaurant and the rest of the day at leisure.

SAT 7 DEC Spend the morning at leisure for either last-minute shopping or sightseeing, then transfer to the airport for your homeward journey.

SENSATIONAL SINGERS IN SPAIN


2 – 7 December 2019 Tour code: SPA2

NEW PRODUCTION

Acclaimed artists - singers, painters and architects - form this two-city tour to Spain. Bellini’s seldom-staged opera Il Pirata is performed at Teatro Real in Madrid, with the thrilling tenor Javier Camarena as the eponymous pirate and star soprano Sonya Yoncheva as the object of his love (joined on stage that night by her younger brother, Marin Yonchev). At the Liceu in Barcelona, celebrated husband and wife duo Roberto Alagna and Aleksandra Kurzak appear in a double dose of operatic verismo - Cavalleria rusticana and Pagliacci – in Damian Michieletto’s clever and convincing production, which won the Laurence Olivier Opera Award in 2016.

ROBERTO ALAGNA AND ALEKSANDRA KURZAK


opera

IL PIRATA BY TEATRO ALLA SCALA © BRESCIA E AMISANO

Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, three lunches, welcome drinks and canapés, interval drinks, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, best available ticket for each included performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.

FLIGHTS

British Airways 2 Dec London Heathrow - Madrid dep: 12.55 arr: 16.15 7 Dec Barcelona - London Heathrow dep: 14.15 arr: 15.40Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON)


PROGRAMME

3 Dec 20.00 IL PIRATA Bellini Inc D: Emilio Sagi C: Maurizio Benini Cast includes: Javier Camarena, Sonya Yoncheva, George Petean, Marin Yonchev, Felipe Bou, María Miró Venue: Teatro Real, Madrid New production. Co-production with Teatro alla Scala, Milan

Please note that tickets to Teatro Real will be confirmed closer to the date of departure.

5 Dec 20.00 CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA / PAGLIACCI Inc Mascagni / Leoncavallo D: Damiano Michieletto C: Henrik Nánási Cast includes: Roberto Alagna, Aleksandra Kurzak, Elena Pankratova, Mercedes Gancedo, Gabriele Viviani, Duncan Rock, Elena Zilio, Vicenç Esteve Venue: Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona Co-production with The Royal Opera, Covent Garden

PRE-CHRISTMAS BALLET IN VILNIUS


19 – 23 December 2019 Tour code: VNO1

NEW DESTINATION

A rich and colourful city, Vilnius is the charming capital of Lithuania and a true gem of the Baltics. Enjoy the spectacular architecture and fascinating heritage of the Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and delight in the many festive Christmas markets that make this city such a wonderful winter destination. Two ballets - The Blue Danube and The Nutcracker - plus the option of Johann Strauss’s operetta Die Fledermaus add to this delightful pre-Christmas tour.

THE BLUE DANUBE BY LITHUANIAN NATIONAL OPERA AND BALLET THEATRE © MARTYNAS ALEKSA

THU 19 DEC Arrive mid-afternoon in Vilnius and transfer the short distance to the Grand Hotel Kempinski. This elegant 5-star hotel is located on Cathedral Square in the heart of the Old Town, with many of the city’s main tourist attractions within walking distance. Relax or take advantage of the hotel’s spa facilities before a welcome dinner that evening.

FRI 20 DEC Join your guide for a tour of the Old Town, where sights include the stunning neo-classical Cathedral and adjacent 13th-century Bell Tower, historic Pillies Street and the Gate of Dawn, one of the city’s most important religious, historical and cultural monuments which contains the ‘Vilnius

Madonna’ - an icon of the Virgin Mary said to have miraculous powers. Finish the tour with a visit to the Amber Museum-Gallery to view an array of beautiful Baltic Gold. Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure before the performance that evening.

SAT 21 DEC Morning excursion to Trakai, the former capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, famous for its picturesque landscape and distinctive Turkish-style settlements. Visit the legendary Trakai Castle and museum before lunch in a local restaurant offering impressive views of the Castle. Return to Vilnius for the optional performance or the evening at leisure.

SUN 22 DEC The day is free for you to further explore this fascinating city or do some shopping at one of the many Christmas markets. The largest market is conveniently located in Cathedral Square, or you may prefer to escape the crowds and visit the more intimate market in Town Hall Square. Transfer to the theatre for the early evening ballet performance.

MON 23 DEC Spend the morning at leisure. Farewell lunch in a local restaurant before travelling to the airport for the homeward flight.

PROGRAMME AT THE LITHUANIAN NATIONAL OPERA AND BALLET THEATRE

20 Dec 18.30 THE BLUE DANUBE Inc Choreography: Andrej Melanjin Music: J. Strauss

21 Dec 18.30 DIE FLEDERMAUS J. Strauss £35 D: Gediminas Šeduikis C: Julius Geniušas Cast includes: Steponas Zonys, Viktoria Miškūnaitė, Monika Pleškytė, Laimonas Pautienius, Inesa Linaburgyte

22 Dec 18.00 THE NUTCRACKER Inc Choreography: Krzysztof Pastor Music: Tchaikovsky

Please note that Die Fledermaus is sung in Lithuanian with English surtitles for the arias only.

Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, one dinner, two lunches, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included performance, ballet and operetta synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.

FLIGHTS

LOT Polish Airlines 19 Dec London City - Vilnius dep: 09.30 arr: 14.30 23 Dec Vilnius - London City dep: 17.00 arr: 18.00Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON)



opera & ballet

TRAKAI CASTLE

FESTIVE TOURSWe have a number of special seasonal tours on offer, starting at Christmas with operatic delights in Ljubljana, Vienna and Berlin. In Prague, you can bring in the New Year with a Gala concert and dancing on the stage of the elegant Estates Theatre, or join us in Parma as the city celebrates the start of its year as the Italian Capital of Culture.

PRAGUE CASTLE AND CATHEDRAL OF SAINTS VITU AT NEW YEAR12 Tel: 020 8799 8350 | Email: [email protected] | www.travelforthearts.com

festive tours

SAT 21 DEC Late afternoon arrival in Ljubljana and transfer to the InterContinental, the city’s first 5-star hotel. Located in the heart of Ljubljana, it offers stunning panoramic views and is only a few steps away from the main attractions, including the opera house. Welcome dinner that evening in the hotel’s rooftop B-restaurant, known for its fine cuisine.

SUN 22 DEC Join your guide this morning for a walking tour of Ljubljana. The main attractions include the beautifully-decorated Ljubljana Cathedral, the pedestrianised Old Town Road where some of the city’s finest medieval houses are located, and the Triple Bridge connecting the two sides of Ljubljana – the old and the new. Take the funicular to the imposing Ljubljana Castle and end your tour with lunch in a local restaurant. There will be a little time for you to relax before the late afternoon performance at the opera house. After the performance, dinner will be served at the hotel.

MON 23 DEC Depart this morning and travel north of the city to Lake Bled, one of the most picturesque and popular places in Slovenia. Take a traditional ‘Pletna’ boat to visit the fairy-tale Bled Island and marvel at the beauty of this crystal Alpine lake. There will be time to visit Bled Castle, the oldest castle in the country, before continuing to the nearby medieval town of “sweet” Radovljica, considered the capital of bee-keeping and chocolate. During the tour, lunch will be served in a local restaurant. Return to Ljubljana in time for the early evening opera performance.

TUE 24 DEC Today is a full-day excursion starting at the breathtaking Postojna Caves. Climb aboard the cave

train to reach the 'Beautiful Caves' and the amazing 5-metre tall stalagmite, the aptly-named ‘Brilliant’. After this visit, you will travel across the border to Trieste, Italy’s most diverse city with an eclectic mix of languages, religions and architecture - and reputedly the best coffee in the country! After lunch, there will be time to wander around the city before returning to Ljubljana for dinner that evening in a local restaurant.

WED 25 DEC Morning transfer (approx. 2 hours) to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, and check-in at the 5-star Esplanade Zagreb Hotel. Located in the heart of the city, this beautifully-designed hotel has been at the centre of Zagreb’s social life since it opened in 1925. After lunch in a local restaurant, spend the rest of the afternoon independently exploring the city. Stroll through the picturesque old town and soak up its winding streets, traditional cafés and Christmas atmosphere. That night there is a special Gala dinner at the hotel’s Zinfandel Restaurant, widely-regarded as the top restaurant in Croatia.

THU 26 DEC Transfer to Zagreb airport for your homeward flight.

CHRISTMAS IN LJUBLJANA AND ZAGREB


21 – 26 December 2019 Tour code: LJU1

THREE-DESTINATION TOUR

A beautiful Christmas awaits you with visits to cities in three separate countries: Ljubljana in Slovenia, Trieste in Italy and Zagreb in Croatia. Known as the green capital of a green country and surrounded by parks and nature, rivers and lakes, Ljubljana is a picture-perfect destination. Enchanting and diverse with an important coffee culture, the Italian port of Trieste is known as “little Vienna on the sea”, whilst Zagreb is peppered with red roofs, church spires, cobblestones and cafés. Excursions to the enchanting Lake Bled and Postojna Caves - plus performances of Bizet’s Carmen and Rossini’s La Cenerentola - add to the allure of this charming Christmas tour.

LJUBLJANA AT CHRISTMAS

PROGRAMME AT THE LJUBLJANA OPERA HOUSE

22 Dec 17.00 CARMEN Bizet Inc D: Pamela Howard C: Jaroslav Kyzlink Cast: Soloists of the SNG Opera in balet Ljubljana

23 Dec 18.00 LA CENERENTOLA Rossini Inc D: Jérôme Savary C: Aleksandar Spasic Cast: Soloists of the SNG Opera in balet Ljubljana

Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, four lunches, four dinners, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.

FLIGHTS

Lufthansa 21 Dec London Heathrow - Frankfurt dep: 10.30 arr: 13.05 Frankfurt - Ljubljana dep: 15.55 arr: 17.10 British Airways 26 Dec Zagreb - London Heathrow dep: 12.35 arr: 14.15Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON)

Tour price £2250 Single room supplement £325 Premium Economy flight upgrade from (Lufthansa) £300 Club Europe flight upgrade from (British Airways) £200 Land-only tour price £1850 Deposit required £400


festive tour

LAKE BLED

TUE 24 DEC Early afternoon arrival in Vienna and transfer to the elegant 5-star Hotel Bristol, one of the leading hotels in Vienna and just a few steps away from the Staatsoper. Enjoy a welcome drink and a Christmas concert in the hotel followed by a celebratory Christmas Eve dinner.

WED 25 DEC Christmas morning is at leisure for you to attend Mass if you wish. A Christmas lunch will be served in a local restaurant, with time to relax in the afternoon before walking the short distance to the Staatsoper for that evening’s opera performance.

THU 26 DEC Join your guide this morning for a walking tour of the city “in the footsteps of Vienna’s famous musicians”. Visits include the magnificent

St Stephen’s Cathedral in which Haydn sang as a choirboy, Mozarthaus – Mozart’s only surviving home in Vienna and where he wrote Le nozze di Figaro - and the Wiener Staatsoper where countless composers, conductors and singers have left their mark. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant. The afternoon is at leisure with an optional ballet performance that night.

FRI 27 DEC Half-day excursion by coach to Schönnbrunn Palace and a guided tour of this beautiful imperial residence. One of the most important architectural, cultural and historic monuments in Austria, its history and rich décor reflect the changing tastes, interests and aspirations of successive Habsburg monarchs. Lunch and the

afternoon are free, with the option to attend a further opera performance in the evening.

SAT 28 DEC Transfer to the airport for your journey home.

WIENER STAATSOPER

LE CORSAIRE

PROGRAMME AT THE WIENER STAATSOPER

Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, two lunches, one dinner, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included performance, opera and ballet synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.

FLIGHTS

British Airways 24 Dec London Heathrow - Vienna dep: 09.20 arr: 12.45 28 Dec Vienna - London Heathrow dep: 13.40 arr: 15.15Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON)


25 Dec tbc LA BOHÈME Puccini Inc D: Franco Zeffirelli C: Marco Armiliato Cast includes: Saimir Pirgu, Anita Hartig, Marco Caria, Mariam Battistelli

26 Dec tbc LE CORSAIRE £260 Choreography: Manuel Legris after Marius Petipa Music: Adam

26 Dec tbc HÄNSEL UND GRETEL Humperdinck £270 D: Adrian Noble C: Tomáš Hanus Cast includes: Margaret Plummer, Andrea Carroll, Monika Bohinec, Boaz Daniel, Stephanie Houtzeel

A VIENNESE CHRISTMAS


24 – 28 December 2019 Tour code: VIE2

Celebrate Christmas in style in Vienna and soak up the festive atmosphere of a city that has seduced countless composers – from Haydn, Salieri and Mozart to Beethoven, Brahms, Schubert and Johann Strauss. Franco Zeffirelli’s lavish production of La bohème at the Staatsoper is a romantic Christmas Day treat, with the option to attend the delightful ballet Le Corsaire and another seasonal favourite, Hänsel und Gretel. There will also be plenty of time to relax and visit a traditional Viennese coffee house with a slice of the city’s famous Sachertorte.

LA BOHÈME BY WIENER STAATSOPER © MICHAEL POEHN

festive tour


TUE 24 DEC Afternoon arrival in Berlin and transfer to the stylish 5-star Westin Grand Hotel. Its central location is conveniently next door to the Komische Oper and just a short walking distance to the Staatsoper Unter den Linden. A Christmas Eve welcome dinner will be served in a local restaurant that evening.

WED 25 DEC The morning is free for you to attend Mass if you wish. A special Christmas lunch will be served at Käfer, the rooftop restaurant located in the spectacular dome of the Reichstag. There will be some time to relax before transferring to the Deutsche Oper for the early evening performance.

THU 26 DEC Join your guide this morning for a tour of two contrasting sides of the history of Germany’s capital city. Witness aspects of Jewish life in Berlin, from the iconic golden dome of the reconstructed New Synagogue to architect Daniel Libeskind’s impressive Jewish

Museum, then relive the Golden Twenties - the Berlin of glamour, creativity and cabaret. The tour will end with lunch in a local restaurant. The afternoon is at leisure before the evening performance at the Staatsoper.

FRI 27 DEC This morning transfer by coach to Berlin’s Dahlem district and the Brücke-Museum which houses the world's largest collection of works by Die Brücke, an early 20th-century expressionist movement. Lunch and the rest of the day is free for you to further explore this fascinating city as you wish.

SAT 28 DEC The day is at leisure for sightseeing or shopping at one of the city’s many Christmas markets that will still be open. Walk to the Komische Oper that evening for this tour’s final opera performance.

SUN 29 DEC Transfer to the airport for the homeward flight.

PROGRAMME

Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, two lunches, one dinner, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.

FLIGHTS

British Airways 24 Dec London Heathrow - Berlin Tegel dep: 12.45 arr: 15.35 29 Dec Berlin Tegel - London Heathrow dep: 12.25 arr: 13.30Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON)


25 Dec 18.00 DIE FLEDERMAUS J. Strauss Inc D: Rolando Villazón C: Stephan Zilias Cast includes: Thomas Blondelle, Rachel Willis-Sørensen, Markus Brück, Annika Schlicht, Attilio Glaser, Samuel Dale Johnson, Andrew Dickinson, Meechot Marrero, Judith Shoemaker, Florian Teichtmeister Venue: Deutsche Oper Berlin

26 Dec 19.00 LA BOHÈME Puccini Inc D: Lindy Hume C: Alexander Soddy Cast includes: Eleonora Buratto, Benjamin Bernheim, Alfredo Daza, Elsa Dreisig Venue: Staatsoper Unter den Linden

28 Dec 19.30 LA TRAVIATA Verdi Inc D: Nicola Raab C: Jordan de Souza Cast includes: Vera-Lotte Böcker, Ivan Magrì, Giuseppe Altomari Venue: Komische Oper Berlin New production

CHRISTMAS IN BERLIN


24 – 29 December 2019 Tour code: BER2

NEW PRODUCTION

This festive Christmas tour offers you the opportunity to experience the unique flavour of each of Berlin’s three outstanding opera houses. At Deutsche Oper, Rolando Villazón’s production of Strauss’s operetta Die Fledermaus delights with waltzes, polkas and wit. Puccini’s La bohème at the Staatsoper features Eleonora Buratto as Mimì and rising star Benjamin Bernheim as Rodolfo, whilst at the Komische Oper a new production of La traviata introduces Vera-Lotte Böcker as Violetta and the young Sicilian tenor Ivan Magrì as Alfredo.

BERLIN AT CHRISTMAS


festive tour

DIE FLEDERMAUS NEW SYNAGOGUE

“Every tour we have been on so far has been special

and most enjoyable.”Mrs K, London

SAT 28 DEC Early afternoon arrival in Prague and transfer to the 4-star Grand Majestic Plaza Hotel. Located in the heart of the historic centre of the city, the hotel is close to the Old Town Square and just a short walk to the Estates Theatre. There is time to rest or explore a little of this charming Czech capital before a welcome dinner at the hotel.

SUN 29 DEC Join your guide for a morning walking tour of Prague which will focus on the area of Josefov, Prague’s Jewish Quarter, home to the Prague Jewish Museum and the birthplace of Franz Kafka. The tour ends with a backstage tour of the Estates Theatre, considered one of the most beautiful theatres in Europe. Lunch is at leisure before returning to the theatre for the opera performance later that afternoon.

MON 30 DEC Depart this morning for the Prague Castle complex, where visits will include the Old Royal Palace, the Cathedral of St Vitus, the Basilica of St George (the finest example of Romanesque architecture in Prague) and the picturesque Golden Lane. Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure before an evening concert at the Maisel Synagogue (to be confirmed nearer the time). This will be followed by dinner at the acclaimed Blue Duckling restaurant.

TUE 31 DEC The final day of 2019 starts with a visit to Lobkowicz Palace. Built in the mid 16th century for one of the oldest families in Bohemia, it has a fascinating history and today houses one of the most interesting private collections in Europe, including hand-annotated manuscripts by Beethoven,

Haydn and Mozart. This visit will be followed by a short concert. The afternoon is at leisure before the New Year’s Eve Gala Celebrations at the Estates Theatre.

WED 1 JAN Today is free for you to rest or explore your own choice of the many sites this wonderful city has to offer. An early dinner is offered before the New Year Concert by the Czech Philharmonic.

THU 2 JAN Check-out then transfer to the airport for the afternoon flight home.

NEW YEAR WITH MOZART IN PRAGUE


28 December 2019 – 2 January 2020 Tour code: PRG2

Make New Year’s Eve an unforgettable experience at the elegant Estates Theatre in Prague, where Mozart conducted the world premiere of Don Giovanni in 1787. Arias from a number of Mozart’s most popular operas will be performed at a special Gala evening, during which you will feast on Czech and international cuisine, share a midnight toast with the soloists and dance to live music on the theatre’s historic stage. Further celebrations continue on New Year’s Day with a programme of four beautiful works by Czech composers, performed by the Czech Philharmonic.

CHARLES BRIDGE

PROGRAMME

Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, four dinners, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, best available ticket for each included performance, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.

FLIGHTS

British Airways 28 Dec London Heathrow - Prague dep: 10.25 arr: 13.30 2 Jan Prague - London Heathrow dep: 14.25 arr: 15.40Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON)


29 Dec 17.00 LE NOZZE DI FIGARO Inc D: Magdalena Švecová C: Enrico Dovico, Zbyněk Müller Cast: tbc Venue: Estates Theatre

31 Dec 19.30 NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH MOZART Inc GALA EVENING C: David Švec Soloists and guests of the National Theatre Opera Programme includes: arias and scenes from Don Giovanni, Le nozze di Figaro, Così fan tutte, Die Zauberflöte and Die Entführung aus dem Serail Venue: Estates Theatre

1 Jan 20.00 CZECH PHILHARMONIC’S Inc NEW YEAR CONCERT C: Jakub Hrůša Programme: Dvořák Carnival Overture, Suk Praga, Smetana Prague Carnival, Janáček Sinfonietta Venue: Rudolfinum - Dvořák Hall

Full casting to be confirmed closer to the date of departure.

festive tour


LE NOZZE DI FIGARO

“All efficiently managed, lovely opera houses in a fine city.”

Mrs H, London

MON 30 DEC Arrive late afternoon in Bologna and transfer by coach to Parma (approx. 1 hour). Check-in at the 4-star Hotel Sina Maria Luigia, located in the heart of the city and close to the Teatro Regio. A welcome dinner will be served in a local restaurant.

TUE 31 DEC Travel this morning to Cremona for a guided tour of the Cathedral followed by a visit to the unique Violin Museum and a brief performance on a historical violin. Return to Parma with a little time at leisure before an early New Year’s Eve dinner at the restaurant Angiol d’Or, known for its regional cuisine. After dinner, walk the short distance to the Teatro Regio for the opera performance which will end with a celebratory toast to 2020!

WED 1 JAN Start the New Year with a special morning concert at the Auditorium Paganini, followed by lunch at the Centro Produzione Musicale Arturo Toscanini.

In the afternoon there will be a walking tour of Parma taking in many of the city’s attractions, including the Cathedral and baptistery. Dinner and the evening are at leisure.

THU 2 JAN Join your guide this morning for a tour dedicated to Verdi. Visit first his birthplace in the village of Le Roncole before heading to Busseto to visit Casa Barezzi, where Verdi gave his first public performances and met his future wife Margherita Barezzi, then to the intimate and ornate Teatro Verdi. The tour ends with a tasting of the award-winning salami Culatello di Zibello, a true local delicacy. After lunch head to the village of Sant’Agata where you will spend time at Villa Verdi, the great composer’s home for many years. Return to Parma and the rest of the day at leisure.

FRI 3 JAN Transfer to the airport for the homeward flight.


PROGRAMME

31 Dec 21.00 DIE FLEDERMAUS Strauss Inc D: tbc C: tbc Cast: tbc Venue: Teatro Regio di Parma

1 Jan 10.45 VIENNA GREETS RUSSIA Concert Inc C: Julian Rachlin Violinist: Julian Rachlin Programme includes: works by J. Strauss, Tchaikovsky, Kreisler Venue: Auditorium Paganini

Cast to be confirmed closer to the date of departure.

Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, two lunches, two dinners, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included performance, opera synopsis, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.

FLIGHTS

British Airways 30 Dec London Heathrow - Bologna dep: 14.25 arr: 17.35 3 Jan Bologna - London Heathrow dep: 12.40 arr: 14.05Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON)

Tour price £2145 Club Europe flight upgrade from £250 Land-only tour price £1995 Deposit required £400

festive tour

A CELEBRATORY NEW YEAR IN PARMA


30 December 2019 – 3 January 2020 Tour code: PMF2

NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

Join the New Year festivities in Parma as the city celebrates the start of its special year as the 2020 Italian Capital of Culture. Share a brindisi after a performance of Die Fledermaus at the beautiful Teatro Regio and welcome the New Year in style with a concert and lunch at the impressive Auditorium Paganini. Renowned world-wide for its exceptional cuisine, Parma recently received the accolade of UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Violins and Verdi serve to make this the perfect destination for any lover of good food and music!

JULIAN RACHLINNEW YEAR'S EVE AT TEATRO REGIO

TEATRO REGIO DI PARMA © ROBERTO RICCI

WAGNER’S RING CYCLE Always a highlight for lovers of Wagner’s music is a new Ring cycle and we are pleased to include as part of our 2019/20 season the highly-anticipated production in Paris, with a plethora of great singers. We also return to the hugely-popular cycle in Leipzig, the birthplace of Wagner. A third cycle, as introduced in our Spring libretto (and advertised in this brochure on page 4), is the “must-see” Ring in Chicago, for which there are limited spaces still available.

DIE WALKÜRE BY OPERNHAUS LEIPZIG © TOM SCHULZE18 Tel: 020 8799 8350 | Email: [email protected] | www.travelforthearts.com

ring cycle

TUE 14 JAN Early afternoon arrival in Berlin and transfer by coach (approx. 2 hours) to the 4-star Westin Hotel in Leipzig’s city centre. Rest and relax before a welcome dinner at the hotel that evening.

WED 15 JAN Join your guide this morning for a walking tour of the city. Visits include the Thomaskirche where Wagner was baptised, the Nikolaikirche and the Bach Museum where you will discover the life and legacy of Johann Sebastian Bach and his hugely-talented musical family. Time to relax before the first opera, Das Rheingold, later that afternoon.

THU 16 JAN The morning is at leisure before a guided visit to the Richard Wagner Museum. Housed in his former school, the museum provides a detailed overview of the composer’s upbringing, education and early compositions. This is followed by lunch and some free time before the late afternoon performance of Die Walküre.

FRI 17 JAN A full day excursion to Köthen where you will have a guided tour of the castle, including its ‘Hall of Mirrors’ (the former throne room) and the Bach Memorial which pays tribute to Bach’s contribution as Chapel Master of the Court of Köthen between 1717 and 1723. Lunch will be served at the end of the tour after which you will return to Leipzig and the evening at leisure.

SAT 18 JAN The day is free for independent exploration of the city with the third opera, Siegfried, in the late afternoon.

SUN 19 JAN Enjoy a delightful late morning concert at the Mendelssohn House, followed by a guided tour of the former home of Felix Mendelssohn, with exhibits highlighting the musical talents of this romantic composer and pianist and his equally-talented sister Fanny. Lunch is at a local restaurant with time to relax before the final opera of the cycle, Götterdämmerung.

MON 20 JAN Spend the morning at leisure, then transfer to Berlin for the flight home.

SIEGFRIED

PROGRAMME AT THE OPERNHAUS LEIPZIG

15 Jan 17.00 DAS RHEINGOLD Inc

16 Jan 17.00 DIE WALKÜRE Inc

18 Jan 17.00 SIEGFRIED Inc

19 Jan 17.00 GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG Inc D: Rosamund Gilmore C: Ulf Schirmer Cast includes: Simon Neill, Iain Paterson, Allison Oakes, Daniela Köhler, Christiane Libor, Stefan Vinke, Melanie Diener, Tuomas Pursio, Thomas Mohr, Dan Karlström, Robert Dean Smith

FLIGHTS

British Airways 14 Jan London Heathrow - Berlin Tegel dep: 10.10 arr: 13.00 20 Jan Berlin Tegel - London Heathrow dep: 16.25 arr: 17.25Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON)


Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, three lunches, one dinner, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.


RETURN TO THE RING IN LEIPZIG


14 – 20 January 2020 Tour code: LEI1


The birthplace of Wagner, Leipzig was also home to J. S. Bach and Mendelssohn, and this tour offers a glimpse into the lives of all three of these great German composers. The city also boasts one of the world’s top orchestras, the Gewandhausorchester, who once more perform Wagner’s epic Ring cyle under the baton of Ulf Schirmer.

DAS RHEINGOLD BY OPERNHAUS LEIPZIG © TOM SCHULZE

ring cycle

ring cycle

NEW PARIS RING CYCLE


29 Nov – 7 Dec 2020 Tour code: PAR1

NEW PRODUCTION | BY RAIL

In 2020, a new production of Wagner’s Ring cycle by the controversial Spanish director Calixto Bieito will bring together an exceptional cast, along with the Paris Opera Orchestra and Chorus, under the baton of Music Director Philippe Jordan. Martina Serafin, Iain Paterson, Eva-Maria Westbroek, Gerhard Siegel, Ain Anger, Dame Sarah Connolly and Ekaterina Gubanova are just a few of the outstanding singers bringing Wagner’s epic to life on the stage of the Opéra Bastille.

OPÉRA BASTILLE © CHRISTIAN LEIBER


SUN 29 NOV Early afternoon arrival in Paris and transfer to the 4-star Hôtel Westminster, located on the rue de la Paix. Named after the Duke of Westminster who resided in this sumptuous property in the 19th century, it is considered by many to be the Crown Jewel of authentic, historical Paris hotels. A welcome dinner and drinks will be served in the hotel that evening.

MON 30 NOV The day is free for you to explore and enjoy Paris before transferring by coach to the Opéra Bastille for that evening’s performance of Das Rheingold.

TUE 1 DEC Join your guide this morning to discover the beautiful Palais Garnier. Built by the young French architect Charles Garnier, it was to be a symbol of the new Paris as envisioned by Emperor Napoleon III. Your tour guide will highlight the major performances and events that have taken place there since its

inauguration in 1875 - with a special mention of Eric, the opera house’s famous phantom! The tour ends with lunch in a local restaurant after which the rest of the day is free for you to spend as you wish.

WED 2 DEC Another day at leisure in Paris before the transfer to the theatre for the early evening performance of Die Walküre.

THU 3 DEC This morning you will visit the Cité de la Musique. Set within the Philharmonie de Paris, this little-known museum houses an impressive collection of instruments from different eras, including Chopin’s piano. See also the Charlie Chaplin exhibition and make your way to the rooftop for a stunning view of Parc de la Villette and the Sacré Coeur de Montmartre. The tour will end with lunch in a local restaurant and the rest of the day at leisure.

FRI 4 DEC The day is free for independent exploration of the city with the third opera, Siegfried, in the early evening.

SAT 5 DEC Join your guide this morning for a coach tour of Paris based around the virtuoso pianist and composer Frédéric Chopin. Visits include the Church of the Madeleine, where Chopin’s funeral took place in 1849, and his much-visited tomb at the Père Lachaise cemetery. At the end of the tour, lunch will be served in a local restaurant. The rest of the day is at leisure.

SUN 6 DEC Spend the morning as you wish before the matinée performance of the final opera of the cycle, Götterdämmerung. Dinner and the evening are at leisure.

MON 7 DEC Check-out and transfer to Gare du Nord for your homeward journey on Eurostar.

DAME SARAH CONNOLLYEVA-MARIA WESTBROEK EKATERINA GUBANOVA AIN AINGER

ring cycle


TORRE EIFFEL

PALAIS GARNIER

PROGRAMME AT THE OPÉRA BASTILLE

30 Nov 19.30 DAS RHEINGOLD Inc

2 Dec 18.30 DIE WALKÜRE Inc

4 Dec 18.00 SIEGFRIED Inc

6 Dec 14.00 GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG Wagner Inc D: Calixto Bieito C: Philippe Jordan Cast includes: Martina Serafin, Iain Paterson, Andreas Schager, Eva-Maria Westbroek, Gerhard Siegel, Ain Anger, Dame Sarah Connolly, Ekaterina Gubanova

RAIL

Eurostar 29 Nov London St Pancras - Paris Gare du Nord dep: 10.24 arr: 13.47 7 Dec Paris Gare du Nord - London St Pancras dep: 13.13 arr: 14.39Train schedules are subject to alteration. Train from other UK stations can be arranged on request. If more convenient, flights from your local airport can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON)

Tour price £2895 Single room supplement £1060 Standard Premier upgrade from £120 Business Premier upgrade from £400 Land-only tour price £2800 Deposit required £900

Tour price includes: Rail travel, group transfers from and to station and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, three lunches, one dinner, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, category 2 ticket for each included performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.

WED 12 FEB Early afternoon arrival in Seville and transfer to the elegant 4-star hotel Vincci La Rábida, a former 18th-century mansion close to many of the city’s landmarks, including Teatro de la Maestranza. That evening there is a welcome dinner at the hotel’s rooftop restaurant, which offers both traditional Sevillian cuisine with a twist of sophistication and a stunning view of the Cathedral.

THU 13 FEB Transfer this morning to Jerez, a town that holds worldwide acclaim for its sherry, but is equally famous for flamenco and purebred Iberian horses. Visit the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art where some of the finest horses in the world are bred and trained - and also taught to dance! Lunch is in a local restaurant after which you will visit the Gonzalez Byass winery where ‘Tío Pepe’ (possibly the world’s most famous fino sherry) was developed. Return to Seville for the evening’s opera performance.

FRI 14 FEB Join your guide for a walking tour of Seville and see two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the impressive Cathedral Santa Maria de la Sede, the world’s largest Gothic church, and the breathtaking Alcázar, a magnificent marriage of Christian and Mudéjar architecture. Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure before the recital that evening, with the possibility of post-performance drinks with the charismatic Spanish baritone Carlos Álvarez.

SAT 15 FEB This morning join your guide for an excursion to Córdoba and a visit to Mezquita, the city’s grandiose and richly-decorated mosque, regarded as one of the greatest representations of Islamic architecture. After a farewell lunch of tapas at the atmospheric restaurant Bodegas Campos, return to Seville for the rest of the day at leisure.

SUN 16 FEB Spend the morning as you wish before transferring to the airport for your homeward flight.

PROGRAMME AT TEATRO DE LA MAESTRANZA

13 Feb 19.00 AGRIPPINA Handel Inc D: Mariame Clément C: Enrico Onofri Cast includes: Ann Hallenberg, Matthew Brook, Renata Pokupić, Xavier Sabata, Alicia Amo, João Fernandes, Valeriano Lanchas, Serena Pérez, Antonio Giovannini

14 Feb 20.00 RECITAL Inc Baritone: Carlos Álvarez Soprano: Berna Perles Pianist: Rubén Fernández Aguirre Programme: tbc

Please note that tickets will be confirmed after 7 October 2019.

OPERA AND SONG IN SEVILLE


12 – 16 February 2020 Tour code: SVQ1

Head to Andalusia for winter warmth, superb singing and sherry on this Spanish tour. Legendary characters such as Figaro, Carmen and Don Giovanni sang on the streets of sunny Seville, which has been proclaimed by many as “the city of opera”. Two performances await you at the state-of-the-art Teatro de la Maestranza: Handel’s Agrippina and a recital by Carlos Álvarez, one of the world’s leading Verdi baritones - plus the possibility of drinks with the Spanish singer after the recital. A visit to Seville’s mighty Alcázar and excursions to Jerez and Córdoba offer a glimpse into the rich, cultural history of this region of southern Spain.

ALCÁZAR

Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, two lunches, one dinner, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included performance, opera synopsis, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.

FLIGHTS

Easyjet 12 Feb London Gatwick - Seville dep: 09.25 arr: 13.10 16 Feb Seville - London Gatwick dep: 13.55 arr: 15.40Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON)

Tour price £1750 Single room supplement £290 Land-only tour price £1550 Deposit required £450


opera & classical music

CARLOS ÁLVAREZ BERNA PERLES

RENÉE FLEMING IN BADEN-BADEN


13 – 16 March 2020 Tour code: BAD1


Enter the world of the “belle-epoque” during this spring visit to the beautiful spa town of Baden-Baden in the Black Forest, which includes an excursion to the fairy-tale city of Strasbourg. Two special programmes have been selected for you at the Festspielhaus: world-renowned soprano Renée Fleming presents a recital of works by Brahms, Debussy and Strauss, accompanied by the great Russian pianist Evgeny Kissin, whilst Andris Nelsons conducts the Wiener Philharmoniker in a performance of Beethoven’s Third Symphony ‘The Eroica’. In addition, we are delighted to introduce author Helena Matheopoulos who will give an illustrated talk entitled ‘The Art of Renée Fleming’, highlighting some of the distinguished singer’s signature roles. There may also be a possible brief Q&A with the distinguished singer herself.

BADEN-BADEN

FRI 13 MAR Afternoon arrival in Frankfurt and transfer (approx. 2 hours) to the small, but stylish, 4-star Heliopark Bad Hotel zum Hirsch in Baden-Baden, the oldest hotel in the city which can boast that the virtuoso violinist Nicolò Paganini was one of its early guests. Before a welcome dinner that night, there will be an illustrated talk, ‘The Art of Renée Fleming’, by author Helena Matheopoulos.

SAT 14 MAR Start the day with a guided walking tour of Baden-Baden seeing many of the notable sights along the way, including the belle-epoque casino, described by Marlene Dietrich as "the most beautiful casino in the world". The tour ends with lunch in a local restaurant. The rest of the afternoon is free before the early evening concert performance at the Festspielhaus.

SUN 15 MAR Depart this morning for an excursion to Strasbourg. The city’s rich architectural heritage embraces styles from the medieval, renaissance, romantic and art nouveau eras, whilst its culture, food and language are a unique blend of French and German. During your guided walking tour, you will discover the picturesque historic district of La Petite France where you can take the opportunity to experience some tasty Alsatian cuisine before returning to Baden-Baden and the late afternoon recital.

MON 16 MAR Check-out then transfer to Frankfurt for the afternoon flight home.

PROGRAMME AT BADEN-BADEN FESTSPIELHAUS

14 Mar 18.00 WIENER PHILHARMONIKER Concert Inc C: Andris Nelsons Programme: Beethoven Symphony no 8, Symphony no 3

15 Mar 17.00 ART NOUVEAU AND LUXURY VOICE Recital Inc Soprano: Renée Fleming Pianist: Evgeny Kissin Programme: Brahms, Debussy, R. Strauss

Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, one lunch, one dinner, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, introductory talk and possible Q&A with the artist, best available ticket for each included performance, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.

FLIGHTS

British Airways 13 Mar London Heathrow - Frankfurt dep: 11.35 arr: 14.15 16 Mar Frankfurt - London Heathrow dep: 15.05 arr: 15.55Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON)



classical music

RENÉE FLEMING EVGENY KISSIN

opera

CHERRY BLOSSOM TIME IN JAPAN


22 – 30 March 2020 Tour code: JPN1

NEW DESTINATION | NO VISA REQUIRED*

Travel for the Arts is delighted to offer this new tour to Japan with visits to Tokyo and Kyoto, two exciting cities that mix modern life with thousands of years of tradition. The stunning spectacle of cherry blossoms in the spring is only one of many delights. In addition, you will experience Japanese culture with a special tea ceremony performed by a trainee Geisha; have the opportunity to learn ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement; and take a journey on the famous bullet train, passing Japan’s legendary Mount Fuji. Performances include an international cast in Damiano Michieletto’s contemporary staging of Così fan tutte and pure Japanese entertainment with an evening of Kabuki – one of the country’s most important theatrical arts.

MOUNT FUJI WITH CHERRY BLOSSOMS AT SPRING


SUN 22 MAR Afternoon departure and overnight flight to Tokyo.

MON 23 MAR Arrive late morning and transfer by coach (approx. 90 minutes) to the centrally-located hotel, The New Otani. One of Tokyo’s most prestigious hotels, it offers stunning views of the city as well as of Mount Fuji, and is surrounded by a beautiful 400-year old Japanese garden. After a welcome lunch in the hotel the rest of the day is at leisure.

TUE 24 MAR Spend the morning at leisure before transferring to the New National Theatre for the opera matinée performance. The evening is free for you to independently explore this exciting city.

WED 25 MAR Join your guide this morning for a visit to the district of Asakusa. Pass through the iconic Kaminari Gate and walk along the ancient Nakamise shopping street to the Senso-ji Temple, the oldest and most treasured Buddhist temple in Tokyo. Savour the atmosphere of the colourful backstreets which offer a glimpse of old Japan with their artisans, sushi and eel shops, before taking the Sumida River bus to Hamarikyu Gardens where you have the opportunity to visit a traditional Japanese tea house. Return to the hotel before transferring to the Kabuki performance, a classical Japanese dance-drama. This will be followed by dinner in a local restaurant.

THU 26 MAR Today’s tour takes you to the nearby Imperial Palace, Tokyo’s spiritual and cultural centre, and home to the Japanese Imperial family. Wander around the Imperial Palace East Gardens, in particular the Ninomaru Japanese garden, before transferring to the district of Ueno for lunch. Ueno is home to some

of Tokyo’s finest cultural sites, including the Tokyo National Museum, which you will be able to look around at leisure. Take advantage of the ‘Manaca’ IC public transport card provided to return to the hotel or to further explore this vibrant district.

FRI 27 MAR Transfer this morning via the world-famous bullet train to Kyoto, Japan’s former capital city. The journey will take approximately 2 hours 20 minutes and passes by Mount Fuji. After checking-in at the luxury Kyoto Hotel Okura, you will head to the Gion Maruume teahouse for a fascinating glimpse into the world of the Geisha. Over a cup of green tea and Japanese cake you will be entertained by a Maiko (trainee Geisha) who will perform a traditional dance. Return to the hotel and dinner in a local restaurant.

SAT 28 MAR Join your guide this morning for a sightseeing tour to the district of Higashiyama, home to some of Kyoto's finest temples and sites, including Kiyomizu-dera, possibly the most beloved temple in Japan. Visits also include Sanjusangendo Temple, known for its 1001 statues of the goddess of mercy, Kannon, and the Kyoto National Museum. After lunch in a local restaurant, you will have the opportunity to dress in a traditional kimono and attend an ikebana class to learn the ancient craft of flower arranging. Continue to Arashiyama to see its famed Bamboo Grove and visit the Silver Pavilion, a beautiful and historic Zen Temple.

SUN 29 MAR A full-day’s excursion to the city of Nara, renowned for the wealth of its Buddhist and Shinto heritage. Visit the impressive Tōdaiji or Great Eastern

Temple, the world's largest wooden building which houses the Daibutsu, a vast bronze statue of Buddha. A myriad of shrines and temples are set in the midst of Nara park with its sacred free-roaming deer sanctuary. A special farewell lunch will be provided at a local restaurant. After returning to the hotel, the evening is at leisure.

MON 30 MAR Check-out and transfer (approx. 90 minutes) to Osaka Kansai airport for your homeward flight.

MAIKO (GEISHA)

opera


SENSO-JI TEMPLE

IKEBANA DAIBUTSU

MAIKOS (GEISHA) IN A TEAHOUSE

PROGRAMME

24 March 14.00 COSÌ FAN TUTTE Mozart Inc D: Damiano Michieletto C: Paolo Olmi Cast: Eleonora Buratto, Anna Goryachova, Nobuko Takahashi, Giovanni Sala, Renato Dolcini, Simone Alberghini Venue: New National Theatre, Tokyo

25 March tbc KABUKI Inc Venue: Kabukiza Theatre

Further details of the Kabuki performance will be provided closer to the date of departure.

FLIGHTS

British Airways 22 Mar London Heathrow - Tokyo Narita dep: 13.50 arr: 10.40 (+1) 30 Mar Osaka Kansai - London Heathrow dep: 11.30 arr: 15.50Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON)

Tour price £4650 Single room supplement £910 World Traveller Plus upgrade from £555 Club Class upgrade from £2895 Land-only tour price £3885 Deposit required £600

Room upgrades are also available upon request and according to availability.

Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, second class bullet train ticket, a ‘Manaca’ IC public transport card, accommodation, breakfast daily, four lunches, two dinners, afternoon tea, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, best available ticket for each included performance, opera synopsis, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of a local representative.

PRE/POST TOURS

VISA

Please note that you can combine this tour with pre- and/or post-tour accommodation and extensions i.e. Hiroshima, Osaka, Fukuoka or beyond. Please contact Travel for the Arts for further information and costs.

* NO VISA REQUIRED FOR BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS

WED 25 MAR Early evening arrival in St Petersburg and transfer to the 5-star Domina Prestige Hotel, situated on the Moika river close to St Isaac’s Square and only a short distance from the Mariinsky Theatres. Welcome dinner in a local restaurant.

THU 26 MAR Join your guide this morning for a coach tour of the city. You will see the most important sights in the historic centre of St Petersburg, including the famous Nevsky Prospect, Palace Square, the Spit of Vasilyevsky Island and the infamous Peter and Paul Fortress. Return to the hotel for lunch and the afternoon at leisure before the early evening ballet performance at Mariinsky II.

FRI 27 MAR Morning transfer to the town of Pushkin and the sumptuous 18th-century palace of Catherine the Great. Filled with ornate interiors, the jewel of the palace is undoubtedly the recently-restored Amber Room, a chamber decorated entirely with panels of amber backed with gold leaf, as well as many other treasures. A traditional Russian lunch is offered in a local restaurant, with an accompanying folk show. Return to St Petersburg with a little time to relax before the performance that evening in the old Mariinsky Theatre.

SAT 28 MAR This morning there is a visit to the world-famous Hermitage. Your guided tour of the museum will focus on the lavishly-decorated reception quarters of the Winter Palace and highlights of its vast art collection, particularly works by the Impressionists. The rest of the day is free for you to remain at the museum or further explore the beautiful city of St Petersburg.

SUN 29 MAR The morning is at leisure before the transfer to the new Mariinsky Theatre for the final ballet that afternoon. Immediately after the performance there will be a special farewell meal in a local restaurant. Return to the hotel for the evening at leisure.

MON 30 APR Transfer to the airport for the early afternoon flight home.


ballet

THE MARIINSKY BALLET IN ST PETERSBURG


25 – 30 March 2020 Tour code: STP1


The cultural centre of Russia, St Petersburg is a treasure trove of art and culture. For more than two centuries the Mariinsky has been presenting world-class performances, and today a new generation continues in the footsteps of the great artistes of the past at both the traditional Mariinsky Theatre and the company’s contemporary new theatre, Mariinsky II. This tour presents three quintessentially Russian ballets and visits to the great palaces and museums of this majestic and revolutionary city.

ST ISAAC'S CATHEDRAL

PROGRAMME AT THE MARIINSKY THEATRES

26 Mar 19.00 ROMEO AND JULIET Inc Music: Sergey Prokofiev Choreography: Leonid Lavrovsky Juliet: Kristina Shapran Romeo: Timur Askerov Venue: Mariinsky II

27 Mar 19.30 THE FOUNTAIN OF BAKHCHISARAI Inc Music: Boris Asafiev Choreography: Rostislav Zakharov Maria: Anastasia Kolegova Vaslav: Andrei Yermakov Ghirei: Danila Korsuntsev Zarema: Maria Bulanova Venue: Mariinsky Theatre

29 Mar 13.00 KONYOK-GORBUNOK Inc Music: Rodion Shchedrin Choreography: Alexei Ratmansky Venue: Mariinsky II

SPILLED BLOOD

Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, one lunch, two dinners, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included performance, ballet synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.

FLIGHTS

Finnair 25 Mar London Heathrow - Helsinki dep: 10.20 arr: 15.15 Helsinki - St Petersburg dep: 17.00 arr: 19.00 30 Mar St Petersburg - Helsinki dep: 13.35 arr: 14.25 Helsinki - London Heathrow dep: 16.00 arr: 17.10Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON)

Tour price £1895 Premium Economy flight upgrade from £450 Land-only tour price £1675 Deposit required £450

Please note that visas for Russia are not included. Travel for the Arts can advise on visa applications which need to be applied for in person. We recommend that you discuss this with us upon booking.

VISA

“I loved and learned a lot from the tours, and enjoyed the

restaurants we were taken to in introduction to Russian food.”

Ms M, London

THU 9 APR Early afternoon arrival in Berlin and check-in at the stylish 4-star Westin Grand Hotel. Located in the centre of the city, it is a short walking distance to many landmarks, including the Staatsoper Unter den Linden. Rest and relax before a welcome dinner in a local restaurant that evening.

FRI 10 APR Join your guide this morning for an excursion to nearby Potsdam where you will visit Sanssouci Palace, the former summer residence of Frederick the Great of Prussia, and considered a rival to Versailles. Stroll around the spectacular terraced gardens before departing for lunch in a local restaurant. You will then return to Berlin for the recital that evening.

SAT 11 APR The day starts with a walking tour through Berlin’s Mitte district. Experience an insight into the

evolution of Germany’s fascinating capital as you stroll along the Berlin Wall, follow Unter den Linden to the Brandenburg Gate, and see the rebuilt Reichstag building, the Holocaust Memorial and the infamous Checkpoint Charlie. Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure before the early evening opera performance.

SUN 12 APR Transfer to the Philharmonie for the late-morning concert. This will be followed by a farewell lunch at Käfer - a rooftop restaurant located in the spectacular dome of the Reichstag, offering stunning views of the city. The rest of this Easter Sunday is free for you to enjoy as you wish.

MON 13 APR Spend the morning at leisure, then transfer to Berlin for your afternoon flight home.

DANIEL BARENBOIM © HOLGER KETTNER PROGRAMME

Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, two lunches, one dinner, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included performance, opera synopsis, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.

FLIGHTS

British Airways 9 Apr London Heathrow - Berlin Tegel dep: 10.50 arr: 13.40 13 Apr Berlin Tegel - London Heathrow dep: 14.20 arr: 15.20Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON)


10 Apr 20.00 ANDRÀS SCHIFF Concert Inc Programme includes: Beethoven Piano Sonata in A, Piano Sonata in C minor Mozart Fantasy in C minor Venue: Philharmonie Berlin

11 Apr 18.00 COSÌ FAN TUTTE Mozart Inc D: Vincent Huguet C: Daniel Barenboim Cast includes: Isa Dreisig, Marianne Crebassa, Paolo Fanale, Gyula Orendt, Ferruccio Furlanetto, Barbara Frittoli New production Venue: Staatsoper Unter den Linden

12 Apr 11.00 STAATSKAPELLE BERLIN Concert Inc C: Daniel Barenboim Soprano: Elena Stikhina Alto: tbc Tenor: Andreas Schager Bass: Wolfgang Koch Programme: Beethoven Symphony No. 2 Symphony No. 9 Venue: Philharmonie Berlin


easter tour

THE 25TH BERLIN FESTTAGE


9 – 13 April 2020 Tour code: BER2

ANNIVERSARY | NEW PRODUCTION

In 2020 Daniel Barenboim’s internationally-acclaimed Easter Festival celebrates 25 years, and we are delighted to return to Berlin for a programme of Beethoven and Mozart. Sir Andràs Schiff performs piano works by these great composers, whilst Barenboim conducts Beethoven’s Symphonies 2 and 9, the latter with the famous choral ‘Ode to Joy’. Further Mozart comes with a new production of Così fan tutte starring two exceptional Italian singers - soprano Barbara Frittoli and bass Ferruccio Furlanetto. This tour also includes a visit to Potsdam and the World Heritage Site of Sanssouci Palace where you too can spend some time “without a care”.

ANDRÀS SCHIFF BARBARA FRITTOLI FERRUCCIO FURLANETTO

“You are the experts!”Mr P, Essex

THU 9 APR Late afternoon arrival in Budapest and transfer to the elegant 4-star Moments Hotel situated on Andrássy Avenue, the city’s main boulevard and now a World Heritage Site. Check-in and relax before a welcome dinner in a local restaurant.

FRI 10 APR Join your guide this morning for a coach tour of Budapest, concentrating on Buda, the hilly side of the city. Start on Castle Hill where visits will include Matthias Church with its uniquely colourful interior, the Fisherman’s Bastion which offers an incredible panoramic view of the Danube, Margaret Island and Pest. Independent lunch after which you will transfer to the Erkel Theatre for the late afternoon performance.

SAT 11 APR The morning and lunch are at leisure before an early afternoon visit to the Franz Liszt Music Academy which includes a short concert. Return to the hotel with time to rest before the performance that evening.

SUN 12 APR In the morning you will visit the Hungarian Parliament and see inside its opulent interior. This will be followed by a private boat trip along the Danube with the afternoon free for you to celebrate this Easter Sunday as you wish. Transfer that evening to the Erkel Theatre for the two concert performances.

MON 13 APR Travel outside of the city for a full-day’s excursion to the Great Plains (Puszta) and experience traditional Easter celebrations. You will be welcomed by a glass of Hungarian brandy and feast on local cuisine whilst being entertained by folk-dancing and live gypsy music. The festivities continue after lunch with a carriage ride, a horse show, and egg-rolling which forms part of the region’s Easter ‘Olympic’ Games. Return to Budapest for the evening at leisure.

TUE 14 APR Transfer to the airport for the early afternoon flight home.

EASTER CELEBRATIONS IN BUDAPEST


9 – 14 April 2020 Tour code: BUD20

NEW PRODUCTION

This tour to Hungary’s historic capital city, Budapest, focuses on musical works that are set at Easter, or have been inspired by Biblical stories: the ‘Good Friday’ scene from Wagner’s final music drama, Parsifal; Bach’s oratorio, St Matthew Passion, considered by many as the pinnacle of church music; and Mascagni’s Cavalleria rusticana which takes place on Easter Sunday. All performances will take place at the Erkel Theatre, named after the father of Hungarian grand opera, composer Franz Erkel. The sightseeing programme includes a private boat trip along the Danube and a journey to the Great Plains of Hungary for some unique Easter entertainment.

HUNGARIAN PARLIAMENT

PROGRAMME AT THE ERKEL THEATRE

10 Apr 17.00 PARSIFAL Wagner Inc D: András Almási-Tóth C: Balázs Kocsár Cast includes: Michele Kalmandy, István Rácz, Gábor Bretz, István Kovácsházi, Károly Szemerédy, Andrea Szántó New production

11 Apr 19.30 ST MATTHEW PASSION Inc Bach / Mendelssohn (Oratorio) D: Géza M. Tóth C: Gábor Csiki Evangelist: Dávid Szigetvári Jesus: István Kovács Soprano: Gabriella Fodor Alto: Atala Schöck Tenor: Zoltán Megyesi Bass: Marcell Bakonyi

12 Apr 19.00 MESSA DI GLORIA / CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA Inc Mascagni (Concert performances) C: tbc Cast includes: Boldizsár László, Erika Gál, Éva Balatoni, Zoltán Kelemen, Zsófia Kálnay

FLIGHTS

British Airways 9 Apr London Heathrow - Budapest dep: 12.45 arr: 16.20 14 Apr Budapest - London Heathrow dep: 13.10 arr: 14.55Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON)


Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, one lunch, one dinner, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.

ERKEL THEATRE FRANZ LISZT ACADEMY


easter tour


ballet

BALLET TRIO IN MUNICH


27 May – 1 June 2020 Tour code: MUC1

NEW PRODUCTION

A tempting trio of ballets are on offer at Munich’s Staatsoper in May. In Jewels, George Balanchine uses three gem stones – emeralds, rubies and diamonds – as the inspiration for this three-act ballet, with music by three contrasting composers. Yuri Grigorovich’s powerful production of Spartacus tells the tale of the slave uprising against the Romans, set to the thrilling music of Khachaturian, whilst John Neumeier selected piano works by Chopin to accompany his 1978 ballet The Lady of the Camellias, based on Alexandre Dumas fils' famous 19th-century novel. Visits to Oberammergauer and the Palace of Linderhof complement this “must-see” tour for any lover of ballet.

JEWELS BY BAYERISCHE STAATSBALLETT © WILFRIED HÖSL

WED 27 MAY Afternoon arrival in Munich and transfer by coach to the 4-star family-owned Hotel Torbräu, close to the colourful Marienplatz and only a short walking distance to the Bayerische Staatsoper. Rest and relax before a welcome dinner in the hotel that evening.

THU 28 MAY Meet your guide this morning for a walking tour of the Old Town around Marienplatz where the town hall’s impressive Carillon clock delights with a display of life-sized figures that reenact events from Bavarian history. Visits include the famous Frauenkirche with its landmark twin towers. Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure before the first ballet performance that evening.

FRI 29 MAY Today is a full-day excursion to the Bavarian Alps, starting at the small town of Oberammergau. Renowned world-wide for its performance of the Passion Play which takes place every ten years as a thanksgiving for the end of the Black Death, you will also visit the

museum which displays a special exhibition around this unique event. After lunch in a local restaurant continue to Linderhof, Ludwig II’s smallest but most sumptuous palace. Return to Munich and the evening at leisure.

SAT 30 MAY The day is free for you to enjoy as you wish before the second ballet at the Staatsoper.

SUN 31 MAY A visit this morning to the sumptuous Residenz Munich, which served as the seat of government of the Bavarian dukes, electors and kings from 1508 to 1918, and is today one of the most important palace museums in Europe. This will be followed by a farewell lunch in a local restaurant. Time to rest and relax before the final ballet performance that evening.

MON 1 JUN Check-out and transfer to the airport for your homeward flight.

PROGRAMME AT THE BAYERISCHE STAATSOPER

Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, two lunches, one dinner, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included performance, ballet synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.

FLIGHTS

British Airways 27 May London Heathrow - Munich dep: 12.40 arr: 15.35 1 Jun Munich - London Heathrow dep: 12.45 arr: 13.50Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON)


28 May 19.30 JEWELS Inc Music: Emeralds Fauré, Rubies Stravinsky, Diamonds Tchaikovsky Choreography: George Balanchine New production

30 May 19.30 SPARTACUS Inc Music: Khachaturian Choreography: Yuri Grigorovich

31 May 19.30 THE LADY OF THE CAMELLIAS Inc Music: Chopin Choreography: John Neumeier

JEWELS BAYERISCHE STAATSOPER

30 Tel: 020 8799 8350 | Email: [email protected] | www.travelforthearts.com YUSIF EYVAZOV AND ANNA NETREBKO © VLADIMIR SHIROKOV

opera

DON CARLO IN DRESDEN


27 May – 1 June 2020 Tour code: DRS1

NEW PRODUCTIONS

Three great operatic works await you at the Semperoper in Dresden. Christian Thielemann conducts a star-studded cast - which includes soprano Anna Netrebko, her husband Yusif Eyvazov, Ekaterina Semenchuk and internationally-acclaimed bass Ildar Abdrazakov - in a new production of Verdi’s epic opera Don Carlo. Created in the weeks prior to the fall of the Berlin Wall, the production of Beethoven’s Fidelio by director Christine Mielitz has long become a classic, whilst Japanese director Amon Miyamoto presents an oriental view of Puccini’s heart-breaking tragedy Madama Butterfly, with Armenian soprano Hrachuhí Bassénz in the title role.

WED 27 MAY Early afternoon arrival in Berlin and transfer by coach (approx. 2 hours) to the 4-star Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe in Dresden. Located on the historical Neumarkt next to the Frauenkirche, it is a short walking distance to many landmarks, including the Semperoper. Rest and relax before a welcome dinner that evening.

THU 28 MAY Join your guide this morning for a walking tour of Dresden, a city known for its art and unique architecture, including the reconstructed Church of Our Lady and the beautiful baroque Zwinger Palace. The tour will end with a guided visit to the rebuilt Frauenkirche where you will hear its impressive new organ. The afternoon is at leisure before the opera performance that evening.

FRI 29 MAY The day starts with a further short sightseeing tour of Dresden whilst en route to the village of Graupa where Wagner composed his opera Lohengrin. After a guided tour of the Richard Wagner sites, there will be a

short piano concert (to be confirmed nearer the time) at the Carl-Maria von Weber Museum, followed by a tour of the composer’s former home. Return to Dresden with time to rest before the evening’s opera performance.

SAT 30 MAY A full day excursion outside of Berlin. Stop first at Glashütte for a guided tour of the German Watch Museum where you can observe skilled watchmakers at work. Independent lunch then transfer to Dippoldiswalde for a scenic ride on a steam train along the Weisseritz Valley Railway. Return to Dresden for your evening at leisure.

SUN 31 MAY Join your guide again this morning for a visit to the Old Masters Picture Gallery (scheduled to reopen in December 2019) which houses masterpieces by great artists including Raphael, Rembrandt and Rubens. Lunch is in a local restaurant followed by the afternoon at leisure before the final performance that evening.

MON 1 JUN Transfer to Berlin for your homeward flight.


SEMPEROPER DRESDEN © MATTHIAS CREUTZIGER

PROGRAMME AT SEMPEROPER DRESDEN

28 May 19.00 FIDELIO Beethoven Inc D: Christine Mielitz C: John Fiore Cast includes: Burkhard Fritz, Matthias Henneberg, Elisabeth Teige, Elene Gorshunova, Falk Struckmann, Joseph Dennis, Sebastian Wartig

29 May 19.00 DON CARLO Verdi Inc D: Vera Nemirova C: Christian Thielemann Cast includes: Anna Netrebko, Yusif Eyvazov, Ildar Abdrazakov, Ekaterina Semenchuk, Joseph Dennis, Alexandros Stavrakakis, Tuuli Takala New production Co-production with Salzburg Easter Festival.

31 May 19.00 MADAMA BUTTERFLY Puccini Inc D: Amon Miyamoto C: Lorenzo Viotti Cast includes: Hrachuhí Bassénz, Anna Kudriashova, Freddie De Tommaso, Christoph Pohl, Gideon Poppe, Simeon Esper, Alexandros Stavrakakis New production Co-production with the Tokyo Nikikai Opera Foundation and Det Kongelige Teater, Copenhagen

Tour price includes: Flights and airport taxes, group transfers from and to airport and for included activities where applicable, accommodation, breakfast daily, one lunch, one dinner, sightseeing tours as described including guides and entrance fees, first category ticket for each included performance, opera synopses, restaurant guide and city notes, the service of our local representative or tour manager.

FLIGHTS

British Airways 27 May London Heathrow - Berlin Tegel dep: 10.50 arr: 13.45 1 Jun Berlin Tegel - London Heathrow dep: 14.40 arr: 15.40Flight schedules are subject to alteration. Flights from other UK airports can be arranged on request.

PRICE (PER PERSON)


opera

FIDELIO BY SEMPEROPER DRESDEN

“Zita was an excellent and knowledgeable tour manager who often

went far beyond the call of duty.”Prof J, Cheshire

Travel for the Arts à la Carte is designed for clients who prefer to travel independently. Our expert consultants offer a complete bespoke planning and booking service, taking care of travel, accommodation and performance tickets in any music or ballet destination you choose.

• With over 30 years’ experience in arranging travel for groups and individuals, we are often able to source tickets for the most sought-after performances, many featuring the star performers of the day.

• We tailor your itinerary for the dates you wish to travel and for the performances you wish to see. We can also offer suggestions based on your requirements, providing seasonal opera and ballet programmes and making recommendations.

• We arrange your travel to suit your needs and can investigate journeys by air, rail or even private jet. We also offer private transfers on arrival or departure.

• We are able to book your own choice of hotel or offer advice on suitable alternatives.

• We can advise on and arrange unique bespoke experiences such as backstage tours, guided sightseeing, restaurant bookings and access to other cultural events.

Whether to celebrate a special occasion or simply as a short break, let Travel for the Arts create an unforgettable opera, ballet and classical music experience just for you.

OPERA, BALLET CLASSICAL MUSICÀ LA CARTE

32

à la carte

Tel: 020 8799 8350 | Email: [email protected] | www.travelforthearts.comTHE NUTCRACKER BY LITHUANIAN NATIONAL OPERA

AND BALLET THEATRE © MARTYNAS ALEKSA

33

à la carte

33

HOW TO BOOKTelephone our designated à la Carte line on 020 8799 8354

or email [email protected] for a quotation.

Your itinerary will be individually designed to meet your requirements.

“I am so grateful to Mark for his service and support. I always know that everything will work!”

Ms J, Bristol


Tel: 020 8799 8350 | Email: [email protected] | www.travelforthearts.com34

terms and conditions

1. ABOUT TRAVEL FOR THE ARTS1.1 Your contract will be with Specialised Travel Ltd trading as TRAVEL FOR THE ARTS, whose registered office is at Craven House, 40-44 Uxbridge Road, London W5 2BS, telephone number 020 8799 8350 and email address [email protected], which is a fully bonded member of the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) (ABTA number V7795) and appointed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).1.2 The air holidays and flights in our brochures & promotional material are ATOL protected (as detailed in clause 1.3 below), since we hold an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 2178. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking. For further information, visit the ATOL website at www.caa.co.uk, the CAA can be contacted at 45-59 Kingsway, London WC2B 6TE.

YOUR FINANCIAL PROTECTION1.3 We provide financial protection for our package holidays.a) When you buy a flight-based holiday from us, you will receive financial protection for your

flight-based holiday under our ATOL licence (detailed above), and you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong.

b) We, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL Certificate, will provide you with the services listed on the ATOL Certificate (or a suitable alternative). In some cases, where neither we nor the supplier are able to do so for reasons of insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder may provide you with the services you have bought or a suitable alternative (at no extra cost to you). You agree to accept that in those circumstances the alternative ATOL holder will perform those obligations and you agree to pay any money outstanding to be paid by you under your contract to that alternative ATOL holder. However, you also agree that in some cases it will not be possible to appoint an alternative ATOL holder, in which case you will be entitled to make a claim under the ATOL scheme (or your credit card issuer where applicable).

c) If we, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL certificate, are unable to provide the services listed (or a suitable alternative, through an alternative ATOL holder or otherwise) for reasons of insolvency, the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust may make a payment to (or confer a benefit on) you under the ATOL scheme. You agree that in return for such a payment or benefit you assign absolutely to those Trustees any claims which you have or may have arising out of or relating to the non-provision of the services, including any claim against us, the travel agent (or your credit card issuer where applicable). You also agree that any such claims may be re-assigned to another body, if that other body has paid sums you have claimed under the ATOL scheme.

1.4 Financial protection for non-flight packages is provided to you as bonded members of ABTA. When you buy a package holiday from us that does not include a flight, then financial protection is provided by way of our ABTA bond (please see www.abta.co.uk, who can be contacted at 30 Park Street, London SE1 9EQ), as per the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018.

2. TO MAKE A BOOKING2.1 When you make a booking you must complete the Booking Form accepting on your own behalf and on behalf of all your party (for whom you have authority to accept) the terms of these Booking Conditions and pay a deposit of the amount per person specified in the relevant brochure, or in the case of an independent holiday, the amount specified in writing by our staff at the time of booking, plus insurance premium and any additional performance tickets ordered. A contract will exist when we issue our confirmation invoice. Your contract will consist of these Booking Conditions, the completed Booking Form and the contents of the relevant brochure. When you make your booking you must pay a deposit (calculated as a percentage of your holiday cost) per person and as notified to you at the time of booking. Where you have provided us with card payment details in the Booking Form as your payment method for the deposit (and any insurance premium and additional performance tickets), we shall take payment from your card at the time we issue our confirmation invoice to you.2.2 The contract is governed by English law and the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts. You may however choose the law and jurisdiction of Scotland or Northern Ireland if you live there and wish to do so.2.3 The balance of the price of your holiday must be paid at least 8 weeks before the departure date. If the balance is not paid in time, we reserve the right to cancel your holiday and retain your deposit. If you paid your deposit by card and wish to authorise us to take payment of the balance on or just after the due date for payment using the same card, you may do so by ticking the relevant box in the Booking Form.2.4 We make no charge if you pay by cheque, personal credit card, debit card or by electronic transfer. However, should you choose to make payment by commercial credit card, or you are a card holder outside the EEA, we will make a charge of 2% of the total price of the holiday.

3. WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE3.1 We reserve the right to alter the prices of any of the holidays shown in the promotional literature, in accordance with these Booking Conditions. The current price of the holiday will be notified to you before your contract is confirmed.3.2 All Travel for the Arts tours are inclusive of the following:Round trip Economy Class air travel on scheduled or charter airline(s) specified (aircraft type not known when going to press) including local airport taxes and security charges; or Eurostar Passenger Service.Hotel accommodation at the hotels shown in the relevant promotional literature (or similar grade) in twin bedded rooms with private bathroom or shower and w.c. Double rooms and single rooms are available on request. NB: We are well aware of the considerable distress which can sometimes be experienced by those travelling alone when “single rooms” do not appear to come up to the standards expected. At all times we strive to overcome this on our clients’ behalf (but can offer no guarantees) and sometimes it pays to take double or twin for sole occupancy.Round trip private transfers from airports or local railway stations to hotels.Hotel service charges and local taxes.Sightseeing tour programme as detailed in each itinerary including admission charges and guide services.The services of a Travel for the Arts Tour Manager or local representative.NB: If you have any special requests relating to diet, accommodation and so forth, these must be made known at the time of booking. We will do our best to comply with them but cannot guarantee to do so (also see clause 13 below).3.3 We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of your travel arrangements can be made due to changes in: transportation costs i.e. the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources; the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports; or exchange rates, which means that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

However, there will be no change within 20 days of your departure. We will absorb, and you will not be charged for, any increase equivalent to 2% of the price of your travel arrangements, excluding insurance premiums and any amendment charges. You will be charged for the amount over and above that. If this means that you have to pay an increase of more than 8% of the price of your travel arrangements, you will have the option of accepting a change to another holiday if we are able to offer one (and we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value), or cancel and receive a full refund of all moneys paid, except for any amendment charges. Should you decide to cancel: (1) you must do so within the time period shown on your final invoice; (2) we will provide a refund of insurance premiums paid to us if you can show that you are unable to transfer of reuse your policy. Whether you cancel or not you will also be entitled, under the terms set out in respect of major changes (Alterations and Cancellations by us) to accept from us an offer of alternative travel arrangements if we are able to do so and compensation as set out below.3.4 Should the price of your holiday go down due to the changes mentioned above, then any refund due will be paid to you. We will deduct from this refund our administrative expenses incurred. Please note that travel arrangements are not always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes have no impact on the price of your travel due to contractual and other protection in place.3.5 Please note that in accordance with Air Navigation Orders, in order to qualify for infant status, a child must be under 2 years of age on the date of its return flight.

4. ALTERATIONS AND CANCELLATIONS BY YOU4.1 If, after our confirmation has been issued, you wish to change to another of our holidays or modify, at any time, the travel arrangements and/or tour itineraries shown, we will do our utmost to make the changes provided that notification is received in writing at our offices from the person who signed the Booking Form. We reserve the right to charge an administration fee of £35.00 per person in order to process that change, in addition to any further cost in making the alteration. You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Please note that certain travel arrangements (eg, concert tickets) may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.4.2 You, or any member of your party, may cancel your holiday at any time provided that notice of the cancellation is made to our offices by the person signing the Booking Form and is in writing. As certain travel arrangements and bookings cannot be changed after confirmation, cancellation incurs administration costs. We will retain your deposit and the cost of any performance tickets, and in addition may apply cancellation charges up to the maximum shown in Clause 4.3 below.4.3 Period before departure within which written confirmation of cancellation is received and amount of cancellation charge shown as a percentage of the holiday price:More than 56 days .........................Holiday deposit and performance tickets 56 - 42 days ...................................................................................40% of tour price 41-31 days .....................................................................................65% of tour price 30 – day of travel ........................................................................100% of tour price4.4 No refund will be given after the commencement of travel except at our discretion. Please note that if the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy then you may be able to reclaim these charges.4.5 You can cancel your booking without paying cancellation charges if the performance of your package, or the carriage of passengers to your destination, is significantly affected by unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances. In such circumstances, we will arrange for your booking to be terminated and for you to receive a full refund. We will observe advice provided by the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office.4.6 You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure. Both you and the new traveller are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer.

5. ALTERATIONS AND CANCELLATION BY US5.1 It is possible that we may have to make changes to your holiday (other than the price) as the arrangements are planned many months in advance. Occasionally changes may be made, and we reserve the right to do so at any time. Most of these changes are insignificant and we will ensure that we advise you as early as possible. Flight timings and carriers in the promotional literature are subject to change as a result of airline procedures which are beyond our control. Flight timings in the promotional literature are for guidance only. Actual times will be given on your ticket. In accordance with EU Regulations we are required to advise you of the actual carrier operating the flight, connecting flight (if any) and transfer. The potential carriers likely to be used are as set out in the promotional literature. Any changes to the actual airline after you have received your tickets will be notified to you as soon as possible and in all cases at check-in or at the boarding gate. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your outward/return flights by less than 12 hours, changes to aircraft type, change of accommodation to another of the same standard or higher standard, changes of carriers.5.2 If a major change becomes necessary and we are constrained by circumstances beyond our control to significantly alter any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.We will inform you as soon as reasonably possible if there is time before departure. You will have the choice of either, accepting the change of arrangements, accepting an offer of available alternative travel arrangements of comparable standard from us (where we offer one, we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value) or cancelling your holiday and receiving a full refund of all monies paid. We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be cancelled.If you choose to accept a refund:i) we will provide a full refund of your travel insurance premiums if you paid them

to us and can show that you are unable to transfer or reuse your policy;ii) we will pay compensation as detailed below except where the significant change

is due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances (as defined below). 5.3 We reserve the right to cancel your booking. For example, if the minimum number of people required for a particular travel arrangement is not reached, we reserve the right to cancel the tour up to 70 days in advance. In this case we offer the choice of an alternative tour of comparable standard, if available (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value), or a full refund of all monies paid. We will not cancel less than 49 days before the scheduled departure date except for reasons of unavoidable or extraordinary circumstances or your failure to pay the final balance. If your holiday is cancelled you can either have a refund of all monies paid or accept an alternative holiday of comparable standard from us if we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of lower value). In the event a refund is paid to you, we will:i) provide a full refund of your travel insurance premiums if you paid them to us and can show

that you are unable to transfer or reuse the policy.ii) pay compensation as detailed below except where the cancellation is due to unavoidable

and extraordinary circumstances


booking formTRAVEL FOR THE ARTS

HOW TO BOOK Please contact us by telephone (020 8799 8350) - you will speak to one of our sales team usually after three rings! If space is available on the tour of your choice you will be given a 7-day option. We will then require a completed booking form together with your deposit or full payment (see Late Bookings). You must agree to the Booking Conditions.

BOOK EARLY Many of our holidays are taken up very quickly after the brochure launch, when tours appear on our website. Sometimes they are fully booked after appearing as advanced information in our Newsletter.

LATE BOOKINGS If you book within 8 weeks of departure, you will need to provide a credit/debit card for the full amount of the holiday, or send us a cheque within 24-hours.

TOUR CODE & BOOKING REFERENCE Please include these on the booking form and quote your Booking Reference in all subsequent communications.

OPENING HOURS are Monday-Friday, 9.30-5.30. The office is closed on UK public holidays.

NAME OF TOUR / À LA CARTE DESTINATION DATES TOUR CODE (e.g. BUD1 or CPH3)

BOOKING REFERENCE WHERE DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THIS TOUR?

PERSONAL DETAILS (Please show names as they appear on your passport)

No. TITLE FIRST NAME FAMILY NAME

1

2

3

4

SPECIAL NEEDS/FITNESS AND MOBILITY In order to assist us in ensuring you and fellow travellers maximum comfort please indicate below any special requirements or conditions about which we should be aware.

PERSONAL DETAILS (Please show names as they appear on your passport)

No. AGE WHEELCHAIR ASSISTANCE SPECIAL DIET OTHER

1

2

3

4

EMERGENCY / NEXT OF KIN: (Must be completed at time of booking)

NAME:

ADDRESS:

TEL NO:

RELATIONSHIP:

NAMES AS YOU WISH TO APPEAR ON THE PARTICIPANT LIST (if different from above)

1

2

3

4

PASSPORT DETAILS (essential for airline ticketing & in case of emergency)

No. D.O.B PASSPORT No. NATIONALITY DATE DATE OF ISSUE OF EXPIRY

1

2

3

4

NB If travelling to the USA you will require a machine-readable passport

ADDRESS (for correspondence) TELEPHONE: (Day)

TELEPHONE: (Eve)

MOBILE:

EMAIL:

FAX:

TELEPHONE: 24-hours pre-departure

SPECIAL OCCASION If this holiday coincides with a special occasion, please indicate below (e.g. birthday or wedding anniversary)

Travel For The Arts, Craven House, 40-44 Uxbridge Road, London W5 2BS Telephone: 020 8799 8350 e-mail: [email protected] www.travelforthearts.com

Travel for the Arts is a division of Specialised Travel Ltd

ROOM TYPE CLUB CLASS Twin, Double or Single Yes or No

(e.g. brochure, a friend, magazine or newspaper, email, etc.?)

Tel: 020 8799 8350 | Email: [email protected] | www.travelforthearts.com36

booking form

AIRPORT PARKING / AIRPORT HOTEL / REGIONAL FLIGHTS Please send me details of: (please tick)

AIRPORT PARKING AIRPORT HOTEL

Comments:

AIRPORT LOUNGE DOMESTIC FLIGHT

No. of Places PER PERSON TOTAL

Deposit (See tour price panel) £ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OR Full payment (if booking within 8 weeks of departure) £ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Supplementary Performance £ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tickets / Services* £ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TOTAL £ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .* Payable at time of booking

REDEMPTION OF VOUCHERS If you are redeeming a voucher please attach it to your booking form. Vouchers cannot be redeemed retrospectively.

MEMBERSHIP NUMBERS If you are a Friend of Covent Garden, British Friend of the Salzburg Festival or Member of the The Wagner Society of England or New York, please complete details below:

NAME OF ORGANISATION MEMBERSHIP NO.

FINANCIAL

I wish to pay by Debit Card I wish to pay by Credit Card

I wish to pay by Cheque (Please tick box)

NB: Payment by commercial card will incur a 2% charge. No charge is made for personal cards, unless the card holder is outside the EEA.

CARD NO:

NAME ON CARD ..................................................................................................................................

DATE OF ISSUE

DATE OF EXPIRY

SECURITY CODE

ISSUE NO

Please tick this box if you would like the balance of payment charged to your card

Billing address if different from address overleaf

METHOD OF PAYMENT

OPTIONAL OR SUPPLEMENTARY PERFORMANCE TICKETS Please book the following supplementary services

DATE PERFORMANCE REQUIRED OR DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES No. REQUIRED

TRAVEL INSURANCE It is a condition of booking that you have comprehensive travel insurance for all the activities you will be undertaking whilst on holiday – please provide the details below. We can introduce you to an insurance company if you do not have any cover. Full details are shown in our Booking Terms and Conditions.

INSURANCE CO. NAME POLICY NUMBER EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE TEL No.

DECLARATION

I am over 18 years of age and I have read and understood the booking conditions, Data Protection Policy, general information and travel insurance advice and accept them on behalf of myself and the members of my party.

SIGNATURE: ........................................................................................................... DATE: .................................................................................................................................................


terms and conditions

5.4 If it is necessary to cancel your holiday (except for reasons of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances) or make a significant change after the date when payment of the balance becomes due, we will in addition pay you compensation as follows:Period before departure within which Compensation notification of change or cancellation is given per personMore than 49 days ...................................................Nil49 – 42 days........................................................£10.0041 – 25 days........................................................£20.0024 – 16 days........................................................£30.0015 – 1 days ..........................................................£40.00 Please note compensation is not payable in the case of minor changes. The compensation offered does not exclude you from claiming more if you are entitled to do so.‘Unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances’ means a situation beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken, including (for example) but not limited to, war, riot, industrial dispute, terrorist activity and its consequences, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, adverse weather conditions, epidemics and pandemics, unavoidable technical problems with transport.

6. NON-APPEARANCE AND ALTERATIONS TO REPERTOIRE/ITINERARY6.1 Opera and music lovers will appreciate that performances and artists can be changed without notice. Fortunately, this is a rare occurrence but nevertheless disappointing. Every effort is made to obtain and pass on to you up to date information regarding performances and artists. This information is based upon details supplied to us by other parties and we cannot guarantee its accuracy or that there will not be further changes to the programme. The non-appearance of an artist, cancellation of event or other changes, are entirely outside our control or even the control of those organising the event. We will always do our utmost to find a suitable alternative in such a case and wherever refunds from an event organiser are received we will pass this on to you.6.2 Specific outside events – in the event of adverse weather conditions a full refund of the face value of the performance ticket will be made only if the performance fails to start. If abandonment occurs after the start, conditions of the ticket purchased prevent any refund.6.3 Please note that the order of events on itineraries is subject to alteration due to local circumstances, unscheduled closures etc. However, every effort will be made to include all elements of the programme during the tour dates or a suitable alternative which will be notified to you.

7. OUR LIABILITIES TO YOU7.1 You must inform us without undue delay of any failure to perform or improper performance of the travel services included in the package holiday sold to you by us. If any of the travel services included in your package are not performed in accordance with the contract, or any improperly performed, by us or the travel service suppliers, and this has affected the enjoyment of your travel arrangements, you may be entitled to an appropriate price reduction or compensation, or both. However, we will not be liable where any failure to perform or improper performance of the travel services is due to you or another member of your party; or a third party unconnected with the provision of the travel arrangements and whether the failure is unforeseeable or unavoidable; or unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances (as defined above) beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken.7.2 If an event within the itinerary is cancelled due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances within one month prior to the event, we reserve the right to refund the cost of the admission ticket to the event only.7.3 We accept responsibility for the negligent acts and/or omissions of our employees, agents or suppliers. Save for liabilities under clause 7.4 below, our liability to you in all cases (except where they lead to death, injury or illness) shall be limited to a maximum of three times the cost of the original travel arrangements.7.4 Our liability to you will also be limited in accordance with and/or in an identical manner to:i) the contractual terms of the companies that provide the travel services that make up your

package. These are incorporated into this booking; andii) any relevant international conventions (for example, the Montreal Convention for travel by air,

the Athens Convention for travel by sea, the Berne Convention for travel by rail and the Paris Convention for accommodation), which limit the amount of compensation that you can claim for death, injury, delay to passengers and loss, damage and delay to luggage. We are to be regarded as having all benefit of any limitation of compensation contained in these or any conventions.

You can ask for copies of the travel service contractual terms, or the international conventions, from us. 7.5 If you, or any member of your party, suffers death, illness or injury whilst overseas arising out of activity which does not form part of the inclusive holiday arrangements or excursion arrangements through us (as per clause 17 below), we shall at our discretion, offer advice, guidance and assistance to help in resolving any claim you may have against a third party. We limit the cost of our assistance to you or a member of your party to £5,000.00 in total. Where legal action is contemplated and you want our assistance you must obtain our authority prior to commencement of proceedings. Our consent will be given subject to you undertaking to assign any costs, benefits received under any relevant insurance policy to ourselves.7.6 If you are prevented from travelling on an aircraft because in the opinion of any person in authority at the airport you appear, by reason of intoxicating liquor or use of drugs, either to be unfit for travel or likely to cause discomfort or disturbance to other passengers, our responsibility for your journey, including any return flight thereupon ceases. You must accept responsibility for your proper conduct and we therefore have the right to terminate our contract in circumstances of serious misconduct by you or any member of your party.7.7 Under EU law, you have rights in some circumstances to refunds and/or compensation from your airline in cases of denied boarding, cancellation or delay to flights. Full details of these rights will be available at EU airports and will also be available from airlines. However, please note that reimbursement in such cases does not automatically entitle you to a refund of the cost of your holiday from us. Your right to a refund and/or compensation from us is set out in these Booking Conditions. If any payments to you are due from us, then if the airline makes payment of these to you then such sum will be deducted from this amount. If your airline does not comply with such rules then you can complain to the Aviation Consumer Advocate Panel on 020 7453 6888 or www.caa.co.uk.7.8 If it is impossible to ensure your return as scheduled due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances, we will bear the cost of necessary accommodation, if possible of equivalent category, for a maximum of three nights. The limit doesn’t apply to persons with reduced mobility and any person accompanying them, pregnant women and unaccompanied minors, or persons in need of specific medical assistance, provided that you notified us of these needs at least 48 hours before the start of your holiday. NB: This clause does not apply to any separate contracts that you may enter into for excursions or activities whilst on holiday.

8. DATA PROTECTION POLICYIn order to process your booking and to ensure your travel arrangements run smoothly and meet your requirements, we need to use the information you provide to us, such as name, address, contact details and any special needs/dietary requirements. Please see our Privacy Policy for details of how we collect and process your personal data, and the personal data of those in your party. http://www.travelforthearts.com/privacy/

9. PASSPORTS, VISAS AND HEALTH9.1 You and your party’s specific passport, visa and other immigration requirements are your responsibility and we do not accept responsibility for the validity of your passports or visas or for the refusal of visas by the Issuing Authorities. You should therefore confirm these with the relevant authorities, Embassies and/or Consulates. We shall not be liable for any loss, expense, cost, damage, injury or loss of enjoyment suffered as a result of such invalidity or loss, including any responsibility if you cannot travel because you have not complied with such requirements.9.2 British subjects require a passport. We will provide information about visas and health requirements and can also apply for visas on your behalf for a small fee and handling charge. If you do not hold a valid EU passport, please inform us at point of booking. Although we can apply for any visa on a client’s behalf, we cannot be held responsible for declined visas and normal cancellation charges will be levied should this occur. Higher charges may also be applied to non-British citizens and late applications which will be charged accordingly. For further advice visit the FCO website, www.fco.gov.uk, visit the ABTA website www.abta.com/gotravel or telephone ABTA on 020 3117 0599.

10. PHYSICAL HANDICAPS AND MOBILITYShould you suffer from any serious physical handicaps or experience difficulty in walking long distances and tire easily, please do bring this to our attention at the time of booking in order that we can provide the necessary assistance at airports and hotels. Please note that some of the activities on our tours may not be suitable if you have any disability or reduced mobility. In the interests of safety and comfort for the whole group, you should be fit enough to participate or alternatively have an able bodied carer with you to assist.

11. COMPLAINTS AND DISPUTES11.1 If you have a compliant about any of the services included in your holiday, you must inform the relevant supplier and our representative (whose details will be provided to you prior to the commencement of your trip) without undue delay, who will endeavour to put things right quickly. If your complaint cannot be resolved locally, your representative will ask you to make a report, the original of which is for you and a copy will be forwarded to our Head Office, as detailed on our invoice to you. Please follow this up within 28 days of your return home by writing to us giving your original tour reference number and all other relevant information. Please keep your letter concise and provide all relevant information. If you fail to follow the requirement to report your complaint during your holiday, we will have been deprived of the opportunity to investigate and rectify it and this may affect your rights under this booking.11.2 It is unlikely that you will have a complaint that cannot be settled amicably between us. However, disputes arising out of or in connection with this contract which cannot be amicably settled, may (if you so wish) be settled by way of an alternative dispute resolution procedure. We are a member of ABTA. We are also obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. We can also offer you ABTA’s Scheme for the resolution of disputes which is approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute. If we can’t resolve your complaint, go to www.abta.com to use ABTA’s simple procedure. Further information on the Code and ABTA’s assistance in resolving disputes can be found on www.abta.com. You can also access the European Commission Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platform at http://ec.europa/consumers/odr/. This ODR platform is a means of notifying us of your compliant; it will not determine how your complaint should be resolved.

12. ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCEIf you’re in difficulty whilst on holiday and ask us to help we will provide appropriate assistance, in particular by providing information on health services, local authorities and consular assistance; and helping you to find alternative arrangements and any necessary phone calls/emails. You must pay any costs we incur, if the difficulty is your fault.

13. SPECIAL REQUESTSAny special requests made on your Booking Form are noted and we do our very best to comply with these wherever possible. However, although we do make every effort to meet your requirements, we cannot unfortunately give a guarantee.

14. TOUR MANAGERS AND LOCAL REPRESENTATIVESWherever possible and practical, our tours are escorted throughout by a representative from the UK. On occasions when circumstances dictate, we retain the services of a local representative to meet our clients and to escort them to cities and on excursions accompanied by our local guide.

15. TRAVEL INSURANCEIt is a condition of these Booking Conditions and your contract with us that you have comprehensive travel insurance cover. We are able to introduce you to Citybond Suretravel. Citybond Suretravel insurance is underwritten by Union Reiseversicherung AG, UK. Specialised Travel, trading as Travel for the Arts, is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Citybond Suretravel for the sale of travel insurance and we have negotiated discounts on the Citybond Suretravel schemes for our clients.Citybond Suretravel can provide a comprehensive range of travel insurance offering high levels of cover for medical emergency, repatriation, personal baggage, cancellation and much more.They are able to provide single trip policies with no upper age limit, annual multi trip policies up to age 85, long stay policies for trips up to 12 months and gap year policies for trips up to 18 months.All their policies offer the option to include existing medical conditions as well as, automatic cover for participation in over 100 sports and activities.Referral Code 56275Please use the above code to receive the premium discounts: Online at https://www.suretravel.co.uk/?intcode=56275 or by phone on Freephone 0333 207 0481 for 10%

16. SEVERABILITYIf any part of these Booking Conditions is held to be invalid, unreasonable or unenforceable, such portion(s) shall be deemed as severable from these Booking Conditions and the remainder of these Booking Conditions shall remain in full force and effect and enforceable.

17. EXCURSIONSExcursions or other tours that you may choose to book or pay for whilst you are on holiday are not part of your package holiday provided by us. For any excursion or other tour that you book which does not form part of your package holiday with us, your contract will be with the operator of the excursion or tour and not with us. We are not responsible for the provision of the excursion or tour or for anything that happens during the course of its provision by the operator.

Travel For The Arts 3rd Floor, Craven House 40-44 Uxbridge Road, Ealing London W5 2BS Telephone: +44 20 8799 8350 E-mail: [email protected] www.travelforthearts.com

This brochure went to print on 8th July 2019.

TRAVEL FOR THE ARTS

Travel for the Arts is a division of Specialised Travel Ltd

Documents

OPERA, BALLET CLASSICAL MUSIC HOLIDAYS · 2019-07-22 · TRAVELF OR THE ARTS +44 20 8799 8350 [email protected] AUTUMN, WINTER & SPRING 2019/20 OPERA, BALLET CLASSICAL MUSIC