PERFORMANCES
Wagner Parsifal at the internationally renowned Glyndebourne Festival Opera, with Daniel Johansson as Parsifal and Kristina Stanek as Kundry.
Donizetti L’elisir d’amore at Garsington Opera, an opera festival set in a country estate of extraordinary beauty.
Verdi Simon Boccanegra starring Simon Keenlyside, at Grange Park Opera at their beautiful home in West Horsley Estate.
Bizet Carmen at the iconic Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.
Shakespeare Hamlet Hail to the Thief by the celebrated Royal Shakespeare Company in picturesque Stratford-upon-Avon.
Shakespeare Romeo and Juliet at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, the spectacular re-creation of the original Globe on the banks of the River Thames in London.
A private opera recital with soprano Madison Leonard, exclusively for guests on the tour, followed by drinks and canapés with the artists.
Attendance at Evensong in King's College Chapel with the Choir of King's College, Cambridge and their Director of Music, Daniel Hyde.
OVERVIEW
Premium seats to four opera performances and two theatre performances.
Attendance at Evensong in King’s College Chapel, dinner with the Choir’s Director of Music, Daniel Hyde, and the opportunity to sit in on a closed rehearsal of the Choir of King's College, Cambridge.
A private opera recital in Oxford followed by drinks and canapés with the artists.
Insightful introductions to each of the operas, given by Tour Leader, Elizabeth Hayllar.
Private guided walking tours of ancient colleges and their environs, in the historic university towns of Cambridge and Oxford.
A visit to the delightful moated Tudor manor house of Baddesley Clinton, which probably originated in the 13th-century, when large areas of the Forest of Arden were cleared for farmland.
A private guided tour of Sudeley Castle, which offers an understanding of its fascinating history spanning over 1,000 years.
Visits to Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, the historic cottage and gardens that were the home of Shakespeare’s wife in nearby Shottery.
A private guided tour of Blenheim Palace, home of Winston Churchill’s forebears.
A private guided tour of the art treasures in the Wallace Collection, Hertford House, London.
Gourmet dinners during the extended intervals at Glyndebourne Festival Opera, Garsington Opera and Grange Park Opera, and a pre-performance dinner at the Royal Opera House.
Travel in a small group (maximum 20 people) giving you the opportunity to get to know your fellow guests and to enjoy one-on-one time with your expert Tour Leader.
TOUR LEADER
Elizabeth Hayllar
Elizabeth Hayllar has enjoyed an international career working and touring with the world’s greatest orchestras and artists, collaborating with renowned opera houses and festivals. Drawing on her vast experience she crafts expertly planned tours which provide guests with unique and unforgettable experiences of classical music as well as rich encounters with history, art, architecture and culture.
During her time as a core member of the Touring Department at London-based international classical music agency Intermusica Artists’ Management, Elizabeth managed high-profile orchestral and choral tours around the world. This work relied upon close collaborative working relationships with the world’s most respected and renowned orchestras, choirs, festivals and classical music venues including: in the UK - the London Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, Choir of King’s College, Cambridge, Edinburgh International Festival, London’s Barbican and Southbank Centre; in Asia - Hong Kong Arts Festival, Beijing Music Festival, National Centre for the Performing Arts Beijing, Shanghai Grand Theatre and Singapore Esplanade; and in continental Europe - the Budapest Festival Orchestra, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Berlin Festival, Gergiev Rotterdam Festival, Amsterdam Concertgebouw, Théatre des Champs-Élysées, Budapest Palace of Arts and the Vienna Konzerthaus.
Elizabeth holds a First Class Honours degree in Music and in Arts, majoring in History and Theatre, from the University of New South Wales.
HotelS
GRADUATE CAMBRIDGE
The Graduate Cambridge is a boutique hotel conveniently situated in Cambridge’s historic centre and overlooking the River Cam. King’s College, the Fitzwilliam Museum and the Guildhall are all within walking distance, as are many shops and restaurants. There is on-site dining at the Garden House featuring a seasonal menu, which celebrates the best in East Anglian and British produce. It has an open grill kitchen and an exterior terrace extending into the garden which overlooks the river. The Garden Bar offers a light informal menu and a drinks list with a wide range of British, European and new world wines.
The tour cost includes a Graduate River View King Room.
THE ARDEN HOTEL, STRATFORD-UPON-AVON
The Arden Hotel is a refined and contemporary boutique hotel located in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon, directly opposite the world-renowned Royal Shakespeare Company Theatres, and close by the scenic Avon River. The hotel has a cosy Afternoon Tea lounge and an award-winning restaurant, No.44 Brasserie which serves fresh, creative dishes.
The tour cost includes a Deluxe King Room.
THE RANDOLPH HOTEL, OXFORD
The Randolph Hotel, a historic 5-star hotel takes inspiration from the University of Oxford’s history. The hotel and guest rooms play homage to its celebrated innovators and alumni throughout the hotel, such as Alice in Wonderland author Lewis Carroll and famed playwright and poet Oscar Wilde. The hotel is conveniently located in Oxford’s city centre and steps away from the Ashmolean Museum and iconic colleges, including St John’s and Trinity. The hotel restaurant, The Alice, serves seasonal, locally sourced, British dishes with a contemporary twist. The wellness centre features five treatment rooms and wet area including steam, sauna, ice room and jacuzzi.
The tour cost includes a Graduate King Room.
THE WALDORF HILTON, LONDON
The Waldorf Hilton London, built in 1908 and one of the longest standing venues on Aldwych, blends Edwardian grandeur with friendly modern comfort. It is wonderfully situated in the heart of London’s famous theatre district, a 5-minute walk to the Royal Opera House and a 2-minute walk to The Courtauld Gallery in Somerset House. A 5-minute walk leads to Waterloo Bridge and a scenic stroll across the Thames, and a 15-minute walk down the Strand leads to Trafalgar Square. The excellent inhouse Homage Restaurant has a menu and décor which pays tribute to the grand cafés of Europe. It offers modern, eclectic menus showcasing a unique style and the best of what Britain has to offer. Afternoon Tea is served every day. Good Godfrey's Bar and Lounge offers drinks, canapes, and light snacks, and old-world sophistication, and cocktails are offered at The Wild Monkey. The hotel has a spacious, well-equipped gym.
The tour cost includes a Queen Guest Room.
If you would like hotel upgrade options please contact us on 02 9669 9181 / +61 2 9669 9181.
7–20 JUNE 2025 (14 DAYS)
AUD$15,250 PER PERSON TWIN SHARE
Single supplement: AUD$3,450