ITINERARY

DAY 1 | SATURDAY 7 JUNE 2025

1ST OF 2 NIGHTS AT GRADUATE CAMBRIDGE

LONDON TO CAMBRIDGE (D):

We meet in the morning at 11:30am at our London hotel, The Waldorf Hilton, and travel by private coach from London to Cambridge.

On arrival we check into our charmingly situated hotel, Graduate Cambridge, on the banks of the River Cam. The early afternoon is free. You could enjoy the hotel’s lovely situation by just sitting by the river with a drink or a coffee, or stroll to the town centre which is nearby, or you may like to visit the university’s famous Fitzwilliam Museum, with its rich collection including antiquities, applied arts, illuminated manuscripts and paintings by such artists as Constable, Hogarth and Gainsborough.

In the early evening our Tour Leader, Elizabeth Hayllar, will give an introduction to King’s College, Cambridge and we are then privileged to attend a special event, a private dinner with Daniel Hyde, Director of Music for the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge.

DAY 2 | SUNDAY 8 JUNE 2025

2ND OF 2 NIGHTS AT GRADUATE CAMBRIDGE

EXPLORE CAMBRIDGE & HEAR THE CHOIR OF KING’S COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE (B):

This morning we experience a punting trip on the River Cam, with views of the Backs and waterways of Cambridge. This is followed by a walking tour of Cambridge with its ancient colleges, chapels and pathways.

We then have the opportunity of sitting in on a closed rehearsal of the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge, in King’s College Chapel. In the afternoon we attend Evensong performed by the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge, conducted by Daniel Hyde.

DAY 3 | MONDAY 9 JUNE 2025

1ST OF 3 NIGHTS AT THE ARDEN HOTEL, STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

CAMBRIDGE TO STRATFORD-UPON-AVON & A VISIT TO BADDESLEY CLINTON (B):

This morning we depart from Cambridge and travel towards Stratford-upon-Avon. We break our journey with a visit to a National Trust property, 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. On arrival we have an introduction to the house. Time is then allowed to explore the house and enjoy its charming gardens.

From Baddesley Clinton we proceed to Stratford-upon-Avon, where we settle into The Arden Hotel, perfectly located in the heart of this historic town, close by the Avon River.

The evening is free to rest, or to stroll through the town. You might like to take a short walk to the nearby Church of the Holy Trinity, along paths and gardens that border the Avon River. In a striking position on the banks of the river, the church is Stratford-upon-Avon’s oldest building and England's most visited parish church because of its beauty and situation, and because it is the church where William Shakespeare was baptised and buried.

DAY 4 | TUESDAY 10 JUNE 2025

2ND OF 3 NIGHTS AT THE ARDEN HOTEL, STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

STRATFORD-UPON-AVON, SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHPLACE, ANNE HATHAWAY’S COTTAGE & THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY (B):

This morning we are introduced to our Shakespearean experience with a visit to Shakespeare’s Birthplace, a restored 16th-century half-timbered house, located in pretty gardens, in Henley Street, where it is believed that William Shakespeare was born in 1564 and spent his childhood years.

We then travel to Shottery to visit the historic cottage that was the home of Shakespeare’s wife, Anne Hathaway. Built more than 500 years ago and extended over the years, much of the original survives, including furniture such as the Hathaway bed. We are given an introduction to the cottage and have the opportunity to wander through its beautiful cottage gardens and orchards.

In the early evening we hear a talk exploring the literary and historical context and the performance history of the play we will be attending. We then attend a performance by the celebrated Royal Shakespeare Company.

THEATRE PERFORMANCE - ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY
Shakespeare Hamlet Hail to the Thief

Shakespeare’s great tragedy and Radiohead’s seminal album Hail to the Thief collide for a feverish experience that fuses theatre, music, and movement. In this adaptation, music becomes an integral part of the narrative. Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke has reworked the band’s critically acclaimed album into a deconstructed score that illuminates the text and is performed by live musicians.

DAY 5 | WEDNESDAY 11 JUNE 2025

3RD OF 3 NIGHTS AT THE ARDEN HOTEL, STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

EXCURSION TO SUDELEY CASTLE AND GARDENS AND STRATFORD-UPON-AVON (B, D):

This morning we visit Sudeley Castle and Gardens. An expert will lead us on a guided walking tour of the gardens to help us gain an understanding of the castle’s fascinating 1000 year history. Sudeley Castle remains the only private castle in England to have a queen buried within the grounds, Queen Katherine Parr, the last and surviving wife of King Henry VIII, who lived and died in the castle. Henry himself, Anne Boleyn, Lady Jane Grey, Queen Elizabeth I and Richard III have all played a part in Sudeley’s story. King Charles I found refuge here during the Civil War, when his nephew Prince Rupert established headquarters at the Castle. Following the tour, there is time to enjoy the house, the chapel, or to have lunch in the cafe.

In the afternoon, we return to Stratford-upon-Avon where we have time to explore the town further, or to prepare for our departure to Oxford tomorrow. If you are interested in some exploration, you might take the 3-minute walk to Shakespeare’s School Room and Guildhall, in Church Street. There you have a chance to see the beautiful Tudor building that houses the Guildhall as it was in Shakespeare’s time, and to experience the very classroom where young William Shakespeare sat in the 1570s.

We come together in the evening for a delicious dinner to celebrate our final evening in Stratford-upon-Avon.

DAY 6 | THURSDAY 12 JUNE 2025

1ST OF 3 NIGHTS AT THE RANDOLPH HOTEL, OXFORD

STRATFORD-UPON-AVON TO OXFORD, WITH LUNCH IN THE COTSWOLDS (B, L):

This morning we depart Stratford-upon-Avon for Oxford. We make a stop en route for lunch at a delightful English pub in the heart of the Cotswolds.

Following lunch we continue onto Oxford. On arrival we check into The Randolph Hotel, a historic 5-star hotel that 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.

In the afternoon we go on a walking tour of Oxford, visiting some of the historic halls and courtyards, and enjoying views of the clustered spires in this ancient seat of learning. The evening is then free to relax.

DAY 7 | FRIDAY 13 JUNE 2025

2ND OF 3 NIGHTS AT THE RANDOLPH HOTEL, OXFORD

EXCURSION TO BLENHEIM PALACE & PRIVATE RECITAL, OXFORD (B, C):

This morning we visit Blenheim Palace, one of England's largest houses, built between 1705 and 1722. It was the home of Winston Churchill’s forebears. We have a private guided tour of the Palace which reveals not only the sumptuous reception halls and the splendid private quarters, but also the history of this eminent family.

Following our guided tour, time is allowed to wander over the sweeping lawns and through the award-winning formal gardens.

In the early evening we enjoy a private opera recital, arranged exclusively for guests on the tour, in the Jacqueline du Pré Music Building in beautiful St Hilda’s College. Following the recital, we have drinks and canapés and the opportunity to talk with the artists.

DAY 8 | SATURDAY 14 JUNE 2025

3RD OF 3 NIGHTS AT THE RANDOLPH HOTEL, OXFORD

OXFORD & EXCURSION TO GARSINGTON (B, D):

In the morning there is a talk by Elizabeth Hayllar about this evening’s opera.

Following this, the late morning and early afternoon are free. You might like to rest ahead of our visit to Garsington Opera, or enjoy a short stroll through beautiful Oxford which might also be relaxing. If you feel like some exploration, you might consider visiting the Ashmolean Museum, with its amazing collection of artefacts, specialising in art and archaeology. It is located just across the road from our hotel.

In the afternoon we travel to spectacular Wormsley Estate where the 18th-century country house nestles in the rolling, green Chiltern Hills. We have time to enjoy the landscaped grounds and to visit the 18th-century Walled Garden before attending an opera performance at Garsington Opera. During the extended interval we enjoy a traditional picnic in the beautiful gardens. After the opera we return by private coach to Oxford.

OPERA PERFORMANCE - GARSINGTON OPERA
Gaetano Donizetti L’elisir d’amore

Chloe Rooke conductor
Christopher Luscombe director
Philharmonia Orchestra

DAY 9 | SUNDAY 15 JUNE 2025

1ST OF 5 NIGHTS AT THE WALDORF HILTON, LONDON

OXFORD TO LONDON (B):

This morning we travel to London and check into The Waldorf Hilton London. Built in 1908 and one of the longest standing venues on Aldwych, the hotel blends Edwardian grandeur with friendly modern comfort. It is wonderfully situated in the heart of London’s famous theatre district, a 4-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 12-minute walk down the Strand leads to Trafalgar Square

The remainder of the afternoon and evening are free to relax or to explore London. There are many delightful attractions in London you might like to visit. The remarkable Courtauld Gallery, located a 2-minute walk from our hotel, is renowned for its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, including the world-famous A Bar at the Folies-Bergère by Édouard Manet and Vincent van Gogh’s Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear. The gallery also presents an exciting programme of acclaimed temporary exhibitions.

One particularly enjoyable activity is to visit Handel’s House, located at 25 Brook Street, Mayfair, a 4-minute walk from Bond Street Underground Station. It was a new upper-middle class townhouse in 1723 when Handel, a bachelor who was 38 years old, rented it. He lived there for the rest of his life, dying in the upstairs bedroom in 1759. The details of his everyday life and the conditions in which he composed are very vivid when one makes this visit. Guests can sit in the very room in which Handel composed his Messiah in the autumn of 1741. From Handel’s House it is a 7-minute walk to elegant Regent Street, one of London's most beautiful and popular shopping streets.

DAY 10 | MONDAY 16 JUNE 2025

2ND OF 5 NIGHTS AT THE WALDORF HILTON, LONDON

LONDON & THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE (B, D):

This morning there is a talk by Elizabeth Hayllar on this evening’s opera.

We then travel to the Royal Opera House Covent Garden where we experience a backstage tour. We get glimpses of the sets and costumes, how they are made and stored, and we have an expert guide to explain it all to us.

The afternoon is free. At the conclusion of the backstage tour you might like to return to the hotel to rest before this evening’s performance, but Covent Garden is located in a fascinating district of London. There are colourful markets, restaurants and pubs immediately outside the opera house, and a short walk in any direction takes you to some of London’s icons. You could walk to Trafalgar Square to visit the fabulous National Gallery, or call in to the architectural jewel that is the church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields. The Strand with its shops and cafes is only a few minutes’ stroll away.

In the late afternoon we travel to the Royal Opera House and enjoy a dinner at opera house’s Balconies Restaurant. Following dinner, we attend a performance at the iconic Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.

OPERA PERFORMANCE - ROYAL OPERA HOUSE, COVENT GARDEN
Georges Bizet Carmen

Ariane Matiakh conductor
Anna Goryachova Carmen
Charles Castronovo Don José
Mané Galoyan Micaëla
Christian Van Horn Escamillo
Jamie Woollard Zuniga
Alison Langer Frasquita
Veena Akama-Makia Mercédès
Siphe Kwani Dancaïro
Ryan Vaughan Davies Remendado
Grisha Martirosyan Moralès
Royal Opera Chorus
Orchestra of the Royal Opera House

DAY 11 | TUESDAY 17 JUNE 2025

3RD OF 5 NIGHTS AT THE WALDORF HILTON, LONDON

EXCURSION TO GRANGE PARK OPERA (B, D):

In the morning there is a talk by Elizabeth Hayllar about the performance we will hear at Grange Park Opera in the evening.

Then, in the early afternoon, we travel to Grange Park Opera’s beautiful home in a former country retreat, nestled in woodland on a 400-acre estate at West Horsley Place, in Surrey.

There is time to explore the beautiful woodlands before the performance. We have a delicious 3-course dinner during the extended interval, and afterwards return to our London hotel.

OPERA PERFORMANCE - GRANGE PARK OPERA
Giuseppe Verdi Simon Boccanegra

Gianluca Marciano conductor
David Pountney original director
Sir Simon Keenlyside Simon Boccanegra
James Creswell Jacopo Fiesco
Elin Pritchard Amelia Grimaldi
Leonardo Capalbo Gabriele Adorno
Jolyon Loy Paolo Albiani
David Shipley Pietro

DAY 12 | WEDNESDAY 18 JUNE 2025

4TH OF 5 NIGHTS AT THE WALDORF HILTON, LONDON

LONDON, THE WALLACE COLLECTION & SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE THEATRE (B):

This morning we visit the beautiful mansion of Hertford House, where we take a private guided tour of the art treasures in the Wallace Collection with its unsurpassed displays of French 18th-century painting, furniture and porcelain and its superb Old Master paintings.

The afternoon is free to rest or to explore London.

In the evening we travel to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre on the banks of the Thames River to attend a production. Shakespeare’s Globe is a spectacular re-creation of the theatre where many of Shakespeare’s plays were originally performed.

THEATRE PERFORMANCE - SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE THEATRE
Play TBA

DAY 13 | THURSDAY 19 JUNE 2025

5TH OF 5 NIGHTS AT THE WALDORF HILTON, LONDON

EXCURSION TO GLYNDEBOURNE FESTIVAL OPERA (B, D):

In the morning there is a talk by Elizabeth Hayllar about this evening’s opera.

In the early afternoon we travel by private coach to Glyndebourne Estate, delightfully situated in the pastoral surroundings of the Sussex South Downs. In 1953 Vita Sackville West wrote of Glyndebourne: ‘The graciousness of civilisation here surely touches a peak where the arts of music, architecture and gardening combine for the delight of man.’

We are given time to stroll through the impressive grounds before attending a performance by the internationally celebrated Glyndebourne Festival. During the extended interval we enjoy a 3-course fine dining menu. Following the performance, we return by private coach to our London hotel.

OPERA PERFORMANCE - GLYNDEBOURNE FESTIVAL OPERA
Richard Wagner Parsifal

Jetske Mijnssen director
Robin Ticciati conductor
Daniel Johansson Parsifal
Eva-Maria Westbroek Kundry

DAY 14 | FRIDAY 20 JUNE 2025

TOUR ENDS (B):

Following our final breakfast at the hotel, the tour concludes.

Please note: There may be some changes to the itinerary depending on the final confirmation of performances.

INCLUSIONS

7–20 JUNE 2025 (14 DAYS)

AUD$15,250 PER PERSON TWIN SHARE

Single supplement: AUD$3,450
Deposit payment 1: Deposit AUD$1,500 per person (due at time of booking)
Deposit payment 2: Deposit AUD$1,500 per person (due on 7 February 2025)
Final payment due: 4 April 2025

INCLUSIONS:

• Performances: Premium tickets for performances at the following venues and opera festivals; Glyndebourne Festival Opera, Garsington Opera, Grange Park Opera, Royal Opera House Covent Garden, the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London. Attendance at an exclusive private recital and Evensong in King’s College Chapel, Cambridge.

  Please note: The venues and festivals will announce their 2025 seasons in late 2024 and early 2025. There may be some changes to the itinerary depending on final confirmation of evening performances.

• Tour Leader and Talks:

  • Tour leadership and background talks on the operas we will attend by Elizabeth Hayllar.

  • A background talk by a Shakespearean expert in Stratford-upon-Avon.

• Tour Manager: An experienced Tour Manager to accompany the group throughout the tour.

• Hotels: 13 nights' accommodation including:

  • Two nights at the 4-star Graduate Cambridge in a Graduate River View King Room;

  • Three nights at the 4-star The Arden Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon in a Deluxe King Room;

  • Three nights at the 5-star The Randolph Hotel in a Graduate King Room;

  • Five nights at the 4-star The Waldorf Hilton, London in a Classic King Room;

  • Porterage of one piece of luggage at each hotel.

• Travel: Land travel by private air-conditioned coach.

• Meals/Drinks: Breakfast each morning at the hotel. One lunch and six dinners with wine, water and tea/coffee. Drinks and canapés following the private recital.

• Entry Fees and Guided Tours: Entrance fees for museums, art galleries etc. as stated in your itinerary. Expert local guides will be used at some sites.

• Tips: Tips for drivers, local guides and meals included in your itinerary.

• Information Pack: Comprehensive pre-tour information pack.

EXCLUSIONS:

• International/Domestic Travel: Hayllar Music Tours can provide you with a quote. Phone 02 9669 9181 / +61 2 9669 9181 (Australia / International) or email contact@hayllarmusictours.com

• Airport Transfers: Transfers to/from airports and hotels at the beginning and end of tours. These can be arranged at an additional cost.

• Special Taxes: Special taxes and airport levies that can only be paid in cash at the destination. We will endeavour to advise you of these charges (if any) before you depart.

• Visas: Costs associated with obtaining visas for countries visited on your tour. Please note that Australian and New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa to enter the United Kingdom.

• Travel Insurance: Please note that you are required to have comprehensive travel insurance to cover you for the duration of your tour. If you live in Australia, Hayllar Music Tours can organise your travel insurance for you. Please contact them at phone 02 9669 9181 / +61 2 9669 9181 (Australia / International) or email contact@hayllarmusictours.com

• Meals: Lunches and dinners not nominated in your itinerary.

• Personal Expenses: Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls and mini-bar.

• Activities in Free Time: Costs associated with any activities suggested for you in your free time.

SMALL GROUP SIZE

The tour will operate with 8 people. The maximum number on the tour will be 20 people.

FITNESS LEVEL REQUIRED - LEVEL 1

All members of the group must feel comfortable walking for 1–2 hours, standing for long periods of time in museums, art galleries etc. and embarking/disembarking coaches.

BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS

Please note that booking terms and conditions apply. Click here for the booking terms and conditions.

OPERA IN THE ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE

GLYNDEBOURNE, GARSINGTON & GRANGE PARK OPERA

SOLD OUT | WAITLIST ONLY

This tour is now sold out. To register your place on the waitlist, please fill out the form below, or contact us on 02 9669 9181 / +61 2 9669 9181 (Australia / International) or contact@hayllarmusictours.com