ITINERARY

DAY 1 | THURSDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2026

1ST OF 9 NIGHTS AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL PARIS

ARRIVE PARIS (D):

Arrive at our hotel, Mandarin Oriental Paris, a luxury 5-star hotel located on Rue Saint-Honoré, the main shopping boulevard in the 1st arrondissement, situated within short walking distance of Place Vendôme, Place de la Concorde, the Jardin des Tuileries, Église de la Madeleine and the Musée de l'Orangerie. Hotel check-in is at 3:00pm and we recommend arriving at the hotel at this time.

In the early evening, we meet our Tour Leader, Julian Johnson and our fellow guests, and we enjoy a delicious welcome dinner at a nearby Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking the Église de la Madeleine.

DAY 2 | FRIDAY 6 NOVEMBER 2026

2ND OF 9 NIGHTS AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL PARIS

PRE-CONCERT TALK, GUIDED WALKING TOUR OF PARIS & WAGNER’S DAS RHEINGOLD (B, drinks and canapés):

This morning begins with a talk by Wagner expert, Julian Johnson, introducing Richard Wagner’s brilliant and extraordinary epic music drama Der Ring des Nibelungen, and focusing on the first work, Das Rheingold, which we will hear this evening.

After the talk, we enjoy a relaxed introductory stroll of Paris, and specifically the 1st arrondissement and its many attractions. We will find out all about the events that took place in Place de la Concorde, the history of the Jardin des Tuileries and Place Vendôme, and we will meander along the Rue Saint-Honoré, popping in to see the iconic Louvre Pyramid and finishing up at the Domaine National du Palais-Royal.

Following our walking tour, the afternoon is free.

We come together in the evening and travel by private coach to Opéra Bastille to attend Das Rheingold at 7:30pm.

As a part of the Optima ticket package that Hayllar Music Tours has secured for this tour, guests are invited to attend a cocktail and canapé reception at the Panoramic Foyer before this evening’s opera, and during the intervals of the subsequent performances. We will arrive in good time for this welcome reception prior to the performance.

OPERA PERFORMANCE – OPÉRA BASTILLE, 7:30pm
Wagner Das Rheingold

Pablo Heras-Casado conductor
Calixto Bieito director
Iain Paterson Wotan
Florent Mbia Donner
Matthew Cairns Froh
Simon O’Neill Loge
Kwangchul Young Fasolt
Mika Kares Fafner
Brian Mulligan Alberich
Gerhard Siegel Mime
Ève-Maud Hubeaux Fricka
Eliza Boom Freia
Marie-Nicole Lemieux Erda
Margarita Polonskaya Woglinde
Isabel Signoret Wellgunde
Katharina Magiera Flosshilde

Following each of the performances, we return by private coach to our hotel.

DAY 3 | SATURDAY 7 NOVEMBER 2026

3RD OF 9 NIGHTS AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL PARIS

PRE-CONCERT TALK, OPTIONAL TRIP TO PALAIS GARNIER & WAGNER’S DIE WALKÜRE (B, drinks and canapés):

We start our morning with a private talk by our Wagner expert, Julian Johnson, about the second opera in Wagner’s Ring Cycle, Die Walküre, which we will hear this evening.

As part of the new production of Wagner’s Ring Cycle at Opéra Bastille, Paris Opera is joining forces with the Bibliothèque nationale de France for an exhibition devoted to Wagner’s monumental tetralogy, hosted at the impressive Palais Garnier. Bringing together works from the BnF’s collections, as well as from museum institutions and private collections, the exhibition explores the cultural and political context in which the Ring took form, its formal characteristics, the challenges it poses in performance, and its enduring legacy in the arts. This exhibition at the Palais Garnier is open to Optima ticket holders, and we will be accompanying guests who might like to attend following our morning talk on the opera.

In the early evening we attend Die Walküre at Opéra Bastille.

OPERA PERFORMANCE – OPÉRA BASTILLE, 6:00pm
Wagner Die Walküre

Pablo Heras-Casado conductor
Calixto Bieito director
Stanislas de Barbeyrac Siegmund
Iain Paterson Wotan
Günther Groissböck Hunding
Elza van den Heever Sieglinde
Tamara Wilson Brünnhilde
Ève-Maud Hubeaux Fricka
Louise Foor Gerhilde
Laura Wilde Ortlinde
Marie-Andrée Bouchard-Lesieur Waltraute
Katharina Magiera Schwertleite
Jessica Faselt Helmwige
Ida Aldrian Siegrunde
Marvic Monreal Grimgerde
Marie-Luise Dreßen Rossweise

DAY 4 | SUNDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2026

4TH OF 9 NIGHTS AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL PARIS

GUIDED TOUR OF MUSÉE D’ORSAY (B, D):

This morning, we stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries, across the Seine, to the Musée d’Orsay for a guided tour of the museum’s impressive highlights.

Housed in a former Beaux-Arts railway station on the Left Bank, the Musée d’Orsay is one of Paris’ most atmospheric and beloved cultural landmarks. Opened in 1986, it transforms the grandeur of the old Gare d’Orsay into a luminous showcase of French art from 1848 to 1914. Visitors are greeted by soaring iron arches, a vast central nave and a magnificent glass roof that bathes the galleries in natural light. The museum is celebrated for its unparalleled collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, featuring iconic works by Monet, Renoir, Degas, Van Gogh and Cézanne. Beyond painting, its displays of sculpture, decorative arts, photography and architecture offer a comprehensive view of a transformative era in French creativity. Our guided tour will take in the many highlights of the collection, and guests are free to continue their exploration independently following our tour.

You might also like to enjoy lunch at the museum’s impressive Restaurant, situated under ceilings decorated with frescoes by Gabriel Ferrier and Benjamin Constant, and featuring a delicious menu crafted by Chef Yann Landureau. Please inform us if you would like a reservation for lunch following our museum visit.

Following our visit, we walk back to our hotel and the remainder of the afternoon is free.

This evening, we gather for a gourmet group meal at one of Paris’ iconic and bustling brasseries.

DAY 5 | MONDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2026

5TH OF 9 NIGHTS AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL PARIS

DAY TRIP TO THE MARAIS DISTRICT & GUIDED TOUR OF MUSÉE CARNAVALET (B, L):

The Marais is one of Paris’ most evocative and vibrant districts, where centuries of history blend seamlessly with contemporary Parisian life. Spanning parts of the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, this former marshland, transformed into a fashionable neighbourhood by aristocrats in the 17th-century, retains a remarkable concentration of grand hôtels particuliers (or grand urban mansions), narrow medieval lanes and elegant hidden courtyards. Today, the Marais is celebrated for its lively mix of culture, style and community. It is home to independent boutiques, art galleries, cafés and some of the city’s best pâtisseries, alongside an impressive selection of museums, including the Musée Carnavalet, which will be our first stop on our trip here today.

The Musée Carnavalet, nestled in the heart of the Marais, is Paris’ museum of history, tracing the city’s story from ancient times to today. Housed in two elegant mansions, it showcases paintings, artefacts, period rooms and memorabilia, offering an intimate, beautifully curated journey through the evolution of Parisian life. Our guided tour will offer us a fascinating introduction to the history and development of Paris, since its origins as the Roman settlement of Lutetia to the modern day.

After our visit, we stroll through the picturesque streets to a nearby spot for a gourmet group lunch.

Following lunch, we embark on a relaxed walking tour of the Marais, discovering more about this historic area of Paris, and taking in such sites as the Place des Vosges with its iconic red-brick mansions, Maison de Victor Hugo, the tucked away Cour et Jardin de l'Hôtel de Sully and the Paroisse Saint-Paul Saint-Louis, an elegant 17th-century Roman Catholic church.

We then return to our hotel, where the remainder of the day is free.

Please note: There may be an optional performance this evening at either the Palais Garnier or Philharmonie de Paris following the announcement of the full 2026/2027 seasons. We will inform guests of these possible optional performances once the seasons have been announced.

DAY 6 | TUESDAY 10 NOVEMBER 2026

6TH OF 9 NIGHTS AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL PARIS

PRE-CONCERT TALK & WAGNER’S SIEGFRIED (B, drinks and canapés):

This morning, we enjoy the third of our presentations from Julian Johnson, this time on this evening’s opera Siegfried.

Following our morning talk, you might like to rest ahead of this evening’s opera, or you might be interested to visit one of two wonderful museums not included on our itinerary, both of which are located within walking distance of our hotel. The first of these is the Petit Palais. The Petit Palais, built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle, is a jewel of Beaux-Arts architecture set along the Champs-Élysées. Home to the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts, it offers free access to a rich collection of paintings, sculpture and decorative arts, all arranged around a serene central garden.

The second option, located in the other direction from our hotel along the Rue Saint-Honoré is the world-famous Musée du Louvre. Too expansive to take in on a single visit alone, the Louvre Museum is the world’s largest and most visited art museum. Its vast collections span thousands of years, from ancient civilisations to the masterpieces of the Renaissance. Iconic works like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo make it an essential destination for art and history lovers. However, the queues and crowding due to its popularity are also unrivalled. We recommend finding a quiet corner of this incredible museum to explore, but whether visiting for the main attractions or not, it is certainly advisable to book in advance. Your Tour Manager can assist you with this.

This evening, we return to Opéra Bastille for a performance of Siegfried.

OPERA PERFORMANCE – OPÉRA BASTILLE, 6:00pm
Wagner Siegfried

Pablo Heras-Casado conductor
Calixto Bieito director
Andreas Schager Siegfried
Gerhard Siegel Mime
Iain Paterson The Wanderer
Brian Mulligan Alberich
Mika Kares Fafner
Marie-Nicole Lemieux Erda
Tamara Wilson Brünnhilde
Ilanah Lobel-Torres The Woodbird

DAY 7 | WEDNESDAY 11 NOVEMBER 2026

7TH OF 9 NIGHTS AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL PARIS

GUIDED TOUR OF MUSÉE RODIN & DǑME DES INVALIDES (B):

Following a relaxed start to the day after the late conclusion of yesterday’s opera, we journey across the Seine to the Musée Rodin. Musée Rodin, housed in the elegant Hôtel Biron, is dedicated to the life and work of sculptor Auguste Rodin. Its serene galleries and leafy sculpture garden showcase iconic masterpieces such as The Thinker, The Gates of Hell, and The Kiss, offering an intimate encounter with one of France’s greatest artists. Our guided tour will offer us an introduction to the person and his life in Paris, along with an overview of his development into an artist generally considered to be the founder of modern sculpture.

Following our tour, time is allowed to explore the picturesque sculpture garden and to pick up a bite to eat at the cafe located in the grounds.

We then take the short walk to the nearby Dǒme des Invalides for a guided tour this incredible landmark, home to Napoleon's Tomb. The Dôme des Invalides, crowned with a magnificent gilded dome, is one of Paris’ most striking monuments. Part of the historic Hôtel des Invalides complex, it houses Napoleon Bonaparte’s monumental tomb, where he was interred in 1861, and richly decorated chapels, offering visitors a powerful insight into France’s military history and architectural grandeur.

Following our tour, you might like to continue exploring the adjacent Musée de l’Armée, which is included as a part of our entry ticket, or to return with the coach to the hotel for a restful evening.

There may be another optional performance this evening, subject to the season announcements of Paris Opera and the Philharmonie de Paris.

DAY 8 | THURSDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2026

8TH OF 9 NIGHTS AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL PARIS

GUIDED TOUR OF MUSÉE MARMOTTAN MONET (B, L):

This morning, we travel into the Parisian suburbs of the 16th arrondissement for a guided tour of the impressive Musée Marmottan Monet. Nestled in a quiet suburban street, it holds the world’s largest collection of works by Claude Monet. Housed in a refined former mansion, it showcases Impressionist masterpieces by Monet alongside works by Morisot, Renoir and others, offering an intimate, beautifully curated art experience.

Following our guided tour, time is allowed to continue your exploration of the substantial collection.

We then travel to a nearby gourmet destination for a delicious Michelin-starred lunch, whilst enjoying views of the Parisian rooftops and the Eiffel Tower.

After lunch, we return to our hotel for a restful evening, ahead of the final full day of our tour tomorrow, and the last instalment of the Ring.

DAY 9 | FRIDAY 13 NOVEMBER 2026

9TH OF 9 NIGHTS AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL PARIS

PRE-CONCERT TALK & WAGNER’S GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG (B, drinks and canapés):

We start our morning with the final talk by Wagner expert, Julian Johnson, about Götterdämmerung, the fourth opera in Wagner’s Ring Cycle, which we will hear today.

After the talk, you might like to stroll to the Jardin des Tuileries and the Musée de l'Orangerie for a final dose of French Impressionism. The Musée de l’Orangerie is renowned for its breathtaking, wall-length Water Lilies by Claude Monet. This intimate museum also features the exceptional Walter-Guillaume Collection, with masterpieces by Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse and Modigliani. It offers a calm, immersive encounter with some of modern art’s greatest works. Due to ongoing renovations, guided group tours are currently not on offer, but we do recommend an independent visit to this impressive collection. Advance booking for timed entry is encouraged, and your Tour Manager will be happy to assist with this.

This evening, we return to Opéra Bastille for one final time, for a performance of Götterdämmerung.

OPERA PERFORMANCE – OPÉRA BASTILLE, 6:00pm
Wagner Götterdämmerung

Pablo Heras-Casado conductor
Calixto Bieito director
Andreas Schager Siegfried
Johannes Martin Kränzle Gunther
Brian Mulligan Alberich
Mika Kares Hagen
Tamara Wilson Brünnhilde
Sinead Campbell Wallace Gutrune
Ève-Maud Hubeaux Waltraute
Aude Extrémo First Norn
Marie-Andrée Bouchard-Lesieur Second Norn
Sinead Campbell Wallace Third Norn
Margarita Polonskaya Woglinde
Isabel Signoret Wellgunde
Katharina Magiera Flosshilde

DAY 10 | SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2026

TOUR ENDS (B):

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

INCLUSIONS

5–14 NOVEMBER 2026 (10 DAYS)

AUD$18,950 PER PERSON TWIN SHARE

Single supplement: AUD$4,690
Deposit payment 1: Deposit AUD$5,000 per person (due at time of booking)
Deposit payment 2: Deposit AUD$1,500 per person (due on 5 June 2026)
Final payment due: 2 September 2026

INCLUSIONS:

• Performances: Optima (premium) tickets for the four operas of Wagner’s Ring Cycle at Opéra Bastille (with seats in rows 5 and 6 of the central stalls). Also included in the Optima package are cocktail and canapé receptions prior to Das Rheingold and in the intervals of the remaining three operas, and a printed program for each of the four operas.

• Tour Leader and Talks: Tour Leadership and four exclusive background talks by Julian Johnson.

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

• Hotels: 9 nights' accommodation in the luxury 5-star Mandarin Oriental Paris in a Superior Room. Porterage of one piece of luggage at the hotel.

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

• Meals/Drinks: Breakfast each morning. Four lunches/dinners with wine, water and tea/coffee.

• 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 the tour. 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.

• Entry into Europe: ETIAS will start operations in the last quarter of 2026. No action is required from travellers at this point. The European Union will confirm the specific date for the start of ETIAS several months prior to its launch.

• 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 2

All members of the tour must have the ability to:

• undertake walking tours of two-three hours duration, including using stairs and walking on uneven ground;

• stand for long periods in museum, art galleries etc;

• climb staircases of 100 or more steps;

• embark / disembark coaches, trains and other methods of transportation without assistance.

BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS

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

WAGNER’S RING CYCLE in Paris